Rating: 
Summary: A lovely DVD transfer of Fantasia -- well done, Disney!
Review: Many reviewers (not just here) have complained that Disney did not make an effort to digitally remove artifacts such as scratches and crawling cel dust in this DVD edition.Well, I own the old CAV laserdisc from the early 90s -- the big boxed set -- and a direct A/B comparison (getting the laserdisc and DVD in sync and switching back and forth on my TV) shows that this criticism is UNFOUNDED. Disney has DEFINITELY removed much of the crawling cel dust and scratches inherent in the early 90s video transfer. The film looks marvelous. Only the Pastoral segment seems like there isn't much of a difference between the old and new transfers (a shame -- there are quite a few specks in that sequence that could have been removed), but the Nutcracker Suite and Sorcerer's Apprentice segments, in particular, have clearly had much of the dust and scratches elimnated. ** SPOILER ** I mark this as a spoiler because I really might not have noticed if I hadn't read about it in advance. The issue here is the Deems Taylor overdub. Disney found the footage for the full-length introductions by Deems Taylor, which were drastically cut down after the original roadshow exhibition in 1940, but was unable to locate the audio for the segments. In order to restore the film to its original length, it was necessary to have an actor dub over Deems Taylor's voice. While the actor does have a similar-sounding voice, it was not similar enough to have him re-record only the missing dialogue. So they dubbed over the entire Deems Taylor vocal. I agree with the decision to do this, but I'm not so sure they couldn't have kept Taylor's original vocal for the introduction to the first segment in the film, which was the only segment where his dialogue was NOT edited down, so it could have been retained. I feel that the new actor's voice is similar enough to Mr. Taylor's that the five-minute lapse between his introduction to "Toccata and Fugue" and his introduction to "The Nutcracker Suite" would have erased the difference in the viewer's mind. But, as I said, if I hadn't been told about it I probably wouldn't have noticed. While I wish they could have located the missing segments of Taylor's vocal, I'm glad they restored what they had -- they did the right thing. This disc -- especially the 3-disc Anthology, which is what I have -- is still WELL worth having in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: FRONT ROW, MIDDLE SEAT
Review: This right now is my top recommend for DVD owners and first time buyers. Without any hesitation, I can say that this box set tops all box sets released on DVD so far (even the TOY STORY: ULTIMATE TOY BOX you say? - say it isn't so). Disney has left nothing to chance, nothing out, and hasn't held back (if they managed to come up with another limited issue special edition limited time only release... they'll be hard pressed to add anything new). You get three DVD's - FANTASIA, FANTASIA 2000 and FANTASIA LEGACY - and each is packed with a wealth of material. From audio commentary, history, background material, deleated material, the list goes on and on (honestly - there is more material packaged here, so much insight and more gee whiz neato kind of things here that it makes you wonder why we put up just watching movies on tape for the last twenty years). The box set features a polished transfer of each film and superior sound (and if you have the right sound system, you literally have a concert hall in your living room). Simply put, the FANTASIA box set is a must. If you see it, buy it - if you're new to this and a Disney fan, this is the perfect way to start off your collection.
Rating:
Summary: A timeless and ageless masterwork
Review: Walt Disney's visionary masterpiece is as enduring today as when it was first released in 1940. Though one might assume that this is a film for children, it really knows no age, and it is just as enjoyable for adults. The combination of beautiful classical music led by renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski, and amazing animations from the Disney team is a banquet for the senses. What is so amazing about this film is how far ahead of its time it was. Disney had already pioneered the concept of bringing classical music to children with "Silly Symphonies" which were animated shorts set to familiar classical pieces. He had developed the Multiplane camera, which allowed animations to appear as if they had depth. He had assembled an enormous team of animators and redefined the industry. Everything was in place for a chance meeting with Leopold Stokowski that flowered into a collaboration of obsessive geniuses that would become Fantasia. Fantasia really consists of a series of enchanting animated shorts, each adapted to a particular piece of classical music. There are free form abstract interpretations like the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach), a Mickey Mouse version of the Sorcerer's Apprentice (Paul Dukas), and interpretive pieces such as the Pastoral Symphony (Ludwig van Beethoven) and the Nutracker Suite (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky). The selection of the music and the animators' perfect synchronization of the visual images produce a magical and seamless product that makes it seem that the music is written for the images rather than the other way around. Another groundbreaking concept was the sound. Disney invented a system of multiple tracks that he called Fantasound, that placed microphones throughout the orchestra and recorded each track separately. The theaters were then fitted with numerous speakers all around the room that made the sound feel as if it was coming from everywhere. With this, Disney created surround-sound fifty years before its time. To understand what an achievement this was, one would need to understand that simple two speaker stereo hadn't yet been invented. The DVD was re-mastered from Disney's original Fantasound soundtrack making the surround-sound spectacular. The animations were nothing short of miraculous. There was neither digital technology nor computer graphics in 1940. Each frame of the film had to be individually drawn by an animator. One frame took an animator about three hours to complete and there were 24 frames per second. That meant that each second of the film required three full days of labor to produce. The work necessary to produce the smoothly flowing images we see is mind-boggling. The DVD contains a fascinating featurette on the making of the film, including some priceless footage of Disney interviews. He poured his soul into the project and he was crushed that Fantasia was a financial failure when it was released. He endured the negative criticism of its artistic value with great anguish. Little did he know that it would be re-released countless times and eventually become a pop cultural institution. This is a joyful assembly of imagination, invention and dedication, which has left the entire world richer. It is the consummate animated experience. My rating is 10/10. It is one of the few DVD's that I own. Buy it today and marvel at its timeless magic.
Rating:
Summary: Disney... you did it again. Thank you!
Review: I know you are expecting a lot of praise and positive words from me to describe this 'Fantasia Anthology' DVD collection. But what words can be typed upon this small screen, which even come close to describing the dynamic orchestral number seen in the original 'Fantasia' (Disk One of the set) opening? All you have to do... is take the phone off the hook, turn down the room lights, hit the VOLUME UP button on your Remote, and watch... simply... watch and listen. Those first moments when the conductor, Leopold Stokowski, rises up and takes his stand, raising his arms to the ready. His silhouetted form outlined over the multi-hued background, as he strikes his hands downward for the beginning notes to be sounded. To the left side. To the right. And then in the Center. What words may be used to express that power and form.. that feeling and emotion... that timeless accomplishment of over sixty years ago?? Buy this DVD. Watch it in its entirety... and see if you don't agree: Disney has the magic. And they lovingly bring it, /painstakingly/ restored for you the viewer, to be rediscovered by both old and new audiences alike. Yes, dear reader, it is *that* good. Enjoy it again, and again. SR
Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece, But....
Review: Fantasia has been my favorite movie since I first saw it. (I was about 7) When I ran across this boxed set, I jumped at the chance to buy it. Fantasia still retains it's magic. If you have never seen this film, I highly recommend it. Its truly the greatest piece of US animation out there. (While its rated G, its not *really* a kiddie film.) At times I did find the full introductions a bit too wordy. (Possibly because I'm use to the truncated versions.) And I'm not entirely sure they needed to include the entire 15 minute intermision. Fantasia 2000 is another story. Several of the pieces had OBVIOUS computer animation. 'Pines of Rome' was the one I found the most distracting. The Donald Duck and Flamingo pieces were both amusing, but I'm not sure either would stand up to a second viewing. 'The Sorcerer's Aprentice' gave the impression that the top and bottom had been cropped.(I haven't checked this, but they changed the aspect ratio somehow.) The intro's in this movie are why your remote has a chapter skip button. Use it. Overall, the new segments just didn't seem to hold the same magic as the original film, except for 'Rhapsody in Blue.' Fantasia Legacy is a disc for those of us who love extras. If you don't, you're probably better off buying the films seperatly. I haven't had a chance to go through most of this disc, but 'Claire du Lune' is a beautiful piece, and it's a shame they had to cut it from the original. That, and the partially developed ideas in the same section, do raise the question; Why didn't Disney use any of them when they made the sequel?
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant boxed set
Review: The conception of Fantasia in the '30s was a work of genius. Nothing like it had been seen before, so it was a bold decision on Walt Disney's part to go ahead and make it. That it was an amazing success after its initial financially disappointing release proves how far ahead of its time it was. Maybe Fantasia 2000 disappoints because the idea of marrying music to images is no longer new or striking, but I'm willing to bet that we'll be enjoying it for years to come. This boxed set is brilliantly conceived, with the original Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 and a third disc of the Fantasia Legacy. Whichever way you look at it, value for money, enjoyment of the animation and music or the additional background information on the third disc, this is a genuine, gold-plated winner.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-have for Fantasia fans!
Review: The bonus 'Fantasia Legacy' DVD of this 3 DVD set isworth...[it] the 3rd DVD contains an absolute wealth of information including unfinished pieces, storyboard animation sequences set to the original intended music scores, original endings/animation sequences that were later deleted, etc etc etc! It's a Disney History event and it's really telling on why Disney waited so long to put all this out on DVD. You'll spend a good 3 hours going "WOW!" over this 3rd disc and you'll STILL have the original Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 to see at a later date! Run, don't walk to get this...it is THAT good!
Rating: 
Summary: "Uncut version"....I don't think so!
Review: It was great to see all of the narration put back into the film, but this so called "Uncut" edition, is not what is seems. Being a life-long fan and collector of "Fantasia" items, I was shocked to see (or not to see), the small black centaurette pyganinnies, totally removed from the film in the "Pastoral Symphony". Disney's "pan & scan" techinque in one sequence chopped them out and when Bacchus is ushered up the stairs, they have been totally wiped out of the segment (the carpet now rolls itself up to the throne...ah,Disney magic). I have many of the above mentioned sequences on video and was really hoping that they would find their way back into the DVD "uncut version". I realize that in this age of 'racial discrimination" that certain things can't be shown or referred to, but give me a break, "Fantasia" is art and should not have been censored, besides, these are mythical creatures. Also,......I remember Deems Taylor as having a different voice, the one in the DVD really does not sound like him at all. Anyway these are my thoughts. Having waited so long for the "uncut version", I feel very let down.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece Goes Digital
Review: Anyone who denies Disney's masterful talents and techniques needs to sit, watch and be mystified by this package of animated art. There are not enough words in any one language that can truly represent this film. I first saw Fantasia in theaters when I was 10. Safe to say, I was bored out of my mind. Twenty-Two years later, boredom has transformed itself into stunned amazement. How many masterpieces such as this can be so beautiful as to facilitate tears? Not many...In a day and age where few can truly define art, this film is as far as one needs to travel when it comes to the art of animation. Disney has no peer when it comes to creating the tapestry in which both children and their parents can sit and be reminded of the beauty within the imagination, and the light that still burns so brightly in this world. These films will forever reign as Disney's Tour De Force. A whimsical, and beautifully rendered vision of one man's brilliance (Walt Disney) and the power of his legacy. Who says there is'nt life after death. Uncle Walt will forever be in our hearts, and his visions from the past can stand proud in how the Disney tradition remains today.
Rating:
Summary: A keepsake that will last forever
Review: After watching Fantasia 2000 in the IMAX theater, DVD would be the only way to be able to compare it to its original intent. The music is fabulous, and the animation is flawless. It seems as if the music was actually written for each segment -- that is how well it is blended. Disney has also included a galore of unseen footage and behind the scenes interviews. Fantasia Anthology is definitely a DVD set which the whole family will enjoy time and time again.
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