Watch Fantasia 2000

Fantasia 2000 is the sequel to Disney's classic 1940 film, Fantasia. Like its predecessor, it's a collection of animated segments set to classical music, but with an updated roster of composers and a mix of traditional and computer-generated animation techniques. The movie was released in 1999 and features performances by James Levine, Steve Martin, and Itzhak Perlman.

The film begins with a brief introduction by Steve Martin, who explains that Fantasia 2000 is meant to be a continuation of the original movie's tradition of combining music and animation in creative ways. The first segment, set to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, uses abstract imagery to depict the struggle between order and chaos. The animation is characterized by bold colors and lively movements, making it a fitting visual accompaniment to Beethoven's iconic music.

The second segment, "Pines of Rome," is a serene and enchanting depiction of a group of flying whales. The images are designed to create a sense of weightlessness, as the whales glide gracefully through the sky. The music, by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, is delicate and ethereal, perfectly capturing the feeling of flight and freedom.

The third segment, "Rhapsody in Blue," brings to life the hustle and bustle of 1930s New York City. Set to George Gershwin's classic jazz piece, the animation depicts everyday life in the city, from people commuting on crowded trains to sidewalk vendors selling hot dogs. The animation style is reminiscent of classic cartoons from the era, with exaggerated caricatures and vivid colors.

The fourth segment, "Piano Concerto No. 2, Allegro, Opus 102" is a touching story about a family of flamingos trying to help their youngest member learn to fly. The animation is beautifully rendered, with lifelike depictions of the birds and their environments. The music, by Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovich, is emotional and evocative, perfectly capturing the drama of the story.

The fifth segment, "The Carnival of the Animals, Finale," is a whimsical depiction of the natural world, set to the music of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The animation features a menagerie of animals, including dancing flamingos, prancing ostriches, and playful seals. The vibrant colors and playful movements of the animation perfectly match the joyful spirit of the music.

In the sixth segment, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," Mickey Mouse returns to the screen in a new adventure. This segment is a tribute to the original Fantasia, featuring the beloved character and some classic animation techniques, as well as new animation technology. The music, by French composer Paul Dukas, is one of the most iconic pieces from the original Fantasia, and the new animation makes it feel fresh and exciting.

The seventh and final segment, "Firebird Suite," is a dramatic and intense depiction of the cycle of life and death. The animation is a mix of traditional and computer-generated imagery, with bold colors and striking designs. The music, by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, is haunting and powerful, leading the viewer through a journey of transformation and rebirth.

Overall, Fantasia 2000 is a wonderful homage to the original movie, updating the classic concept for a modern audience without losing the magic and wonder of the original. The segments are all visually stunning and perfectly paired with their respective pieces of music, making for a truly immersive and mesmerizing viewing experience. The addition of new sequences and updated animation techniques help keep the movie feeling fresh and exciting, while the classic themes of music and imagination remain as inspiring as ever.

Fantasia 2000 is a 1999 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 59.