Fantasia 2000 - Movie Review

Following in the wake of a beloved legend, Fantasia 2000 competently carries the torch with visually impressive animated sequences that are interpretations of significant works of music. While some will pine for more sophisticated interpretations and balk at the artistic license, the concert film is a well-paced, varied set of themes that offers the abstract, the surreal, and the comical, and is a showcase for cutting-edge animation. While there are touches of outright brilliance, Disney generally takes the lower road in order to successfully appeal to the masses.

The familiar Beethoven's Symphony No.5 provides a strong start that depicts abstract visuals of multi-colored, winged creatures. Respighi's Pines of Rome offers a surreal sequence that shows graceful whales that float in air in the same manner that they float through water—a compelling sequence created with dazzling 3D computer animation.

The next sequence, based on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, profiles a semi-comic day in New York City with caricatures that are inspired by the cartoons of Al Hirschfeld. In stark contrast to the 2D animation and jazzy score of the Gershwin, Shostakovich's Piano Concerto #2, Allegro, Opus 102 provides an almost perfect setting for "The Steadfast Tin Soldier." the beloved Hans Christian Anderson tale.

Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals provides a comic answer to the question, "What happens when you give a flamingo a yo-yo?" This short segment has the hilarious comic flair of the original Fantasia's Dance of the Hours. Next, Mickey Mouse's timeless, water-filled The Sorcerer's Apprentice offers a direct tie to the original Fantasia.

The familiar Elgar Pomp and Circumstance provides an entertaining backdrop to the voyage of Noah's Arc, with Donald Duck as Noah's assistant. The irascible one deals with difficult animal, and the long voyage in an entertaining and comic romp that is not quite the equal of Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice.

The best is saved for last: Stravinsky's Firebird Suite-1919 Version is the backdrop for the story of a sprite that introduces Spring and struggles with a volcanic Firebird. The ever-flowing sprite, the beautiful natural scenery, and the powerful Firebird (which, while impressive, can't hold a candle to the Devil in the original Fantasia's Night on Bald Mountain sequence) make for a visually stunning animated sequence.

The music is performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of James Levine, and needless introductions are provided by personalities as diverse as Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Quincy Jones, and Penn & Teller. While the film will release in theaters this Spring, the experience of watching the feature on a large IMAX screen is impressive. In all, Fantasia 2000 is an exquisite work that is worthy of the Fantasia name. A must-see for Fantasia fans, and a film that will be enjoyed by most.

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