The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar
DVD
Written by Ford Riley
Directed by Howy Parkins
Created by Ford Riley
Starring Max Charles, Gabrielle Union, David Oyelowo, Rob Lowe, Khary Payton, Dusan Brown, Diamond White, Atticus Shaffer, Joshua Rush
Release Date: January 9th, 2018

The Lion King is regarded as one of Disney’s greatest films, the fourth mega hit in a 5-year span that combined cutting edge animation technology with an absolute classic soundtrack. The film is about a young lion Simba who is forced away from Pride Rock through the plans of his devious uncle Scar. After meeting some news friends, Simba returns to battle for his family’s honor and his own redemption. After a few direct to video sequels, Disney Junior began The Lion Guard in 2016, a spinoff involving Simba’s son Kion (Max Charles). The show is a hit among the Disney Junior target audience with enough throwback references for parents who grew up with the original. Kion and his Lion Guard are in for their fiercest challenge when evil forces in the pridelands conspire to bring about a return of Scar. The elongated near hour long episode is part of a DVD set, The Lion Guard – The Rise of Scar, available now.

The DVD begins with the feature-length episode The Rise of Scar, as well as four other episode from the series: “The Trouble With Galagos,” “Janja’s New Crew,” “Baboons!,” and “Lions of the Outlands.” The Rise of Scar is directed by series regular Howy Parkins and written by series creator Ford Riley. The Guard led by Kion is composed of its usual crew, Bunga the honey badger (Joshua Rush), Beshte the Hippo (Dusan Brown), Fuli the cheetah (Diamond White), and Ono the egret (Atticus Shaffer). As is the norm they are having issues with the pesky hyenas. But the hyenas have a new ally, Ushari the snake (Christian Slater). He overhears that there is a ritual that can be performed involving a volcano that can bring Scar back and help them defeat the Lion Guard once and for all.

The cast features a who’s who of celebrities from Slater, to Rob Lowe and Gabrielle Union as Simba and Nala, to The Walking Dead‘s own King Ezekiel (Khary Payton) as Rafiki, and Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo as Scar. Your kids probably love the show, and they undoubtedly will love this DVD. The Rise of Scar has plenty for moms and dads to enjoy as well. Ushari reminded me of classic Disney villain Kaa (The Jungle Book), and so many characters and references are made to the original film that you can’t help get drawn in.

Disney’s The Lion Guard – The Rise of Scar is now available now on DVD.

Synopsis:

Be prepared for the Rise of Scar! Kion and the Guard take on the ultimate challenge when a ruthless enemy returns to the Pride Lands and threatens the Circle of Life. With the arrival of the Dry Season, tensions run high, patience wears thin and thirsty tempers flare. To make maters worse, Janja’s hyenas, aided by Ushari the snake, discover a secret that could bring back the vengeful spirit of the legendary villain, Scar! Now it’s up to the Lion Guard and their new friend – Rafiki’s young apprentice, Makini – to defend the Pride Lands against the toughest foe they’ve ever faced!

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