I recommend playing the Nintendo DSi version as your first experience with Rayman 1, as it adds several features to ease the OG's infamous difficulty (more health, level map on the bottom screen, keep blue balls after death). Not that it won't still kick your ass, and you'll still need a guide to find all the cages.

Sound quality obviously takes a hit (SFX are kinda loud over the BGM) and lighting effects are non-existent, but the core of the great graphics and music remain.