Must See Animation: Walt Disney's Fantasia Was a Game-Changer

So, you think you know Disney? Let’s talk about a movie that wasn't just another film—it was a full-on ground breaker. Released in 1940, Fantasia was a mind-blowing experience that shattered all expectations for what an animated film could be. It proved that animation could be a serious art form, not just for kids. If you've never watched it, you are seriously missing out.

Here are six reasons why this movie is a total must-see:

1. The Sound System was Next Level

Way before we had fancy surround sound, Disney developed a groundbreaking stereo system called "Fantasound." It was designed to completely immerse the audience in the music, making you feel like you were right there in the orchestra pit. Remember, we are talking about 1940, and the first motion picture with stereophonic sound. Talk about next level. 2. The Multiplane Camera Was Pushed to the Max You might have heard about the multiplane camera. A camera set-up that allowed you to film through 4 layers of moving artwork placed on glass. Fantasia took it to a whole new level. They used it to create incredible depth and a three-dimensional feel that was absolutely stunning. It gave the animated worlds a sense of realism and immersion that was totally new for the time. 3. The Artists Were at the Height of Their Game It had taken the Disney artists 4 years to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. Quite the learning curve. Fantasia and Pinocchio were worked on simultaneously and released three years later in 1940. Nuff' said.

         

4. The Anthology Format Was Genius. Instead of a single story, Fantasia was a series of awesome animated shorts, each set to a different classical song. This anthology style let the creators explore all kinds of artistic styles and moods within a single film, making it a unique cinematic journey.




5. Audacious Abstract Animation While most of the animation segments were about telling a clear story with no dialogue, Fantasia fearlessly went into the abstract, especially in segments like "Toccata and Fugue." It showed that animation could be used for pure visual and emotional expression, moving beyond simple storytelling to create art that was just wonderful to watch. 6. It Blended Art with Music, Making Pop Culture History The boldest move of all was fusing classical music by composers like Bach and Stravinsky with animation. Fantasia introduced these complex musical masterpieces to a huge audience, proving that high art could be for everyone and showing animation’s true artistic potential. Note: Disney was thinking of music videos way ahead of his time. Fantasia is a powerful statement about Walt Disney's vision andthe incredible talent of his studio. To this day, few animated movies can compare to this masterpiece. It's a film that remainstimeless and continues to inspire everyone who watches it.

A number one on my top ten list for animated films.

Into storytelling, comics, and animation?
Then get a copy of these must-read guides.

Click on the links below     
       

 

Idea Genesis
Overcome writer's block and generate
 solid story ideas at lightning speed.



                                              

Cartoon Production Resource Guide      
Over 200 top resources for artists, comic creators &
animators to get next level.

Audio Production Resource Guide
Top 400 + resources to make music / audio production
easy and seamless for musicians, producers, and filmmakers

Subscribe in the upper right box for more cool posts to come.