by Rogers Wardy

Created on: May 16, 2009

When I think of animation in a Disney film, so many are brought to mind. From the lively characters in Toy Story to my son's favorite movies Cars, Ratatouille and the adorable hard working robot, WALL-E. Even the classic stories of Cinderella, Snow White and Dumbo with its parade of pink elephants were beautiful animated works. However, one movie stands out above all the rest. It came at a time before computer animation and man's venture out amongst the stars.

Brought to life in 1940, this film became the perfect marriage of music and art. Simply a choreographer's masterpiece as each of its eight segments memorably danced to classical symphonic melodies as The Nutcracker Suite, Beethoven's Sixth Symphony and Ave Maria. This classic animation, in my opinion, has been unrivaled by anything Disney has produced since. The film: Fantasia, truly a cornerstone of Disney magic.

Unparalleled in its union of sights and sounds, Fantasia is reminiscent of the silent film era. We are brought to the edge of our seats as we become engulfed in the characters effortless performances. The wonder and artistry of Fantasia has surpassed all others movies of its kind. Taking us to a place of fantasy and astonishment, this film is both whimsical and entertaining as we watched the ballet of elephants, hippos, ostriches and alligators gracefully perform to our delight.

The most renowned of the featurettes, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, stars the most familiar face of the Disney legacy, Mickey Mouse. Children and adults alike are taken into a world like no other as Mickey, being a little mischievous mouse, dons the hat of his mentor. In the moments that follow he has brought to life a brigade of brooms which he employees to complete his assigned task.

Soon he falls asleep and dreams of being a great wizard. In this dream he orchestrates the waves, wind, planets and stars into a wondrously rhythmic culmination. He is awakened when a wave crashers down on top of him and finds that he is in the middle of a flood. When the sorcerer returns order is restored in unison with the music score and our humbled Mickey realizes that he has a lot more to learn.

As a whole, the most eloquent words cannot begin to describe the wonder and enchantment of this film. It would have to be said that Fantasia is one of the greatest films ever made. To say anything less would detract from its brilliance and majesty.

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