As I took care of a few things around the house, I managed to get a lot of movie watchin’ done yesterday. Because I’m still reading a biography on the life story of Walt Disney, I’ve really been interested in re-watching his classic animated feature films. After I read a chapter on the creation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, I just had to watch the film. This week, I’ve read up to the creation of the Disney classics Pinocchio and Fantasia so I decided to dig out my DVDs and give those films a new look. I had some extra time so I watched Dumbo, too. It was a veritable animation film fest here at my humble abode … and a fun one at that.

I was surprised to realize how disorganized the Pinocchio film really is. Watching it as a kid, you don’t pay attention to such things … but rewatching the film in adulthood, you start to notice the flaws. Pinocchio as a feature film is really made up of 4 short stories — Pinocchio‘s creation, his brush with acting, his brush with temptation on Paradise Island and the rescue of his father Gipetto from inside Monstro the whale. There really isn’t much explanation given along the way … things just happen and then are resolved. In Dumbo‘s case, well, there really is just one story … the bullying of Dumbo by older elephants. Dumbo has to become greater than himself just to stop being ridiculed. Dumbo is a great film but, man, it’s kind of tough to see him being treated so badly just because of his big ears. While these films charm and entertain children, they do sometimes teach valuable lessons.

Next up, I sat down to watch the very ambitious film Fantasia:

I’ve learned from the biography of Disney that I’m reading that it was Walt’s wish to elevate animation to the highest degree … and he felt pairing his work with the brilliance of classical music would do so. It was a very ambitious endeavor and I was reminded last night how difficult it is sometimes to watch the film. I really do NOT like the narrator of the film who explains every single thing that is shown in the film. I also feel the film is a bit long … but overall, it is a masterpiece. Fantasia is very likely many children’s first taste of classical music. Yes, they may love the cute animations but they are also getting a musical education as well. Still, it seems very evident to me that Fantasia was really made for an adult audience. It may not be a film that I would watch over and over again but it is one that MUST be seen at least once in a lifetime … especially the genius finale, Night on Bald Mountain:

I don’t think I’ll have any time to watch films tonight, I’m hoping to meet up with my friend Irene for a fun dinner. I will make time for reading tho … I’m totally engrossed in my Disney biography and MUST READ MORE.

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