Fantasia 2000 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Classical music gets the Disney treatment, resulting in flying whales, yo-yoing flamingos, and Donald Duck almost sinking the Ark because he can’t find his girlfriend.

🍿 Fantasia 2000: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Symphony No. 5 – Beethoven

The film opens with an abstract representation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Colorful, butterfly-like shapes representing light and good clash with dark, bat-like shapes representing darkness and evil. This segment showcases the triumph of light and vibrant colors over the shadows.

Pines of Rome – Respighi

A family of humpback whales discovers they can fly through the ocean and into the sky. A baby whale gets separated from his family, trapped within an iceberg. He eventually reunites with his family as they soar together into outer space. This visually stunning segment is set to Respighi’s majestic score.

Rhapsody in Blue – Gershwin

Set in 1930s New York City and animated in the style of Al Hirschfeld’s caricatures, this segment tells the stories of four individuals. A construction worker dreams of being a drummer, an unemployed man seeks a job, a little girl craves time with her parents, and a man desires a simpler life. Their stories intertwine as they pursue their dreams.

Piano Concerto No. 2 – Shostakovich

This segment adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” A one-legged toy soldier falls in love with a toy ballerina and must protect her from an evil jack-in-the-box. This version deviates from the original story, offering a happier conclusion for the toy couple.

Carnival of the Animals – Saint-Saëns

A humorous and short segment featuring a flock of flamingos. One flamingo deviates from the group’s routines by playing with a yo-yo, causing comical chaos and disrupting the flock’s synchronized movements.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – Dukas

Reprising the classic segment from the original “Fantasia,” Mickey Mouse, as the sorcerer’s apprentice, attempts magic beyond his skill. He animates brooms to carry water, but loses control, leading to a chaotic flood that only his master, Yen Sid, can resolve.

Pomp and Circumstance – Elgar

Donald Duck stars as Noah’s harried assistant, charged with gathering animals for the Ark. He repeatedly loses and searches for Daisy Duck amidst the chaos of loading the animals, providing a comedic retelling of the biblical story.

Firebird Suite – Stravinsky

The final segment showcases a sprite who awakens a destructive firebird within a volcano, leading to the forest’s destruction. With the help of an elk, the sprite restores the forest, depicting the cycle of life, death, and renewal in nature. The music and visuals powerfully combine for an emotional and impactful finale.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Levine (James Levine): The conductor leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in interpreting the classical music pieces for the film.
• Mickey Mouse (Wayne Allwine): The iconic Disney character reprises his role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, learning about the dangers of magic.
• Donald Duck (Tony Anselmo): A comical character who assists Noah in gathering animals for the Ark, facing challenges along the way.
• Daisy Duck (Russi Taylor): Donald Duck’s girlfriend who gets separated from Donald Duck as they embark on Noah’s ark.
• The Sprite (N/A): A nature spirit in ‘Firebird Suite’ who accidentally unleashes a destructive force but ultimately restores life to the forest.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James Earl Jones: “These drawing boards have been the birthplace of some of the most beloved animal characters of all time.” – Introducing the ‘Carnival of the Animals’ segment, highlighting Disney’s legacy of animal characters.
• Steve Martin: “Can I have a ride home?” – Said after the final credits roll, breaking the fourth wall with a humorous remark.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $80,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $60,655,420
• Worldwide Gross: $90,874,570

💥 Fantasia 2000 Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Fantasia 2000 in IMAX and being absolutely blown away! The ‘Pines of Rome’ segment with the whales flying through the sky was so magical, I felt like I was floating with them. ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ was another favorite, the way they brought Al Hirschfeld’s drawings to life was pure genius! It made me want to learn more about classical music and animation. While some of the segments were a bit of a miss, the overall experience was unforgettable and showed me what movies could be.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classical music”
  • “Animation enthusiasts”
  • “Families looking for visually engaging content”
  • “Those interested in experimental film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some segments may be emotionally intense for very young children”
  • “Brief scenes of destruction in ‘Firebird Suite'”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A visual feast for the ears, Fantasia 2000 updates the classic formula with mixed results. While some segments soar, others fail to capture the magic of the original, resulting in an uneven but ultimately engaging experience. The celebrity intros are largely unnecessary.
• Roger Ebert: “Fantasia 2000 is a worthy successor to its predecessor, showcasing stunning animation and imaginative storytelling. The Rhapsody in Blue segment is a particular highlight, a perfect marriage of music and visuals. While not every segment hits the mark, the overall experience is a delight for both children and adults. The celebrity introductions were pointless.
• Empire: “A triumphant return to form for Disney, Fantasia 2000 offers a vibrant and captivating journey through classical music. The animation is breathtaking, and the stories are both inventive and emotionally resonant. The only minor drawback is that some segments feel rushed, leaving you wanting more. Still an exceptional experience.

Audience Reactions

The Rhapsody in Blue segment was a standout, perfectly capturing the energy and spirit of Gershwin’s music.: The animation was visually stunning, and the combination of classical music and Disney magic was enchanting.

The Firebird Suite was emotionally powerful and beautifully animated, a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.: The movie introduced classical music to a new generation in a fun and accessible way.

Overall Consensus: Fantasia 2000 is a visually stunning and imaginative update to the classic film, offering a mixed bag of animation styles and musical interpretations. While some segments are stronger than others, the overall experience is a worthwhile and enjoyable journey into the world of classical music.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Fantasia 2000 was originally conceived as ‘Fantasia Continued,’ intended to be released every few years with a mix of old and new segments.”
• “The ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ segment was initially a separate project by animator Eric Goldberg and was brought into Fantasia 2000 later in production.”
• “Several segments were in development but were ultimately cut, including a Noah’s Ark segment with Mickey Mouse and a Chinese kite legend set to music by Debussy.”
• “The Broadway ending sequence of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ contained over 200 different colors, causing delays in the production of Tarzan (1999) due to rendering issues with the CAPS system.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fantasia 2000?

Fantasia 2000 is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also find it for purchase on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for rental options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fantasia 2000, you might like these similar films:

• Fantasia (1940): The original masterpiece that started the concept of blending animation with classical music.
• Allegro Non Troppo (1976): An Italian animated film that parodies the ‘Fantasia’ concept with dark humor and satire.
• Koyaanisqatsi (1982): A film that combines stunning visuals with a Philip Glass score to create a meditative experience on modern life.
• Tron: Legacy (2010): Features a blend of classical and electronic music by Daft Punk, complementing visually stunning and innovative animation.

🛒 Fantasia 2000 Related Products

• Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 (Two-Movie Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience both Disney masterpieces in stunning high definition. A perfect gift for animation and music lovers, features behind-the-scenes content.
• Disney Fantasia Mickey Mouse Sorcerer’s Apprentice Plush: This high-quality plush captures Mickey Mouse in his iconic Sorcerer’s Apprentice attire, perfect for collectors and fans of all ages.
• Disney Art From Fantasia Book: Explore the stunning artwork and animation from Disney’s Fantasia in this beautifully illustrated book.
• Disney Fantasia 2000 Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating your home or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fantasia 2000 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “Pines of Rome” – performed by Ottorino Respighi
• “Rhapsody in Blue” – performed by George Gershwin
• “Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102: I. Allegro” – performed by Dmitri Shostakovich
• “Carnival of the Animals” – performed by Camille Saint-Saëns
• “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” – performed by Paul Dukas
• “Pomp and Circumstance Marches 1-4” – performed by Edward Elgar
• “The Firebird Suite (1919 Version)” – performed by Igor Stravinsky

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Fantasia 2000 – Disneycember

Curious what the Nostalgia Critic thinks of Fantasia 2000? He dives deep into the movie, pointing out both the good and the hilariously weird. It’s a fun watch if you want a good laugh and some honest opinions!

Fantasia is ONE Story | Origin of Disney Universe: Discovering Disney Theory

Ever wonder if Fantasia is more important than you think? This video proposes that it could be the ORIGIN of the entire Disney universe! Give it a watch and see if you buy the theory — it’s pretty mind-blowing.

The Disney Post-Renaissance Films Ranked! (1999 to 2008)

How does Fantasia 2000 stack up against other Disney movies released between 1999 and 2008? This video ranks them all, and it’s always interesting to see where your favorite lands on the list. I personally think Fantasia 2000 is underrated!

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