FanTasiaTwoThousand

Fantasia 2000 (Theater Release)

The visuals aren't quite as compelling as the IMAX version, but Fantasia still does an excellent job of bringing some great classical works to life, with the exception of a fairly mediocre Beethoven segment (the animation, not the music, being mediocre). The Gershwin and Sostakovich pieces are especially well done, and seeing Donald Duck lose his temper to the rhythm of "Pomp and Circumstance" is quite amusing and ironic. Compared to the original, Fantasia 2000 is much shorter, but also much bolder and perkier (Unlike the original, you don't have to sit through the orchestra tuning or listen to a stuffy music critic introduce the pieces). -- Yeah, it was really lame how the original had to sit through those things. That movie got really bored.

• AlexBobbs says this is a must-see for fans of classical music. Others may not be quite as delighted, but will hopefully find it worthwhile.

• IanSchempp loved this movie...well...he loved the IMAX one...and he highly recommends the Pines of Rome track. He is also glad because Disney has now made upwards of five movies he likes.

• TracyvanCort saw this movie twice in IMAX form, and loved it both times. Her favorite segment is the last, based on Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, which is visually stunning and evocative of all kinds of neat myths, regardless of what the ignorant patriarchist New York Times culture snob (I mean, critic) thought... uh, don't ask about that unless you want to hear a major rant. Also, the Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue) segment was highly enjoyable: both musically one of my favorite pieces of all time, and visually a departure from standard Disney animation. Plus there's an appearance by Penn and Teller which was silly-enjoyable even if Geoff didn't like it.

• LucasBaker saw the IMAX version, and absolutely loved it. It's awesome if you're a fan of classical music, and even if you're not, the scenes fit the music so well that its just cool to watch.

• NateCappallo agrees that the IMAX version was the way to go. I saw it in IMAX and I saw it in below average theater, and there was no comparison. I will say, however, that it is still an excellent movie in the theater, but should be viewed in the best quality sound environment possible. It really makes a difference. This is truly an amazing film.

• AriNieh watched it during SuckItTucson?, shortly before it expired, and thought it was awesome.

• GeoffRomer didn't actually watch it until after he owned it on DVD, but when he did, was glad he had it. It's magnificent. Like several others, I particularly like the 'Firebird' and 'Rhapsody in Blue' segments, but I also thought the Shostakovitch piece was outstanding. The interstitials were lame and distracting, though (yes, Tracy, even Penn and Teller)

• AdamField also agrees that it's really awesome, especially as it contains some of his favorite classical pieces of all time. Mmm... Pines of Rome... I really need to see it again. The first and last time I saw it was on IMAX when it came out.

• RichardGarfinkel thought it was brilliant and a vast improvement over the original. I liked the music more and also felt that the animation was much more compelling. Also, I absolutely love Firebird Suite.

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CategoryMovie