Okay...Fantasia. Where to begin? :)
I'd never seen this one all the way through before. I bought it a couple of years ago when it was released on DVD, and I had watched certain scenes with a younger cousin. But she mostly only wanted to see Mickey, so I didn't get to see much of the rest. :)
In case you didn't know (though I'm sure you do), Fantasia isn't a traditional animated story. It is animation set to eight (I think?) pieces of classical music. It's different. I get that they were trying something different and creative here...I know it's important because of that.
But I just wasn't too crazy about it. The animation was gorgeous, of course, but I found it a little boring. First of all, I'm not really a fan of classical music. Also, I prefer traditional stories. I'm not saying that music can't tell a story: I know it can. Fantasia just isn't my favorite. :)
I have to say that I loved the Nutcracker Suite section. All of the fairies were lovely, with the trails of fairy dust and the sparkling flowers. That was pretty incredible.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice section was pretty good, too. Though Mickey taking an axe to the broom...good grief! I never knew that cutting wood could be so violent. :)
{I guess this is the first full length Disney film that features animation and live action in the same film...even within the same scene, when Mickey interacts with the conductor. So that's neat.}
Then they go into all of the creation of the world and evolution junk. Besides the fact that as a Christian I have issues with things as they describe them, that whole section was pretty depressing. (Though the dinosaur scenes gave me a strange desire to watch Land Before Time movies. I used to love those!) There's an (oddly bloodless) dinosaur fight, and a gloomy section where the dinosaurs are all dying from lack of water.
One of my favorite parts was the impromptu jazzy song that the orchestra starts playing after coming back from intermission. I wish they had let them play on longer! :)
The Greek mythology part wasn't exactly what I expected. I was imagining serious and regal, but it was more of a mix of My Little Pony and Candyland.
Fantasia is full of strange extremes, so it feels disjointed. It includes everything from dying dinosaurs and evil demons to ostrich, hippo, and elephant ballerinas (?).
So my overall reaction to Fantasia is...eh. There were some beautiful and interesting parts, but it's not really my taste. It feels like an odd experiment that Disney wanted to try amongst the traditional stories. And I much prefer the traditional stories. :)
Do you like Fantasia?
Until next time,
That was one of the most worn out old VHS tapes ever in the H family household. ;) In other words, I loved it sooo much and still do! I loved that each piece was unique to itself - not really fitting in as a whole - and the classical music was excellent. At least you gave it a watch, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteI love Fantasia!
ReplyDeleteI do love Fantasia - my favorite part has to be the dancing mushrooms. SO CUTE. Seriously, what is more adorable that little dancing mushrooms?!?
ReplyDeleteDitto everything you said. I get that this was a different and, in some ways, breakthrough animated film, but to me it's boring. The animation is definitely beautiful, though!
ReplyDeleteI remember watching it a my grandma's house when I was little, and being very unimpressed. The lack of story turned a visually appealing piece into a boring jumble of pointless scenes, and two hours of wasted time... at least, that's what my 8 year old brain got out of it. I need to find a copy so I can see if I'm still the uncultured person who requires more than lovely music and stunning animation to hold my attention. :D
ReplyDeleteThe Land Before Time movies were awesome!
Hi Taylor...I realize much time has passed. I wonder if youve seen this movie again....a person doesnt have to be cultured to enjoy this movie/music..but rather have a pliable imagination and an open mind. I hope the world has been kind to u these last few years....tc
DeleteDon't even really remember this one but not sure it ever made sense. ;) LOL!
ReplyDeleteThis has never been one of my favorites either. I do like the Sorcerer's Apprentice section, though. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Fantasia, ever since I was little. The music is the best part.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little, I didn't like Fantasia. I thought it was way too slow. Fantasia 2000 however, I watched over and over. I still through it on when I need something playing in the background.
ReplyDelete