Review of Fantasia 2000 (2000) by Elenie C — 24 Jul 2008

Beautiful music. Beautiful animation. Works like Rhapsody in Blue and Pines of Rome were probably my favourites. Unfortunately I was in a plane when I saw this, so I couldn't fully experience the beauty and grace of Pines of Rome. I imagine that it must be incredible on the big screen, and it won't just be because of my affection for whales. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major was also something sweet with its retelling of the old 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier' story and The Sorcerer's Apprentice brings back memories of the first Fantasia. I'm glad nothing in the animation was changed - everything looked as grainy as before. The Carnival of the Animals was not bad either, bringing a humorous story of a flamingo who simply wants to play with a yo-yo rather than join the rest of the flamingoes. Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 was absolutely fanastic also.

I enjoyed Pomp and Circumstance with Donald as the main character although I didn't particularly think the story suited the music that well. Even if Pomp and Circumstance was not associated with graduation ceremonies, I felt as if the song needed a different story than Noah's Ark. I could be wrong - I may need to see the movie again to give a better judgement. The humour here is even different compared to the other songs. A joke in Rhapsody in Blue, for example, was how people move in rush hour. There's no room for the bellboy at the apartments to breathe as he braces himself for the oncoming human traffic. A joke in Pomp and Circumstance was Donald Duck noticing that a pair of (smaller) real ducks were entering the ark and Donald's look of irony at the camera. Still, Pomp and Circumstance was entertaining as a normal Disney cartoon.

Sadly, I thought Igor Stravinsky's Firebird Suite with the theme of 'Life, Death and Rebirth' was the weakest. It is beautiful, I don't doubt it and I love how the spirit (or whatever she may be) moves. She moves like waves across the forest bringing things to life. Perhaps it's because I thought they shouldn't have put a woman as the spirit - although I can understand since it's easier to give a human facial and body expressions. Perhaps it's because the story wasn't as interesting as the others. Or maybe it's because I don't think that story should have been last. Hm... I probably would have preferred if everything had the abstract appearance, like the first clip: Symphony No. 5.

Still, the movie was great but it must be seen on a big screen or the effect would never be as strong. Is it better than the first? I don't think they should be compared but it's more audience friendly. The original had simpler tales and relied on less recognisable characters but was more dramatic than this one. It's been a long time since I've seen the original but I think that 2000 was not made to compete or to be compared with the original. It's merely made in respect for the original.