Fantasia

Fantasia

Year: 1940

Runtime: 125 min

Language: Spanish

Directors: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson, Bill Roberts, Norman Ferguson, David Hand, James Algar, Paul Satterfield, Samuel Armstrong, T. Hee, Ford Beebe Jr., Jim Handley

FantasyMusicAnimationFamily

A seasoned documentarian takes his family on a voyage aboard the Fantasia cruise ship, intending to capture memories and reflect on the past. As the ship sets sail, he finds himself confronting the passage of time and the preciousness of shared experiences, revisiting significant moments and facing the bittersweet nature of recollection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fantasia yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Fantasia (1940)

Trace every key event in Fantasia (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Orchestra Assembles

The film opens with live-action scenes showing orchestra members gathering and tuning their instruments against a stunning blue backdrop. The blend of light and shadow sets a captivating atmosphere for the unique musical experience that follows.

2

Introduction by Deems Taylor

Deems Taylor, the master of ceremonies, welcomes the audience to the enchanting program. He introduces the three distinct storytelling forms that will guide the audience through the enthralling musical journey.

3

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

The first musical piece features Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, showcasing a blend of live-action and stunning abstract animations. Animated shapes and cloud formations rhythmically dance in time with the powerful orchestral score, creating a mesmerizing visual accompaniment.

4

The Nutcracker Suite

Next, audiences are treated to Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite, which illustrates the seasonal transformations from summer to winter. The ballet features an array of charming dance performances, including the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and the 'Russian Dance,' all vividly animated to match the delightful music.

5

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Mickey Mouse appears in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, where he plays the eager apprentice to the wizard Yen Sid. Mickey's attempts at magic go awry, resulting in a humorous yet chaotic flood as he forgets the spell to stop the animated broomsticks he summoned for help.

Yen Sid's castle
6

Rite of Spring

Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring takes the audience through a journey of Earth's evolution. This visually stunning piece illustrates the birth of the planet and the reign of dinosaurs, ultimately leading to their extinction as a result of environmental changes.

7

Intermission and Title Card

Following an exciting first half, there is a brief intermission during which the 'Fantasia' title card is introduced. This moment prepares the audience for the second half of the musical extravaganza.

8

Jazz Session

After the intermission, the scene shifts to a lively jazz jam session led by a spirited clarinetist. Animated visuals accompany the music, illustrating how sound interacts with film, creating a whimsical and colorful display.

9

The Pastoral Symphony

As Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony plays, the audience is transported to a magical Greco-Roman landscape. Colorful centaurs and mythological beings interact in a whimsical saga, where baby Pegasus learns to fly under the watchful eye of the gods.

10

Dance of the Hours

Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours presents a humorous ballet divided into four parts, each showcasing different animal performers. As Madame Upanova's ostriches and others perform, the segment culminates in a chaotic but energetic dance-off among the spirited animals.

11

Night on Bald Mountain

In a haunting sequence, Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain features the dark figure of Chernabog summoning restless spirits at midnight. The climax showcases a chaotic dance of shadows, showcasing an eerie visual spectacle that culminates with the arrival of dawn.

Midnight Bald Mountain
12

Ave Maria

The film concludes with Schubert's serene Ave Maria, where robed monks carry torches through a forest. As they approach the remnants of a cathedral, this segment symbolizes spiritual renewal and offers a tranquil ending to the fantastic visuals and music.

A forest near a cathedral

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:55

Unlock the Full Story of Fantasia

Don't stop at just watching — explore Fantasia in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fantasia is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Fantasia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Fantasia, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Fantasia Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fantasia

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fantasia. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fantasia

More About Fantasia

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fantasia: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Fantasia

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