Disney's 1994 animated film "The Lion King" returned to theaters Friday in 3D for a limited two-week engagement. And while the story remains the same — Simba transforms from clueless cub to become ruler of the Pride Lands — and studio president of distribution Bob Chapek promised an experience that will immerse "viewers in the epic settings and put them face-to-face with these beloved characters," the 3D visuals are a mixed bag.
The Detroit Examiner writes, "Compared to what we are now used to seeing in 3D, 'The Lion King 3D' comes across more like a cardboard cut-out pop-up book...it's still 'The Lion King,' still has laughs, great songs, and climactic moments, but somehow the tale comes across more 2D than ever.
PHOTOS: 10 Billion Dollar Babies: Movies That Have Crossed the 10 Figure Mark
"Who can forget the opening "Circle of Life" scene, one of the most powerful animated sequences ever? Still powerful here, just awkwardly abnormal...this is what you get when someone messes with a classic."
Entertainment Weekly writes, "Having seen the new version, the 3D doesn’t really change all that much. However, it also is not nearly as distracting as some recent post-production 3D jobs, and other than muting the film’s brilliant color array a tad, the animated classic we know and love has come through the process unscathed."
Released in 1994, "The Lion King" was a defining moment for Disney, ushering in an animation renaissance. It continues to be the highest-grossing hand drawn animation film of all time, earning $783.8 million at the worldwide box office.
PHOTOS: Movie Report Card: 10 Biggest Flops of 2011 (So Far)
The film won two Oscars — original score and original song for Elton John and Tim Rice's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" — and earned another two original song nominations as well.
Disney, which promised children free "Simba 3D glasses" with purchase, does not plan on routinely converting other films in its library to 3D for new theatrical runs. Instead, a studio spokesperson told the New York Times that the 3D release was more of a way to keep an "aging film fresh" while allowing a new generation of children to experience it in theaters.
"The Lion King's" Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D packages hit stores on Oct. 4.
Did you see "The Lion King" in 3-D? Was the extra dimension worth seeing? Tell us on Facebook.