The Jungle Book : 40th Anniversary 2 Disc Platinum Edition [1967] [DVD] [1968]

Based loosely on the Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name, the film tells the story of man-cub Mowgli, and the friends he makes in the jungle. And it’s these friends who ignite the film, with some of the most memorable characters and songs that Disney has ever put on the screen. Kings of The Jungle Book are the likes of Baloo the Bear, King Louie the villainous Shere Khan the Tiger, while supporting characters such as Colonel Hathi are just as memorable. It’s astonishing that it packs so much and so many into its relatively short running time.

It’s an amazing achievement too that The Jungle Book bristles with such energy and fun, and that it’s just as likely to enthral the current generation of youngsters as well as those of us who saw it first time round. And when those songs start playing--from Bare Necessities through to I Wanna Be Like You--it'll take some effort to not start tapping your feet. A brilliant, brilliant film, and as vintage as the Disney back catalogue gets. --Simon Brew