Fantasia/2000 (1999)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Directors:

James Algar
Gaëtan Brizzi

Writers:

Eric Goldberg (story) (segments "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Carnival of the Animals, The")
Hans Christian Andersen (story) (segment "Piano Concerto #2")

Release Date:

31 December 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Family | Fantasy | Music

Plot:

An update of the original film with new interpretations of great works of classical music.

Plot Keywords:

Mickey Mouse | Forest | Classical Music | Donald Duck | Sorcerer

Awards:

4 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Leopold Stokowski	...	Himself - Conductor (segment "The Sorcerer's Apprentice") (archive footage)
Ralph Grierson	...	Pianist (segment "Rhapsody in Blue")
Kathleen Battle	...	Featured Soprano (segment "Pomp and Circumstance") (voice)
Steve Martin	...	Himself - Introductory Host
Itzhak Perlman	...	Himself - Host (segment "Pines of Rome")
Quincy Jones	...	Himself - Host (segment "Rhapsody in Blue")
Bette Midler	...	Herself - Hostess (segment "Piano Concerto No. 2, Allegro, Opus 102")
James Earl Jones	...	Himself - Host (segment "Carnival of the Animals")
Penn Jillette	...	Himself (as Penn)
Teller	...	Himself - Host (segment "The Sorcerer's Apprentice")
James Levine	...	Himself - Host (segment "Pomp and Circumstance"), Conductor (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)
Angela Lansbury	...	Herself - Hostess (segment "Firebird Suite - 1919 Version")
Wayne Allwine	...	Mickey Mouse (segment "Pomp and Circumstance") (voice)
Tony Anselmo	...	Donald Duck (segment "Pomp and Circumstance") (voice)
Russi Taylor	...	Daisy Duck (segment "Pomp and Circumstance") (voice)

Also Known As:

Fantasia 2000 (Philippines: English title) (USA) (alternative spelling)
Fantasia '99 (USA) (working title)
Fantasia Continued (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

75 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.44 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS | IMAX 6-Track

Certification:

USA:G (certificate #36995) | Malaysia:U | South Korea:All | Brazil:Livre | Argentina:Atp | Chile:TE | Denmark:7 | Finland:K-6/4 | France:U | Germany:o.Al. (w) | Hong Kong:I | Mexico:A | Netherlands:AL | New Zealand:G | Norway:7 | Peru:PT | Spain:T | Switzerland:0 (canton of Geneva) | UK:U | Greece:K | Philippines:G

Company:

Richard Purdum Productions

Trivia:

The opening abstract segment, set to Beethoven's Fifth, directly mirrors the opening of _Fantasia (1940)_( qv) which also began with an abstract section, set to Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.

Goofs:

Continuity: In "Rhapsody in Blue", a sign inside Monica's cafe reads "2 EGGS ANY STYLE 25c". A sign outside the cafe reads "2 EGGS 10c".

Quotes:

Bette Middler: Hi. You may not know this, but over the years the Disney artists have cooked up dozens of ideas for new Fantasia segments. Some made it to the big screen this time, but others - lots of others - how can I put this politely?... didn't.

Movie Connections:

References The Rescuers (1977)

Soundtrack:

Firebird Suite - 1919 Version

Gorgeous!

I can't stop watching it!!! Four of the seven new segments in this film are alone well worth the admission. Roy Disney Jr. sets the stage for a remarkable departure from the usual animated dreck that Disney has been bogged down by for the last half-decade (Toy Story aside). Disney have hereby restored my faith in them as leading the pack in animated cinema. I want more!!

"Pines of Rome", a marvelous piece set to the "story" of whales leaving the water and eventually the planet, is worth viewing several times for it's symbolism and exquisite look. "Rhapsody in Blue", by Gershwin, is given perfect treatment by a day in the life of New York City. The pace is quick and manages to give each character studied enough depth to make a very satisfying and touching ending. "Pomp and Circumstance", the graduation standard, is humorous and sweet. Creating a love story involving Donald and Daisy Duck into the story of Noah's Ark worked surprisingly well. "Firebird Suite"- WOW. This is the most incredible segment of the film. It's a PERFECT marriage of music and animation and MUST be played loud. Very emotional and powerful indeed.

I had to post another comment because I can't stress enough that it's a worthy successor to the original Fantasia, and Walt would be proud.