Disney has put out a collector’s edition Blu-ray/DVD plus 3-D version of The Jungle Book with new special extras. Check Kidzworld’s Blu-ray review.
By: Lynn Barker
Mowgli and jungle friends are brought to beautiful live action life in The Jungle Book. Disney has put out a new Collector’s Edition of the film including a 3-D version with some fun extras in addition to the those on the first home entertainment release of the film. Click here to read Kidzworld's Blu-ray Review.
Mowgli with bear BalooCourtesy of Disney
Special Extra Features
- The Bare Necessities From the Jungle to the Bayou – features actor Bill Murray who voices friendly bear Baloo, singing a lively jazz version of “The Bare Necessities” along with famous jazz great Dr. John with Kermit Ruffins and their band in New Orleans. This is a hoot.
Bill Murray singing as Baloo with jazz great Dr. JohnCourtesy of Disney
- The Return of a Legend is just great because it features songwriter and Disney legend Richard Sherman who wrote songs for Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and other classics including the original animated The Jungle Book. He creates the new version of the song King Louie the gigantipithicus sings “I Wan’na Be Like You” along with Director Jon Favreau accompanying him on the ukulele. This feature goes to prove that talented older people are often just as sharp and “with it” as ever. We should respect that. Cool
Songwriter Richard Sherman singing I Wan'na Be Like YouCourtesy of Disney
- In The Jungle Effect, we are given a look at what was happening on set against blue screen with Mowgli actor Neel Sethi interacting with puppets and people wearing all blue portraying various animals then we quickly see the finished scene. A fascinating “how’d they do that” extra.
Film crew chases Neel as Mowgli on blue screen setCourtesy of Disney
- The extra The Jungle Book Around the World gives us snippets of “The Bare Necessities” sung in 14 languages including Spanish, Czech, Hindi, Polish, Russian, German, Italian, Kazakh, Hungarian, Canadian French, Parisian French, Ukrainian and Portuguese. Wow! Just lets you know how international this film really is.
Neel as Mowgli working on set with director Jon FavreauCourtesy of Disney
- Designing Kaa shows us early animatics (drawings with a bit of animation) that develop the Kaa and Mowgli sequence in which she shows him his past and explains the “Red Flower” (fire). We hear Scarlett Johansson’s breathy, cool voice. Nice extra.
The mesmerizing KaaCourtesy of Disney
Wrapping Up
This new Collector’s Edition of The Jungle Book is well worth adding to your collection or gifting, especially if you do have a 3-D TV set or want a few more extras.. Just like for the first release of the film on Blu-ray, we will go 5 stars for this visually and emotionally beautiful film.
Mowgli with KaaCourtesy of Disney
The Jungle Book Collector’s Edition Rating: 
The Jungle Book Collector's Edition Blu-ray CoverCourtesy of Disney
The Collector’s Edition of The Jungle Book is in stores November 15th!
Have Your Say
Did you see the film? Do you want to make sure you have it in your home entertainment collection? Leave a comment.
