The Jungle Book (Animated)

Kipling's classic story has been thoroughly Disney-fied, but it remains a lively and engrossing adventure with jaunty animation and delightful jazz-inspired songs. The very catchy tunes and expert voice cast deliver lots of laughs. A perennial favorite, The Jungle Book teems with lush atmosphere, lovable jungle animals, and toe-tapping song favorites like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." Walt Disney's personal touch of cheerfully blending humor, heart, and music in a strong story dealing with life choices, is what elevates this movie. It's justifiably considered a classic despite the modest animation, which is pleasant but relatively streamlined in comparison to earlier Disney masterpieces.

The voice cast, many of whom were 1960s stars, adds considerably to the enjoyment. As the boisterous Baloo, Harris is a standout (he later provided the voice of the rascally O'Malley in The Aristocats). Memorable performances are also turned in by scat-singing Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes, Disney veteran Sterling Holloway (the original Winnie the Pooh, and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland) as the hissing Kaa, and Sanders, whose every syllable deliciously drips with venom. Watch this one with your kids and you'll soon "forget about your troubles and your strife" as you sing along with Baloo and Mowgli.