Fantasia 2000 opened nearly 60 years after its predecessor in December of 1999. Echoing the original sentiments dating back to the 30s and 40s, Fantasia 2000 would showcase new segments, bring back old favorites, and even highlight new theater technologies with a touring run on IMAX screens. Disney was in charge of Walt Disney Feature Animation in the 90s, and legend has it, was working behind then Walt Disney Studios’ chief Jeffrey Katzenberg’s back to round up some animators to work on continuing Walt’s idea of an ever-changing concert feature, giving rise to Fantasia 2000. Sadly, the film did not prove popular with audiences at large until much later, during its second reissue in 1956 when suddenly a then-16-year old film was appreciated by millions prompting the 130 minute title to be re-released continuously until the advent of home video and DVDs. The only one of these ideas to come with the film was Fantasound, the first stereophonic sound, but proved too costly for most theaters to install. Walt had grand ideas for this feature, including plans for dimensional sound, scent effects (flower smells for the ballet in The Nutcracker Suite), and even the notion of 3D for Toccata and Fugue, giving the audience cardboard Polaroid glasses along with a program.
A pioneering “concert feature,” Walt Disney wanted the film to be an ever changing showcase that would feature new segments and returning favorites while also showcasing new advancements in animation and theater technologies. 80 years ago today, November 13th, 1940, Fantasia was released to theaters, way ahead of its time.
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