Written by Jennifer
December 10, 2010
While Fantasia may not be everyone's cup of tea, its place in the history of animation can't be denied or ignored.
You know what makes Fantasia (1940) great? Drugs. I've never watched the movie while under the influence, nor have I ever actually been under the influence, and I think that's exactly why I struggle with this classic every single time I try to sit through it. I'm not sure whether the animators were tripping when they made it, or whether the audience is expected to be tripping while they watch, but there's something at work here that a sober person just isn't going to get.
Having said that, Fantasia truly is a feat of modern animation and provides us with over two hours of Disney's best, including the super famous "Sorcerer's Apprentice" starring Mickey Mouse. The whole thing is set to a calming classical score, but each segment is introduced by a conductor whose accompanying orchestra lurks ominously behind him in silhouette. Distressingly, attempting to skip past these introductory chapters to the cartoons only takes you to the next introductory chapter and more unsettling conductor time, so short of fast-forward, there's really no escape. I suspect this is why I start to feel a little panicky every time I watch Fantasia - I wind up all creeped out with nowhere to go.
However, if you can handle the conductor and the feeling of aimlessness that the movie creates, you will also be treated to some of the most beautiful animation in the history of the genre. I say that in complete earnestness, even though I'm not a huge fan of Fantasia as a whole. Think pastel Pegasus ponies, delicate twirling fairies, and adorable dancing mushrooms - it's enough to enhance any good acid trip, and if you can make your way to them, they stand alone too!
Fantasia 2000 (1999) picks up where the original leaves off, bringing us even more stunning animation set to a classical score. Presenters Steve Martin, Bette Midler, James Earl Jones, Penn and Teller, Angela Lansbury, Itzhak Perlman and Quincy Jones bring us into the present day, breathing new life into a concept born in 1940. While Fantasia may not be everyone's cup of tea, its place in the history of animation can't be denied or ignored.
DVD AND BLU-RAY NOTES
Of course if you LOVE Fantasia, you'll find tons to love about the Special Edition that includes a both movies on DVD and Blu-ray, plus extras. DVD extras on Fantasia include new audio commentary with Disney historian Brian Sibley and a tour of the Disney Family Museum with Walt’s daughter Diane Disney-Miller. Blu-Ray also includes ditties like art galleries, screensavers, the short "The Shultheis Notebook: A Disney Treasure", commentary with Roy E. Disney and others discussing the soundtrack, restoration, and more. The Fantasia 2000 DVD includes the featurette "Musicana" chronicling Walt's inspiration for a sequel to Fantasia. Sadly, this 1970s project was sidelined by the production of Mickey's Christmas Carol. The treat on the Blu-Ray of Fantasia 2000 is the feature-length documentary Dali & Disney: A Date With Destino, as well as the Disney/Dali short "Destino".
