Fantasia - Special Edition [DVD] [1940]

Disney's core audience are children. I have to applaud Disney for encouraging children to express interest in classical music through the inspring and clever use of animation. Adults would appreciate the beauty and splendour of what the animation offers. I simply could not resist gaining a taste of Fantasia. Disney conveys the core values of humour and charm in this stunning musical piece of Fantasia. The unique love of animal characters are utilised effectively. The scenery at times varies to provide a fresh dimension to the animation as you are about to observe. It is a break-taking and truly amazing experience to watch. Initially, Fantasia in its earlier days was a commercial failure during its released in 1940. Fortunes swiftly changed as it is now a massive success and enjoyed by millions. Theatres provide regular shows and watching it on DVD is extra special, as it is the original work and you start to appreciate the level of work and money invested in reviving this animation.

I love musicals and really enjoyed this well crafted piece for displaying a surreal world to really appreciate. It is engaging and educational. I find it hard to believe the animation was released 70 years ago, as a narrator and the orchestra group are quickly introduced in the opening sequences in colour. Adding colours in films was possible to achieve in those days as Disney applied a technique known as Technicolor. In those days, it was quite expensive and sophisticated for other film-makers to follow the similar route. The sound and picture quality adds an amazing and unique viewing experience to the animation. The narration is first class and informative. The musical pieces featured are well thought out and displayed to perfection. The innovativeness of mixing animation and music promoted a new dimension.It continues to inspire future generations of animation.

The music comprises a selection of acts from some of the finest and gifted composers who embraced the world. The animation is divided by eight set pieces. We experience the world in its rich beauty, nature and humanity through the amazing world of what animation offers to viewers. The main pieces include Nutcracker Suite, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Dance of the Hours and few others as well. Each piece unfold a story and the music is expertly used to convey the story for its audience. The music tone changes for each piece. It changes from its soft touch to a dramatic atmosphere. The magic of Disney re-ignites. Fantasia is a delight to watch on DVD, as it is unique,charming, stunningly attractive, surreal and expertly displayed. It is a great collection item to include. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend for anyone who loves musicals.

If you only ever see one Disney movie PLEASE make it Fantasia. From the opening sound of the orchestra until the last note dies away it is a total joy. Eight legendary pieces of music by some of the world's most beloved composers joined by characters that only Disney could come up with. The most well known section, of course, revolves around a certain Mouse but that aside there is definitely something here for everyone. My advice is watch this once but don't judge it immediately watch it again and I think you too will fall in love with Fantasia.

Not your average film, I know. But I just loved this film, because of two aspects-

1)The visuals are absolutely stunning, and at the same time absolutely revolutionary. If you consider this was 1940 when they made this, what they managed to achieve was incredible, really taking techniques to the limit. I know these methods have now been superseded by other techniques, but what they achieved THEN was cutting-edge; and you just cannot help feeling admiration for the film-makers. Plus who will be able to forget Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerers Apprentice, the dancing hippos to Ponichelli's Music, the Rite of Spring sequence, the fire of Night on Bald Mountain, the visuals used in tandem to Bach's Toccata and Fugue? I certainly haven't! Okay, not your average plotline, but if you just take this film as showing what they could achieve when taking techniques to the limit, you cannot help but be amazed.

2)The music. I'm sorry, I just LOVE music! And in particular, I love classical music, and never will you get a better collection of classical music in a film(although Kubrick's Clockwork Orange and 2001 have wonderful soundtracks). Bach's Toccata and Fugue played by a full orchestra was a hugely revolutionary thing to do, given that it is an organ piece- and yet it is an absolutely brilliant arrangement. Dukas' Sorcerer's Apprentice, works so well in the film. Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, absolutely revolutionary in itself(causing riots when first performed in 1913), also wonderful piece of music(also listen to his Firebird or Petruchka). Beethoven's Pastorale(6th Symphony), okay not as good as his Fifth, his Eroica, his Moonlight Sonata or his Ninth(my fave classical piece), but again worked so well. Ponichelli's Dance of the Hours, unforgettable sequence with hippos that has to be heard and seen to understand the brilliance. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite- ballet at its best. As for Mussgorgsky's fiery Night On Bald Mountain seguing into the angelic Ave Maria of Schubert, a wonderful experience when combined with the visual. I know I'm being irrational, but the sounds just work so well with the visuals that the film just works. I cannot explain why, it just...works.

So... not your average film then. But a must buy for film and music afficionados, as this is just perfection at its most revolutionary, and revolution at its most perfect, both aural and visual. Fantasia is just revolutionary perfection, you will be spellbound watching and hearing it.