The Lion King 2 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital

The Lion King 2, Simba's Pride, is the final chapter of The Lion King trilogy. This film is an exciting final piece that really brings the original film and The Lion King 1 1/2 together with a new generation of characters. First off, I have to say how thrilled I am that they managed to keep the original cast of voices together for this trilogy. It makes a world of difference for kids to have the characters be consistent throughout.

So after meeting Simba as just a young cub and watching him grow in The Lion King, and then getting a closer look at his entourage in The Lion King 1 1/2, The Lion King 2 is just a beautiful continuation of this heartwarming story. In this film you get to watch Simba experience many of the same things his father experienced with him. Now a father himself, he watches as his rambunctious daughter, Kiara, portrays many of the qualities he himself had. And keeping an eye on this little lion is a challenge. Luckily for Simba he has loyal friends in Timon and Pumbaa, and they try to stay on top of things.

Of course being adventurous always leads to some sort of trouble. And in Kiara's case it mirrors her father's troubles with the introduction of a lion cub, Kovu, who is being groomed to lead Scar's pride. I found Kovu to be much more likeable from the very beginning then Scar ever was. He was truly bad to the bone, while Kovu showed a great potential to be Kiara's friend. But with two very different prides being friends may be very challenging.

We had a great time watching this fun family film together. It was great to be able to share in an all new movie that stemmed from a favorite from my childhood. It was really a film we could all enjoy. And be sure to check out the Bonus Features! Learn about the night sky through the perspective of the ever hungry Timon and Pumbaa in Insectapedia. And learn some answers to those puzzling questions, like why do we sneeze in Timon and Pumbaa: Find out Why.