Blu-ray

Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's stories of the same name, The Jungle Book is notable for being the last Disney film that Walt really had a hand in prior to his death, and for the place it maintains in the hearts of the legions of the animation studio's fans.

Yes, it's rather episodic and has an ending that comes out of nowhere (one which appears to say that men will throw their friends away for a woman). But who cares when it's so much fun and boasts so many great songs? Altogether now: 'Oh, oobee do, I wanna be like you…'

Picture: Disney has done a truly magnificent job of bringing this much-loved classic to Blu-ray with its remastered AVC 1.75:1 1080p encode. The film's scratchy line work looks more accurate than ever, the multi-layered animation is perfectly rendered and the painted backdrops are drop-dead gorgeous. It's the best that this 'toon has looked in over 45 years.
Picture rating: 4.5/5

Audio: The original mono sound design has been given a DTS-HD MA 7.1 remix for this Blu-ray. For the most part it's still sympathetic to the source elements, with most of the action centred on the front stereo spread. But occasional spot effects in the surrounds and the enveloping nature of the all-important music are always there to remind you of the track's multichannel attributes.
Audio rating: 4/5

Extras: Newly created content for this Diamond Edition comes in the form of a brief intro by composer Richard Sherman, an 18-minute promo featurette for Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, a lengthy alternate ending presented in storyboard form and a wonderful 41-minute documentary that looks at Disney's legendary Nine Old Men (the studio's inner circle of animators) through the eyes of their families.

The remaining extras have all been ported over from previous DVD editions, but are just as valuable as ever. In addition to a fascinating commentary, you also get a five-part Making of… (46 minutes), four additional featurettes, discussion of a deleted storyline that would have featured a new character (Rocky the Rhino), a wildlife video for kids, seven deleted songs, sing-along lyrics and music video.
Extras rating: 4/5

We say: A beautiful Blu-ray debut for one of Disney's best-loved animated classics. No fan should be without it

The Jungle Book: Diamond Edition, Walt Disney Home Entertainment, Region B/C BD, £25 approx
HCC VERDICT: 4.5/5