Lion King 3D Hits Theaters Today

“The Lion King is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time—and this is ‘The Lion King’ like never before. The all-new 3D format immerses viewers in the epic settings and puts them face-to-face with these beloved characters. We’re showcasing one of the all-time favorite Disney movies in theaters and making it available in Blu-ray hi-def and in Blu-ray 3D – it’s the must-see, must-own title for everyone.”
Naturally, the Blu-ray release is coming with some customary extras. As well as the usual crystal clear high def picture and sound, there’ll be picture and sound enhancements, interactive features and bonus content, and a new set of animated bloopers.

One of Disney’s finest productions of recent times is making a 3D-flavored comeback, with The Lion King 3D in all good theaters from today. While I think we can all agree that 3D is as gimmicky as cinema gets, I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist catching up with Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa again.

The 1994 (!) Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning film’s theater run has been limited to just two weeks. But worry not – on October 4th, the Diamond Edition of the film is released on high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. Here’s Disney’s President of Distribution Bob Chapek with the hard sell (like I need this):

Aside from the fact it’s THE FREAKING LION KING, I’m looking forward to this more than any other 3D film. Why? Because it has not been designed as a 3D film. That means no silly, gratuitous shots of stuff being deliberately thrust out towards the camera/audience, something that drove me potty during Alice in Wonderland.

Brian Urlacher becomes snarling face of Bears franchise

The Bears will be exactly the kind of team they have always been, one whose Super Bowl aspirations hinge on a ferocious defense anchored by a menacing All-Pro linebacker.

There were questions about what kind of team the Chicago Bears would be this season and Brian Urlacher provided the answer in a season-opening 30-12 rout of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Urlacher had an interception to set up the Bears' first touchdown then scooped up a fumble and returned it for another score while the defense hounded Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan and pounded any Falcons players daring to go near the ball.

Going back to the 1940s and the days of the "Monsters of the Midway" -- as the team was widely known -- gritty defense has long been a source of pride for Chicago sports fans who take pride in their blue-collar work ethic and demand the same effort from players.

"You just had a chance to talk to our franchise player Brian Urlacher," praised Bears coach Lovie Smith. "We talk a lot about taking the ball away around here as you know."

Chicago has long owned the mold for producing snarling, scary linebackers and Urlacher is the latest in a long list of greats that includes Pro Football Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary.

"It's not a good defensive game for us if we can't take the ball away. Normally if you are plus-two on the turnover ratio, you're going to win 80 percent of those games. Our players understand that," said Smith. "They weren't turning it over. We were taking the ball away."

Since arriving in Chicago as the ninth overall pick in the 2000 National Football League draft, Urlacher has epitomized those qualities and has earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl while becoming the face of the franchise.

While Urlacher is the headliner on the Chicago defense, the unit is not just a one-man show.

Julius Peppers anchors an improving defensive line that kept Ryan under pressure all afternoon. Defensive lineman Henry Melton was singled out for praise by Smith while linebacker Lance Briggs provides a nice compliment to Urlacher.

"It was great to have everyone pitch in," said Peppers, who jarred the ball loose from Ryan that Urlacher turned into a touchdown. "Guys get hungry and want to get to the quarterback."

"If (the Bears offence) give us 30 points we're going to be tough to beat."