The Jungle Book (Diamond Edition) [Blu-Ray]

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman

Cast: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima (VOICES)

Release Date: Now Available on Diamond Edition Blu-Ray

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Disc Rating: 10/10

Plot Summary:

Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilization.

Calling kids and adults alike, it’s time to return to the jungle with Mowgli, Baloo, Louie and all your other favorite animal friends like never before. Disney’s animated classic ‘The Jungle Book’ has been released from the vault for a limited time and is now available on Blu-Ray for the first time in this wonderful Diamond Edition release you will not want to miss out on.

 

This Diamond Edition Blu-Ray will make a wonderful addition to any Blu-Ray collection and is a perfect way for adults to revisit a classic they grew up with, in addition to sharing it with a whole new generation for the first time. In addition to the absolutely beautiful high definition video presentation and newly mixed 7.1 channel lossless DTS-HD MA soundtrack mixed just for this release (see more on these below) there are all kinds of fun additions for the whole family to enjoy.  Included is ‘Bear-E-Oke’ Sing-Along (hosted by Baloo) which features a number of your favorite songs from ‘The Jungle Book’ in sing-along format so the whole family can sing along with all of your animal friends from the movie. Also included is a newly discovered alternate ending that really is a whole additional act from the film and while parents should note it is a bit darker than any of the rest of the film, it really does give a lot of clarity and wrap-up to the story, and I think aside from the mildly darker tone (which doesn’t really fit and might be part of the reason it was scrapped) it really is a superior ending and it was quite a treat to be able to see it included here. Kids are also certain to really enjoy the activity book that comes with the Blu-Ray. It includes all sorts of fun activities such as Finding the differences in seemingly similar pictures, coloring, dotting the lines to reveal a picture and all sorts of other fun activities.

Disney has compiled an absolutely amazing release here and I would highly suggest fans (and those with children) go pick up a copy of this Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release before you miss out and it goes back in the vault. Parents can also rest assured that in addition the Blu-Ray disc, this version also includes a DVD version of the film as well as a Digital HD/Digital Copy, so you will be able to keep the kids entertained with this one for some time no matter where you might be.

VIDEO:

The Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release of ‘The Jungle Book’ features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing a 1.75:1 Aspect Ratio. For a film of this age, I must say this high definition video transfer looks quite impressive, certainly far better than one would ever imagine possible and it’s a real treat to see this movie in such sharp and detailed clarity and beauty. Aside from the few minor elements that are to be expected from a film that was released so many decades ago, everything looks stunning and gorgeous, fans of this film should be absolutely thrilled with the beautiful high definition video presentation that we are treated to on this Diamond Edition Blu-ray release.

AUDIO:

The Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release of ‘The Jungle Book’ features a lossless 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack newly mixed just for this release. Considering the movie was initially released with a mere mono soundtrack (which has also been included on this release in addition) this 7.1 channel soundtrack sounds pretty glorious. The majority of the film is focused for the most part to the center channel, with the other 6 channels only being utilized mainly for music and musical effects, but when the famous foot tapping songs get into full swing, this 7.1 channel soundtrack really shows what it can do, and I think both adults and children alike will have an incredibly joyous time hearing these phenomenal songs surround them with such depth and clarity. It certainly put a smile on my face and I couldn’t help but start dancing along in place a number of times throughout.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

To put it simply, this Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release of ‘The Jungle Book’ is absolutely jam-packed with fun and informative extras that the entire family is all sure to enjoy. (Please note that a number of these great bonus features are detailed and explained more informatively above the specifications in case you happened to miss it). Included is ‘@DisneyAnimation: Sparking Creativity’ which takes you behind the scenes with Disney’s top animators, ‘Bear-E-Oke Sing-Along’, A recently discovered alternate ending in storyboard mode and narrated for your viewing ease, ‘DisneyPedia: Junglemania’, Two special introductions to the film by Diane Disney Miller and Richard M. Sherman’, not to mention all of the classic DVD bonus features and a whole lot more. This Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release is overflowing with fun goodies the whole family is sure to enjoy following their viewing of this classic Disney treasure on Blu-Ray for the first time!

Disc Rating: 10/10

‘The Jungle Book’ is now available on Blu-Ray for the first time ever.  Own the Diamond Edition Blu-Ray from Disney today. Make sure to pick up your copy now before it goes back in the vault!