LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A 3-D release of animated classic “The Lion King” ruled the domestic weekend box office by trouncing virus thriller “Contagion” and three newcomers, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters on Sunday.
“The Lion King 3-D” sold a stronger-than-expected $29.3 million over three days at U.S. and Canadian theaters. Originally released in 1994, the Walt Disney Co film is one of the top-grossing animated movies of all time.
Thriller “Contagion,” about the race to stop a deadly virus as it circles the globe, finished second with $14.5 million. Third place went to action flick “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling, with $11 million.
Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc, released “Contagion.” “Drive” was released by FilmDistrict.
The Lion King 3D hits theaters on September 16th, 2011.
Cast: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly
Still the mightiest animated feature of them all and the undisputed "king" of the box office, Walt Disney Pictures' "The Lion King" roars to life as never before with its dazzling Large Format Cinema debut. Reformatted specifically for the Giant Screen from the film's original digital elements, this special limited engagement in IMAX Theatres and other Large Format cinemas offers moviegoers a chance to experience one of the greatest animated adventures of all time on the most majestic canvas imaginable. The original filmmaking trio - producer Don Hahn and directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff - joined forces with a team of top artists and technicians to oversee the creation of this new Large Format version that boasts added detail, richer colors, a newly remixed soundtrack, and a theatrical experience uniquely suited to capture the scope and beauty of its African settings.
With its compelling story, breathtaking animation, colorful characters, Oscar-winning music (songs by Elton John and Tim Rice; score by Hans Zimmer), the film follows the adventures of a young lion cub named Simba, who just can't wait to be king. The sudden death of his father, Mufasa, and the treacherous actions of his Uncle Scar lead Simba into exile and ultimately on a hero's journey of self discovery. Adopting the "hakuna matata" philosophy of his comical jungle guardians - a warthog named Pumbaa and a meerkat named Timon - Simba grows to maturity, but eventually comes to terms with his destiny and returns home to Pride Rock to help put things right.
The Lion King 3D trailer courtesy Walt Disney Pictures.
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