Today in Film History (November 13th, 1940): Walt Disney's "Fantasia" Premieres in New York City!
On November 13th, 1940, Walt Disney's iconic film, "Fantasia", premiered in New York City. The film consists of eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music, with the most iconic of the eight being "The Sorcerer's Apprentice". This segment was originally intended on being an elaborate "Silly Symphony" cartoon designed as a comeback role for Mickey Mouse, who had declined in popularity. The film used the Fantasound audio system, which was developed by Disney and RCA, which made "Fantasia" the first commercial film shown in stereo. "Fantasia" made between $76.4 and $83.3 million in the North American box office on a $2.28 million budget, making it the 23rd highest-grossing film of all time adjusted for inflation.