Thursday, March 15, 2007

Freeze Frame! - Natural Ducks and Mythic Creatures

Is it my imagination or does nobody really talk about Fantasia 2000 anymore?

I loved Disney's millennium-based follow-up to Walt Disney's 1940 crowning achievement. I found it to be a brilliant film, consistently beautiful and in many places awe-inspiring. But not unlike its predecessor, it seems it might take quite a number of years for it to receive the acclaim and appreciation it so richly deserves.

My favorite sequence by far is the Noah's Ark-inspired Pomp and Circumstance, a bittersweet comedy of errors that serves as Donald Duck's counterpoint to Mickey's iconic Sorcerer's Apprentice. And two particular scenes in the story showcase wonderful gags worthy of Freeze Frame status.

First there is Donald's momentary identity crisis when confronted with ducks of a slightly more realistic nature . . .


. . . and then the quick shot of a trio of mythical creatures mocking the proceedings.


Wonderful moments from a great, great movie.

3 comments:

David Recchione said...

Yea!!! Finally some love for one of my favorite movies. Thanks Jeff!

ROB RICHARDS said...

Hey Jeff,

I agree whole-heartedly, Fantasia 2000 is a wonderful film, a treat for the eyes and the ears. While each segment had its undeniable charms, I particularly loved the yo-yo flamingos and the Rhapsody In Blue based on Hirschfeld line drawings. As an ardent 2D animation enthusiast, I agree, this is one of the great Disney films. Bravo!

BJWanlund said...

You, Mr. Pepper, are SO right.

It is such a treat to see Donald almost getting the same due as Mickey did in the original.

BJ