Virtual reality technology helped make 'The Lion King' a hit. It could also change moviemaking

Walt Disney Co.'s photo-realistic version of "The Lion King" is expected to continue to dominate the multiplex after collecting about $729 million in global receipts in its first week. But the technologically innovative film's impact could go well beyond the box office.

"The Lion King's" unusual production techniques, including its use of video game technology and virtual reality headsets, could also change the way movies are made, according to the people involved in creating the big-budget blockbuster.

Though the movie, directed by Jon Favreau, is entirely animated with computer graphics, the filmmakers shot the film in a 3D virtual environment using largely traditional production methods and equipment such as dollies, Steadicams, handheld cameras and cranes. The methods were used