8mm Forum: Fantasia: Blu-Ray vs DVD vs Laserdisc

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Topic: Fantasia: Blu-Ray vs DVD vs Laserdisc

William Olson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 287
From: Poughkeepsie, NY USA
Registered: Jun 2010

posted November 23, 2015 02:55 PM

FANTASIA is on my list of the top ten greatest films ever made. Since it's first home video release, I have purchased it on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD (the 2001 "FANTASIA ANTHOLOGY" BOX SET which includes FANTASIA 2000 - no comment).
When the Blu-Ray was released, I was tempted to buy it but held off. I'm glad I did. I have been reading a lot about the Blu-Ray and how each frame has been digitally 'scrubbed' and enhanced to the point where it looks more like digital animation. Also, the soundtrack has been re-mastered even further than in the 2001 DVD. All evidence of Fantasound is gone. It also retains from 2001 the re-dubbing by a voice-over artist of Deems Taylor's voice. I'll stick with the Laserdisc. It is a commendable representation of the restoration done at that time. Deems Taylor's real voice is heard and the soundtrack is a reasonable representation of Fantasound. The work of the artists is there - not obliterated by technology.

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Osi Osgood
Film God

Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005

posted November 24, 2015 01:23 PM

I'm in hearty agreement with you on this!

I have the laserdisc version too, but I will wait until Disney has the "nerve" to actually release the actual, original Fantasia ...

That is, the un-edited fantasia, which would mean that the "Pastoral Symphony" is restored with all the original animation of the black centaurettes back in. Disney tried to kind of make up for this sequence by coming in real close on some of those shots (which is why the image suddenly gets real grainy and slightly out of focus, as it's way too close), and in other whole shot's, actually going back to the cels and completely removing the black centaurettes from the shot (this is why that carpet rolls out all by itself for Bacchaus and his Donkey!).

Have the nerve to give us the original, Walt Disney version of fantasia, and I'll venture buying it.

The same goes for Song of the South. Come on Disney company, take a chance and release these, even in limited release, and do what warner Brother did with they're cartoons collections, giving a disclaimor that "these films are a product of their time and may have images or characters that are no longer accepted in politically correct society ect ect "

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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "

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Lee Mannering
Film God

Posts: 3216
From: The Projection Box
Registered: Nov 2006

posted November 25, 2015 03:38 AM

Agreed.

Mickeys Christmas Carol is another where the Blu Ray escape more than a release has been over touched up shall we say and its totally wrecked. The Super 8mm Derann release is sheer joy to view and original. Win win Super 8!

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Andrew Woodcock
Film God

Posts: 7477
From: Manchester Uk
Registered: Aug 2012

posted November 25, 2015 07:05 AM

Nearly all of the Disney prints are I find, take Hunchback for example, I am viewing it right now and it is just razor sharp with a stunning colour palette.

They simply don't come any better than these from the superb negatives and lab service as was in that era.
Really beautiful prints these.

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"C'mon Baggy..Get with the beat"

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