FANTASIA 2000 (Theatrical Release USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Fantasia 2000, released worldwide January 1, 2000 in IMAX theaters, stands on its feet as the paragon, the crème de la crème, the quintessence, the ne plus ultra, the iconic blueprint of artistic endeavor of classical music paired with animated imagery. This nonpareil sequel to the original 1949 Fantasia crowns all Disney achievements while sweeping the board with its inimitable arrangements. It is artistic imagination at its zenith. If you’ve been told that joy, happiness, and laughter are not tactile, think again. Disney, with Fantasia 2000, allows something almost outside of itself, three-dimensional, malleable like clay to slide from the big screen embracing, alluring, and seducing completely, finally, and totally. The only possible criticism that may have some validity for this work is that at 75 minutes of breathtaking entrancement, it’s far too short. Set in eight separate pieces, Roy E. Disney captured something that needs, at least, the length of a complete Carnegie Hall performance.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Thank you to directors: James Algar, Gaëtan and Paul Brizzi, Hendel Butoy, Francis Glebas, Eric Goldberg, Don Hahn, and Pixote Hunt. Thank you to Executive Producer Roy E. Disney for making the film possible. Cast include: Conductor Leopold Stokowski, Actor James Earl Jones, Entertainer Comedians Penn Jillette and Teller, Actor Quincy Jones, Actress Bette Midler, Pianist Ralph Grierson, Actress Angela Lansbury, Actor Wayne Allwine voicing Mickey Mouse, Soprano Kathleen Battle, Actor Steve Martin, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, Conductor James Levine, Actress Russi Taylor voicing Daisy Duck, and Animator Tony Anselmo voicing Donald Duck.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film deserves an uproar of BRAVO! ENCORE! with a long session of clapping. The music combined with the animation makes a wonderful, re-watchable movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers