Fantasia/2000

Robin Pierce (robinp_uk@yahoo.com) wrote on IMDB:

Although I was aware of the original plan to renew the Fantasia concept every so often, and that it was visualised as an ongoing project, I felt that going back after 60 years was too much, and that the original classic should be left alone. However, my initial scepticism was dispelled within seconds of the opening sequence. What we have here is a lush, vibrant fusion of animation and music, each fully complimenting the other to perfection. It's hard to pick a favorite sequence, but if really pressed, for personal taste alone, it would be the awesome sequence with the whales. Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice sequence is the only carry over from the original, and a worthy match for it in the 2000 lineup is the Donald "Noah".   [ show more ]

The only criticism I have of the film is the bridging sequences, featuring Steve Martin, Penn & Teller, Bette Midler and others. I would have preferred that they stuck to one presenter, preferably James Earl Jones or Angela Landsbury. They seemed to take the material and the project far more seriously than Martin and Penn & Teller who's humor detracted from the dignity of the movie as a whole. [ show less ]

frigmeat wrote on IMDB:

I can't stop watching it!!! Four of the seven new segments in this film are alone well worth the admission. Roy Disney Jr. sets the stage for a remarkable departure from the usual animated dreck that Disney has been bogged down by for the last half-decade (Toy Story aside). Disney have hereby restored my faith in them as leading the pack in animated cinema. I want more!!

"Pines of Rome", a marvelous piece set to the "story" of whales leaving the water and eventually the planet, is worth viewing several times for it's symbolism and exquisite look. "Rhapsody in Blue", by Gershwin, is given perfect treatment by a day in the life of New York City. The pace is quick and manages to give each character studied enough depth to make a very satisfying and touching ending. "Pomp and Circumstance", the graduation standard, is humorous and sweet. Creating a love story involving Donald and Daisy Duck into the story of Noah's Ark worked surprisingly well. "Firebird Suite"- WOW. This is the most incredible segment of the film. It's a PERFECT marriage of music and animation and MUST be played loud. Very emotional and powerful indeed.   [ show more ]

I had to post another comment because I can't stress enough that it's a worthy successor to the original Fantasia, and Walt would be proud. [ show less ]

glibchick wrote on IMDB:

I have always been partial to Disney, no matter what rotten stories I've come across in various magazines and books. The genius of the man has left its mark on the world of animation. Fantasia, in particular, has fascinated me for years. The idea of interpreting music through animation - it is so beautiful.

I haven't been lucky enough to watch the original Fantasia...though I certainly intend to someday. But, I did watch Fantasia 2000. It's so wonderful - every single second of it! So many themes and story plots woven between the works of renowned composers! And, the drawing styles vary too - from the classic Disney sketches in The Firebird and The Sorcerer's Apprentice, to the scatty scribbles in Rhapsody in Blue, and the abstract butterfly shapes in Beethoven's Symphony No.5 in C Minor. The pictures capture the dynamism and feel of the music...it's such a beautiful translation of the piece.   [ show more ]

I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is wondering whether to watch it. Put your prejudices and so on aside. Just sit back, and open your mind to the visual interpretations of these lovely compositions. It's hard to choose a favourite, but I really like Rhapsody in Blue. In fact, I can't think of the music, without seeing the images in my minds' eye.

Don't miss this, if you can help it. [ show less ]