So after the success of the first Fantasia film, Disney then began work on several package films which are basically a set of short films rolled into one feature length film. They came out soon after Bambi and Dumbo were done and as a means to keep the studio alive during the war where most of the staff at Disney were forced into the army. Several of these were made and we're going to review them all in one full swoop so let's get to it:
Saludos Amigos
So this one has 4 short films with live action elements between them all, each one featuring Disney animators travelling to various places which in turn became the influence for these many shorts. We have a short starring Donald where he goes touring, one starring Goofy as a cowboy, one about a plane who goes on his first ever flight (and this was before the film Planes) and another one with Donald Duck where he meets a character who shows him South America. One thing I will say is that most of these package films I would say only watch if you need something to keep occupied with. They are not bad, they are not great either, but they will suffice in times of being bored with nothing to do. But as far as this one is concerned, its nice to see how animators tackle different countries without offending them in any way and this film does a good job of that I have to say. 8/10
The Three Caballeros
Taking place in Latin America, we go into seven segments showing parts of this country. Most of these involve Donald Duck getting into all sorts of mayhem as well as one that is a celebration of Christmas and one about a penguin and one about a boy from a country which is different depending on which version of the film you watch. This one is a little bit confusing for me. Its a good animated film, but there's just parts of it where I just feel a bit uncomfortable. Especially as Donald goes out of character a few times. That just really bugs me. 6/10
Make Mine Music
So this one has ten segments, but as you may expect, the majority of them are nothing more than just animations of using musical instruments and the music industry in general with some being just things that never made it into Fantasia. Its an ok one that does well with it trying to do musical stuff. Its not bad, but I wouldn't go out on saying its great. Its more OK than great I would say. 6/10
Fun and Fancy Free
So this one features two segments with the return of Jiminy Cricket who is around during the beginning, middle and end of the film. The first segment is about a circus bear who wishes to return to the wild and would do anything to make that happen. The second segment is Mickey's take on the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Unlike the other films, this felt very relaxed and well paced out whereas the others thus far felt very rushed and too packed and that's a good thing in my eyes. Can't say any more than that. 8/10
Melody Time
So in a desperate attempt to make a film that would top Fantasia, Disney gave us Melody Time, a film which features 7 segments of then popular music with animation to go with it. Among them is some Christmas carols, the Flight of the Bumblebee and the return of Donald Duck and his friend from the first of these package films. This one was one that Disney really seemed to have high hopes for even to the point of merchandising the film as well as giving it a tag line. Did it pay off? I would say it did, but not to a great extent. That's all I can say on that. 6/10
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
So in an interesting change of pace, this film's two segments ended up being separated in later years, aside from re-releases. The two segments are basically Disney's take on The Wind in the Willows and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Need I say more on that? I didn't think so. They both seem to be very faithful adaptations of the two tales and really there's nothing wrong about them. They are both good, well animated and make this package film possibly the best in this line of package films. 9/10
So there you have it and if it wasn't for these films, we would've never got Cinderella and subsequent films as well. They are not great films, but there are not bad ones either. On most occasions they would be enjoyable to watch, but you have to pick the right occasion to do so. 7/10
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