Absolutely love all the short films in the fascinating True Life Adventures series from Disney (seven altogether), more so than the feature films. Also really like, if not quite as much the feature length films, all but one ('White Wilderness' being the exception). 1960's 'Jungle Cat' being the last of the seven feature length films and the last of the series. This time it focuses on jaguars, very interesting animals and not talked about enough in nature documentaries inexplicably.
'Jungle Cat' is another very good entry in the series and a very good way to end the True Life Adventures series. It is not one of the series' best, but everything that is so winning about it and all the short and feature films is here. Anybody who has a fascination with jaguars should definitely see 'Jungle Cat' as documentaries on them don't come more comprehensive than this, and those not so familiar but is interested in learning them and loves nature documentaries in general should see it also.
It is not perfect, other films in the True Life Adventure series are better paced, a few sluggish stretches here and there here.
On occasion the narration overdoes it on the jokiness, a common problem with the feature films in the series but surprisingly not a problem at all in the short ones.
However, a lot is fantastic here. 'Jungle Cat' looks wonderful, the colour photography is so vivid in colour and never static. Showing the majestic scenery, both beautiful and uncompromising, in all its glory. You'd be hard pressed to find more majestic and expressive jaguars anywhere else. Really liked the music on the whole, which was a mix of grand and catchy even if it occasionally over-emphasised the humorous moments. The animals, wonderfully varied, are a mix of adorable, sinister and fun to watch.
Every one of the series' feature length films had at least one memorable sequence, in 'White Wilderness' case it was for the wrong reason but for the right reasons in the case of the other six. The jaguar and anaconda sequence in 'Jungle Cat' is unforgettable and how it was even filmed with that much impact was truly astonishing. Epic is the perfect way to sum it up. Also learnt a lot, a good deal of the information was unfamiliar to me and it was written in a way that was very informative and accessible.
The footage is so beautifully filmed, emotionally varied and so easy to be captivated by. The jaguar is so easy to identify with without feeling manipulated into doing so. The comedy on the whole is playful and good natured and the tenderness is poignant, the more violent moments like the aforementioned standout sequence are positively unflinching. Actually rarely had a problem with Winston Hibler's narration delivery throughout the series, and it is nicely delivered here.
Concluding, very good. 8/10.
