Disney ruined Bambi, too. Although the artistry was great, the novel by Felix Salten (himself, a hunter!) was far superior. No cutsie animals.
I saw an original copy of that book in a local thrift shop/flea market, but didn’t have enough cash on me to buy it for $40 asking price.
Left and went to get some cash and by the time I got back it was gone...................8^(