Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Directed by Don Hahn, et al.
When Fantasia was released in 1940, Walt Disney had a unique concept: he envisioned that the film would be in constant, continuous release, with segments being rotated in and out of a fluctuating program. Unfortunately, that idea fell through when audiences just didn’t get the film. That didn’t stop animators from constantly having ideas for a follow-up to the film, however. Meanwhile, the film was being rereleased and rereleased, always in its original form, and finally, when it was released on VHS, it broke sales records, showing the Studio that there was, now, a lot of love for the film.
That brings us to Fantasia 2000, my favorite film of the Disney Animated Canon. Where initially, the idea was to occasionally rotate sequences out, here is seven brand new segments, along with a returning segment from the original film. It’s very hard to be objective about this film, because I think it is pure brilliance. Even from the opening of the film, which expertly blends the opening of the original film (which helps set up the concept of the film), with the updated concepts and visuals of the modern age. Each sequence that follows is brilliant, as well.
“Symphony No. 5” (Beethoven)
Abstract…birds? Butterflies? Doritos?
One of the most well-known openings in music (Bum-Bum-Bum-BUUUUUMMMM) launches us into the first sequence, an abstract piece of animation, that mirrors the abstract opening of the original film. Here, pastels and chalk-like animation tell the abstract story of bird-like characters and a fight against an evil force. It’s short, powerful, and wonderful.
Segment Grade: A+
“Pines of Rome” (Respighi)
The high-flying finale of “Pines of Rome”
This is one the segments people seem to think of most when this film comes to mind: “Isn’t that the one with the flying whales?”. Yes, yes it is. Many people are confused by the flying whales, whereas I agree with the artists: “Why NOT flying whales?”.
The only issue with this piece is, for me, the middle drags a bit, but the soaring finale more than makes up for it.
Segment Grade: B+
“Rhapsody in Blue” (Gershwin)
The beautiful final shot of “Rhapsody in Blue”, a sequence so complex, it actually delayed work on Tarzan
This is the longest sequence in the film, which is unsurprising, considering it covers four separate storylines: a construction worker who wants to be a drummer, an unemployed man who wants a job, a little girl who wants her parents to notice her, and a man with an overbearing wife who just wants to have fun. The segment is fun, using the drawing style of Al Hirschfeld to illustrate New York City. The segment also takes its name literally, with most of the artwork being in various shades of blues.
From my understanding, the music for this segment is played at a MUCH faster tempo than the music was composed for, but I don’t mind it. It’s a fun, energetic piece.
Segment Grade: A
“Piano Concerto No. 2, Allegro, Opus 102” (Shostakovich)
Two of the three main characters of The Steadfast Tin Soldier
This is a segment based on another Hans Christian Anderson story (WHERE ARE MY ROYALTIES?!). I love this segment for the piano, which is very impressive. The animation here is a great blend of computer-generated main characters and hand drawn backgrounds. The ending of the story is changed, but it plays so well!
Segment Grade: A
“The Carnival of the Animals (Le Carnival des Animaux), Finale” (Saint-Saëns)
Yo-Yo!!
The shortest segment of the film, the best thing about this is it features my favorite Disney character, Yo-Yo Flamingo! His infectious spirit is something I’ve always found inspiring, and I love watching him not let anything get him down.
Segment Grade: A+
“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (Dukas)
I think it’s highly appropriate that this sequence carries over from the original film, as this is the segment that was responsible for the film being made in the first place.
I’ve always loved this segment; Sorcerer Mickey is my favorite version of Mickey. I also love the brooms in the segment, as they are just relentless (there’s a shot of the brooms marching into the water that matches the music so well and I just love it so much).
Mickey Meets the (other) Maestro
There’s also another great connection between the films after the segment: in the original, Mickey ran up (in silhouette) and shook hands with maestro Stokowski. Here, that segment is repeated, then Mickey moves on and meets maestro Levine. It’s a cute little bridge gap of 60 years.
Segment Grade: A+
“Pomp and Circumstance - Marches 1, 2, 3, and 4” (Elgar)
Proud Donald, before things go awry…
This music is most popularly known as the Graduation March, and here, the processional concept is applied to Noah’s Ark, featuring Donald and Daisy as assistants to Noah. I was honestly surprised that Disney would include such an overtly biblical topic in the film, but luckily the segment is hilarious.
The finale always makes me tear up a little, to be honest. The plot, the animation, and the high Soprano make it a silly segment with a ton of heart.
Segment Grade: A+
“Firebird Suite - 1919 Version” (Stravinsky)
The actual moment that makes me tear up at this segment, every time
I can’t sing the praises of this segment enough. I have always felt this segment is the most perfect piece of animation I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing storytelling, it’s incredibly moving, and it takes my breath away every single time I watch it.
Segment Grade: A+
I think this film is 100% brilliance. It’s a shame that it gets so little love (which caused a proposed follow up to be cancelled), because it’s an absolute gem of a film, and hands-down, my favorite of all 56 Disney Animated Films.
FINAL GRADE: A+
