Three classic Disney animated films have had indigenous language versions added onto Disney+ today in a number of countries, including the US.

“Bambi”, “The Lion King”, and “Moana” have received new versions, which you’ll find in the extra section of each film.

“Moana” is now available in Tahitian, which is a Polynesian language that is spoken in Tahiti and other islands in French Polynesia. “Moana” is the first film to be fully dubbed in the language. Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped — and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Moana, a sweeping film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

“The Lion King” is now available with a Zulu version, a Bantu language spoken by more than nine million people, mainly in South Africa. Disney’s epic adventure follows the story of Simba, a feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” Led astray by his ambitious Uncle Scar, Simba adopts a carefree lifestyle with his hilarious companions, Timon and Pumbaa, and forgets his regal responsibilities. But destiny calls and he must decide when the time is right to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his place in the “Circle of Life.”

“Bambi” now has a version in Arapaho, which is an indigenous American language that is only spoken by roughly 1000 people. With its awe-inspiring animation, this timeless classic has been loved for generations. In a life-changing adventure, Bambi sets off with his best friends Thumper and Flower to explore the wonders and challenges of the woods…and fulfill his destiny as prince of the forest. Full of humor and heart, Bambi remains a family favorite.

Disney has also recently announced that it is releasing a special Māori language version of Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Frozen. Which will be released in selected cinemas in New Zealand and Australia later this month.

The Walt Disney Company’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, said in statement:

“We’re thrilled Frozen Reo Māori is making its debut in cinemas, bringing the magic of Anna and Elsa to life in the Māori language. Frozen Reo Māori adds to our emerging collection of Māori language titles, including Moana Reo Māori now on Disney+, and The Lion King Reo Māori which launched in cinemas this year and is coming soon to Disney+. We’re proud to be building on our close collaboration with Matewa Media and the many incredible local voice talents, filmmakers and translators who lend their talents to authentically translate these iconic Disney films.

Will you be checking out these versions of these classic films?

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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