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Fantasia and Fantasia 2000
Reviewer: Alyice Edrich
The Cartoon
Plot
A musical symphony brought to live through colorful animation.
Review
When my son was a toddler, my honorary grandfather arrived at our home with a gift he believed would stimulate my son's young mind and give him an appreciation for music—that gift was Fantasia on VHS.
I remember thinking, "This is painfully long!" But that was not the case for my son, nor for my daughter four years later. To them, Fantasia was captivating and magical.
Fantasia made for good company. They could play with their toys while listening to music that both calmed and energized them. And when they needed a break from playing, they could stare at the television set and make up stories about what was taking place or simply dance around the room.
I'm not sure my grandfather's theory about Fantasia stimulating the brain was true, but I can say that both my children have a deep appreciation for music, and both my children are academically smart—though one seems to come by it more naturally than the other.
Truth…it's been awhile since I put in that VHS version of Fantasia so when I heard Disney was releasing a Blu-Ray combo pack I just had to see what all the fuss was about. And I wondered, "Would I like Fantasia now that I am more mature in age and mind?"
Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
I would caution, however, that you really have to be in the right mindset to watch Fantasia and Fantasia 2000. If you're not ready to just chill out and relax, it is going to feel painfully slow and you're going to keep thinking, "I've got more important things I can be doing".
If, on the other hand, you need something to help you wind down, Fantasia is a good choice. Grab a cup of hot tea, turn down the lights, sink into a comfy couch, and turn on Fantasia. Within minutes you'll find the stress of your day washing away and if you close your eyes and allow the music to minister to your soul, you'll discover just how calming the whole experience can be.
If I had to choose between the original Fantasia and Fantasia 2000, I would definitely choose the original as 2000 seems a bit flat by comparison.
Fantasia was first released in 1940 and narrated by Deems Taylor. There are 8 classical compositions set to animation and the animation is designed to ebb and flow with the music. And in between each of those compositions is a narrator setting up the next composition.
There are so many visually stimulating aspects of Fantasia that each time you watch it you will spot something new. And the more you see the animation ebb and flow with the music, the more you'll find yourself appreciating classical music.
What makes Fantasia truly fascinating is that the artists created scenes based upon how the music made them feel—what inspired them; not what the initial composers had in mind when writing the pieces. This interpretation, in my opinion, is what makes the film work.
As for the Blu-Ray combo pack, I personally do not feel there are enough bonuses.
I am very disappointed to discover that the documentary/feature "Fantasia Legacy" has been omitted completely and that the Disney Family Museum feature is nothing more than a promotion for the museum itself. As for the feature on Scultheis' Notebook, I feel as though things were just getting interesting when we were cut off. What good is a documentary or a bonus feature if you don't follow through and give the whole story?
That being said, I really like that Disney opted to include both the DVD and the Blu-Ray versions of the films in one pack. I also like the fact that they've included commentaries on both films, included an interactive art gallery of sketches and drawings, and completed the animated short, Destino.
If you, like me, still have the VHS version, upgrading is a welcome treat; just don't do it for the bonuses.
Order Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 Today!
Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the DVD to review.
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