Disney’s The Jungle Book is ready to boogie onto DVD, and the studio has released some concept, design and photo art from the Platinum Edition, available from October 2. The images include storyboard art of the “lost character” Rocky-the-Rhino, who is featured in his own DVD bonus feature, plus further details of the release. You’ll find those images right here:


Rocky the Rhino

Storyboard concepts of the “lost character” Rocky the Rhino were recently discovered at Disney’s Animation Research Library. A key character in The Jungle Book, developed by Walt Disney himself, he never made it to the silver screen. Several possible explanations have been offered by Disney animators over the years, but it is unclear why Rocky never made it into the final film.

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Originally intended to be included within Mowgli’s meeting of the four friendly vultures, Walt described Rocky as a “loveable rhinoceros who is half blind and extremely dumb.” Rocky’s personality was brought to life through the casting of veteran actor Frank Fontaine, who was selected to voice this bumbling character.

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Size Comparison

This is a size comparison chart of all the characters from the film, including Rocky the Rhino.

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King Louie

Character concepts of King Louie showing various early design drawings.

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Walt with Louis Prima

Walt Disney with Louis Prima, the voice of King Louie in The Jungle Book.

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Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD will be released on October 2.

This Disney classic was the last animated film that Walt personally touched. Featuring a ton of all new bonus features, this anticipated release will be available for a limited time, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of this jumpin’ jungle classic with a spectacular new restoration with enhanced picture and sound.

The Jungle Book: 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD is overflowing with not only memorable characters, like the wise panther Bagheera, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, and the menacing tiger Shere Khan, but amazing special features that both new adventurers and seasoned explorers are sure to enjoy.

The all-new bonus features include a new member of The Jungle Book family, the long lost character created for the original film and discovered recently for the first time – Rocky, a near-sighted and short tempered, but hilarious rhinoceros. The Bare Necessities: The Making of The Jungle Book featurette takes a look at Walt Disney’s contributions to his animated swan song and also examines how director Woolie Reitherman filled the legend’s shoes when putting the final touches on the production. Disney’s Kipling examines Walt’s interpretation of Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli Stories, and a film commentary from original animators Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and director Woolie Reitherman is presented alongside commentary from current top animated filmmakers including Brad Bird (The Incredibles), Glen Keane (The Little Mermaid), and Andreas Deja (Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King).

In Mowgli’s Return to the Jungle, Bruce Reitherman, the voice of Mowgli and the son of Woolie, shares his memories of making the film and how the experiences influenced his current job as a wildlife filmmaker. The swinging jungle fun continues with an all-new suite of games: Baloo’s Virtual Swingin’ Jungle Cruise, and much, much more!

The Jungle Book: Platinum Edition DVD is available only for a limited time, with a suggested retail price of $29.99 in the U.S. ($36.99 in Canada) before making the safari back into the vault.

jb-con-06.JPGBonus Features:

• The Lost Character: Rocky The Rhino – For the first time ever, the near-sighted, short-tempered rhinoceros named Rocky is brought to the screen using original storyboards and original voice recordings by Frank Fontaine.

• The Bare Necessities: The Making of The Jungle Book – A comprehensive look at the last animated film that Walt Disney produced using existing archival footage in addition to new interviews with Richard Sherman, Brad Bird, Glen Keane, Eric Goldberg, James Baxter, Will Finn, Andreas Deja, Burny Mattinson, Ted Thomas, Bruce Reitherman, John Culhane, John Canemaker and Neal Gabler – plus a never-before-seen collection of artwork and treatments from the film.

• Disney’s Kipling: Walt’s Magic Touch on A Literary Classic – A discarded film treatment from 1963 includes scenes from Kipling’s Mowgli Stories and more are used to illustrate Walt’s interpretation of the literary masterpiece.

• The Lure of The Jungle Book – Many of today’s biggest names in animation were inspired to pursue their careers after seeing this film; this feature examines this phenomenon and features new interviews with Brad Bird, Andreas Deja, Sergio Pablo, Will Finn and Eric Goldberg.

• Mowgli’s Return to the Jungle – Learn about nature filmmaking and the experience of making The Jungle Book firsthand from Bruce Reitherman, the voice of Mowgli.

• Baloo’s Virtual Swingin’ Jungle Cruise – Join everyone’s favorite bear in this set-top and DVD-ROM game on an adventure through the jungle: enjoy fun activities and musical challenges, but keep an eye out because there’s no telling what’s on the other side of the river bend!

• Audio Commentary – Combines comments from current animators with audio from the original creative team who made the film

• English Learning Feature

• Still Frame Art Gallery

Embark on a thrilling, adventure-filled journey with the boy, Mowgli as he makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli The Bare Necessities of life and the true meaning of friendship.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli Stories, The Jungle Book is the final film Walt Disney produced (his 19th) and will become Disney’s 10th title to be honored with Platinum status. The original cast includes a pair of Winnie the Pooh stars: voice of Pooh himself, Sterling Holloway as python Kaa, and Sebastian Cabot speaking for Bagheera the panther. Oscar winner George Sanders (All About Eve) voiced tiger Shere Khan. Bruce Reitherman, son of director Woolie, played Mowgli, with Phil Harris as Baloo the Bear.

Feature run time: 78 min.
Rated: G. Bonus materials not rated, and subject to change.
Aspect ratio: 1.75:1—The first time ever the film will be presented in its original aspect ratio.
Sound: All-new 5.1 Disney-enhanced Home Theater Mix, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: French, Spanish audio tracks. Close Captioned in English
Disney Fastplay enabled

STREET DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2007