6/26/26: Fantasia 1940 on 35mm + Live Organ Concert (Paramount Theatre Oakland) - $10.00

On June 26, 2026, the Paramount Theatre in Oakland will present a rare screening of Walt Disney’s 1940 masterpiece Fantasia, projected on 35mm film accompanied by a live organ concert. This unique event offers audiences an immersive experience combining cinematic history with live musical performance.

Fantasia, an innovative feature film originally released in 1940, is renowned for its pioneering blend of classical music and animation. The film’s presentation in this event remains faithful to its original 2-hour and 4-minute runtime and is rated G, ensuring accessibility for audiences of all ages.

A key element of Fantasia’s lasting appeal lies in its collaboration with iconic figures in music and animation. The film features the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Leopold Stokowski, whose arrangements and conducting played a critical role in shaping the film’s soundscape. Narration was provided by Deems Taylor, who introduced the various musical segments.

The production credits of Fantasia include a team of distinguished directors such as James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, and Bill Roberts. Their combined efforts contributed to the innovative visual and narrative style that helped cement Fantasia as a landmark in film history.

The Paramount Theatre’s choice to screen Fantasia on 35mm film highlights a commitment to preserving the authenticity of this classic work. The analog format allows viewers to experience the film as it would have appeared during its original theatrical run, delivering a sense of nostalgia and historical significance.

Accompanying the film with a live organ concert adds a dynamic layer to the viewing, reconnecting the audience with early 20th-century practices when live music often enhanced silent and early sound films. This approach emphasizes the intricate relationship between music and visual art that Fantasia exemplifies.

While details regarding the specific organists or programmatic details of the live performance remain limited, the event itself underscores the continuing cultural relevance and artistic influence of Fantasia. It serves as a celebration of both classical music and animation, bridging genres and generations.

This screening is part of a broader trend among theaters and cultural institutions to revive classic films with live musical accompaniments, enriching the audience’s sensory engagement and appreciation for historical cinema. The $10 admission represents an accessible opportunity to witness a seminal work of film and music history in a distinctive setting.

In sum, the Paramount Theatre’s Fantasia event offers a rare chance to experience a pivotal piece of cinematic and musical art in a form close to its original presentation. It invites both longtime fans and new audiences to rediscover the innovative spirit that has kept Fantasia vital for over eight decades.