Key Release Information
The phrase The King of Kings animated movie release date most often refers to the 1977 animated film produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, which premiered on April 5, 1977. This television film was created as part of a series of animated religious productions and is distinct from live-action equivalents. Below we outline the confirmed date, production context, and related works to clarify search results and streaming availability.
Confirmed Release Date and Format
April 5, 1977 Television Premiere
The definitive wide audience debut for The King of Kings animated feature occurred on April 5, 1977 as a televised animated special. This release was tied to a broader line of biblical animated programs from Hanna-Barbera intended for family viewing during Easter and Passover periods. The choice of a television debut rather than a theatrical window reflects both the production context and target audience reach at the time.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | April 5, 1977 | Broadcast premiere |
| Producer | Hanna-Barbera Productions | Production studio |
| Runtime | Approximately 78 minutes | Program listing |
| Primary Language | English | Production details |
Production Background
Hanna-Barbera’s Biblical Animation Line
During the 1970s, Hanna-Barbera developed a series of animated productions covering biblical narratives, with The King of Kings joining earlier and contemporaneous works. These films were generally designed for broadcast and family consumption, emphasizing accessible storytelling rather than cinematic event positioning. The studio leveraged established voice talent and streamlined animation techniques to keep production schedules aligned with seasonal programming.
Notable Details for Viewers
- Television-first release: The movie debuted on a major U.S. network as an Easter season feature.
- Musical and vocal direction: Included songs and spoken word segments typical of religious animated features of the period.
- Availability: The film has appeared in syndicated programming blocks and limited streaming catalogs, though it is not consistently present on major subscription platforms.
Comparison with Other The King of Kings Titles
Multiple productions share the title The King of Kings, which can complicate searches. The animated 1977 version is separate from earlier and later films, including the 1961 live-action epic and the 1999 animated direct-to-video release. Keeping format and year in mind helps distinguish the correct product for study or viewing.
| Year | Format | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Live-action | October 11, 1961 | Epic directed by Nicholas Ray |
| 1977 | Animated (TV) | April 5, 1977 | Hanna-Barbera animated feature |
| 1999 | Animated (Direct-to-video) | 1999 | Family animated retelling from another studio |
Where to Verify
Because broadcast histories can vary by region, you may encounter slightly different airing dates in local listings. For authoritative confirmation, consult studio press materials from Hanna-Barbera, official network archives from the original airing, or licensed media databases that track television movie metadata. Academic and library resources on religious film in popular culture also reference this animated feature.
Conclusion
The animated The King of Kings released on April 5, 1977 as a Hanna-Barbera television feature. Understanding the production background and distinguishing it from other similarly titled works reduces confusion when researching viewing options or historical context. For ongoing tracking, checking library collections and specialist streaming platforms is recommended.