Regardless of what format a film is shot in or how big it's special effects budget is, going to the movies is still about a communal story telling experience. But when you combine that with an extraordinary visual canvas that literally puts you inside the universe of the story the result is pure cinematic magic and that is what the new Jungle Book movie is. Director John Favreau takes what could have easily been just another rehash and makes it into something extraordinary by giving a classic story a major upgrade.

The obvious appeal of this live action version of the 1967 Walt Disney Picture animated classic are the special effects; and it is true in that respect the movie does not disappoint. The digital rendering of the animals and their natural habitat is simply stunning. Impressive as this is, this version of the Rudyard Kipling story becomes truly memorable because Favreau and cinematographer Bill Pope have decided to take the film's visual flair one step further. Comparison to other movies in reviews are never productive, but the best reference point for Pope's and Favreau's achievement is what James Cameron did in Avatar. The 3D effects and the special effects in this film are astounding because they place the audience smack in the middle of the story, which makes it even more thrilling.

The other important upgrade with this version of The Jungle Book has nothing to do with effects or the amazing visuals that the director and his crew have achieved. A little retooling of the original story by screenwriter Justin Marks goes a long way. In the animated version of this story, Mowgli, the man cub who was mysteriously left in the middle of the jungle to be raised by a pack of wolves, was a very passive protagonist. Even at the end, while claiming his destiny and facing the one animal in the jungle that wants him dead. Here that is not an issue. The story arch of the protagonist as a hero is  extremely strong. It also helps to have a total natural like Neel Sethi playing the role. He makes every moment believable, which is particularly impressive with a movie that has your character talking to wild animals.

Sethi is not the only perfect casting in this movie. Favreau's selection of the voice cast is simply impeccable. Idris Elba as the villainous tiger Shere Kahn is a true stand out but Bill Murray as Baloo and Christopher Walken as King Loui provide a particular kind of magic that will leave audiences giddy. In fact, so will the rest of the movie, so run to the movie theater and make sure you grab your 3D glasses. This one is definitely worth the price of admission.

Disney’s The Jungle Book opens in theatres April 15 in 3D.