JagBytes

Issue date: 10/14/07 Section: Entertainment

Walt Disney, The Jungle Book

In October 1967, Walt Disney's The Jungle Book was released. This was the last film produced by Walt, who died just before its completion. On Oct. 2, "The Jungle Book: 40th Anniversary Edition" was re-released for children and adults to enjoy again.

The Jungle Book, based very loosely on Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli stories from the 19th century, tells the story of a boy growing up in the wild jungles of India.

A black panther named Bagheera discovers Mowgli as an infant, and brings him to a pack of wolves who have just had their own litter. He is taken into pack, and becomes known as a man cub.

The wolves raise Mowgli, but as he starts to grow, Bagheera decides that it's time for the boy to return to the Man Village, also known as human civilization.

Throughout the movie, Mowgli is forced to choose whether he wants to reunite with a human family or stay in the jungle with the animals forever.

The characters and scenery in "The Jungle Book: 40th Anniversary Edition" are much sharper and brighter thanks to new digital restoration techniques.

This movie is great for children of all ages and has enough songs and dances to keep small children entertained, while the lessons being taught catch the interest of older children.

This classic tale is still enchanting 40 years later. Whether children are two years old or twelve, they will be captivated by the imagery and adventure in this movie.

The Jungle Book proves that children don't need Pixar-style animation to be enthralled with a story, and that the Disney Classics truly entertain.

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Just for Parents is a weekly column that reviews children's films and television shows.

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