Moving right along...
#23 – Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Best Character: The Sprite
Worst Characters: The celebrity hosts
It’s true; I prefer Fantasia 2000 to the original. No, this film in not as innovative and it’s not a classic. But it does have more enjoyable segments. It’s also shorter, which causes me so much less boredom than the first one did. Not to say there aren’t any boring segments in this one – there are. Simply that this film has more segments with a coherent plot, and fewer boring ones that drag on for far too long. In fact, this film took the best segment from Fantasia and brought it back a second time, complete with a better supporting cast of segments to surround it! While I respect Fantasia for creating The Sorcerer’s Apprentice first, that doesn’t hold much weight when I rank the films. Fantasia 2000 takes the best segment from Fantasia and then shells out more segments that I happen to enjoy. And that is why I prefer Fantasia 2000.
Even the mandatory abstract opening segment was improved upon. It’s still my least favorite from the film, but Symphony No. 5 in C minor was actually pretty good. It showcased a tense battle between light and darkness that captivated much more than the opening segment to the original did. This film really doesn’t include any segment I dislike. Pomp and Circumstance is a take on Noah’s flood with Donald playing the part of Noah’s first mate and Daisy as his assistant. Piano Concerto No. 2 is a take on the Steadfast Tin Soldier that has an easily recognizable plot and climax, as well as decent characters. I really liked the scene where the toy soldier is sent down the sewer. The Carnival of the Animals was a short but funny piece about flamingos and a yoyo. It reminded me of something Pixar would do for its opening shorts. Pines of Rome was the second segment in the film, and had one of the most beautiful settings in the entire film. I didn’t care much for the plot, but it was beautiful to look at, especially the portion where the music was animating the aurora borealis.
The remaining three segments were exquisite. I won’t go into any more detail on the Sorcerer’s Apprentice as I already discussed it in the write-up for Fantasia. I’m just glad that this was the one segment they brought it back. One of my favorites of the film is Rhapsody In Blue. This segment details the lives of a few individuals living in New York around the time of the Great Depression in an animated style popular at the time. It’s actually pretty funny, and I found the music to match the art style perfectly. There are a number of different protagonists, each given enough time to develop their goals and personas enough so the audience can appreciate them.
I may be in the minority here, but I liked the Firebird Suite more as a closer than Night on Bald Mountain. Both are spectacular, but the Firebird Suite introduces the sprite. From the small amount of time she is given on film she is able to make a lasting impression on the audience. She exudes beauty and kindness, and the way she dances and flows with the accompanying music is beautiful to watch. Really the entire segment is beautiful, complete with excellent animation and a backdrop homage to Mt. St. Helens. This segment to me embodies what Fantasia is about. The animation operates with the music wonderfully, memorable characters are established, the imagery is beautiful, and there’s clear tension and an arc between the sprite and the Firebird. The ending is perfect for the closure of Fantasia 2000, ending with a triumph for good and symbolizing rebirth.