Plot: What’s it about?
A young child has been abandoned in the dangerous jungle, but he is soon taken in, though by an unexpected someone. A panther named Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot) scoops up the boy and names him Mowgli. He is raised by the animals in the jungle, so Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman) only knows that world and his wolf pack is his family. When he reaches the age of ten, Mowgli becomes a target for one of the jungle’s most vicious predators, Shere Khan (George Sanders). Khan vows to take revenge on all humans, so it is decided that Mowgli should be returned to the village of humans. The trek to the village proves to be long and dangerous, with threats and distractions of all kinds. Some are violent like the fierce snake Kaa (Sterling Holloway), while others are more friendly, like Mowgli’s friend Baloo (Phil Harris). On the verge of leaving the only world he has ever known, can Mowgli transition back into life in the world of humans?
In the animated annals of Disney, The Jungle Book has been mostly lost in the shuffle, which is a shame. The movie retains a low profile, not as famous as the early classics or the films produced during the studio’s rebirth. Even so, The Jungle Book deserves to be held up with the classics, a unique adventure that has plenty of Disney magic. The film has a relaxed pace, which suits the tone of the material, but is unlike most recent animated features. Here we have a strong focus on the bond between Baloo and Mowgli, how it began and how it evolved. This isn’t the rapid fire, attention deficit disorder type children’s movie, this is a well written, well executed story that develops genuine characters. But The Jungle Book is also a lot of fun, with great songs and some of the best voice talent you’ll find in an animated feature. This Diamond Edition has just about everything we could ask for, from restored visuals to a vault of supplements. The Jungle Book is a wonderful movie and deserves a place in any collection, whether you’re a child or just a kid at heart, this release is given our highest recommendation.
Video: How’s it look?
Looking at today’s animated films, computer-animated and traditional, The Jungle Book will most likely pale by comparison. The 1.75:1 AVC HD image is an improvement over previous releases, but the DNR applied to the film leaves a bit to be desired. Certainly the colors pop, detail has been improved and the grain the plagued previous installments is a thing of the past. Still, it really doesn’t have a true, traditional effect and I think it somewhat detracts from the film. Granted the core audience (children) probably won’t care and though the overall quality seems a bit artificial, I’m probably in the minority with my nit-picking.
Audio: How’s it sound?
What’s a bit more improved is the DTS HD Master Audio mix. I’ll come right out and say that this movie has never sounded better and more…alive if you will. George Bruns’ score resonates in the background while the 7.1 channels fill the room with an array of noises and effects. Dialogue sounds strong and well-centered with the front stage taking the burden of the majority of the soundtrack. For purists, there’s also a Mono track included.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this film on disc and I’m sure it won’t be the last. For this Diamond Edition, there have been new features added as well as those from the Platinum Edition DVD included as well.
Note: The supplements from the DVD are in SD while the Blu-ray Exclusives are presented in HD.
DVD Extras
These have been covered in our review of the Platinum Edition DVD.
Blu-ray Exclusives
- Introductions to the Film – Diane Disney Miller and Arthur Sherman give us two separate introductions to the film.
- Alternate Ending – We get the original ending for the film along with some storyboards.
- @DisneyAnimation: Sparking Creativity – Similar to the feature on The Little Mermaid, this shows the creativity and how employees of Disney are encouraged to think outside the box with some innovative and creative ideas.
- Music, Memories, & Mowgli – Shermand and Miller recall their experiences from the movie alongside staffer Floyd Norman.
- Bear-E-Oke – As you might expect, this is a sing along feature. I didn’t participate.
- I Wanna Be Like You – We follow two kids as they’re given an all day pass to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- DVD/Digital HD Copy
