 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fantasia
- Review Date: August 3, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1940
Common Sense Media says
Breathtaking animation feat -- with some creepy visuals.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this very early animated film (1940) contains numerous sequences in which the combination of ominous, dark music and violent, scary visuals could be frightening to very young or very sensitive kids. While there are enchanting dancing flowers, hippos, unicorns, and striking visuals that show the relationship of sight and sound, there are at least as many very threatening images intensified by the shadowy dark music. Out-of-control broomsticks launch a massive flood; ferocious dinosaurs with teeth bared and giant clamping jaws fight a death battle; lightning and thunder introduce death and despair in the guise of skeletons, graves, bats, evil armies, and ghosts. There are several scenes which depict the romance of many mythological beings (centaurs, cherubim) and in which many of the characters are modestly unclothed. Some additional selections, including one which follows the evolution of the species over millions of years from an amoeba to the end of the giant dinosaur era, are very long, slow and may not fully engage today’s kids. The film is most valuable as an historical experience.
What's the story?
When Donald Duck began to eclipse Mickey Mouse in popularity in the late 1930s, Disney conceived of a lavish comeback vehicle for his first cartoon star. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," set to the music of Paul Dukas, was the end result, and no expense was spared to make this a crowning jewel in the mouse's career. When Disney realized that the company couldn't possibly recoup its investment releasing the piece as a short subject, he conceived of FANTASIA, an entire animated feature set to pieces of classical music, of which "Sorcerer's Apprentice" would now be a part. Walt Disney's groundbreaking feature combining classical music with extravagant animation retains its status as a landmark in animation history. Both "The Rite of Spring," with its realistic recreation of the age of the dinosaurs, and "Night on Bald Mountain," with its vividly spectacular depiction of evil personified, took animation into realms that were unimaginable just 10 years earlier.
Is it any good?
Seen decades later, much of the film's imagery continues to astonish, even when compared with modern, computer-enhanced extravaganzas. At the time the movie was made, the Disney factory was at the absolute peak of its powers. Fantasia exhibits a stunning attention to detail that would never again be duplicated (a result of the movie's initial box office failure). "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" remains a tour de force of music, character animation, and photographic effects.
Nevertheless, there are some dry spots. "Dance of the Hours," with its dancing hippos and alligators, is funny, but drags on longer than necessary. The "Pastoral" is the blandest sequence; its scenes of teenage centaurs courting one another are more reminiscent of prom night than ancient mythical worlds. Disney's most experimental movie may bore kids used to more straightforward storytelling, and preschoolers may need to skip the scary parts. However, these are minor quibbles when confronted with the breathtaking artistry that dominates the movie.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about fantasy vs. reality. How can you tell when something is made up? Can you be sure something is real if you haven't ever seen it? Can something be scary even if you know it's not real?
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AGE
Boring...
Some find this to be a masterpiece, I find it boring. All it is are orchestra songs strung together with animated scenes to go along with the beat. I took this out of the DVD player about half way through the movie.
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AGE
Scene with dinosaurs terrified ME!
My mother told me many years ago that this was my favorite movie when I was very young -- I watch it now and wonder when my son will be able to watch it. I felt the scene with T-Rex killing the Stegasaurus (sp?) to be very disturbing.
I love the movie for the music, personally, but don't feel it's appropriate for kids until they're older.
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AGE
Mickey rules
the Mickey part always makes me smile
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AGE
good and thrilling too
i love this movie, except that when the dinosaurs die i get the most terrible feeling, like i'm sick.
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AGE
Not that good- Kid's WILL find this movie boring!
Three Cabeleros is better. This movie is only boring classical music. I recommend the live show, however.
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AGE
Must-See
A breathtaking movie that delighted me when I was young and will delight your kids too. A great way to introduce children to classical music. There is some topless women but it is in good taste.
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AGE
Great!
I love this film. Too bad the sequel is pure crap. Anyway, Chernabog is a little scary, but hey, your kids could use some tougher material sometimes.
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AGE
Wow, man
Really anyone over 7 CAN see this but I don't think they'd want to, it's more of an teen-adult thing that can understand how much work walt Disney and the orchestra and especially the artists put into this masterpiece. With that said....it's a really weird movie. Not traditional Disney fare, but sure to see anyways.
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Kid, 10 years old
November 28, 2009
AGE
its a good movie... but i like its sequel better.
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Kid, 9 years old
September 23, 2011
AGE
HORRIBLE movie, WAY WORSE violence
HORRIBLE VIOLENCE AND SCARINESS IT'S DISGUSTING
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Directors: | James Algar, Samuel Armstrong |
| Cast: | Deems Taylor, Julietta Novis, Leopold Stokowski |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 13, 1940 |
| DVD release date: | November 14, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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