Conference koolit::disney

    Yes, "Fantasia" is planned for re-release this fall with the original
    soundtrack.  Notes 15.2 and 15.21 have a little more info.
    
    - Skip

        Thanks.  I hunted around this conference before asking, but
        obviously missed those two notes.
        
        Jim

    [from USENET]
    
From: greg@sif.claremont.edu (Tigger)
Subject: Fantasia: The End of an Era
Date: 9 Jul 91 07:31:52 GMT
Organization: Pomona College
 
I hope all of you saw Fantasia during its 50th Anniversary release last year,
because that may well be the last time that you will ever see it in that
form...
 
As most of us already know, Walt's original idea of Fantasia was that it
would never be finished.  New pieces would be added, replacing older ones.
The whole would be be constantly evolving.  However, Fantasia was such a
flop in its initial release that Walt gave up his idea.  In the years since
then, opinions have changed.  Fantasia became a masterpiece to be jealously
guarded, untouched.  Witness the unhappiness of some fans with even the
restoration done for the 50th Anniversary.  I haven't heard anyone complain
about the visuals, but certainly there are many who are unhappy with the
restored soundtrack.
 
But Walt's original dream lives on.  Walt's nephew, Roy, has rejoined the
company in recent years, and now heads the animation unit.  The Little
Mermaid is the first animated feature to come out of the studio having been
under his guidance from concept to completion, and it is one of the most
successful animated films of all time.  Beauty and the Beast will be next,
and shows all the signs of following in TLM's footsteps.  Roy has, one can
argue, brought some of the Disney magic back to the studio.  But he also
brought something else.  He also brought Walt's dream of Fantasia.
 
The June 24, 1991 issue of Baron's magazine has a cover story on Disney.
Those who have an interest in the company behind the magic may find the
article well worth reading.  Buried in the article, however, is half a
paragraph that, I think, will cause quite a stir among this group, and among
Disney fans the world over.  Roy is preparing the studio to produce twelve
minutes of new footage for Fantasia.  No details were revealed.  The piece
of music was not mentioned, nor was it made clear whether the new segment
would be an addition, or whether it would replace an existing segment.
 
But one thing would appear to be beyond doubt.  The next time Fantasia
graces the screen (in 1997, since last I heard Fantasia had not been moved
to the shorter cycle), it will be different.  I think Walt would be happy.
 
Greg Orman
greg@pomona.claremont.edu

    Warning:  this is just a rumor, don't get your hopes up yet!
    
    There is a rumor going around that Disney plans to release Fantasia
    on video this fall.  The information I have comes from something my
    sister's boyfriend read to me over the phone, which came out of a
    publication they get at the video store he works at.  I can't remember
    the name of it, I think he said Billboard but I'm not sure.
    
    Official Disney spokespeople won't comment but apparently insiders
    are leaking information about Fantasia being released as a "sell
    through" (which means available to the general public) in October.
    Supposedly a Disney executive has been quoted regarding how much money
    they expect to make from the release.
    
    According to the article (or ad), Disney will be doing a press release
    on July 15.  Believe me, I'll be watching for it.
    
    Anyway, there are factors that point to this possibility.  First of
    all, Disney knows it will make mega-bucks by releasing it.  And, a
    problem in the video industry can turn those mega-bucks into even
    more mega-bucks.  The problem is, not many recent movies are expected
    to be released on video in time for the fourth quarter (i.e.
    Christmas).  Right now, they are speculating on only 5 or so movies.
    So, whoever comes up with something decent to release is likely to
    have a monopoly on video sales.
    
    Why am I skeptical?
      o I've heard claims that Disney will never release Fantasia on video.
      o The Rescuers Down Under is scheduled for a fall release, November,
    	I believe.
      o Disney doesn't usually do parallel releases of videos (although they
    	did do that with The Jungle Book and the Ducktales movie.
      o The speculation really is that Disney plans to release a major film
    	on video in October and that it is either 101 Dalmations or
    	Fantasia.  Speculators are leaning toward Fantasia mainly because
    	101 Dalmations will probably still be in the theaters at that time.
    
    Has anybody else heard anything about this?
    
    Ruth

    Hmmm... that's interesting...
    
    But like you, Ruth, I'm pretty skeptical that we'll see "Fantasia" on
    video in the fall.  But then, it wouldn't surprise me either.  Their
    release schedule (for both the theatre and video) seems to be jumping
    around a lot lately.  I mean, I'm *still* wondering what happened to
    "The Great Mouse Detective"...  So if they released "Fantasia" (which
    would appeal more to adults/animation fans/collectors) and "Rescuers
    Down Under" (for the kids... and me!!) at nearly the same time, it
    wouldn't be much of a shock.
    
    Though it seems that the Disney organization may be in danger of
    milking its cash cow dry.  They had been going at an easy pace of
    re-releasing three animated features to the theatres each year and then
    one "classic" to video.  Then, that all changed with the video release
    of "The Little Mermaid" a short six month after its initial release. 
    Since then, they've been releasing two or three feature films (this
    year, it could be four or even five), not to mention everything that
    has been released in their "Mini-Classics" line.
    
    What concerns me about this is that none of their feature films that
    have been released to video have returned to the big screen yet, even
    those films that have been pulled from video circulation.  Now, what
    happens if in a couple of years, "Cinderella" or "Pinocchio" make a
    triumphant return to movie theatres only to be greeted with a dwindling
    audience that has seen the same thing at home??  After all, why should
    they shell out 4 bucks a head for a matinee when they can rent it at
    home for $2??
    
    Granted, they'll still continue to crank out a new feature each year,
    but that's only one theatrical release a year.  It all comes down to
    supply and demand and it seems that the Disney folks are increasing the
    video supply (and variety of choices) two and three-fold without really
    acknowledging what this is doing to the demand...
    
    I know I'm rambling a bit, but I'm just hoping that their cash cow
    never runs out of milk.
    
    - Skip

    
    	I find this " Fantasia " rumor intriguing and will hit up my usual
    Disney insider sources for definitive info about whether a video
    version is in the works. I mean, this has always been the film that the
    Walt Disney Company swore would * NEVER * be available on video ... 
    But -- when it comes to Disney -- I've learned one should never say
    never.
    	By the way, Disney will learn for certain whether or not releasing
    its classic animated films on video hurts their box office when they
    show up on the big screen next year. They currently plan to release
    " Pinochicio " ( sp ? ) in theaters nation-wide late next spring or
    early next summer.
    	As for " The Great Mouse Detective, " I too have wondered what
    became of its proposed release. I mean, they had those great ads
    tacked on to the beginning of " The Prince and the Pauper " and " The
    Rescuers Down Under, " announcing the film's re-release this spring ...
    Then nothing. ( The only explanation I heard that made any sense is
    that -- given how poorly " Rescuers Down Under " did last fall --
    Disney felt it was courting disaster to re-release a film that featured
    a second pair of heroic mice less than six months after the first film
    went down in flames. So they pulled " The Great Mouse Detective, " 
    holding off its re-release 'til the spriong of 1992.
    	

    re: .78
    
    I'm very glad to hear "Pinocchio" is going to be re-released
    theatrically.  It's my personal favorite.  And even though I have the
    video, it'll be great to see it in all its glory up on the big screen.
    
    And your explanation about what happened to "The Great Mouse Detective"
    makes a good deal sense.  As I recall, it wasn't a big box office draw
    during its initial release.  Though, I thought it would've been a good
    flick to release in time for Easter and spring vacations.  But instead,
    Disney opted for video releases of the "DuckTales" movie and "The
    Jungle Book."  Oh well, can't have everything I guess...
    
    But remember, folks, "101 Dalmatians" comes to a theatre near you this
    Friday...
    
    - Skip

    re: "Fantasia" on video
    
    Well, if you can count TV Guide as a reliable source, Disney is
    supposed to announce the video release (in time for Christmas) of 
    "Rescuers Down Under" and "Fantasia" at some home video conference 
    over the weekend.
    
    So there you have it.  In black and white.
    
    I remain a tad skeptical but it's really beginning to look like we'll
    see "Fantasia" in video stores for the big gift-buying holiday.
    
    - Skip

    Well, it looks like "Fantasia" will be coming out on video.
    It is supposed to be available on November 1st for $24.95.
    I got this info from my sister's boyfriend.  He got his
    information from the distributor for the store he works at.
    He says he won't really believe it until he sees an official
    announcement from Disney but it looks pretty good.
    
    The following article is copied without permission from the
    July 5, 1991 edition of "Video Business".
    
    "Fantasia" in the fall?
    Nov. 1 at $24.95 is the prediction
        by Betsy Niesyn
    
    One of the industry's best-kept secrets is finally leaking out as
    distributors and key accounts say they have been told that Walt
    Disney Home Video will release the 1940 classic "Fantasia" for
    sell-through this fall.  Will-call date is said to be Oct. 29, and
    the advertised availability date is Nov. 1.
    
    Sources tell VB that "Fantasia" will be priced at $24.95 and marketed
    with a rebate from a yet-to-be-named sponsor, which will probably
    lower the net price below $20.  A multimillion-dollar promotion and
    advertising campaign is expected as well.
    
    A Walt Disney spokeswoman would not comment on the report but did
    say the studio had scheduled an announcement for July 2 to reveal
    details of "an integrated marketing plan" for the remainder of the
    year.  She said the announcement would include details for the fall
    release of "Rescuers Down Under".  "We will have a specific campaign
    for every month," she said.
    
    Disney's goal for "Fantasia" is reported to be around 8 million units.
    
    Last year, the studio celebrated the film's 50th anniversary by
    releasing a restored version in about 500 theaters, using the first
    new prints since the 1940s.
    
    Disney executives reportedly have spent months deciding whether to
    release the title on video at all.  Roy Disney Jr. had earlier stated
    that "Fantasia", a one-of-a-kind blend of classical music and
    interpretive animation, was one movie that would never appear on
    video.
    
    Although there's little doubt Disney can sell 2 or 3 million units,
    some retail and distribution sources question whether the studio can
    sell 8 million copies.
    
    "It's not a children's movie, so it will mainly be purchased by
    baby-boom parents," said one distributor.  "It's more of a cult film
    that has narrow demographics."
    
    Another source believes that children will be unimpressed because it
    has "old-fashioned" animation, lacks dialogue and has a classical
    soundtrack.
    
    Still others suggest that "Fantasia" will not translate well to video.
    
    Nonetheless, nobody is doubting Disney's marketing might and incisive
    research.  "If Disney says they'll sell 7 to 8 million copies, then
    they probably will," said one executive.  "That company is always
    pulling a rabbit out of its hat."

If it were to come out on video disk, I might even decide to splurge and
buy a video disk player.

   Gary

    I don't have any information about video disk availability but
    you should be able to find out soon.  I just saw an official
    announcement on the noon edition of the New Hampshire news -
    "Fantasia" is going to be released.  Unfortunately, Nicole was
    babbling so I wasn't able to get the date and price (if stated).
    
    They also stated that the next theatrical release of "Fantasia"
    will be called something like "Fantasia Continues" and will
    contain new footage, thus fulfilling Walt's original plans.

    I've been trying to track down an official story on the pending video
    release of Fantasia.  
    
    I haven't come across the press release or anything yet, but last night
    on CNN they were discussing the announcements from the video industry
    trade show that is currently going on in Las Vegas and there was a shot
    of the Disney booth with Fantasia graphics prominently displayed.
    

Disney announced that Fantasia would be released for 12 weeks 
later this year.  Unfortunately, I saw this report on Entertainment
Tonight last night, which I wasn't paying much attention to at the
time, but the announcement was publicly made.

Larry

    Here's the scoop from today's Boston Globe...
    
    "Walt Disney's 'Fantasia' will be released on video for only 50 days
    beginning Nov. 1.  In its fully restored 50th anniversary edition,
    'Fantasia' will be available in standard and deluxe presentations
    priced at $24.99 and $99.99, respectively.  The video release comes as
    a result of another great milestone now being set for the film. 
    Already under way at the Disney Animation Studio is 'Fantasia
    Continued.'  To achieve this, several entirely new animated segments
    are being created, while a few original pieces will be retired.  The
    Deluxe Collector's video edition features the cassette with an
    additional videocassette program entitled, 'The Making of a
    Masterpiece' that includes footage of Walt Disney speaking about the
    film.  Also part of this package is a Certificate of Authenticity
    signed by Roy Disney, a full-color, 16-page Collector's Edition
    Commemorative Book, the double compact disc original soundtrack and an
    exclusively produced and authenticated commemorative lithograph from
    'Fantasia.'"
    
    Sounds like it's time to start saving those pennies...
    
     -Skip

    For information on the soundtrack of Fantasia, see note 134.13.

I happened to be at Sight & Sound in Waltham on Friday when they were 
discussing the latest info they had, which was that Fantasia will also be
available on laser disc.  (Sight & Sound specializes in laser disc sales and
rentals.)

   Gary

(EW)(DISNEY/FANTASIA) FANTASIA makes history; new theatrical  production
underway; limited video release is the last presentation of  FANTASIA; 50-day
availability
 
   Entertainment Editors & Film/Video Writers
 
   BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--FANTASIA, the film that Walt  Disney
called his "most exciting adventure," will be released on  video for 50 DAYS
ONLY, beginning Nov. 1.
   In its fully restored 50th anniversary edition, FANTASIA will be  available
in standard and deluxe presentations priced at $24.99 and  $99.99, respectively.
FANTASIA has always been considered a landmark  achievement in cinema history
and is one of the last great masterpieces  to be released on video.
   The video release comes as a result of another great milestone now  being set
for the film.  Already underway at the Disney Animation  Studio is its most
challenging venture yet, FANTASIA CONTINUED.  It is a  project that fulfills
Walt Disney's original vision that FANTASIA be a  living piece of work that
would continually evolve and change over the  years.  To achieve this, several
entirely new animated segments are  being created, while a few original pieces
will be retired.
   In 1941, Walt Disney said:
 "It is our intention to make a version  of FANTASIA every year.
 We would keep adding to it and change the  program just like the ballet
does....  I think if we put in one new  number, almost everyone would go to hear
the whole picture again.  Then  a few months later if we put in another new
number, most of them will  go again."
   "We are pleased that we can finally make Walt's dream come true,"  commented
Roy Disney, vice chairman of the board, The Walt Disney Co.   "We have begun to
select music and design concepts for FANTASIA  CONTINUED, which will be released
in 1996 or 1997.  As we move forward,  FANTASIA will become the living movie
that Walt envisioned 50 years  ago."
   "The challenge of creating new segments to stand alongside the  remarkable
animation of the original is both exciting and inspiring.   This is a great
opportunity to carry on the insights of Walt's artistic  vision.  Our current
staff of outstanding animators will bring their  unique talents and
extraordinary imaginations to the assignment.
   "The artistic efforts and technical advancements seen in such  films as THE
LITTLE MERMAID, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, THE RESCUERS DOWN  UNDER and the
upcoming BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, all will contribute to  making FANTASIA CONTINUED
a new hallmark of animation.  As we set out  towards new heights, the only rule
we will set is the one that Walt set  51 years ago -- that there are no rules,
and we should go wherever our  imaginations take us."
   Said Jeffrey Katzenberg, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, "The  development
of FANTASIA CONTINUED makes this fall's video release of  FANTASIA an event that
is not only of great video industry significance  but also of great historic
significance because it will be the first  and last time the original FANTASIA
will ever be released on video.
   "FANTASIA is one of the most unique works of entertainment ever  produced.
It helped define the creative potential of The Walt Disney  Co.  This is why we
have made the production of FANTASIA CONTINUED such  a major studio priority.
This is also why we are planning to make the  video release of FANTASIA unlike
anything yet done by our company.  It  will be presented in standard and deluxe
collectible editions, both on  video and laserdisc.
   "It will be backed with our largest video advertising campaign to  date and
one of the most comprehensive company-wide promotional efforts  we've
undertaken.  FANTASIA is one of a kind.  So, too, will be this  first, and last,
video release of the original film to the public."
   FANTASIA's release will be even more limited than previous Walt  Disney
Company Classics on video, including THE LITTLE MERMAID, PETER  PAN, BAMBI and
CINDERELLA.  It will be available for retailers to purchase for only 50 days.
Once retail inventories of the film are  depleted, it will not be available to
re-order from Walt Disney Home  Video nor will it be released again.
   Each Walt Disney Co. division will lend support to the film's  release.
Central to this will be a surprise consumer promotion involving other divisions
of the company.  Details of this major event,  which will be widely promoted and
advertised, will be revealed in  September.  Other cooperative efforts will
range from Walt Disney World  and Disneyland events to licensing and retail
merchandising  opportunities, and Walt Disney Television and Disney Channel
co-promotions.
   The two distinct packaging options that Walt Disney Home Video has  created
for FANTASIA are a standard cassette in a black vinyl package,  priced at
$24.99, and a Deluxe Collector's edition, priced at $99.99.   A standard and
deluxe presentation will also be available for the  FANTASIA laserdisc release.
   The Deluxe Collector's video edition features the FANTASIA cassette  PLUS an
additional videocassette program entitled, "The Making of a  Masterpiece" that
includes footage of Walt Disney speaking about the  film.
 Also part of this unique package is a Certificate of  Authenticity signed by
Roy Disney, a full-color, 16-page Collector's  Edition Commemorative Book, the
double compact disc original soundtrack and an exclusively produced and
authenticated commemorative lithograph  from FANTASIA.
   FANTASIA has undergone one of the entertainment industry's most  exhaustive
and expensive restorative processes for both its visual and  audio elements.
Using state-of-the-art technology, several million  dollars were spent to
restore the film for its recent 50th anniversary  theatrical release.
 Over $1.5 million more has now been spent to  further ensure that the film is
as brilliant to see and hear as the day  it was first released.
   To create the modern-day equivalent of FANTASOUND, the original and
exclusive sound system created for the film's theatrical debut in 1940,  on the
video release, a unique duplication technology was utilized.  It  required the
development of a first-time-ever duplication technique,  the massive rewiring of
existing systems.
   As a result of this new duplication process, FANTASIA will be the  only title
of its era to offer a state-of-the-art sound track to all  consumers.
 The audio system created for FANTASIA on video represents  the essence of the
original FANTASOUND, offering audiences the most  technically current stereo
sound.  Those with Dolby surround systems  can enjoy FANTASIA in
state-of-the-art surround sound.
   FANTASIA has a prebook date of Oct. 8, 1991, and is rated 'G' by  the Motion
Picture Association of America.  It will be available in  VHS, Beta and
laserdisc formats and has a running time of 120 minutes.

    
    I don't think that Disney should be releasing all these features as 
    home video, but it certainly seems the path that they're taking. In
    fact, in the past few years, after a theatrical release the movies hit
    the home video market within several months. It's occuring so regularly
    that now if it's playing in the theatres not many people are going
    figuring it'll be on video soon.
    
    Some movies are ok at home but others are much better with 200 people
    in the audience.
    
    As far as the quality of the older movies that appear in theatres:
    
    Last time was Fantasia was out (Sept-Oct?), the quality of the film was
    very poor. I had seen on the Disney channel the procedures that the
    "restoration" crew had gone through to restore the film. What I saw on
    the screen was very poor quality. Did others notice it too, or was it
    just that the local cinema had a bad copy (Billerica Mall Cinema) ?

re: .17
    
>>   FANTASIA has a prebook date of Oct. 8, 1991, and is rated 'G' by  the
>>    Motion Picture Association of America.  It will be available in  VHS,
>>    Beta and laserdisc formats and has a running time of 120 minutes.
    
    I've been to the Disney Store near my house (and the one near the
    office that specializes in Beta) and they both report that the Disney
    Stores will not be carrying it in Beta.  My next stop is to call the
    Beta Store in Phoenix, as the Buena Vista numbers aren't answering.
    
    I can't believe that they will discontinue carrying Beta s/w (even
    though it is, for all purposes a dead format), since by definition the
    best picture quality of the options will be Laser, Beta, then VHS.
    
    Unless this is a continuation of their ancient feud...
    
    tom
    (who has 2 Betamaxen [one in stereo], 2 8mm, and one VHS [and uses it
    less than either of the others)

When the Delux edition of Fantasia is available, ove of the items in the 
package will be a book(let) of the movie.  Will this book(let be the same pages
contained in the jacket of the vinal 3 record set of the soundtrack?

The Book(let) contains a couple of paragraphs by Walt Disney, Leopold Stokowsky,
scenes from the eachof the numbers in the movie, various movie credits, etc.
Is this jacket a collectors item?  Will it be when the video is released?


Alan

Who was  the original narrator, the voice who introduced each scene?


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Answer below

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Jimmy Stewart

    Just a small side track here.... Can I order any of the Disney
    cassette in the Beta form?
    
    Rick

I noticed last night that the Fantasia video game for the Sega Genesis is now
available.  Mickey Mouse, as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, has to make his way
through who know's what obstacles.  Reportedly, much of the background music
was chosen from the movie.  If this is half as good as the Mickey Mouse and
the Castle of Illusion game, it will be great.

   Gary

    Just got back from the local Disney Store...
    
    They are already taking pre-paid orders for Fantasia.  For the
    regular tape, the price is $19.99 (not including MKC discount).
    For the deluxe edition, the price is $89.99 (not including MKC
    discount).  If you make a pre-paid order, you get also get a
    holographic watch.
    
    The clerk told me they are planning to produce only 250,000 copies
    of the deluxe edition.
    
    Ruth

    
    RE : . 22
    
    	Are you sure about this Jimmy-Stewart-was-the-original-narrator-
    of-" Fantasia " claim ? Everything I've ever read or heard said that 
    the film's original narrator was a noted New York music historian /
    critic named Deems ... or was it Weems ? As I understand it, Disney
    hired this guy to narrate " Fantasia " with the hope that it would 
    add an air of class and legitimacy to the entertainment. I've never
    heard Jimmy Stewart's name ever associated in " Fantasia " in any way,
    let alone as the film's original narrator.
    	But -- who knows ? Maybe Shepro's claim is true. After all,
    stranger things have happened ( Remember, less than a year ago, 
    " Fantasia " was a film that would * NEVER * be out on video ).
    But, just to be sure, I think I'll go home and pull out my books
    on " Fantasia " and get the full scoop on this original-narrator
    stuff.
    
              Watch this space for a further report ...
    
    					jrh
    and double-check

OK!  Maybe my choice of words is somewaht incorrect.  BUT when I saw the film
about 20 years ago, it was Jimmy Stewart.  And My father confirmed this when he 
first was the film in the late 40's.

Alan

    
    
    
    
    
    RE : .27
    
    	Regarding this " Fantasia " - originally - narrated - by - Jimmy -
    Stewart claim, Well ... Alan, I think maybe you and your dad suffer
    from a bad case of wishful thinking. Jimmy Stewart did * NOT * narrate
    the original version -- or any other version -- of " Fantasia. " 
    	Went to the top to get the definitive info on this one. I called 
    Dave Smith, the head archivist at the Walt Disney Company. He said that
    " Fantasia " has had the same narrative track for over 50 years now --
    which was originally voiced by that noted New York music critic and 
    radio personality, Deems-Wheems-something-like-that. ( Sorry. I've 
    forgotten the name again. Honest, tomorrow, I'll schlep my  commemorative
    " Fantasia " book into work and copy the guy's name  out of that. )
    	Mind you, it's not like Disney hasn't hire noted Hollywood stars
    to narrate its films. After all, Bing Crosby read the narration for
    Disney's version of " The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, " Basil Rathbone
    narrated Disney's animated feature of " Mr. Toad, " and Edgar Bergen
    -- with comic asides provided by Charlie McCarthy --  narrated Disney's
    " Mickey and the Beanstalk. " But -- in spite of 60 plus years in show
    business -- Jimmy Stewart has yet to do any vocal work for the folks at
    the Mouse Factory. ( Dave Smith did say that Stewart may have narrated 
    Disneyland's Christmas pagaent one year -- but that he'd have to check
    his records and get back to me on that one. )
    	However, later this year, you will be able to hear Jimmy Stewart's
    voice in an animated cartoon. He -- along with John Cleese and Dom De
    Luise -- lent their vocal talents to the forthcoming sequel to Steven
    Spielberg's first animated feature, " An American Tail. " Tenatively
    titled " American Tail II : Fievel Goes West, " this new animated film
    is supposed to open in theaters sometime around Thanksgiving.
    	And -- finally -- though Mr. Deems-Weems-whatever-his-name-is 's
    original narration has worked just fine for the past 50 years, Disney's
    going to need a new dignified voice to provide the narrative glue
    when the new, improved version of the film -- " Fantasia Continued " --
    debuts in 1996 - 97. But those far-thinking folks at Disney are already
    on the job, and -- though they don't expect to record the film's new
    narrative tracks for three or four years yet -- they already have a
    short list of candidates for the job.
    	 First on the list is veteran and venerable CBS newsman, Walter
    Cronkite. Walter's already done some work for the Disney Company --
    providing the narration for the " Spaceship Earth " attraction at EPCOT
    Center as well as appearing with Robin Williams in the " Back to Never-
    land " film at the " Art of Animation " building at Disney - MGM Studio
    Theme Park.
    	Other people that Disney's considering for the narrator's job on
    " Fantasia Continued " include Peter Jennings, Sean Connery, Michael Caine,
    George C. Scott and Kevin Costner. It's kind of an odd mix of people, I
    know. But the idea is to get someone whose voice commands respect and 
    authority. ( Scott, Connery and Caine are on the list -- I think -- 
    because they've all just recently completed film projects for Disney.
    Whether they'll still be candidates three years from now remains to 
    be seen )
    	But that's the low-down on the original narrator of " Fantasia "
    ( Honest, I'll have the guy's full name -- correct spelling and every-
    thing -- posted in here tomorrow ) as well as the advance word on who
    might be narrating the next incarnation of this legendary movie.
    	 Comments ? 

About 15 or so years ago, the soundtrack was re-recorded with a different 
orchestra (and conductor considering Stowkosky was dead) and so was the 
narrator to your basic million $ voice.

Cronkite, Scott, Connery, and Caine all have superb voices and vocal
control for 
narration work.  Don't know about Caine's accent, though I'm sure he's
capable of modifying it.  If it were up to me, I'd pick Connery.

   Gary

    
    
    RE : .29
    
    	Actually, you're correct about the soundtrack being re-recorded.
  Back in 1982, the Walt Disney Company -- in a well-meaning but somewhat
  mis-guided effort to update a classic -- re-recorded " Fantasia " 's
  soundtrack using digital technology. Veteran Hollywood conducter Irwin
  Kostal ( Best known for his Oscar winning work on the film scores for
  " West Side Story, " " The Sound of Music " and " Mary Poppins " ) filled
  in for Stowoski this time around. But, while Kostal did an admirable job,
  ( I own a copy of the new digital version of " Fantasia " as well as the
  original soundtrack. Both are terrific, though the digital version's
  clarity and definition is apprecaibly better ) purists took Disney to
  task for daring to remove Stowoski's version of the soundtrack.
    	So -- as Disney prepped " Fantasia " for its 50th anniversary
  re-release -- they made an concerted effort to restore the movie's
  original soundtrack. Luckily, enough of the original tracks ( Recorded
  in the then revolutionary " Fantasound, " a early version of cinematic
  sound ) survived that the studio was able to restore the original sound-
  track. So the folks at Disney quietly pitched Kostal's replacment soundtrack
  ( Though -- I'm told -- the Kostal version of " Fantasia " is currently the
  only version of the soundtrack currently available in stores. Has anyone
  else heard this ? ).
    	As for the narrator being replaced for the 1982 version, well ...
  Alan may just be right. There's a really crytic note in John Culhane's
  great book about the film, " Walt Disney's Fantasia " ( Harry Abhrams
  Press, 1983 ) about this. Coincidentally enough, it's tacked on to a
  paragraph that gives us a detailed biography of the film's original
  narrator, Deems Taylor. ( See, I * TOLD * you I'd post the correct name
  tonight ! ) It is reproduced here without permission :
    
      "	Stokowski returned to the Disney Studio in September, 1938. Joining
    him to act as musical adviser on the concert feature was Deems Taylor,
    who composed the first American opera ever presented at the
    Metropolitan Opera House, " The King's Henchman " in 1927, with a
    libretto by Edna St. Vincent Millay, and who was then well known to a
    national radio audience as the intermission commentator for the New 
    York Philharmonic Symphony radio broadcasts. Taylor wrote and delivered
    the spoken introductions to all the selections on the " Fantasia "
    program. ( On the 1982 digital soundtrack, Taylor's introductions
    are spoken by someone else. ) "
    
    	That last parathentical phrase is pretty intriguing, don't you 
    think ? I made a call to a friend on the West Coast who's a real
    Disneyana buff and he insists that the narration for the 1982 version 
    was done by Jack Wagner. Wagner is best known to us DEC Disney dweebs
    as the official voice of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. ( You know,
    Mr. " For the safety and comfort of others, please keep your hands and
    feet inside the vehicle at all times. And no smoking, please. " Yeah,
    this is that same guy. ) But let me make another call to Disney
    Archivist Dave Smith and see what he has to say about the matter.
    
    	But -- just to recap -- Alan's right. " Fantasia " did have a 
    different soundtrack and narrator for its 1982 digitally remastered
    release. However, for its 50th anniversary, Disney restored the film's
    original " Fantasound " soundtrack. That means, the version of 
    " Fantasia " we all saw in theaters last fall ( And the one we'll all
    be snapping up in video stores sometime alter this fall ) once again
    features Leopold Stokowski's score as well as Deems Taylor's narration.
    
    	But -- in spite of this new mystery about who * DID * narrate the
    1982 version of " Fantasia " -- one thing is clear. Whoever it was, it
    * WASN'T * Jimmy Stewart.
    
    	Comments ?
    					jrh
  
    vaial
    	

    I'm not sure this is the right place to put it, so if it needs to be
    moved, please move it Mr. Moderator.
    
    I just heard that "Fantasia" is going to be released on video?  Is that
    true?  If so, how much and can I order one over the phone from
    somewhere?
    
    Any info is much appreciated.
    
    Thank you,
    
    Tina Daniels

RE .20 - If you had read the other replies to this note, you wouldn't have 
needed to ask... :-)
							
							-- Nina

I reserved my copy at Sam Goodies in Coolidge Cornor in Brookline, Ma for 
$16.99.  They lowered the price from $18.99 when I told them that Sun Coast 
Video at the Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill was taking orders for the $16.99 
price.

 Title:            Walt DISNEY Prebooks $250 Million For Video Sales Of
                   `Fantasia'

 Source:           DOW JONES NEWS

 Date Published:   17 OCT 1991


 Walt DISNEY has prebooked $250 million of sales at regular  retail prices
 for the videocassette and laserdisk versions of its animated  film
 "Fantasia." This is the first and last time the original film will be
 released for sale in any format. The videocasette of the original
 "Fantasia" will be sold beginning Nov. 1 and will be retired on Jan. 13,
 Disney said. Videocassette standard versions will be sold at $24.99 and a
 deluxe package will be offered at $99.99. The standard laserdisk will be
 sold for $39.99, and a deluxe version for $99.99. Disney said it plans to
 release theatrically a new "Fantasia" movie called "Fantasia Continued" in
 1997. "Fantasia," originally released in 1941, combines animation with a
 classical music soundtrack.
                (c) Dow Jones News -- FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

    Picked up my copy of the Deluxe Edition this noontime. 
    
    Guess what we're watching at my house tonight?
    
    Linda

	Picked up my copy today also! Can't wait to watch it...
		- Annie

    I received my copy in the mail from the Disney Store yesterday.
    The watch that came with it was really nice. It has a halogram 
    of Mickey the sorcerer on it and changes colors. My husband 
    scooped that up real quick. This was great because the castmember
    told me when I placed my order that I should expect the video
    about two weeks from the date it was released. Well it was
    released yesterday and I have it already. Boy was I in a good mood.
    (the two week delay was for mail-order customers, in store
    purchases are there now).
    

    I haven't been to the Disney Store to pick up my laser disc copy yet
    (Fantasia in anything else seems a waste.  Now all I have to do is buy
    the disc player), but I did notice that Price Club (a membership club
    which specializes in bulk buying) had them on sale yesterday at $14.98
    (VHS only, which does me absolutely no good).  If you don't want the
    watch and want to save the bucks, shop around.
    
    tom

The watch is definitely cool.... :-)

Incidentally, when I picked up my Fantasia (Deluxe Edition, of course :-) ), the
cast member told me that "Pinocchio" is being theatrically released next summer,
and the video will be released again shortly after that.

							-- Nina

    How do you get the watch ? Do you have to order the tape from a
    special place ? How much more does that make the tape ?
    
    
    Pasco.....7 months, and a few weeks to go !
    
    
    

    The watch is free if you ordered and paid for your tape in advance. 
    Usually there are extra watches at the Disney store, sold for 
    between $5 and $8. 
    
    Linda

    If anyone's interested in the deluxe edition and you haven't got it
    yet, I was at BJ's Wholesale Club last night and they had several.  The
    best part was the price, $64.99.  Very tempting, but I still got the
    regular edition at $14.49.
    
    - Skip

Article: 4974
From: Chris.Harrower@cpanet.UUCP (Chris Harrower)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Home Video News...part one
Date: 19 Nov 91 04:54:58 GMT
Sender: FredMail@cpanet.UUCP
 
From the November 22 issue of Video Business:
 
The 'Fantasia' phenomenon continues at full speed across the country, as
many stores report they already have sold-through as much as two-thirds of
their stock on the landmark Disney title less than two weeks after release.
With over 11 million copies already ordered, the 50-year-old animated
feature is "well on its way to becoming the biggest title in video history,"
said Bill Mechanic, president of International Theatrical Distribution and
Worldwide Video.
 
On November 7, a week after Fantasia's national advertising date, Buena
Vista Home Video announced it had depleted its inventory of the title and
was suspending order-taking for an indefinite period, which is expected to
end within the next week or so.
 
After Fantasia, "The Little Mermaid," "E.T.," and "Batman" are the next
three top-selling videos of all time, in that order.
 
()_()     Chris Harrower  1:270/417@fidonet.org
 (_)   The Ink And Paint Club BBS   (717) 687-9705
 
 * Origin: The Ink And Paint Club (1:270/417)

Can anybody closer to the source comment on this, culled from this morning's
paper (in the UK) ?


Seemingly, Disney have censored part of Fantasia, to make it more "politically
correct", before releasing it.    Now, the whole point of this release, 
according to the hype, is that it's the last chance to buy a copy of the
*original*, before it gets modernised. (Fantasia was always intended to be
"organic", of course.)

The actual cutting involves the removal of a centaur from the "Pastoral"
segment, because she was characterised as a black woman, in the old-style
cartoon "picaninni" format.  

Surely, if this is supposed to be the "original", there would be more merit
in leaving it intact and overhauling its politics for the "modernised"
version.  Accepting and correcting a mistake is one thing, but this smacks 
just a little bit of re-writing the history books to pretend it never happened.

I'm also tempted to wonder how many of the other early cartoons are going
to be altered or quietly withdrawn...there's a lot of footage about which
quite accurately reflects the stereotypes of the times, but may now be
considered "embarassing".


Any thoughts from the panel ?

    The edit that you mention was allegedly done in a previous release of
    Fantasia, (I believe in the '70s) and according to reports has remained
    in subsequent releases, including the current video release.

    I have not viewed my tape closely enough yet to identify the spot yet.
    Reportedly the scene involved a black centaur polishing the hoofs of
    another.

    Interestingly enough, they could not simply remove the scene, since
    that would throw off the synchronization with the soundtrack.  Instead
    the shot was re-edited to just zoom in on the larger centaur.  The
    evidence in the resulting print is a grainier picture and background
    for that shot.

    There was quite a long discussion in our paper about it, with 
    before and after pictures. It was the scene Len described, where a 
    black centaur, depicted as a picaninny stereotype with hair in rag 
    bunches, is seen polishing the hooves of a white centaur.
    
    It was stated that this depiction in a servile role had caused 
    protests from the black community, countered by arguments that the 
    video was being sold as a classic which portrayed the attitudes 
    current at the time of production, and therefore shouldn't be 
    edited.
    
    The article implied that the edit had taken place during the 
    recent production run, so there might be 2 versions out there.
    (I haven't checked our copy, 'cos Father Christmas is bringing it 
    for my daughter!)
    
    Mike B.

 Source:           DOW JONES NEWS

 Date Published:   07 MAY 1992


 Walt Disney Co., in the latest in a cacophony of lawsuits in connection with
 its animated film classics, is being sued by the august Philadelphia
 Orchestra over "Fantasia," the largest-selling videocassette of all time,
 The Wall Street Journal reported. In the suit, filed in federal court in
 Philadelphia, the orchestra asked for half of the video profits from
 "Fantasia," which since its release last year has sold 14.3 million copies
 and generated profit that the suit estimates at about $120 million. Disney
 refused to comment. The orchestra claims that Disney should share the
 proceeds because it was a "joint author" of the film when it was made, and
 never gave permission for Disney to release it in home video or laser disk
 versions. Of course, no one had heard of home video in 1938, when the
 orchestra, then under the baton of maestro Leopold Stokowski, began
 recording the music for the film.
                (c) Dow Jones News -- FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

    re: .51 -< Orchestra Sues DISNEY Over Video Sales Of 'Fantasia' >-
    
    Just curious, did the Philadelphia Orchestra receive a percentage
    of the profits each time "Fantasia" was re-released to theaters?
    Did they need to give Disney permission to re-release it?
    
    If they haven't asked for a percentage of the profits and/or haven't
    felt they needed to grant permission for release in the past, then
    they lose credibility with me because it just seems like they're
    looking for a quick way to make some money.  On the other hand, if
    they *have* received a percentage of the profits and/or have been
    asked for permission to release in the past then I think Disney has
    made an oversight and it should be dealt with in a manner similar
    to any past agreements the two have made.
    
    If the Philadelphia Orchestra successfully sues Disney, I hope
    they are awarded significantly less than 50% of the profits.  To me,
    the best part of "Fantasia" was the animation, not the music.  The
    music is wonderful but I've seen several pieces of the "Fantasia"
    animation successfully set to other music which tells me the
    animation stands on its own.