Kimba the White Lion

The original US version of Tezuka's 'Kimba the White Lion' cartoon series from the 1960's, with Billy Lou Watt voicing Kimba, was an absolute classic: it still dwells in the hearts of many middle aged people who remember it.

Unfortunately this 1994 version, due presumably to some copyright issues, was re-dubbed with a new voice cast; the soundtrack and sound effects have been altered, and the 'new' theme song is just absolutely godawful. Unless you just want something to play your kids on a rainy day, avoid it. In fact, avoid it anyway. Why deny your kids the joy of the 'original'?

Fortunately the original series has recently become re-available in all its glory. It really is a one of a kind. http://www.kimbawlion.com/ usually contains information about where to get the genuine versions. When IMDB lists this re-release as a separate title, I'll review it. Meanwhile, let's just say it rocks.

Oh yes, and The Lion King thing - yes, an amazingly transparent piece of plagiarism by whoever owns Disney this week.

This new series has the same graphics, cartoons etc as the original series but they have changed the song, names of characters and the whole tone of the cartoon. I loved this cartoon as a child and wanted my children to share in it too - bought a video I found and it was all different and was horrible!!! Was the change because the names were not politically correct or something - if so then political correctness has gone overboard in this case! It was an excellent cartoon in its original form - not like most of the other ones currently available for the children!!! Bring it back!!!

I would like to see the old series again and I know my children would love it as would many others.