The Magic of Fantasia is Truly Timeless

Ah, Fantasia. The colorful, musical world of magic and wonder. So many sights and sounds and not a word is spoken the entire movie aside from the host. A symphony curated to artistic mastery. These are the impressions that were left on me after watching this movie once and I’m so excited to watch it again. As a music lover and an animation geek, I’m thrilled to spend time re-watching this movie and sharing all that I find that it has to offer in 2023. You may think Fantasia will be just as boring as the last with only art and music at the helm. But I’m here to set your fears at ease. If you would just uncork a bottle of wine or light up a joint, I’m sure that this movie can be an epic look at what animation is all about, art harmonizing with music.

Three Types of Stories

There are three types of stories that Disney decides to tell in 2 hours and 4 minutes. One that tells a definite story, one that has no specific plot but definite pictures, and one that the music is as abstract as the pictures that it inspired. This is one of those movies that is more visual than anything else, so forgive me if words escape me as I write this post about it. Toccata & Fugue in D Minor isn’t something you’ll find on mainstream radio nowadays. Honestly, my first impression of it was the vampire organ you usually hear right before the crash of thunder and the camera peers into the spooky window. But once the colors begin, you realize that each piece is its own mini adventure. The fade from reality to animation and back again is done in a way that blurs the line between the two if you are truly immersed in childlike wonder.

Boredom vs Intrigue

I can see how I may have been a bit bored watching this the first time around. It’s not something to show a child or even a young adult. Unless you have an eye for art and/or an ear for music, it’s hard to have an appreciation for this kind of movie. I find myself pausing after each one to reflect on it. It’s like making out brilliantly crafted ink blots. To some, it may just be squiggles and lines. To others, you may see falling rain or the instruments themselves. This is especially true in the first two pieces as they go from pure abstract art to short abstract moments. It’s beautiful to watch the waves of music move the animation along and it gives you a deeper appreciation for the music that we hear in the background of all animated movies, musical or not. The animation in the second piece specifically gave a beautiful look into nature and was surely the inspiration for the creatures found in Alice and Wonderland. I will always appreciate Walt’s love for nature and how it is showcased in many of his works in ways that are so vivid and beautiful for their time.

Oh, Mickey...

I’m sad to say that after seeing the first two pieces, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice let me down. I can see how there can be a problem with the animation being done before the composition. Unlike the more abstract pieces, this one had musical holes based on the cues given by the animation. This isn’t to say that it wasn’t a great piece. Mickey is a delight who nearly floods Yensid’s house because he wanted to be lazy so it’s hard not to enjoy. I love how Yensid comes downstairs looking around like “Dafuq going on down here?” and immediately gets rid of all the water that nearly drowned his apprentice. Even the way he snatches the broom away from Mickey gives you the impression that he is vividly cursing him out. All of this and we’re only half an hour into the movie. Wait, what?

When I realized this time paradox, I felt like the guy who dropped his instrument while the host was mid-speech. This movie, unfraternally, gradually becomes increasingly boring the more you watch it unless you have the mindset that you have gone to the theater to watch a live performance. This isn’t the kind of picture you sit curled up on the couch with some popcorn in hand. Each story is set up through the explanation of the host before they show it with animation which can make watching them less exciting. It has a classic feeling that one can authentically get by going to see a live musical performance. The stories that are told are quaint and educational. Some about dinosaurs and the evolution of the world, others about nature sprites and dancing elephants. It gave me a glimpse into a different era that no longer exists and for that I enjoyed it.

Not the Worst Movie to Watch

I’d recommend watching this movie with a good group of friends who like to poke fun at things and get inebriated within reason. If you’re into psychedelics, this may be a great option to watch with an open mind. It’s a unique experience that is a blend of music and art that can’t really be found anywhere else other than Fantasia 2000. Though for a more heightened pallet, this movie (and its successor) stands in its own category that I would love to see refreshed for a modern-day outlook. Fantasia is definitely not the easiest thing to watch in one sitting, but it is pretty fascinating to observe if you can make it through to the end. Fantasia is available on Disney+. I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time!

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in both New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.