The colors and picture quality was digitally brighten when
Simba's Pride was released on DVD in August 2004. The 1998 VHS release had more film grain which is why the colors look darker to us, and was ultimately eliminated when it received a digital transfer. This review of the 2004 DVD will probably explain it better:
[quote="
DVD Dizzy"]
The Lion King II is given a new digital-to-digital 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, and it looks terrific. This new video presentation offers substantial improvement over the non-anamorphic Limited Issue DVD released in the fall of 1999.
Colors are rich and accurate, and the picture remains remarkably clean. It also remains appropriately sharp, with no signs of edge enhancement, and nearly nothing in the way of unsightly grain. There is a great level of detail, and in both vibrantly bright and dark scenes, the transfer remains consistent and consistently satisfying. It may not be quite as pristine as a brand new direct-to-video film like
The Three Musketeers or
The Lion King 1½, but the above-average animation here is excellently rendered in this pleasing presentation.[/quote]