“2000” simply dazzles the senses. My favorite piece combines the sophisticated music of George Gershwin and the unmistakable linear style of Al Hirschfeld. “Rhapsody in Blue” is without question the quintessential sophisticated jazz piece of its time. Maybe of all time. And Hirschfeld’s whimsical view of people’s foibles is delightfully revealing. Together, with the narrative of diverse characters weaving in and out of each other’s lives during the course of their daily routines, these two masters of their perspective fields return the word erudite to storytelling. Another favorite is the touching segment with Donald Duck boarding animals to the music of “Pomp and Circumstance.” It is both funny and poignant as Donald and his lady fair, Daisy, are separated before the journey begins, only to be reunited by segment’s end. As a child, the magician in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” was a bit frightening to me. It is, however, not so much about magic as it is about a timid creature that wants to do his best. In the last segment, nature is personified in the form of an earth-mother nymph. However, this is just a parable about death and rebirth Fantasia 2000 is the most joyous movie conception of the year. Walt would be proud!