Stays true to the original
Patrick J. Clark | Bowling Green, OH | 09/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are a few elements that you might not like about this cartoon: Tabaqui looks like a sickly version of the Coyote from "Road Runner" cartoons; the music sounds like it was borrowed from later "Tom & Jerry" episodes (such as when they're chasing each other in outer space)--andokay, this is just mebut Bagheera's ears are too short and he looks like a girl.
Beyond those trifles, however, this is a terrific cartoon, good viewing for kids and adults alike. Roddy McDowell handles the narration, and the voice work is pretty good, while the story is presented in a gripping, emotionally moving way...in so much as it's a half-hour cartoon, that is. The art is simple but stylish, typical of Chuck Jones cartoons, though different from what I'd consider the companion piece to this DVD, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi." It has a moody quality that fits the story, relying on the cleverness of Kipling's writing and Jones's art direction to uplift the story; this gives it a dark yet engrossing quality that is stylish and engaging. I recommend it wholeheartedly."
