Photo by: Walt Disney

Rarely do sequels match the brilliance of the original movie. Even more rare is when an exceptional film in a series is created. Disney’s newest attempt, a third “Lion King” might be the first valiant attempt at a 1 1/2, a “between” sequel if you will.

In 1994, “The Lion King” earned $772 million worldwide. The direct-to-video sequel, “Lion King II: Simba’s Pride,” was rated the second best home entertainment in 1998.

So why wouldn’t director, Bradley Raymond want to follow suit and create a third?

This time, the Pride Rock tale is told through the perspective of Simba’s wild sidekicks: meerkat Timon (voice by Nathan Lane) and the warthog, Pumba (Ernie Sabella).

In the Lion King series’ fun and adventurous manner, we get a “behind-the-scenes” look at the lives of Timon and Pumba, and also a glimpse at the trials and joys of raising young Simba.

Disney upholds their tradition of memorable and special musical numbers.

Raymond commented that, “in the score we had to try to match the grandeur of the first ‘The Lion King’ and at the same time bring in the comedy that was necessary for this project.”

The soundtrack brings back hits like, “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata” and combines it with upbeat, catchy tunes like “Digga Tunnah” and “Jungle Boogie” that you will most likely be humming afterwards.

“The Lion King 1 1/2” combines themes of loyalty, survival and “Hukuna Matata,” (“no worries”) as the loveable characters reunite once again to give you the inside scoop on “what really happened.”

Die-hard Simba fans will love it, but for those of you who aren’t longing to know who Timon’s mother was, you might want to skip this one.

If all else fails, the bonus DVD is packed with material, including a virtual safari, music video, behind-the-scenes tours and interviews.