Walt Disney took a big chance with this ambitious anthology of animated fantasies. First, he set them to lengthy classical music pieces, and then he boldly experimented with... more
Fantasia [DVD] [1941]
Groundbreaking on several counts, not the least of which was an innovative use of ... more
animation and stereophonic sound, this ambitious Disney feature has lost nothing to time since its release in 1940. Classical music was interpreted by Disney animators, r...
Fantasia 2000 [DVD]
More ambitious in scope than any of its other animated films (before or to come), Disney's ... more
1940Fantasiawas a dizzying, magical and highly enjoyable marriage of classical music and animated images.Fantasia 2000, originally made for the IMAX large-screen format, features some breathtaking animation and storytelling, and in a few spots soars to wonderful high points, but it still more often than not has the feel of walking in its predecessor's footsteps as opposed to creating its own path. A family of whales swimming and soaring to Respighi'sThe Pines of Romeis magical to watch, but ends all too soon; a forest sprite's dance of life, death and rebirth to Stravinsky'sThe Rite of Springtoo clearly echoes the originalFantasia'sNight on Bald Mountain/Ave Mariasequence. But when it's on target,Fantasia 2000is glorious enough to make you giddy. Hans Christian Andersen's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" is a perfect narrative set to Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Donald Duck's guest appearance as the assistant to Noah (of the Ark fame) set to Elgar'sPomp and Circumstancemarches is a welcome companion piece (though not an equal) toThe Sorcerer's Apprentice, the one originalFantasiapiece included here. The high point ofFantasia 2000, though, is a fantastic day-in-the-life sequence of 1930s New York City set to Gershwin'sRhapsody in Blueand animated in the style of cartoonist Al Hirschfeld; it's a perfect melding of music, story and animation style. Let's hope futureFantasias(reportedly in the works) take a cue from the best of this compilation. The music is provided by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Levine, interspersed with negligible intros by Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Itzhak Perlman, James Earl Jones and others. --Mark EnglehartFantasiaandFantasia 2000are also available together in the three-disc DVD Fantasia Collection.
1940Fantasiawas a dizzying, magical and highly enjoyable marriage of classical music and animated images.Fantasia 2000, originally made for the IMAX large-screen format, features some breathtaking animation and storytelling, and in a few spots soars to wonderful high points, but it still more often than not has the feel of walking in its predecessor's footsteps as opposed to creating its own path. A family of whales swimming and soaring to Respighi'sThe Pines of Romeis magical to watch, but ends all too soon; a forest sprite's dance of life, death and rebirth to Stravinsky'sThe Rite of Springtoo clearly echoes the originalFantasia'sNight on Bald Mountain/Ave Mariasequence. But when it's on target,Fantasia 2000is glorious enough to make you giddy. Hans Christian Andersen's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" is a perfect narrative set to Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Donald Duck's guest appearance as the assistant to Noah (of the Ark fame) set to Elgar'sPomp and Circumstancemarches is a welcome companion piece (though not an equal) toThe Sorcerer's Apprentice, the one originalFantasiapiece included here. The high point ofFantasia 2000, though, is a fantastic day-in-the-life sequence of 1930s New York City set to Gershwin'sRhapsody in Blueand animated in the style of cartoonist Al Hirschfeld; it's a perfect melding of music, story and animation style. Let's hope futureFantasias(reportedly in the works) take a cue from the best of this compilation. The music is provided by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Levine, interspersed with negligible intros by Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Itzhak Perlman, James Earl Jones and others. --Mark Englehart
eighties. Their eponymous debut album released in 1982 was a huge success racking up global sales in excess of 15 million copies. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. The success of this tour led to a full blown world tour running throughout 2007 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. This DVD was recorded in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour. Tracklist: Time Again Wildest Dreams One Step Closer Roundabout Without You Cutting It Fine Steve Howe Guitar Solo Fanfare For The Common Man The Smile Has Left Your Eyes Don't Cry Court Of The Crimson King Here Comes The Feeling Video Killed The Radio Star The Heat Goes On / Carl Palmer Drum... Only Time Will Tell Sole Survivor Ride Easy Heat Of The Moment
A review by KarenUK on Fantasia (DVD) January 5th, 2001
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Liked it
Story
Satisfactory
Characters / Performances
Good
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Good
Advantages:
excellent in places, memorable sequences, beautiful music
Disadvantages:
dull in places, scary for children
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Fantasia is something quite different to the usual Disney videos, being a unique combination of classical music and animated short films featuring Mickey Mouse and other animals from the Disney world.
Some parts of the film are more successful than others, with Mickey starring as The Sorcerer's Apprentice being the one that everyone remembers.
The ballet dancing hippos are another classic section of the film, but the other parts are not quite as memorable.
The problem is really - who is this film for ? If it is aimed at classical music fans, then how many of them would want to watch a Disney film ? If it is aimed at adults, why feature Mickey Mouse ? But if it is aimed at children, why are parts of it too dull for them to sit through, and parts too frightening for them to watch ? The sequence to Mussorgsky's Night On A Bare Mountain is wonderful - but I have never seen any of my children happily sit through that whole section.
The animation is faultless, with parts of it being magical - the fairies and mythical creatures are wonderfully created - and the music is amongst the best ever written, but the film somehow misses its target.
...and the big, fat and pink hippos; and last but not least Mickey Mouse in his most funny role as The Sorcerer's Apprentice - getting up to all his usual tricks! Fantasia is a fantasic and unforgettable film for everyone in the family and would highly recommend it. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Animation , the classic music Disadvantages: None
...is a new version of Fantasia called “Fantasia 2000” which includes new scenes and a computer restored version of the film. Whichever version you watch, it will be a viewing pleasure you won’t forget. A must buy for Adults and Kids. This movie brought back great memories of when I was a kid, and now looking back at this movie, I can appreciate what Walt Disney did in creating this timeless movie. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Wonderful animation and imagination. Great music Disadvantages: Too slow towards the end
Many critics gave this a panning on its initial release, mainly saying that animation, particularly Mr Disney's brand of entertainment was too showy to be put against 'great art' like the classical music used in the film. Surely the argument there is that great music is for everybody and if this is the only way a lot of people would hear it, so be it. Anyway for the most part the epidoses work a treat, especially the hippo, ostriches and alligator ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: The music works so well with the animation Disadvantages: None!
This is a great film and unlike any other Disney had made up to that point. The animation is superb, and the idea works really well. The first piece, Toccata and Fugue is slightly boring and lifeless, but this blends into the Nutcracker Suite featuring dancing flowers, leaves, snow and mushrooms - a feat that could only be animated by Disney. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a classic, featuring Mickey Mouse in his best ever role. Rite of Spring is weak ... ...makes up for this, with some wonderful characters set on the beautiful Mount Olympus. Dance of the Hours is the funniest moment, with dancing hippos, ostriches and crocodiles all competing with each other - it is great fun to watch. Night On Bald Mountain is dark, surreal, and even scary, but it portrays hell and evil in a very real and imaginative way. The final piece, Ave Maria, shows the evil of the previous piece being conquered by good. This ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Wonderful animations Disadvantages: Not everyone appreciates the music
This is a true masterpiece. The effulgent animations bring the great classics to life. The narrator, although he is annoying does provide a useful role of informing the audience about the work they are about to see and hear. This really is a feast for the eyes and ears. Strongly recommended to anyone who appreciates classical music.
This contains work by many of the true musical geniuses of all time. Including Tchaikovsky’s nutcracker suite, ... ...animations Dukas’ The sorcerer’s apprentice. Some of my favourite animations include the nutcracker suite, the sorcerer’s apprentice, and dance of the hours.
This is wonderful for children to watch or anyone who loves classical music. State of the art animations bring the great masterpieces to life in short dramatic short tales in the magic world of Walt Disney
This is mainly worth watching for the soundtrack.
Runtime: 114 minutes
...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Good quality transfer and sound Disadvantages: Thin on extras
...It appears Disney have had the monopoly on Kid’s DVD releases of late with acclaimed picture and sound transfers of such great films as Toy Story and Fantasia 2000. Paramount issued a DVD last year that could provide a real alternative to the Disney catalogue with Rugrats: The Movie. This particular franchise has already been developed to produce a sequel, ‘The Rugrats in Paris’, which will arrive at British cinemas shortly.
The Rugrats Movie will be familiar to anyone who has ever watched the long running Nickelodeon TV Series. All the regular characters are here but the storyline is much, much stronger than the usual 30 minute outing. The film is 77 minutes long and introduces another baby boy to the pickles family. There is a sub-plot concerning the ‘bonding’ between the established character, Tommy...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Plot: Walt Disney took a big chance with this ambitious anthology of animated fantasies. First, he set them to lengthy classical music pieces, and then he boldly experimented with different forms of animation, sometimes jettisoning any sort of narrative altogether. The result is a sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes hilarious, sometimes frightening, but always beautiful moviegoing experience. A box-office failure when first released, it's now considered a timeless treasure. Highlights include: Mickey Mouse in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the leaping hippos and alligators in "Dance of the Hours," the rise and fall of the dinosaurs set to Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring," the dancing mushrooms of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," and Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain," with its fearsome winged demon raging at the heavens. One of Walt Disney's ambitions for the project was to rerelease the film periodically over the years with new sequences. Though the film was regularly rereleased, it wasn't until 1999 that his intention was finally realized with the premiere of FANTASIA 2000, a lavish follow-up that included a digitally restored "Sorcerer's Apprentice" and a host of new material. The original FANTASIA, however, remains a one-of-a-kind auditory and visual experience that is still, in many ways, far ahead of its time.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): Walt Disney Home Video; Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Release date: 27/11/2000
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: D 888085
Barcode: 5017188880855
Screenwriter: Joe Grant, Dick Huemer, Erdman Penner, Joseph Sabo, Otto Englander, Webb Smith, Elmer Plummer
Author: Otto Englander, Erdman Penner, Joseph Sabo, Webb Smith, Elmer Plummer
Voice: Walt Disney
Languages
Main Language: English
DVD Description
Walt Disney took a big chance with this ambitious anthology of animated fantasies. First, he set them to lengthy classical music pieces, and then he boldly experimented with different forms of animation, sometimes jettisoning any sort of narrative altogether. The result is a sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes hilarious, sometimes frightening, but always beautiful moviegoing experience. A box-office failure when first released, it's now considered a timeless treasure. Highlights include: Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, the leaping hippos and alligators in Dance of the Hours, the rise and fall of the dinosaurs set to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, the dancing mushrooms of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, with its fearsome winged demon raging at the heavens.<BR>One of Walt Disney's ambitions for the project was to rerelease the film periodically over the years with new sequences. Though the film was regularly rereleased, it wasn't until 1999 that his intention was finally realized with the premiere of FANTASIA 2000, a lavish follow-up that included a digitally restored Sorcerer's Apprentice and a host of new material. The original FANTASIA, however, remains a one-of-a-kind auditory and visual experience that is still, in many ways, far ahead of its time.
Technical information
Special Features: Bonus Footage - 1. CLAIR DE LUNE, Scene Access, Interactive Menus
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.0
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital 5.0 English
Animated: Animated
Professional reviews
Review: "...One of the landmarks of American animation, as well as a key document in the popularization of classical music..." (New York Times, p.C4, 05/11/1982)
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09.02.2001
