The Jungle Book may not have much in the way of story (see also Tarzan).Boy raised in the jungle is returned to civilization, plus singing/dancing). Naturally there are obstacles along the way for young Mowgli, a hypnotic snake named Kaa isn't much of a threat, but man-eating tiger Shere Khan is considerably more to worry about. Here he is with fresh meat in the jungle. Alas, much of the film feels like it's just keeping time between songs, including bits with a rather obnoxious troop of military-themed elephants.

But then there are the songs, which are probably the best that Disney has ever put into film, including the swinging "I Wan'na Be Like You" and the svelte "Trust In Me." It helps to have Louis Prima in the cast, I guess. I've seen "Trust In Me" performed in jazz clubs to impressive effect.

Mowgli's best bud Baloo the bear is also worth noting: Since the film, he's become an institution in the American cartoonisphere, though one that has not gotten the respect he deserved (vs., say The Lion King's side characters). Mixing humans with talking animals can be a dicey affair, and The Jungle Book isn't without its rough spots, but on the whole it's fully deserving of its place in the Disney canon.

The new 40th anniversary DVD includes two discs of goodies, including a deleted rhinoceros character, deleted songs, making-of features, and games for the kids.



Breathe in, breathe out.