A Wonderful Adventure Through Art and Music

I didn't even know Fantasia 2000 had come out earlier on IMAX. However, when I saw previews for it on TV, I knew I had to rush out to the mall and see it. I had loved the first Fantasia, even owning it on video, and the thought of another excited me greatly. I grabbed another music-n-art loving friend, and we headed out to the nearest theater.

The movie starts with a bit of background. Fantasia was meant to be a constant work in progress. Every now and then, new works would be added, some old ones removed--a blend of new and old pieces. However, this concept was quickly forgotten, until now, except only one piece returns from the first Fantasia.

There are three types of music: the type that tells out a definite story, the type that has some themes that can be connected into a story, and the type that tells no story at all. Fantasia 2000 begins with that first type.

This vignette, set to Beethoven's Symphony no. 5, opens with clouds of butterflies, fluttering around peacefully, until they are attacked by black bats. Then the light pushes them back and the butterflies go back to fluttering. All very abstract, and somewhat lacking compared to all the rest. I was a bit worried about the rest of the film when I saw this.

Next is Pines of Rome, by Ottorino Respighi. This piece falls into the second category: it doesn't tell a specific story, but it can be connected into one. This is a beautifully computer-animated piece with whales, jumping and flying. I, for one, was in awe.

Third is an excellent animation of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. This one is inspired by the line drawings of Al Hirschfeld. This is the first vignette that falls into the first category--it definitely tells a story of four different people in New York, during the depression. One of the best pieces in the film.

Fourth is Hans Christian Anderson's The Steadfast Tin Soldier, set to Piano Concerto No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich. It tells the story of a toy soldier with one leg, and his love, the ballerina. However, they are disrupted by a very weird looking jack-in-the-box. This is a very nice piece, but I have been informed by a friend that instead of living happily ever after, the soldier and the ballerina are supposed to burn together. Ah well, it was nice.

The fifth vignette was the most surprising at all. The music is The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens. This piece is about flamingos with yo-yos. Personally, my friend and I thought it was funny and cute. However, my local newspaper's review on Fantasia suggested that "Saint-Saens should sue for libel". Ouch. I think it was geared more toward the younger audience anyway.

Sixth is the classic The Sorceror's Apprentice from the first Fantasia, featuring Mickey Mouse and bucket-carrying enchanted brooms. Somehow, even with its age, it still makes itself one of the best pieces of Fantasia 2000. I guess things like this never get old.

In the seventh vignette, Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March is used as something completely different than a graduation march. It tells the story of how Donald Duck is getting all the animals onto the ark (as in Noah's Ark). However, he and Daisy get separated, and both believe that the other didn't make it onto the ship. Another cute piece, and while it's somewhat oriented towards children, it's still a nice piece for adults.

The last piece The Firebird, by Igor Stravinsky, was perhaps the best of all. This beautiful story of life, death, and rebirth is animated in an anime style, which fits it perfectly. Watch out, you might jump in the middle!

After every piece, a celebrity guest comes on and introduces the next one. This help to break up the break up the pieces, and are good for children, who may get restless during the music. While many hated them, I didn't mind them.

I recommend this movie for music lovers of all ages. When I went, the theater was full of children, teens, adults, and seniors. While children may not appreciate the flying whales, they will certainly love the flamingos. There is something for everyone.