LION, EXIT RIGHT

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Walt Disney Co. will pull its animated summer smash "The Lion King" out of theaters on September 23, and re-release the film in late November in hopes of dominating the year's two biggest movie seasons. This novel marketing strategy is intended to coincide with school vacations, revitalizing the movie's audience appeal and chances for Academy Award nominations, which occur in the winter. Though the movie has been the source of some controversy over political incorrectness and threats of a lawsuit over copyright violations by a Japanese firm, no changes to the film's content are planned. Total take so far: $233 million.