Volume 2, Issue 4 University of Houston
Recreating a classic vision
Brandon H. Franks
Staff writer
Fantasia 2000
Disney
75 minutes
G
When people hear the word "IMAX," they don't normally think of full-length movies, but Disney hopes to change that with Fantasia 2000.
When it was first released in 1941, Walt Disney wanted Fantasia to be work in progress. Disney's dream was to break new ground with the movie. His dream has finally been realized.
Seeing the lights rise on the seven-story tall screen, you're instantly drawn into an incredible world of art and music that leaves you amazed throughout the entire film.
Seven new features were made for the film, the only reprise being the return of Mickey Mouse in the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment.
The first part takes you into artist Pixote Hunt's view of Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony."
The second segment tells the story of a baby whale getting lost in a arctic cave with excerpts from Ottorino Respighi's, "Pines of Rome" in the background.
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
"Carnival of the Animals," a scene from Disney's Fantasia set to the music of Camille Saint-Saëns, is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
There is much to see and be amazed by as you sit through incredible adaptations of Hans Christian Anderson's, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Gerswin classic, "Rhapsody in Blue."
You'll laugh as a flamingo plays with a yo-yo to the "Carnival of the Animals" and the ever regal "Pomp and Circumstance" tells the tale of Donald Duck as Noah's assistant. This is the first time Donald has gotten equal billing with Mickey Mouse.
Perhaps the most incredible vision in Fantasia is the sequence for the "Firebird" suite by Igor Stravinsky. It is truly amazing.
Fantasia 2000 is much better than the first one and will leave you with a smile on your face.
With guest narrators such as Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Quincey Jones and James Earl Jones, the transitions smoothly introduce each piece.
This is one film everyone will love even if you're not a big fan of classical music. As incredible as Fantasia 2000 is, could another one really be better? Let's hope so. This is one tradition Disney should really consider continuing.
Grade: A
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