Fantasia (1940 film)
A groundbreaking animated concert of classical music and imagery.
It consists of eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski, seven of which are performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Music critic and composer Deems Taylor acts as the film's Master of Ceremonies who introduces each segment in live-action. The film is noted for its pioneering use of Fantasound, making it the first commercial film shown in stereo and a precursor to surround sound.
- Production company
- Walt Disney Productions
- Distributor
- RKO Radio Pictures
- Conductor
- Leopold Stokowski
- Master of Ceremonies
- Deems Taylor
- Number of segments
- 8
Lore & Background
As production costs surpassed what the short could earn, Disney decided to include it in a feature-length film of multiple segments set to classical pieces with Stokowski and Taylor as collaborators. The soundtrack was recorded using multiple audio channels and reproduced with Fantasound, a pioneering sound system developed by Disney and RCA.
Reader's Guide
Fantasia was first released as a theatrical roadshow held in 13 cities across the U.S. While acclaimed by critics, it failed to make a profit owing to World War II cutting off distribution to the European market, the film's high production costs, and the expense of building Fantasound equipment and leasing theatres for roadshow presentations. When adjusted for inflation, Fantasia is the 23rd highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S. The Fantasia franchise has grown to include video games, Disneyland attractions, and a live concert series.
Did You Know?
- Fantasia was the first commercial film shown in stereo, using the Fantasound system developed by Disney and RCA.
- Leopold Stokowski conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra for seven of the eight segments and was paid $5,000 for his services.
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