The trailer for Disney’s latest live-action film Jungle Book is taking the internet by storm. And as we wait for its release, let’s take a look back at the older versions of this Rudyard Kipling classic that most of us probably grew up with. And kids, if you haven’t watched them yet, you’re missing out!
While the new trailer is mesmerising and showcases how far film technology has come, it is more a combination of CG merged together with the actors’ performances. It follows a similar storyline to all the other movies where Bageera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilisation. But the earliest version we can remember when we think of Jungle Book, is the 1967 musical version.
It was the final feature film under the enigmatic Walt Disney and is loosely based on the tales of Rudyard Kipling. It also gave us the Baloo version of “Bare Necessities” that was also used in the upcoming live-action version, with the 2016 Baloo floating along softly humming the tune. Through the course of the 1967 film, Mowgli is saved on numerous occasions from several life-threatening situations — including those at the hands of King Louie of the Apes and Sher Khan himself.
Then there are lesser known versions of Jungle look like the 1995 movie.
The 1994 movie staring Lena Headey and Jason Scott Lee.
Jungle Book is set to open on 15 April, 2016. In case you missed it watch the trailer here: