All hail, James Earl Jones (1931-2024) • A sequel to the 1940 classic, Fantasia 2000 continued the original concept Walt Disney had for a series of Fantasia films. It shares the same ideals of the original film combining animation with classical music including the returning short The Sorcerer's Apprentice featuring Mickey Mouse. "Can someone give me a ride home?" originally optimized for IMAX® theaters • featured hosts [general release]: comedian Steve Martin, violinist Itzhak Perlman, musician Quincy Jones, actress Bette Midler, actor James Earl "Mufasa" Jones, the comedic duo Penn & Teller, conductor James Levine, and Angela "Potts" Landbury. Animation Directors [in sequence order]: Pixote Hunt, Hendel Butoy [supervising animation director; for two], Eric Goldberg [for two], James Algar, Francis Glebas, and Gaétan & Paul Brizzi • Don Hahn for host segments. Story for "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Carnival of the Animals" by Goldberg [original concept by Joe Grant for the latter]• "Paino Concerto No. 2" was based on the story "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" • Story for "Firebird Suite" by Gaétan & Paul Brizzi • Host Sequences scripted by Hahn Irene Mecchi and David Reynolds • a few characters in some parts were based upon the theatrical shorts produced under direct license. Producer: Donald W. Ernst. Executive Producer: Roy Edward Disney. most compositions was Conducted by James Levine; Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra • "Rhapsody in Blue" was conducted by Bruce Broughton, with pianist Ralph Grierson. • "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" was conducted by Leopold Stokowski • the ending of "Pomp and Circumstance" includes the Chicago Symphony Chorus, with featured soprano Kathleen Battle • Executive Music Producer: Peter Gelb • Soundtrack available on Walt Disney Records. Approved [No. 36995]/rated G. Copyright © MCMXCIX Walt Disney Pictures & Television [Disney Enterprises, Inc.] All rights reserved.