The Lion King was first released on VHS and laserdisc in the United States on March 3, 1995, under Disney 's "Masterpiece Collection '' video series. The VHS tape contained a special preview for Walt Disney Pictures ' then - upcoming animated film Pocahontas, in which the title character (voiced by Judy Kuhn) sings the musical number "Colors of the Wind ''. In addition, Deluxe Editions of both formats were released. The VHS Deluxe Edition included the film, an exclusive lithograph of Rafiki and Simba (in some editions), a commemorative "Circle of Life '' epigraph, six concept art lithographs, another tape with the half - hour TV show The Making of The Lion King, and a certificate of authenticity. The CAV laserdisc Deluxe Edition also contained the film, six concept art lithographs and The Making of The Lion King, and added storyboards, character design artwork, concept art, rough animation, and a directors ' commentary that the VHS edition did not have, on a total of four double sided discs. The VHS tape quickly became the best - selling videotape of all time: 4.5 million tapes were sold on the first day and ultimately sales totaled more than 30 million before these home video versions went into moratorium in 1997.
when did lion king come out on vhs
March 3, 1995