Review of Fantasia 2000 (2000) by Barbara J — 30 Mar 2010

It would've been a bit scary at first knowing that this is a Disney sequel and remembering Disney's reputation for sequels. But then, they have done Rescuers Down Under which was good. So, since this was also a theatrical production, chances were that it would be at least decent. And it turned out to be one of the last great Disney animations yet.

First, the cons: The original film was 120 minutes long giving the impression of being a concert. This runs barely over an hour which pretty much defeats that purpose. The celebrity intros are of no help either. For the most part they are too over-played and are more fitting of a television "how to do it" commercial instead of Fantasia. The only two hosts who would have been perfect replacements for Deems Taylor are Quincy Jones and James Earl Jones both of whom demonstrate the subtle humor, official demeanor, and wealth of knowledge that Taylor had. Also, Rhapsody in Blue while a pretty good segment seems out of place for this Fantasia or any version for that matter.

The animation sequences on the whole are wonderful being more akin to the Disney animation of the 30s and 40s than the time they were produced. The Pines of Rome sequence with its flying whales for all of its CGI glory, looks like something that would have come out of Walt's head had he been around to help create this. The Carnival of the Animals has the same good natured humor that has been seen in the early shorts.

The best of the segments the Firebird is splendidly realized by the two French twins Paul and Gaetan Brizzi. The personification of nature in the form of three characters is an interesting choice. It is also altogether innocent, emotional and scary in much the same manner of Snow White, Pinocchio, or Bambi.

All in all a very worthy sequel to the original film. But guys, if you do make another one, please get a host who respects the material and also make it longer. Thank you.