The Vault Opens: Mowgli Returns to DVD

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

06 Jul 2007 08:32 AM

In 1894, Rudyard Kipling began publishing The Jungle Book based on his experiences in India and the tales that he heard there. The tales follow a boy named Mowgli through a lush and colorful world where animals are anthropomorphic manner to give moral lessons. The popularity of these stories have inspired many movies over the year, the most well known - of course - being the 1967 Disney animated film: the Jungle Book

While many cite the liberties that Disney took with the story, the animated film does inspire others to discover the original tales by Rudyard Kipling - I know it did that for me. Because of the Jungle Book I discovered Rudyard Kipling's stories, Aesop's Fables and much, much more. Now, Disney is opening their vault once more and on October 2 - they will release the 40th Anniversary Edition of their classic The Jungle Book

This movie was the 19th animated masterpiece to be produced by Disney and the last to have Walt's personal touch. The adventure begins with Mowgli being raised by wolves and befriended by a wise old panther named Bagheera. Bagheera encourages Mowgli to find the man village after word comes that Shere Khan is coming to hunt him. Shere Khan is a man-killing tiger that has his own grudges against the humans.

Mowgli doesn't want to abandon the jungle or his friends such as the beloved bear Baloo and even crazy King Louie, an orangutan and of course - the sly and very hypnotic Kaa, a snake that encounters Mowgli very early in the film. The tale is innate in its humanity and its compassion; it's also about a young boy who doesn't listen to his elders because he wants to have fun. Eventually, he does find his way to the man village, but he doesn't forget his friends or the lessons they have taught him.

The film also features a really snappy soundtrack with completely hummable songs such as The Bare Necessities and much, much more. So be on the lookout, The Jungle Book is a wonderful addition to your collection and as with many other vault releases, it will only be available for a limited time.

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The Vault Will Close on January 31st

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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