'Circle of Life' in 360º | THE LION KING on Broadway

It’s the “Circle of Life” in 360°and it moves us all! Use your phone or “click and drag” to experience every angle, from backstage to the top of Pride Rock.

For viewing on desktop, watch in the latest Chrome browser and use your mouse to click and drag to navigate your view.

For viewing on mobile or tablet, open the latest YouTube then move your device to navigate your view.

The video is produced for The Lion King by Total Cinema 360.

Unlike most virtual reality captures of landscapes, sporting events or concerts, The Lion King’s allows viewers to experience “Circle of Life” from the actors’ point of view and see activity otherwise invisible to an audience. The camera allows viewers – in a seamless 360° sweep – to experience the number from within it, completely surrounded by the 31 cast members onstage, Julie Taymor’s eye-popping puppets and masks, the audience seated in the Minskoff Theatre auditorium, set pieces flying in from above and actors emerging from two floors below the stage as Pride Rock rises up to present Mufasa, Rafiki and baby Simba. The virtual reality technology enables viewers to choose where to look at every point, inviting repeat viewings of the video to take in every possible vantage point.

“In our 19th year, The Lion King continues to be embraced to an unprecedented degree around the world, and we are humbled,” said Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer Disney Theatrical Productions. “But with that success comes the responsibility to consistently find new ways of sharing Julie Taymor’s bold artistry. What better way to do that than this cutting edge virtual reality technology that puts you right in the middle of one of the most unforgettable production numbers ever staged? For the first time ever, you become part of the ‘Circle of Life.’”

THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world, with a worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards in America and worldwide. The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success, and holds the honor of the first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical.

[cjsmith]

THEY NEED TO DO THIS WITH ALL OF THE SHOWS ON BROADWAY RIGHT

[beckyrodley]

As an ex professional dancer who is now paralysed from the waist down, this was certainly emotional. The first time I saw this show was in my performing arts college years when we took a trip. To be able to experience being back on a stage after 9 years in a wheelchair is something magical! Being able to look into the wings, look out to the audiences faces, feel the energy on the stage. Thank you so much! I hope this is done with more shows.

[keiko]

burst into tears when watching this.... everything's much more realistic and phenomenal close up <3

[mostlynull]

I was sobbing like a baby when the elephants came on stage. This is amazing.

[JammyBandStudios]

This is what 360 degree video was made for!!! <3

[tertiary]

i can't watch this without being moved to tears.

[andrewrudygalindo]

This. One of the most magical experiences I've had with YouTube.

[Otterpoptheotter]

I will NEVER forget seeing this live for the first time. It was so breathtaking that I still to this day cannot find words to properly describe the beauty and power of this entire show. Especially this opening number

[EllieSteadman]

I must have watched this 50 times. I am obsessed.
Incredible!

[DoranGale]

Anyone else getting emotional because they used to perform? I saw this musical when it was first touring, and it was a truly magical experience, but at 1:08 in particular, when the camera is upstage and you can face the audience... Those days are long gone, but they were the best days of my life.

[hezekiahpabico]

So am I the only one searching for the other damn 360 cameras everytime it changes angle?

[AguzSuiCaedere]

So, from the perspective I can tell I'm playing Zazu

[EthanSalter]

If you look really closely, you can see that they are not actual animals.

[guillaumeblanchard]

20 years later this song gives me chills. The musical is unbelievable. So beautiful.

[dominikag.]

Not only this is the best show I ever watched, not only they are amazing singers, actors, but they are just beautiful...just look at them!
And the costumes, the lightning, the scene itself.... I...have no words, nothing will do justice how amazing this is!
Witness something like this takes you to almost spiritual level!
Thank you for that!

[patrickdoherty]

Defying Gravity next. Please and thank you.

[dariadaniellemusic]

"There's far too much to take in here"
Me, trying to scroll quickly enough to see everything: TOO TRUE

[EPICDISNEYGURLS]

Just watched this but had keep pausing because I had to keep myself from crying this was so beautiful. It brought back memories from my first time seeing this on Broadway when I was six years old.

[maija]

HOW DOES THIS EVEN EXIST OMG

THE MOST AMAZING THING I'VE EVER SEEN MY GOD

[joycepacheco]

I had the pleasure of seeing this in New York. It is absolutely one of the most wonderful and beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed!