Fantasia

Fantasia

Introduction by Caleb Deschanel, cinematographer ASC.

Introduction by Caleb Deschanel, cinematographer ASC.

The third animated feature released by Disney is still considered the studio’s most experimental work. In Fantasia, a series of eight vignettes set to classical music demonstrate the remarkable potential of feature film animation. The segments range from the lighthearted antics of Mickey Mouse in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” to the sinister, epic imagery of “Night on Bald Mountain.” Experimental filmmaker Oskar Fischinger’s contributions to the film’s look and feel were tremendously significant, particularly his concept of a visual symphony. The film received two Special Awards from the Academy, both in recognition of its groundbreaking approach to the use of sound and music as a visualized form in motion pictures.

DIRECTED BY: Samuel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, T. Hee, Norm Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson. WITH: Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor. 1940. 125 min. USA. Technicolor. English. Rated G. DCP.

Academy Museum film programming generously funded by the Richard Roth Foundation. 

Explore our current quarterly print Film Calendar and browse the archive.

Theater accessibility accommodations available upon request. Learn more about our accessibility initiatives.

Back to Main Series