1 Rated G?
This should be rated PG-13 for violence ( the scene when
esmerelda is burning ), cursing ( there Is a song with cursing
in it ), and other very innapropiate scenes. And THAT'S only
half an hour of this dreadful movie. This could also be rated
R, which could very well be possible. It has a very creepy
setting for everyone, young and old, and should be ignored
by every family in the country. This movie has the horrible
music from the same song-writer as the little mermaid. Walt
Disney would be terrified if he viewed this movie. There hasn't
been a good disney movie that wasn't directed by Walt Disney
since Mulan, Mulan II, and the Emperor's New Groove.
Disney should stop using Europe as a setting. It's booooriiing.
At this point, seeing Europe is like seeing a pencil. Been there,
done that.
If you are planning to watch this movie, don't. It really should
be rated PG-13, or even rated R. Thank you.
2 Beautifully drawn, wonderful music, and story
Disney truly does do Victor Hugo justice in their adaptation of "Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) disobeys his Master, Judge Frolo's (Tony Jay) orders and leaves his bell tower to go down into the city of Paris for the "Festival of Fools." While he's among the people, he meets gypsy girl Esmerelda (Demi Moore) who admires Quasi's mask and pulls him up on the stage for the King contest. When Quasi wins as the ugliest, they try to pull off his mask and discover his face is real. This sets off a riot in the streets and draws Judge Frolo's attentions to Esmerelda and the gypsies. Frollo wants to eradicate every gypsy in Paris and orders Capt. Phoebus (Kevin Kline) to do his dirty work. What ends up happening is that Quasi, Esmerelda, and Phoebus form an uneasy alliance and work to save the gypsies.
"Hunchback" is one of Disney's first features with strongly enhanced animation. Initially, the depth, intricacy, and vividity of color of this style literally blew audiences away. The acting, music, and general pacing of the story is also very good.
One star deducted because violence and adult themes in this film may not make it suitable for very young children. My friend and I watched "Hunchback" in the theatre with several families of children. At least 3 under the age of 5 years had to be removed by a parent during the more violent scenes.
3 Beautiful and Dark: Disney at its Best
Simply put, this is a magnificent movie, and with the exception of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, the best movie Disney ever made. The animated rendition of Hunchback of Notre Dame, although marketed as a family film, is a cover for vastly more adult themes rarely touched upon in the likes of Disney movies. The combination of the wonderful, colorful animation and the dark subtlety of more sophisticated adult themes is absolutely brilliant, a combination that Disney needs to return to. Its recent movies lack this children-adult crossover that made Hunchback of Notre Dame a masterpiece.
The music is most definitely the best aspect of the movie. The score is beautiful--Alan Menken is a genius--and gave the movie an air of power lacking in most other films. As for songs, it has some of the best and worst. The worst are just garishly tacky kid songs inserted in overcompensation for the overbearing darkness. Fast foward these. Yet the best songs in the movie are some of the best in the genre of Disney movies. Bells of Notre Dame, the song that covers the opening sequence, God Help the Outcasts, and Hellfire, are stunning. Hellfire is my favorite Disney song of all time. Dedicating an entire song to Claude Frolo's repressed sexual desire surpasses brilliance. Besides, the melodic quality is dark and gorgeous. Classic. Absolutely classic.
I admit that when I first saw this movie in theaters at age nine, I was not particularly fond of it. Then I saw it years later as a teenager and loved it. It is truly a movie for a mature audience, which I feel makes it one of the best. Disney really needs to make more movies of this calibur that are able to transcend the mold of a kid movie and become something greater for all ages. Hunchback of Notre Dame is the underrated hidden masterpiece of Disney and never achieved the recognition it truly deserves. Buy it, own it, and cherish it. It will be the jewel of your Disney collection.
4 wicked awesome
I've seen the movie and its filled with cool music, excellent characters, and awesome voices. It has a good moral. I understanded the plot and wasn't scared of Frollo or anyone, even Quasimodo. This movie is appropriate for anyone who has read about the film and characters. If you don't like it, don't watch it. It's not inappropriate because of the G rating. It totally totally rocks!
5 Disney for the over 12
Okay folks, I rarely give anything five stars but this film from Disney deserves nothing less. Purists are complaining that the film is not faithful to the book (is any?) and mummies are complaining that it is far too sexual for their children. First of all this film puts Disney in quite a predicament. It is obvious from the start that this isn't for anyone under the age of 12 due to the violence and highly adult dialogue. Get rid of the singing gargoyles and you have an adult film. I don't believe that animation is only for kids. I watched this film in awe of the beautiful depiction of Notre dam cathedral. The animation is beautiful, very dark and quite frightening in some places. The score is exciting with Gregorian choirs and great ballads. Which leads me to frollo's song `hellfire'. I have included the lyrics here as everyone seems to mention it in their review and yet to someone that has never heard it, it wont mean anything:
Priests:
Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti (I confess to God almighty)
Beatae Mariae semper Virgini (To blessed Mary ever Virgin)
Beato Michaeli archangelo (To the blessed archangel Michael)
Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis (To the holy apostles, to all the saints)
Frollo:
Beata Maria
You know I am a righteous man
Of my virtue I am justly proud
Priests:
Et tibit Pater (And to you, Father)
Frollo:
Beata Maria
You know I'm so much purer than
The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd
Priests:
Quia peccavi nimis (That I have sinned)
Frollo:
Then tell me, Maria
Why I see her dancing there
Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul
Priests:
Cogitatione (In thought)
Frollo:
I feel her, I see her
The sun caught in raven hair
Is blazing in me out of all control
Priests:
Verbo et opere (In word and deed)
Frollo:
Like fire
Hellfire
This fire in my skin
This burning
Desire
Is turning me to sin
It's not my fault
Priests:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
I'm not to blame
Priests:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
It is the gypsy girl
The witch who sent this flame
Priests:
Mea maxima culpa (Through my most griveous fault)
Frollo:
It's not my fault
Priests:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
If in God's plan
Priests:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
He made the devil so much
Stronger than a man
Priests:
Mea maxima culpa (Through my most griveous fault)
Frollo:
Protect me, Maria
Don't let this siren cast her spell
Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone
Destroy Esmeralda
And let her taste the fires of hell
Or else let her be mine and mine alone
Hellfire
Dark fire
Now gypsy, it's your turn
Choose me or
Your pyre
Be mine or you will burn
Priests:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
God have mercy on her
Priests:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
God have mercy on me
Priests:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
But she will be mine
Or she will burn!
I think this song pretty much speaks for itself. If this film was rated PG 12 then everyone would have been happy. Buy this film if you are looking for great animation, a memorable score and if you looking for a different rendition of Hugo's original tale. Do not bye it for your kids. The theme and message is way over their heads.
6 Disney's Best - a Miracle of a Movie!
A risky wedding of wholesome classic animation, to adult and often dark-themed material. The risk paid off and the result is one of the greatest achievements of Disney Studios.
The animation here is first rate and the entire thing is shot like a live-action film with some incredible long shots, great theatrical panning and even at one point, during Quasimodo's song "Out There" a realistic camera flare (I did a double take the first time I saw it!) Hunchback is filled with all sorts of great "tricks" like this. Lighting effects here are nothing short of magnificent - often subtle they sometimes change in an instant dramatically altering the mood of the piece. Frodo's demonic song "Hellfire" is perhaps one the most sinister and frightening moments to emerge from Disney and the animators let loose.
The prologue to the movie alone is a minor masterpiece and, like Beauty and the Beast, marvelously prepares us for the whirlwind of a story to take place.
The complaints about the singing and dancing gargoyles Victor, Hugo and Laverne, are simply wrongheaded. I read the Hugo classic too, and know they're not in there. What the complainants fail to realize is these gargoyles live only in Quasimodo's imagination. He invented these companions to ease an otherwise tortured, lonely, friendless life. The culmination of all of this becomes obvious in the spectacular song "A guy like you" which finishes with pigeons flying and hearts and banners and ribbons and Quasimodo being celebrated and then BAM immediately upon the conclusion of the final notes, the room becomes the same dark, dank, splintering tower filled with relics, junk and heartbreak. It's one of the movie's most shattering effects.
While deserved praise goes to the animators and crew, the voice talent here is, in my opinion, Disney's very best. Tom Hulce goes to the very soul of Quasimodo and gives a performance that is as poignant and shattering as anything he has done (Hulce also happened to be the best Hamlet I've ever seen.) Certain lines ("I am a monster, you know") will ring in my ear forever. Hulce has a beautiful voice and renders "Out there" with such abandon and vigor it makes my hair stand on end. In the quiet "Heaven's light" (which sequences into a stunning shot of the bells frantically ringing the opening theme), Hulce brings a fragility to such lines as "no face as hideous as my face, was ever meant for Heaven's light" that only a heart of stone would not be moved. Switching from pathos to rage, Hulce lets us feel the hidden rage and danger that this character also possesses. It is a truly remarkable performance.
Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, Tony Jay, Paul Kandel - and the rest of the cast all sound at the top of their game creating wonderful and vivid characters.
Alan Menkin and Stephen Schwartz get to the heart of the matter with score and songs - a sound - that are as integral a part of the telling of this story as the animation and voices.
Hunchback is a miracle of a movie!
7 "Disney Shouldn't Sexualize Kids!"
Demi Moore palys the sexy role of Elsmerelda the gyspy girl hunted down by the cruel French Priest. Kevin Kilne, (A Fish Called Wanda, The Big Chill) plays a romantic knighy who seeks Esmerelda, (Moore) and marries her at the end. (Demi Moore, G.I. Jane, and Hunchback of Note Dame 2) is dances and waves her oniporpriate body parts around! G desreves a PG-13! Read all the other reviews, sex is the main thing said! I am the reviewr of Chicago and Cold Mountain.
8 Underrated Classic
While many are of the opinion that Disney have undergone a "slump" of late, I think these same people tend to judge a film on the box office taking and not the quality of the film itself. It is true that compared to the phenomenal output of 1989-1994 (which saw The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, among others) Disney have not had the financial success that those films provided them. However, this is not to say that the quality has slumped. 'Hunchback' is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful animated masterpieces that has ever graced the screen. You can stare at the backgrounds for hours, as vibrant and realistic as they are. Almost like going to Paris!
The DVD is pretty decent for a single disc edition as well. An audio commentary by directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, and producer Don Hahn (who are always fun to listen to - check out their Beauty and the Beast and Atlantis commentaries); a 'making of' featurette, a multi-language reel (as well as the usual kiddie fluff of sing-alongs and games). There was a rumoured 2-disc, but it is looking less likely. The R2/R4 have different extras (including a deleted song), so hopefully these will pop up together with these extras on an "ultimate edition" some day.
In a time when Disney has stopped 2D feature animation, this is one that should be treasured. About as good as the craft gets - it is shame we won't see it go any further, at least for a couple of years.
9 Bold Movie that Works
When Disney made this movie it made a brave attempt to see if audiences were sophisticated to accept a more mature (albeit only slightly) animated musical. Obviously they were wrong. Many think this is the worst movie Disney ever made. I disagree. This is one of the best.
Certainly Alan Menken's music is the highlight. Not as good as music for Beuaty and the Beast or the Little Mermaid, but comparable to Aladdin or Pochantas. Some songs that don't really work are "Topsy Turvy", "A Guy Like You" and "Somewhere Out There." "Heaven's Light" is really very nice but doesn't seem to fit. "The Bells of Notre Dame" shows off some very nice vocals and tells a story well. "Hellfire" incorporates chant nicely. But the highlight is "God Help the Outcasts" the best and most heartfelt song in the movie.
The subject matter is not one that immediately attracts me, but presented in this form I enjoy it very much. Disney does a good job of both keeping enough original material and adapting it for a wide audience.
Frollo's lust for Esmeralda presented in the song "Hellfire" probably would really make some parents think about wether their children should see this film, but it is presented so delicately that children won't understand it and older children and adults will understand that it is integral to the plot.
The vocal performers are very talented and well casted.
10 Not too good.
I saw this movie when I was maybe seven I suppose. It was downright disturbing. I mean they tie up Quasimodo, throw rotten fruit at him at him, they show Quasimodo's Mum being killed while trying to seek refuge in a chruch, we see the evil guy nearly drowning baby Quasimodo in a well, a house is set on fire with children inside, there is predjudice against gypsies, there is a song about Hell (I didn't fully comprehend the message they were trying to get accross at that part, I'm pretty certain it was Hell though), they nearly burn Esmeralda at the stake and a whole bunch of other really WEIRD stuff goes on. It's a big royal mess from beginning to end. I understand bad thing shappen in the world but this movie was intended for children and I don't recommend it for small children or anyone else for that matter. In a few short words, it creeped me out and I didn't see a point to it.
11 WOW.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTORE DAME WAS THE BEST. I M GETTING IT ON VHS,I WATCHED IT HALF AND IT WAS ASWME. LOVE IT. COOOOOOLOE.WALT DISNYS MASTERPIECE.WOW.JUST WOW.
12 Probably the most detailed Disney film ever made.
This is a really cool Disney flick because it is the least cartoonish. Everything about it is detailed, more so than some of the Pixar films. The animation is very intriquite and miraculously precise in bringing the Gothic city of Paris to life. The voice casting is very star studded and well done. The music is very good as well, and the score is very moody and probably the most dramatic of all the Disney films. It isn't the best but it is definately "the most".
13 LOVE IT LOL
Wow, this used to be my favorite movie ever. Actually favorite is an understatement. When it first came out in 1996, I was 6 years old, and I never got to see it in the movies, so my mom bought it on VHS when it came out. I fell in love with it, and I understood almost everything that was going on in it. Well now I'm 13, and I can't say it is still my favorite movie (Rain Man is now!!!), though it is my favorite Disney movie. This is one of those Disney movies that you have got to see. It doesn't just entertain you, it teaches you morals too. One is don't judge a book by it's cover. So now, I'm hoping to get it on dvd.
14 The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Judge Claude Frollo lol :-)
It's a great movie violence,sadness,funny,good.
the first time i watched the movie i was amazed and tight throated.Frollo(the only name that deserves a capital exept for some others)one of the most scariest villans of all(which means there are no others)he says things like "im placing your family under house arrest"take them away!?(explanation mark)"in a song Hellfire" choose me or your pyre be mine or you will burn God have mercy on her God have mercy on me but she will be mine or she will burn.Quasimodo really is sad they spin him around on a podium with ropes while they throw tomatoes at him and Frollo just sits there and dosent care(VERY VIOLENT).but like i sead it's a great movie!.
15 What Makes a Monster and What Makes a Man?
"Achilles! Heel!"
- Captain Phoebus
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, adapted from Victor Hugo's tagic novel, was something that was not of the same mold as other Disney films like Aladdin or The Little Mermaid or The Lion King. It was much darker, much more daring, more beautiful, complicated, powerful, and much more dazzling. It is a tale that begins with murder, and through it runs a dark vein that Disney had rarely ever dipped into.
The story itself is daring, dealing with race and class issues, sexuality, and self-worth. At the center of the story is the Hunchback, Quasimodo, the bellringer of Notre Dame cathedral. Foremost, Quasimodo is a departure from the usual Disney fare of strapping, handsome young men or cute/noble animals. He is deformed, and he is ugly, but he is kind and gently, and such a fantastic character. Through the movie he is taken from the shelter of his belltower to the streets of Paris. He meets the Gypsy Esmerelda, falling hard for her stunningly sensual beauty and and strong character. He meets Phoebus, captain of the guard, and an unlikely ally. In the end, it is up to the two of them to save not only the woman they love, but all of Paris, from destruction.
Quasimodo's master, Judge Claude Frollo, is the cause of much suffering in Paris. For years, he has been stamping out the Gypsies, who he sees as agents of evil, spreading corruption among his people. Here, we have Disney's most complex and thoroughly evil villain since the Queen in Snow White. Frollo is not a man seeking power or money, but he is a man seeking to end an entire race of people, a man whose wonton cruelty is matched only by his religious contempt. His life is complicated when he finds that he is lusting after Esmerelda, wanting to love and be loved by the Gpysy. His single-minded devotion to either possessing or destroying her is the kind of emotion and drama that make Hunchback so powerful.
Equally powerful are the performances from the voice cast. Tom Hulce provides sympathy and strength as Quasimodo; Kevin Kline puts his unshakable but caring personality into Phoebus; Demi Moore is both sexy and stalwort as Esmeralda. But the real scene stealer is Tony Jay as Claude Frollo, providing an incredible range of talent, and making Frollo sound just NASTY.
The score in Hunchback is even more impressive. The operatic themes, accompanied by Alan Menkin's fabulous songs, weave the perfect mood through this movie, moving both the characters and the audience. And the songs are fantastic, flowing in and out of the dialogue much more naturally than is norman in Disney movies, and containing some stirring messages, as seen in Outcasts or Heaven's Light, or some thoroughly disturbing images, as in Hellfire.
Of course, there is always something in a Disney film to offset any dark spots that may come along. The three gargoyles that keep Quasimodo company were put there almost exclsuively for the children, although they do, in a chorus-like manner, give more insight into Quasimodo's character.
But despite the tailoring done for children, including a happier ending than Hugo ever imagined for the story, Hunchback keeps all the themes of the tale intact, and still stays surprisingly true to the spirit of the novel. However, more than that, Disney created a truly moving, and visually stunning (2D animation has yet to look better) tale that delves far deeper into the human psyche than they had previously dared. It was a bold new step, and a fantastic film.
16 Exciting Drama, Almost Operatic.
"The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" is one of the great examples of the kind of exhilarating, memorable films Disney is capable of making. It's a wonderful adaption of Victor Hugo's novel and those who claim it is too dark for children simply have no appreciation for the fine art of storytelling. This is indeed classic storytelling on a grand scale. The images are beautiful and stunning, on DVD they look amazing and in the widescreen format like a large, moving canvas. The animators bring the famous Paris cathedral to life with vivid energy and detail, making it into a character. The music is a pure delight, worthy of an Andrew Lloyd Webber production. "The Bells Of Notre Dame" and "Hell Fire" especially work like awesome opera. This is also the kind of movie adults can enjoy just as much as children, what's a family movie if it can't be enjoyed by the entire family? The writers perfectly capture the moods of Hugo's flavor but filter it in a way where children can enjoy (and learn from it) while those with an appreciation for literature and film can watch the movie and appreciate the detail and craft in the way it captures the culture of ancient Paris, the look and of course, the composition of the songs is superb. "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" is a visually stunning work of art anyone who enjoys great cinema should watch.
17 An Epic Motion Picture, But Definitely NOT for Children...
I am the biggest fan of Victor Hugo, from "Les Miserables" to "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." To me, his words are true and alive, no matter how much time passes.
I've never been a big Disney fan, but when this film came out, I was excited. Forgive me, I was only 6. I didn't know that much about Hugo at the time.
Tonight, I'm watching the film again roughly after 8 years. I must say, WOW! Most Disney films are childish and silly (sorry guys), but this film actually had some mature intensity behind it, none that I understood when I was small. Looking at it fresh makes me wonder how I ever took it all in.
The movie is quite graphic, intense, and sometimes a little seductive, but it is still glorious. My advice, don't let your kids see it unless they are either REALLY naive, or REALLY mature. The average kid won't be able to take it.
If you are a fan of the book, try the movie. No really, it's worth it.
PLOT: Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who lives in the highest tower of the church, ventures outside his home and falls for a gypsey woman, the desire of the corrupt priest who has raise the bellringer.
PROS: Music, Scope, Epic Granduer.
CONS: Talking Gargoyles (they kinda represent the little fact that Quasimodo is a schizophrenic, another point kids won't get).
18 Yuck
this is by far the creepiest Disney movie of all time. It is far too sexual and just all around not fun. Esmerelda's dancing is basically a cartoon dancing like a stripper while keeping her clothes on. Frollo's fixation with her is way over the top (re: fireplace scene) and all around it gives me the willies. How do you explain to a child why Frollo wants to "have her" or have her "go to hell"? Seems difficult to me! Another part I found somewhat disturbing was the burning down of the peasant-looking folks' house. Seemed like something you would see in braveheart. If I was under the age of 10 or so, I would have a hard time sleeping after seeing that movie and.or understanding a bit of it.
19 ONE OF THE BEST DISNEYS EVER MADE
As has been said in other reviews, this is not really a kids' film, as Disneys in general are. When I first saw this in theatrical release, I wept openly at its scope, grandeur and depth of emotion. It immediately reminded me of the magnificent BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, with its large-scale operatic score and unbelievably beautiful animation. It also boasts one of the best scripts ever written for animation, with full, complicated characters and a well thought-out balance between the darkness of the original Victor Hugo masterpiece and the neccessities of modern storytelling.
A theme which Disney films come back to again and again is that we must cherish all of our earth, whether or not it fits into our own individual worldview. Diversity and difference are not to be suppressed and eliminated; rather, they are to be celebrated as part of our rich tapestry of life. Some reviewers have wondered why the Disney folks decided to tackle NOTRE DAME; they simply do not see that the story is a natural. A lonely outsider, desperate to join the human race, just wants to belong. We all want to belong, and from DUMBO to PINOCCHIO to BEAUTY AND THE BEAST this is a recurrent theme.
This theme is handled beautifully, especially during the heartbreaking song "Heaven's Light". The rest of the score, by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, is nothing less than glorious, with memorable and literate songs which would make as vivid a broadway production as THE LION KING became.
The entire cast, from Tom Hulce as Quasimodo to Kevin Kline as Phoebus to Demi Moore as Esmeralda to Tony Jay as Claude Frollo, are well up to the task of playing these characters. The neccessary gags and the inspired idea of Quasimodo's unfettered imagination bringing the cathedral's famous Gargoyles to life leaven the tragedy with humor, because life does indeed go from joy to sadness and back.
The DVD includes many bonus features, such as a documentary on the making of the film, a sing-along version of "Topsy-Turvy", a game for the kids (and the kid in every adult), commentary from producer Don Hahn and directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise (who, not surprisingly, are the team responsible for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), and much more.
A movie to treasure for all who love great film, great animation, great stories, great musicals. Disney's HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME stands alongside milestones like WEST SIDE STORY and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as one of the best.
20 Disney's Greatest Animated Film to Date
I became enraptured with Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame after I saw it long ago back in 1996. My first impression was...WOW! Disney deviated from the normal 'warm and fuzzy' cartoon stories and daringly took on a project that was incredibly complicated and very adult in nature. The dark gothic edge to the tale should have been expected, as Victor Hugo's book was not exactly a Cinderella story. Parents should know this before taking their little kids to see it. I would say preteens would understand more than the usual toddler or grade school kids.
I consider this movie to be Disney's greatest animated film to date, even up to this year, 2004. Why? For several reasons.
First, it's hard to turn a book like Victor Hugo's Hunchback into a cartoon in which you can still find humor and drama, strong, multi-dimensional characters, and a very powerful plot and message that are not overshadowed by the characters, or vice versa. Literature fans of the book cringed when they saw the Disney-fied version, but my argument is: Disney also kept many of the strong, major themes of the book alive. People forget that a book and a film are two different forms of media, therefore, should be interpreted as such. A movie does not have to be faithful to the book, but can be, rather, an adaptation of words turned into stunning visuals, as Hunchback was.
Secondly, all the characters in the movie are believable and multi-dimensional even the slapstick comedian gargoyles, who to me, represented a hidden part of Quasimodo's personality that he was unable to express...his fun-loving side. Esmerelda's great sensual beauty was a serious change to the usual more innocent heroines...as well as her toughness, independence, and warmth. People aren't used to those kind of heroines, especially a dark gypsy who is an exotic dancer. Demi Moore's sultry, warm voice added more reality to Esmerelda's animation. Phoebus, the Captain of the Guard, is dry-humored, witty, and calmly confident, voiced by the similiar personality of Kevin Kline.
But the most incredible part of the movie was the introduction of Disney's most complicated, tormented villain to date, Judge Claude Frollo, wonderfully voiced by Tony Jay's rich, resonant powerful voice. Not merely someone out for power or wealth ( he has those already), he is incredibly sinister, manipulative, and cruel. This got a little tricky trying to explain to my little cousin 'why Frollo was destroying the city" and what his Hellfire song was all aboutl. Indeed this was a common complaint among some parents...that the storyline was too complex and dark for their kids. Well, they also should know that Hunchback was not exactly a Cinderella-story fairy tale either, and could have kept their kids at home. Frollo was multi-layered, incredibly cruel, and yet, human enough to fall in love with a beautiful woman.
Highlights include SPECTACULAR imagery and 3-D animation, breathtakingly beautiful views of Paris, Notre Dame, crowd scenes, and Quasimodo's graceful manuevering of the Cathedral he loves so much, but longs to leave to see the outside world.
I think the music was very dramatic, not much there for kids. The most compelling and powerful song sequence is the HEAVEN'S LIGHT/HELLFIRE sequence in which Quasimodo sings of his adoration for Esmerelda, and conversely, Frollo sings of his tormented lust for the gypsy he hates, but wants to possess and also love. No other villain has had such a multi-faceted personality and complex role. Frollo remains my favorite character because some of his expressions and words were absolutely priceless. And his cruelty went far beyond that of most other villains. The only other villain who even comes close to him is the Evil Queen from Snow White.
The ending is breathtakingly dramatic, fiery, very intense, and again, may be too strong for very young children. But Quasimodo's touching experience with the little girl at the end, and his facial expression, would make anyone with a heart weep tears.
Other characters include the hilarious trio of wisecracking Gargoyles, the Gypsy king Clopin, and Esmerelda's adorable pet goat, adding comic relief and colorful sequences to the story, esp the Festival of Fools gala. Disney outdid themselves with that computer animation, sweeping scenes of the Cathedral, and incredibly pyrotechnic animation work.
Great character development, a beautifully animated film, strong plot, and a very powerful message: WHAT MAKES A MONSTER, AND WHAT MAKES A MAN? Yes, Disney took a chance with a much deeper, complex story, dark and scary scenes, but also non-stop action, and the heartfelt story of a lonely bellringer who finds happiness and acceptance at last.
You will love this. Again I caution very young children from viewing it, as there are some darker and complex themes that are beyond their understanding. But, you will want to see this film. And rate it as one of the greatest animated Disney films of all time, as I have done.
21 One of my favorites
I have always loved Disney, and I particularly respect them for what they did with the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Though still a very toned down and disney-fied version of the story, they did not completely gloss over the darker aspects of the original book, something Disney rarely does. It gives the story a far greater impact than it otherwise would have had. And complaining parents (who say it scared their children) aside, this is an absolutely excellent movie. Aside from the occasional annoying gratuitous computer animated crowd-scenes, most of the animation is beautiful, particularly during the sequence when Esmeralda sings God Help the Outcasts. I'd highly reccomend it to anyone.
22 The Hunchback of Notre Dame
I bought this for my grandchild. I was very pleased with the condition that the DVD was in. I will purchase from this seller many more times. The package arrived as promised and on time.
23 Disney botches another masterpiece
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (which was ironically first published as simply "Notre Dame" but retitled later when the Hunchback continued to get the credit) is a great story, but sadly none of it is found in this movie.
So what is in this movie? Well Disney tries to be serious I suppose. Esmeralda cavorts about the stage in a skimpy outfit to adoring men (Blooper alert: she magically changes outfits when she goes to comfort the hunchback), the evil villain blatantly lusts after her and leads a rampage through Paris to get his hands on her...but its all for naught.
In truth, Disney can't be serious. They destroy any chance of that with the three Gargoyles who magically come to life and act goofy. First, why is it every Disney film nowadays has to have an inanimate object that talks? And why do we have the gargoyles here to sing songs about people being lit on fire or an entire city being devastated?
I'd like to see a Disney movie about the Holocaust...
Gargoyle: o/` Warsaw is hot tonight...sure thats because its people are on fire... o/`
I sound bitter, but thats because this movie left me bitter. Bad songs, a bad screenplay, inconsistant tone, a kind of too easily resolved ending, its just not at all that good as some Disney fanboys have made it out to be. Sorry.
24 Dissenting Opinion
Well, I understand that many of people thought this movie was great. However, I was quite displeased with it. It contained material that was unsuitable for children, and if it isn't suitable for children, why should adults watch it? Because they aren't as impressionable?
For those that insist that it still is a great movie for adults, I would merely ask- okay, then why did the movie have to change the book? Last time I checked, the book ended very differently than the pleasant everyone is happy even if they didn't get what they thought they wanted ending in the movie.
If you want entertainment for an adult, go read a book. If you want entertainment for children, read them a book, or find an appropriate movie.
25 WOW
I saw this movie back in 1996, when it first came out. I was nine years old, not exactly a little kid, but still "too young" for this movie. All I can say is the reviews are wrong. This movie is PERFECT for a younger audience. I can't even begin to say how much this movie affected me and many other kids at that age. Quasimodo was someone we could identify with. He showed us what we already knew, that everything isn't perfect. He wanted to be accepted, like all kids want, and that scene where he's publicly tortured was enough to keep us all from ever making fun of someone again. Esmerelda and her pure selflessness taught us it's ok to do what's right, no matter what it costs us. Same thing with Phoebus. That scene where he almost dies for saving an innocent family, well, I know a few soldiers that are model ones after that scene. And Frollo, well, you can't begin to explain. He was definetly the stuff of nightmares. Not all villains are ugly, see? We learned that. We learned that you might try to tell yourself something is right, but if it's wrong no amount of convincing can turn it otherwise.
That said, the movie itself is a masterpiece. After seeing the cathedral itself on a trip to Paris, I can truly say they captured the spirit of the building. The songs are heartfelt and frightening. They express the most basic human emotions: a longing for acceptance, hope, love, passion, and betrayel. You can't get any better than that. "Someday" is my personal favorite. Orginally written to be sung by Esmerelda, it was later replaced by "God Help the Outcasts" and moved to the credits. Still powerful, though. Alan Menken (probably spelled wrong) really outdid himself.
Disney will never have the guts to make a movie like this again. They're still getting a bad rap for making this one. But two thumbs up for Disney! This has got to be one of the most powerful animated films I have ever, and will ever, see!
26 An Epic Adventure
If I had to sum-up this movie in one word, I couldn't do it. I'd be lost as to which word to even begin to consider using. 'Amazing', 'Extraordinary', and 'Breath-taking' come to mind, but they don't seem to do it justice.
The story is about a mis-shapen young man named Quasimodo (literally meaning "half-formed") and his search for acceptance and love. He finds it with another outcast, the gyspy Esmerelda. Unfortunatley Esmerelda, though she cares for Quasi, is in love with the captain of the king's army, Phoebus. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse, you find out the villain (and Quasimodo's master) loves her, too. Torn by his lustful feelings, he proclaims in a haunting song that if he cannot have her, no one can, and he vows to have her burn in hell.
Which brings us to the music. Wow. Just wow. The music is so incredible, it's almost a scandal that it didn't even get nominated for an Oscar. The opening song ("The Bells of Notre Dame") is a masterpiece in itself. Capped off with Latin chanting that gives the songs deeper meaning than one would really pick up on, it really does give you chills. "God Help the Outcasts" is a beautiful song in which Esmerelda gives a heart-felt prayer to God to help the outcasts in society. Many people view "A Guy Like You" as being just plain bad, but it's really a wonderful set up for a moment in the movie. And then there's "Hellfire". Such a song Disney has never had nor will ever have again.
And the visuals are stunning. You forget that its an animated movie as the gorgeous backdrops of medieval Paris and the gothic architecture of Notre Dame pull you into the story.
To conclude, this movie is, and always will be, a Disney classic. What I can't understand is why so many feel that it's inappropriate for children. Of course it's disturbing at parts (I've found that many kids were upset when Quasimodo is tortured at a public festival), but these are the kinds of things that help kids develop strong morals and good values early on, showing them that's important to be accepting of all people, showing them that it's the beauty inside that counts more than the outside.
27 A breathtaking masterpiece
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is with-out-a-doubt one of Disney's best. The music itself will sweep you off your feet into a world previously unexplored by Disney, leaving you breathless. Not only is the music great, but the story is so well put to film that you may find yourself watching it over and over and over....
For anyone who thinks that the movie may be too much for younger children to see, I say this: Disney makes movies that inspire kids to follow their dreams. Hunchback does just that. It disregards the sugar-coated custom of most children's movies, and shows kids that life sometimes deals out a hard hand to play. Quasi, like a lot of people in the world, isn't perfect. But in the end he over comes his personal struggles, showing great moral fiber that most disney characters may lack. I just dont why it is wrong to show kids that not all hero's are perfect - that following your dreams is not just the hero's right, but everyone's.
28 WoNdErFuL on TWO levels
This is one of my all-time fav. Disney movies for a million reasons, but here are a few that I'll point out to ya...
First the cast is excellent! Demi Moore has the sexy, yet affectionate and caring voice for Esmerelda. Kevin Kline adds a strong and sensitive tone to Phoebus. And Jason Alexander is perfect for the wise-cracking Hugo. Not to mention Tom Hulce as Quasimodo. He's got a beautiful singing voice, also humbling, innocent as well as hopeful character voice.
Second I watched this movie as a child and it has every element of they typical Disney movie. Catchy songs, loveable characters, color and magic and a moral to it all. I would sit and watch it over and over again, I loved it and so did other kids my age.
Now that I watch it at age 16, totally different elements in the movie interest me. The time period, for one, is amazing. 1480 something is about the time, and the arcitecture, Romanequse and Gothic styles combined for beautiful Cathedrals in Paris. The festivals, typical in Europe in the late Middle ages, give insight on life back then. Aside from the cultural aspects, are the characters. Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer, is held high in the tower, away from society. On his first journey down from the tower, he befriends and later falls in love with the beautiful Esmerelda. Esmerelda soon meets Pheobus, the captin of the guards assigned to kill her, and they fall in love. All the while, Frollo, the evil gaurdian of Quasi, becomes obsessed with Esmerelda's entrancing ways. He decides that if he can't have her, no one can. He prays to God to have mercy on him for his obession, and in the end can't control it. So the troublesome "love circle" all the characters are caught up in adds an emotional twist, esp. when Quasi doesn't get the girl in the end.
The music is great in the film also. Not as many catchy beats, which is unusual in a Disney film, but rather Catholic hymms of forgiveness. The motif of these songs and lyrics in latin almost give an eerie feel to the film. Quasi's songs of love and life outside Notre Dame's walls almost left me in tears. Esmerelda's hymm of prayer to God shows her selflessness and is an uplifting scene in the film. Finally, Frolo's dark "Hellfire" is totally a radical move for Disney. A threat on the gypsy's life, as well as the visual elements of fire, demonds and hell is enough to leave you with chills.
29 WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie has to be the best movie Disney has come out with.
One of the things i liked about this movie was the soundtrack, the soundtrack featured opera singing and it fit into the movie so well. Especially with the end scene with the fight against frodo.
This movie can be a bit scary for younger kids, one scene that scared me was the scene where frollo died. and i can imagine how painful it would be to fall head first off a catherdral.
another good thing about the movie was the computer animation, nearly all the characters in the background of a crowd were computer animated ad taught to dance or fight or walk in a certain direction.
overall this is an awesome movie, pity they screwed the sequal up.
30 Enjoyable yet a little dark and creepy
This movie came in 12th of 41 but there was a distinct divide by age. The strong characters and emotional music that the adults liked were a little intimidating for the younger children. There was a darkness and a creepy feel to the movie that made it less popular with some in the family, especially the devilish song sung by a church leader. One sometimes wonders about Disneys motives since the storys that have emerged about some of its management. But all in all this was an extremely well done movie, that you may want to hold back until the kids are well past their Barney phase. Had the younger childrens vote been the only ones counted this movie would have finish more like 20th, instead of 12th.
We had a lot of fun by gathering the family together to rank the 41 Disney movies we have that include some cartoon work. All the kids, ages 6 to 27, participated along with mother and dad. Lion King was selected number 1 of the 41 as the family favorite, but narrowly. Peter Pan was 2. Pete's Dragon 3, Beauty & the beast 4, Sleeping Beauty 5, Snow White 6, Robin Hood 7, 101 Dalmatians 8, Fox and the hound 9, Cinderella is 10th and Rescuers 11.
31 Fabulous!
Let me start out by saying that this is not a movie for children to watch, at least alone. Children need parental guidance for this movie, which is why I think this movie should be rated at least PG. For instance, my daughter was troubled by the scene in the town where people were throwing tomatoes at Quasimodo. There is also a somewhat provocative dance scene featuring Esmerelda, and an even more provocative proposition from Frolo toward the end of the film. Also, there are some very intense death scenes.
The animation in this film is top notch. And the score is the most amazing music to be featured in a Disney film to date. It will give you CHILLS!
I recommend this film, as a film for adults. It was pleasant to see Disney branch out into another genre. It's unfortunate though, seeing as this movie is adult oriented, that they didn't stick with the original ending. Nevertheless, this movie was well done in my opinion.
32 Tony Jay is great!
I love Hunchback of Notre Dame! The best thing about this movie is the villain, Judge Claude Frollo, who is even better than Maleficent, Scar, Cruella DeVil, Ursula and Jafar. Tony jay gives Frollo such a good voice, and his song is amazing! Hellfire has to be the best song Disney ever made! The only thing I don't like about him is his death. I don't like how Disney made Frollo die. He knew he couldn't support his weight on that gargoyle. Other than that, Frollo is a great villain. The other characters are great to.
33 Underappreciated
This probably has one of the best Disney scores in recent memory. It's unusually dark for the company and in the long standing Disney tradition (and as other reviewers have pointed out), rips the source material to shreds, effectively "'disney-fying" a classic, brutal novel. But it's still a fine movie that's a thrill to watch.
34 The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is the best animated picture I've ever seen.The art, music, characters are incredible. I never thought that the cartoon can be so alive. The story is so gooooood, especially the Gypsy Girl and the Hunchback, they are just amazing. It's one of the Disney's best pictures, i recommend to have it, 'cause it's toooo gooood. And there's a little preview for the Hunchback of Notre Dame:
Quasimodo
Belle,
Is the only word I know that suits her well,
Whe she dances, oh, the stories she can tell,
A free bird trying out her wings to fly away,
And when I see her move, I see hell to pay.
She dances naked in my soul and sleep won't come,
And it's no use to pray these prayers to Notre Dame.
Tell,
Who'd be the first to raise his hand and throw a stone?
I'd hang him high and laugh to see him die alone.
Oh Lucifer, please let me go beyond God's law,
And run my fingers through her hair, Esmeralda
Frollo
Belle,
There's a demon inside her who came from hell,
And he turned my eyes from God, and oh, I fell.
She put this heat inside me, I'm ashamed to tell,
Without my God inside I'm just a burning shell.
The sin of eve she has in her I know so well,
For want of her I know I'd give my soul to sell.
Belle,
This gypsy girl, is there a soul beneath her skin?
And does she bear the cross of all our human sin?
Oh Notre Dame, please let me go beyond God's law
Open the door of love inside, Esmeralda.
Phoebus
Belle,
Even though her eyes seem to lead us to hell,
She may be more pure than the words can tell.
But when she dances, feelings come, no man can quell,
Beneath her rainbow, colored dress, there burns the well.
My promise one, please let me one time be untrue,
Before in front of God and Man, I merry you.
Who
Would be the first to raise his hand and throw a stone?
To be with her, I'd let the devil take me whole.
Oh Fleur de Lys, I am a man who knows no law,
I go to open up a rose, Esmeralda
...
35 Beautiful yet deceptive
The animation and music was lovely! From Disney, we expect no less. But, a bit like Esmerelda herself, there is more to this movie than a pair of big green eyes. I think Disney took on a real challenge when trying to turn Victor Hugo's tragic tale into something meaningful for children. For the most part, they did a admirable job. But I feel like someone needs to point out that they have jumped on the proverbial wagon, and Disney has thrown its own weight behind some perpetually cruel and misleading stereotypes. This movie does not acurately portray the Gypsy (Romani) people. However, I LOVE that fact that it does highlight some of the injustice they have suffered over the centuries of their wanderings, that it manages to cast sympathy on their plight and suggest that yes, Gypsies are people too, capapble of love and fear and compassion. Hopefully these lessons of tollerance will be more lasting to our children than the visions of seductive women in sugestive clothing that can read palms and conjur magic.
36 Disney's Greatest Animated Masterpiece Of All Time!
This is simply the crowning achievement in all of animation history. Yeah, you thought that "Beauty & the Beast", "The Lion King", and "Pocahontas" had beautiful animation? Well, this film totally beats the [heck] outta those films! The character designs are gorgeous; and the intricately detailed (and downright flawless) Notre Dame is absolutely stunning. The use of lighting in the drawings even goes as far as resembling live-action photography!
But aside from the drawings, this film is definitely Disney's most adult-oriented cartoon feature yet; it should definitely be rated PG, for intense thematic elements. Characters are brilliantly fleshed out; and, Disney has created what may be their greatest villain of all time (second only to "Sleeping Beauty" 's Maleficent), Judge Claude Frollo, voiced by the inconquerable Tony Jay. He oozes corruption and reeks of pure evil . . . . he's one of those select few bad guys whom you hate to love and love to hate! The rest of the voice actors are equally as perfect: Tom Hulce as Quasimodo, Demi Moore as Esmerelda, Kevin Kline as Phoebes, and Jason Alexander as the gargoyle Hugo. Which reminds me.....for all you Disney fluff purists out there, those lovable gargoyles are constantly there to remind you that it is, after all, Disney. For the rest of us, however, it often gets downright annoying! The film also features the studio's most touching moments ever; they're downright tear-jerking.
And now, we come to the music . . . . aahhh, THE MUSIC!!!!! Such haunting compositions, such elegant rhythims, such powerful, POWERFUL score!! If it didn't win an Academy Award, it should have. That stauette rightfully belongs to Alan Menken!
So, as you can see, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is the very best of Disney's animated films. It succeeds like no other in the departments that their "cartoons" are all about: beautiful animation, story, voice actors, and MUSIC!
Alas, such a masterpiece of not only animation, but of pure cinema, has been cursed with this, this....THING that passes off as a DVD! While the sound is absolutely fine, the picture is far from it, suffering from grain quite often. Colors could've been more vibrant, objects could be more defined. The so-called "Making-of" documentary is basically 26 minutes of Jason Alexander cracking jokes on how the gargoyles are really the stars. Heck, even the 2-minute "Story Behind the Story" feature on the "Beauty & the Beast" Platinum Edition DVD was far more interesting than this! "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" itself deserves a Platinum Edition of its own; or maybe one of the better (in my opinion) Collector's Editions that Disney has bestowed upon "Tarzan", "Atlantis: The Lost Empire", and "Dinosaur" (the latter two being far from deserving, at least compared to "The Hunchback of Notre Dame").
In short: go ahead and pick up this bare-bones DVD ... and stick with that, until Disney hopefully releases a Tenth Anniversary Special/Platinum/Collector's Edition in either 1996 or 1997. They'd better!
37 Some Liberties with the story, I imagine!!!
Okay, we can be honest again, that this is probably not "The Story" about the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Esmeralda probably didn't look like Demi Moore, although if you're going to have a Gypsy love interest, Demi Moore works real well. (I wonder if she dances as good as the cartoon character?)
Then there's Tom Hulce as the Hunchback, and his voice was alright, but a little too clean cut. And, of course, Kevin Kline as the soldier who comes in to clean things up, and he naturally falls in love with Demi (I mean, Esmeralda), and then we have the Big Bad Cleric, who has these fantasies about all kinds of "goodies" he'd like to do with Esmeralda, and there's the rub. Why can't Disney do things with some balance? If they look into the history books, they can find a lot of evil which men did, and many of them wore the hats of different kinds of people. There were many bad Popes, too, but that doesn't mean you have to show them as totally reprobate. The fact that this Cardinal is seen as a lecherous villain was, by far, a little over the edge. And intellectually dishonest, if you ask me, but that's just my opinion. You can make your own, but only after doing your own research.
Not a bad movie. The animation is top notch, of course, and the singing and dancing is right up to par. I had a little difficulty believing the gargoyles on top of the cathedral came alive and sang and dance, but then again, this is Toon Town, right? Right.
38 Submitted for your approval, a review from the Twilight Zone
Am I the only one that finds the moral of this lonely-misfit-goes-through-adventures-only-to find-true- happiness-at-the-end-in-spite-of-whatever-hideous-disfigurements-or-social-inadequacies-he-or-she-might-have story rather odd and unpleasant? Okay, forget the idea that this is "based" on a Victor Hugo novel. I could only watch it as a thing in and of itself, as it was otherwise intolerable. But regardless, this is one in a long series of Disney movies with the same theme--The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast (interesting in that BOTH leads were misfits), Aladin, Mulan and more recently Shrek, among others. Disney even tried to cast Hercules in that light, although completely unconvincingly. So Quasimodo is in distinguished company, and it's certainly a message worth saying repeatedly. Kids need to be empowered to go their own way, to assert their individuality, and to practice compassion toward others. And certainly the "odd" kids, whatever the cause of their difference, need hope and love. Of course it is no suprise that many of those involved in the production of these films on many levels are somewhat divergent themselves.
But Hunchback seems to tell a rather different story. While Belle and the Beast's love overcame Beast's curse and restored him (and his entourage) to his former magnificence, and the Little Mermaid lost her tail but gained a prince and a kingdom--alas, in spite of the good intentions there is certainly a subtext that it's okay to be different as long as you are beautiful and rich, which even Mulan doesn't escape--poor Quasimodo doesn't fare as well. Not only Quasi, but Esmerelda also is an outcast, and according to the typical Disney logic they should end up together, redeemed by their love. But apparently the audience can't stomach that--so Esmerelda, in spite of her affection for Quasimodo and his totally selfless dedication to her, ends up with the vapid but beautiful knight. The hideous disfigured hunchback is deemed too awful to get the girl, in spite of the beautiful person that he has inside, and ends up with the consolation prize of spending the rest of his life in a low rent walk-up with a couple of real gargoyles. What kind of a message is that to send to kids, especially those who might have some kind of physical abnormality themselves? Most of the audience walked out thinking they had just seen a comedy, but no, it was a tragedy as deep as Hugo's. At least the original Quasimodo didn't have to continue waking up every day realising he was too horrifying to ever have his true love. Disney, what were you thinking? How very uplifting. Others have said that this is not a movie for children, but if not, who is the target audience?
The music is the saving grace, and several of the songs are absolutely terrific, including the tear-jerking "God Help the Outcasts" and the dramatic "Bells of Notre Dame". Superb orchestration deserves a mention, too. But rather than purchase the film, buy the soundtrack instead and then take your kids to Shrek, whose take on these same themes is much more uplifting. (Although even there, the physically abnormality is the butt of more jokes than the obvious character flaws of the obnoxious prince.)
39 The Bells Ring Loud
It's a masterpiece. Plain and simple. Disney has rarely taken as many chances as they do on their adaption of the "Hunchback of Notre Dame," first written by Victor Hugo (notice the subtle tribute to hugo in the Gargoyales).
Quasimodo is deformed. From birth, for one reason or another, he has had hideous bony growths on his face and an eyesore backhump. But he is a gentle soul, able to hold a newborn bird in is hands, as well has ring the massive bells in the gargantuan Cathedral he calls home. But he is held back by the coniving Frolo, a power-hungry, corrupt lawman who has been subversively controlling the lives of all who inhabit Paris from his position of judge, jury and excutioner.
But Quaisimaodo dreams of one day leaving his Cathedral abode, and join the lives of the people he has longed for in the city below. He gets his chance when he sneaks out of the Cathedral against Frolo's demands to see the Feast of Fools, when every citizen on Paris comes to party. But because of his looks, Quasi is shunned by the crowd. But, he is surprisingly saved by the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. from then on, Quasi and Esmeraldo form a bond, but Esmeralda's love is to one of Frolo's guards. Eventually, all the characters are put in danger by Frolo in the movie's spectacular climax.
To paraphrase the amazon.com reviewer, this is an animation movie for adults, despite the disney song and dance routines and slapstick gargoyales. But that to me is why the movie succeeds. "Hunchback" handles tough, grown-up issues in fine fashion, without ever coming off as preachy. The characters have amazing depth, fitting into the story like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to complete one spellbinding picture. That's a good way to summarize the movie in general: a spellbinding picture, and one that stays painted in you mind.
40 Not highly requested by my kids.
Good Disney movie, but my family just didn't find it interesting enough to want to watch it over and over like most of the Disney movies we own. Our favorites are Dinosaur, Lilo & Stitch, Monsters,Inc, Toy Story...and we watch them often. This one tends to hit the back of the shelf before we decide to dig it out again.
1smileycat :-)
41 Inspiring!
During a world full of hate, there came love. During a world full of fear, there came understanding. And during a world of sadness, there came happiness. And that's exactly what happened to Quazimodo, the lovable, yet lonely, bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. His body is deformed, having a bent, lame back, and his face is probably the ugliest human face you've seen, but his heart is pure, and his courage is strong. Disney has turned a classic novel into a masterpiece, with memorable characters and wonderful animation.
Though I haven't read Victor Hugo's original "Hunchback", the story is dark and serious, appealing to adults, as some reviewers have said. The violence here is way too strong and scary for little kids (there's death in the first part; I'm luck to be a teen). But the message in the story is powerful, one which both children and adults can benefit from. This is one movie which you can use to teach your child. Children of all ages will learn that no matter how ugly you are, the important part is that you are pure inside. My Dad happens to like movies with that message.
The message of being beautiful inside rather than outwardly is repeated throughout the movie. Friendship is also important in the film. With all those elements, Quazimodo is able to both save the day and teach people to look at the inner side of people. During the Feast of Fools, Quazimodo defies the orders of his hypocritic master, Frollo, and vetures out into the streets to have some fun. But when the crowd is shocked by his ugliness and turns against him, Quazimodo is save by the mysterious lady, Esmarelda. Follo's secret passion of Esmarelda lead him to seek her destruction, as well as the whole city of Paris. Now, Quazimodo must save both himself and save the city he loves.
Disney made this into a masterpiece, as I said before. The animation is lush, and the scenery is great. The beautiful backgrounds in the film were nice, and the characters brought the film to life. The music, combined with choirs, is heartwarming, able to touch the audience. The score is accompanied with songs, which also tell the story. This is a musical. The message, storytelling, animation, characters, and music are able to make "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" an inspiring tale. The most powerful part in the story is the ending.
In conclusion, this is a good film, which teaches the values of life. You will be touched by it, and you will have both tears and joy, as you watch the film.
42 Everything is upsy-daisy!
I'll agree with one of my fellow reviewers in saying that this is one of Disney's darker and deeper films. Not as dark as the actual story goes, as Disney likes to fluff everything up for younger viewers, but dark for a Disney film.
The portray of Frollo is most likely what brings the moodier feel to the movie. I can say, with much ease, that Disney did his sinister character justice. He is definately the only Disney character that gives off the vibe of pure [badness].
On the lighter side of things, there are many points in the film that make it an easy going, fun piece of work. The gypsy king Clopin provides brilliant vocal works and acts as the storie's narrarator.
Quasimodo is fluffier than that in Hugo's book, but it works for his character. The fact that he sings in the film also helps.
The portrail of Esmerelda is perfect. She had the perfect image and was brave.
The image of Pheobus is done in the most amusing way that I've ever seen. His stiff-as-a-board character is great because of his raw humor.
The only thing I didn't enjoy about the movie was the fact that those talking gargoyles were everywhere. They just got on my nerves.
But all in all, I highly reccommend this movie to anyone.
43 awe-inspiring
heck! it's wonderful. Intense, with soaring music and speech-robbing animation, this is a movie that may be darker than most, but it's worth watching anytime. (please note that yes, it is drastically different from the book which is also very very good, though there're deaths, frollo's an archdeacon and not as evil as in the movie, phoebus' obnoxious..., but this movie should be watched for itself.)
44 Wonderful
I saw this 12 times in the theater, and then bought it when it came out, and I have watched it once or twice a week since I was 15, and at 22, my daughters and I still watch it together (3 and 1), and they love it.
45 What's wrong with hell?
This movie is great and should stay as G. Many people are concerend that it includes the "h" word in it. Well what was Frollo supposed to say in his song? "Heckfire"? This is around a church and they are not using the word in vain. The songs are amazing and the animation is, well AMAZING! The songs were also very good. "Hellfire" sung by Frollo, is the best solo that i ahve heard in any film. "Like fire! Hellfire! This fire in my skin! This burning desire is turning me to sin!".
46 Alright of course it isn't the book!
Too many folks here seem surprised that Disney butchered Hugo's masterpiece. Well, all I have to say is what on earth made you think they wouldn't!?
When Disney adapts a classic tale into one of their animated films they NEVER do the original story, the closest they have ever come is Beauty and the Beast and Snow White. I mean Cinderella goes to 3 balls, it is the spirit of her dead mother that gives her the dresses and the Stepmother and sisters are butchered and blinded by the end of the tale! Sleeping Beauty, in some of the oldest versions, is impregnated by the prince before she awakens, and the little mermaid DIES rather than kill the prince who has fallen in love and married another! Would you really want your kids to see those versions? I'm not big fan of cleaning these tales up but still they didn't want to horrify parents and children....
That having been said of course this film is nothing like the book but it is beautiful and lyric and fabulously animated. The voice talent is flawless, who can say they didn't laugh when Kevin Kline said to his horse: "Achilles, Heel!"
The songs are so beautiful, well I could have skipped the gargoyle's song "A Guy Like You" Menken is a masterful composer as we have seen in his other Disney films. And Schawartz, a long time Brodway lyricist (He did Godspell one of the best 1970's musicals!)is a master with conveing the tortured/evil soul of Frollo and the sadness of Esmerelda.
Perhaps the biggest problem is that Disney cannot seem to do very well with their original films, they always seem to need a crutch of an outside source, like fairy tales or classic novels to get them started. It is too bad that folks can't see this film and try to not look at how it doesn't use Hugo's genius to tell the story. You just couldn't do that and make it animated or for kids!
This is one of my favorites, despite it's diversion from the original and always will be.
47 Should have been rated PG
I would like to know who the morons were on the MPAA board that gave this movie a G rating. If I was on the board, I would have not given it a G rating. I would have it a PG rating and I also feel that what MPAA should have done. The "h" word is used about 4 times in this movie. As the movie opens, a gysy named Clopin (Paul Kandel) tells a story of who lives in the bell tower of Notre Dame. It begins with a gysps coming into Paris and one thats save the life of her baby but dies, a man named Frollo (Tony Jay) finds the baby and almost drops the baby down a well but is stopped by the Archdeacon (David Odgen Stiers). He talks Frollo until adoping it as his son and has the baby live in the bell tower. Frollo names the baby Quasimodo which believe it or not means "half-formed". As and adult Quasimodo is voiced by Tom Hulce. Parents I reccomend if you are going to let your kids watch this, I reccomend you to watch it with them.
48 horrible
I hated this movie. I saw it in theater and i never want to see it again. The worst disney movie ever.
49 WOW
I'm sixteen years old. I watched this movie with the children I was babysitting. I loved it. It even made me want to read the book. The music is inspiring and this movie teaches children a good lesson: you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The music for this movie is wonderful. So far, from what I've read of the book, there are some drastic changes to make the movie less dark and depressing. I understand these changes, for a childrens audience, but if it were a movie for adults, I think that its inacuracy takes some of the realism out of the movie.
50 Don't listen to all the naysayers
I don't think that movies necessarily have to follow the text and sometimes just using the text as the base starting point from which you can add/delete things can result in a product just as creative (take Disney's Jungle Book and Tarzan, for examples). The Hunchback of Notre Dame does this and makes the story touching and heart-felt in the traditional Disney fashion and I think it is appropriate for children (considering all the junk they usually watch on television). Having said all this, I think the movie would not be as rewarding to watch without the AMAZING soundtrack. Talk about creating atmosphere.
51 BAD BAD BAD !
Sweet Lord. I truly wonder if Disney ever read this book. As far as I see it, if it was their goal to decipate a classic tale,it was GOTHIC for god's sake, then they undoubtebly accomplished their goal. Sure it's beatiful,but animation should be judged by the depth of it's story,ESPECIALLY when it's a novel such as this one. I don't know how Disney could have ruined it, but they did( the charecters are so fleshed out, I dont know how Disney disregarded the tortured soul of the Hunchback, and made him a happy singing fellow, but they did.Also, the Hunchback was horrible, the only thing I saw wrong with him was the fact that he had a hump. If it was that way in the book He MIGHT have been accepted, but in the book he is a deformed freak.I feel sorry that Victor Hugo's tireless efforts put into the research of his novel, can be unrespected in such a manner. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is such an UNobvious choice for a family film, that I'm not even sure why they tried. For all you people who like the film, I pity you, read the book. See the wonders of Victor Hugo's amazing talent for description, but the fact that you liked it was your opinion. This is mine, this film is a discrace to not only the novel, but classic literature in itself, it should have never been made...
52 Worthy of the Disney title
Walt Disney would be more than proud of this movie. The Disney team really outdid themselves this time. 'The Hunchback of Note Dame' is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. From the story, to animation to music. Everything is done to the best of human ability. I've seen all film versions of the Hunchback and by far this is the best telling of the story. This has got to be the darkest Disney film ever. It's not a film for younger kids. There's a very violent, evil and sexual nature throughout the movie. Just looking at this movie is a joy for your eyes. The art work is stunning! Disney has never done better. The music is the most underrated of all Disney movies. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz are geniuses. Two songs that stand out the most are "God Help The Outcasts" and "Hellfire." These songs are BRILLIANT! And each worthy of Oscars! If you haven't seen this movie I really pity you. There's nothing negative I could possibly say about this masterpiece. Name any Disney film and I'll tell you this movie is just as good if not better.
53 Very Nice Story
Excellent Movie, the starting theme music makes it worth watching the whole movie.... truly a masterpiece.
54 Victor Hugo did about 78 RPM when this came out.
If there had never been a classic book called "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" this would have stood well on its own. But if you're going to base a movie on a classic novel, it behooves you to pay attention to the story. It wasn't just the fact they changed the ending it was that they tore the heart and soul out of Hugo's work to make a musical caricature. It's not suitable for children and it's not mature enough for adults. This was made during Disney's "Oh Gawd, we're out of original ideas!" period. They started cribbing the classics in desperation and that's ALWAYS a bad idea. It suffers badly by comparison to the original.
55 Breathtaking Animation
The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Tarzan have probably the best animation of any other disney film. The movie starts out when a juggler called Clopin was telling a couple of children about a Man and a Monster. At the beginning of the movie Frollo puts Quasimodo'd Father in prison and kills his mother on the steps of Notre Dame. 20 years later Quasi attends the Feast of Fools. After getting teased and tonted by the crowd, a kind gypsy called Esmerelda stops the mob and helpd Quasimodo. Frollo is inraged and want's to execute her. Esmerelda claims sanctuary in Notre Dame and has to saty their or else she'll get caught. After forming a relationship with Esmerelda a kind captain of the guards called Pheobus wins Esmerelda's heart. Frollo want's Esmerelda, Pheobus and Quasimodo all out of his life. Frollo gets Esmerelda and Pheobus and chains Quasi into the Cathedral. Quasi breaks out of the chains and rescues Esmerelda. Frollo breaks into Notre Dame and fights Quasimodo on to of the Cathedral. Frollo falls off the Cathedral and falls into a lake of burned iron. All in All this one of the best movies Disney has to offer. Do yourself a favour and get this film!
56 A great dark side twist to it
Yes it is a Disney animated movie but hey what is a disney animated movie without it being realsed to kids????!!!!!!???
It is probly my favorit Disney animated movie
It is good to me becuase of its somewhat dark side with Frolo all in all it can be handled by kids just not kids who are really young and I cant wait untill I get it on DVD!.
57 An unexpected modern-day Disney classic with a dark side...
"Hunchback of Notre Dame" came on the heels of 1995's "Pocahontas," a film which strayed drastically from the traditional Disney style of animation. With "Hunchback" Disney staged a breathtaking comeback as the master of animated films: the cathedral of Notre Dame is an imposing, hulking presence in dark stone, with foreboding statues and columns, but touched with beauty, as in the Rose Window sequence that comes at the end of "God Help the Outcasts." Clouds and sunsets are palettes of the softest, most realistic colours. The carnival costumes in the Festival of Fools come in all shapes and sizes, and Esmeralda's sheer dancing dress (and her dance) is stunningly drawn (if more than a little suggestive). The grandeur of Notre Dame is awe-inspiring: the careful attention to detail of stonework, statues and especially the Rose Window is breathtaking. "Hunchback" may have the most detailed, beautiful artwork of any Disney film.
"Hunchback" boasts a stellar lineup of celebrity vocal talent: Kevin Kline, Demi Moore, Tom Hulce, Jason Alexander, and David Ogden Stiers. Although not as memorable as the scores for "Beauty and the Beast" or "Pocahontas, the music in "Hunchback" is some of the most creative that Disney has attempted, accented with medieval instruments and heavily influenced by Church chants (there are a number of songs with Latin lyrics). " The standout song is "God Help the Outcasts," a touching plea for acceptance since we are all "the children of God."
The character animation is gorgeous and underlines the main theme of the movie, stressing the importance of diversity and being accepted: Esmeralda (Demi Moore) is an exotic vision of femininity and grace, a pleasant departure from the normally Caucascian Disney heroines. Her dark skin, raven hair and emerald eyes smite the hearts of three men (Phoebus, Quasimodo and Frollo). Phoebus (his name means "sun god")(Kevin Kline), the Captain of the Guards, is appropriately blond, with golden armor to match, sunlike in his splendour. Quasimodo (Tom Hulce, "Amadeus")is all angles, deformed, walks awkwardly, yet somehow he is not repulsive. Judge Claude Frollo (Tony Jay), however, is as evil and corrupt as any Disney villain. His sneers, pursed lips and outright displays of hatred are astonishingly lifelike, and it is quite possible that he will scare younger children.
"Hunchback of Notre Dame," based on the novel by Victor Hugo, has obviously pared down the story for a much younger audience. Certain characters have been cut, with one high-profile example being Gringoire, the homeless poet who serves as narrator in the novel (he too falls under Esmeralda's spell). But several elements of the novel that are crucial to the film are adult in nature: the lust that torments Claude Frollo's soul, displayed rather frighteningly in his song "Hellfire," in which a firey vision of Esmeralda dances suggestively in the fireplace, the love triangle between Quasimodo, Phoebus and Esmeralda, the persecution of the gypsies, and at times the movie is geared more for adults. That is why it is so hard to accept talking, singing gargoyles, since they do not fit in at all with the story and do little to advance the action.
But even with its flaws, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" teaches young viewers important lessons about loyalty, love and accepting others who are different. The animation is gorgeous, the songs are more cerebral than most, and the incorporation of Latin chants and church music is a welcome addition.
"Hunchback of Notre Dame" is an intelligent film that does indeed have a dark side, the most adult of any Disney animated film to date. There are moments of suggested sexuality, racial hatred including ethnic cleansing, and struggles to the death that may be frightening to younger children. Although the film does have Christian elements, it does not attempt to preach nor convert. Children will love the animal sidekicks and wisecracking gargoyles, and adults will find plenty of adult humour thrown in that will go completely over the kids' heads. This is one movie that should definitely be watched with your kids for several reasons: you may want to explain some of the action, several of the songs have lyrics with big words, to help soothe fears and tears, and you may find yourself enjoying "Hunchback" as well.
58 Wonderful Film--But NOT for Kids
Disney did a horrible job of marketing this film when it was first released. Choosing to focus on the "Topsy-Turvy" section of the movie, all the ad campaigns said "Come join the party!" which was probably the worst thing they could have said--HUNCHBACK is one of the darkest films to ever come from the Disney studio, and it is anything but a party.
It is, however, one of the most richly animated films of recent memory, with incredible music by Alan Menken (whose multifaceted and deeply moving score was unfairly beaten at the Oscars by Rachel Portman's jaunty score to EMMA). The songs are quite beautiful, with HELLFIRE being probably the finest song moment--and animated moment--in the whole film.
When the best song in an animated film is called HELLFIRE and deals with the lust an old and debauched man has for a beautiful young woman, it should have been clear: this movie is NOT for the little ones. Voice performances are routinely excellent with Tom Hulce (of AMADEUS fame) shining in his role as Quasimodo (and handling the singing chores quite nicely).
Unfortunately, because they made the decision to market it to children, it does have a happy ending--of sorts--but at least at this time they didn't try to arrange for Quasi to end up happily ever after with a beautiful girl. (They would do that with the FAR INFERIOR direct-to-video sequel that only serves to tarnish the reputation of the original.)
It's a great transfer on DVD, sounds great, with wonderful commentary from the directors. Enjoy it--but put the little ones to bed first...
59 "Which is the man, and which the monster?"
Only twenty-eight years of age when "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was first published, Victor Hugo credited his masterpiece to a single thought conceived while visiting the cathedral, which was in danger of being torn down for its gothic architecture. The hunchbacked Quasimodo, the beautiful Esmerelda, and the evil Claude Frollo was born, and has become one of the greatest gothic stories of horror, romance, and tragedy ever to be penned. Those looking for the same tunes of melancholy to be found in Hugo's work will find the Disney version, not surprisingly, much-altered in many ways. But if one wants a decidedly happier ending, this film very well may suit.
??
The year is 1487 and the heart of the city of Paris is the magnificent cathedral of Notre Dame. As we learn from the prologue by the gypsy king Clopin, the mysterious bell ringer is a misshapen and deformed creature by name of Quasimodo, who was cast as a burden on the cruel shoulders of the local magistrate Frollo after he was singularly responsible for the child's gypsy mother's death. In penance, and in part "save his soul" from damnation, Frollo has taken care of the boy, but banished him to the highest tower of Notre Dame, to be "locked away where no one else can see. For who knows? Our Lord works in mysterious ways... this misshapen child may one day be of use to me."
?
Twenty years have passed and Quasi has never set foot out of the cathedral. Nevertheless, encouraged on by his three imaginary gargoyle pals Victor, Hugo, and Laverne, Quasi slips out of the church unknown to his master and into the square. Once there he makes the brief acquaintance of a gypsy dancer, Esmerelda, who first enthralls and then infuriates Frollo, who orders her arrest. .More clever than his guards, she slips into Notre Dame and claims sanctuary. But she can only remain within those cold stone walls for a limited time... and little imagines the obsession that Claude Frollo has for her.?By the end, all will have risked their life -- and their cathedral -- to learn the truth to the riddle which the gypsy king Clopin has thrown toward us in the opening score -- "which is the man, and which the monster?"
?
This is by most standards a great achievement for Disney; they've cleared the hurdle of first-class animation (Notre Dame and the streets of Paris are utterly breathtaking) and have come up with an enthralling musical score. The dialogue is wrought with wit, satire, and subtle humor as well as several meaningful conversations. The characters are engaging and the villain probably the best (worst?) ever brought to animation. Disney has also transformed the sinister Claude Frollo into a government official rather than the archdeacon of the church as he was in Hugo's original work. This allows for some artistic license; and avoids possible religious concern over his obsessive lust for the gypsy girl.
?
There are several memorable songs: Esmerelda's "God Help the Outcasts" is particularly touching, and the opening and closing ballads are almost "Phantom of the Opera" in caliber. Frollo's "Hellfire," while being exceptionally well-written, pushes the envelope. This song, in addition to dark scenes of violence, beginning with the opening few minutes and ending with a violent assault upon Notre Dame, as well as some emotional cruelty toward Quasi make the film entirely unsuitable for children. But older teens and young adults will probably enjoy Hunchback as a psychological study of evil. One of Disney's finest achievements.
60 Every bit as Broadway worthy as Beauty and the Beast!
Born of Gypsies, the kind, malformed hunchback, Quasimodo, was raised by the cruel and evil Judge Claude Frollo. A fanatic bent on ridding Paris of the Gypsy folk, Frollo had murdered Quasi's mother when Quasi was only a baby. He raised Quasi to be ashamed of his appearance, and kept the boy hidden away amongst the bells of the Notre Dame Cathedral, leaving to him the job of bell-ringer.
After 20 years of being hidden above the streets of Paris with only the stone gargoyles to talk to, Quasimodo's only joy was watching the people from on high, and making wooden figures of those who inspired him. As the lively Feast of Fools approached, Quasi became excited to take part in the celebration. Meanwhile, Evil Judge Frollo had found some excitement of his own. Amongst the many Gypsies he had dedicated himself to eradicating, he had discovered one particularly enchanting dancer girl named Esmerelda. At the Feast of Fools Celebration, she became his obsession, as well as the love interest of his brave and kind new Captain of the Gaurd, Phoebus. But she finds her way into Quasimodo's heart to, being the only one to treat him kindly when the Parisians decide to make a rather cruel spectacle of the "Ugliest Face in all of Paris." Upon being being forced to hide from Frollo by claiming Sanctuary within the Notre Dame Cathedral, Esmerelda meets Phoebus and grows closer to Quasi, and the three eventually become friends, protecting each other from the cruelty of the evil Judge. Meanwhile, Frollo continues his crusade to destroy the Gypsies of Paris, and soon the three new friends must take a stand together.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an epic musical of Broadway proportions! This spectacular feature follows well in the tradition of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin! Most of its criticism has come from its very adult themes, and it's strong emotions. Judge Claude Frollo is incurably sexually repressed, Quasi is desperately lonely and slow to warm up to the idea that Esmerelda loves Phoebus, not him. Esmerelda is quite the dancer, the cruelty level runs high, and the lead character is not exactly a cute, fuzzy bunny. Still, this film is heartwarming, beautiful, and frankly, EVERYONE should see it! The music is outstanding! The visuals overwhelming! The direction, the techniques, the storytelling, all done in a startling example of perfection! If you haven't seen this film yet, you should be kicking yourself right about now, and if you have, and don't already own it, what are you waiting for? This film may not be right for your preschoolers (that's what the direct to video sequel is for), but who said animation is just for babies? Treat yourself and buy this DVD.
A note on the DVD extras, as I always try to put one in: This disc includes a behind the scenes program hosted by Jason Alexander (George on Seinfeld) who plays Hugo, one of the gargoyles from the film. It also includes a somewhat amusing game, an interesting multi-language reel, an audio commentary and sing-along song. A nice little set of extras, especially considering that Disney animation DVD's often have little to none. But even without extras, this film would be well worth owning!
61 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame DVD
"The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" represents a perfect addition to Disney's cannon. No, it is not as dark, or as rich as the book but I am reviewing the movie here as is, I am not into reviewing books. The film gives us the life of Quasimodo who is secluded from from the world atop the bell towers of Notre Dame. He is the servent of one of Disney's cruelest villains, Frollo - - who does not allow the hunchback out of the tower. Other then his Gargoyle friends, Quasi has no one. Until he defies his master and meets Esmeralda in The Festival Of Fools, and falls in love with her.
Disney's 34th Animated Feature contains some of the darkest elements that the studio has ever put into a feature since "Night On Bald Mountain" in "Fantasia." Some of the film's elements are very suprising to see in a Disney animated feature. Most notably the underlying sexual desire (subtle though) of Frollo for Esmeralda. This story arch gives us the film's strongest song, "Hell Fire".
The animation is wonderful. Specifically, the opening shot sequence through the skies of Paris and again during the "Hell's Fire" sequence.
Was there anything I didn't like? Sure, but not much. The only thing that comes to mind is the song "A Guy Like You" sung by the Gargoyles, which seems to have been put there only to secure the G-rating.
Definatley one of the best Disney classics from the '90's. Followed by Kid-friendly sequel "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame II".
62 The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Let me first start by saying that this review is based solely on the quality of the dvd not the movie itself. I love the movie and give it 5 stars, one of Disney's greatest. My complaint is with the quality of the pressing of the dvd. It is horrable, worse than the laserdisc that came out years earlier. They market it as a digital remaster, which it isn't. It is probably the same print that was used for their last release of the film. There are numerous examples of defects with this disc but there is one major defect that everyone should be able to see clearly(except Disney management). On the scene when Quasimodo shows Esmerelda the view above the bell tower; she brags about how good the view is then, clearly in the sky is a BIG UGLY WATER SPOT. How could Walt Disney studios put out their product and not even preview it before mass producing copies. Worse yet, call it a digital remaster. I called the company about this problem and they were nice about it and said they would look into it. First time they called me back, they said they couldn't find a problem with the disc and pretty much said that the problem was my dvd player(which it isn't). Finally, the company did call back and said that I was correct that a drop of water did fall onto the frame at the time of printing. They told me that they were not going to do anything about this but hoped that I would buy another copy of the dvd when they finally get around to remastering the film. This is very disapointing to hear since I am a big fan of Disney home entertainment and the whole Walt Disney Co. The only way that they will do anything about this is if more people complain about the problems. Let the company know that they should recall this dvd and correct the problems. Their phone number is written on the dvd label or send them an e-mail.
63 I can't stop loving this movie!
Disney's 34th animated feature was my personal favorite. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a triumph to behold for all! The animation was absolutely spectacular! The plot had many twists and turns! And the characters were deep and individual. Of course, I am not surprised to hear that some viewers thought it to be a little 'too mature' but it's wise to remember that this movie was based on an adult novel. The situations were life-like, and thus it gives you a good view of the real world. Just because it's mature doen't mean it's a bad movie! How do you expect children to learn unless they witness situations that have strong moral value? People don't always dance around and have happy endings. This movie was different, like Quasimodo himself, and deserves respect.
There are only two things that bugged me, however not a whole lot to deter my good review for this film. One was when Esmeralda performed that really weird dance at the Festival of Fools (not to mention she used a pole). That part they could have maybe patched up a little bit. The gargoyles didn't really match the mood of the film very well, and I thought they were quite dumb and especially annoying.
Quasimodo's story was extremely sad yet the ending was surprising because I almost thought he would actually get the girl (how typical if he did). However in life I suppose you don't always get the things you most desire. Clopin had a unique accent and humorous character (although he lost it all in the really [junky] sequel). I admired how Disney used most of the characters from the novel and gave each of them a good part in the film. Frollo was the most terrifying Disney villan to come around in a long time. It was great to see that he wasn't the stereotypical vain and greedy bad guy (ahem like Sarousch in HoNDII). I enjoyed how they reflected the characters moods on the background.
The music was well written, the lyrics creative, and Notre Dame looked almost..real! When they walked around inside I kind of got a sense of what the church looked like. I am a real big Quasimodo fan, especially after seeing this movie, and I thought his personality and voice was well suited for him. Everything about this movie was well done. It just goes to show you how well Disney can do when they really try.
64 Not Victor Hugo, but still great
I was fully prepared to go into Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame" and =hate= it. Even though I'm a big Disneyphile, I was afraid that they'd ruin the story that Victor Hugo told.
Well, it's not Victor Hugo by a long shot, but it was far more interesting than I originaly gave it credit for.
Hugo's timeless story of the hunchback that breaks free from his chains of opression is still here, although with a heavy Disney flavor. I really didn't expect them to kill the major character (so far, =no= Disney major character has ever died).
The story of the love for Esmerelda by Quasimodo is still evident, although the scene where he virtually gives her away is a bit much, especially since there does not seem to be a =big= reason for him to do this, other than his tentative friendship with the Captain.
The songs do not get in the way of the story, nor are they as sappy as some Disney films. This is not your father's Disney by a long shot.
The only disapointment I had was the limited amount of extra "bells and whistles" on the DVD edition. I was expecting a lot more about the making of Hunchback and other features.
Recommended for older children and families, Disney's Hunchback is worth the purchase.
65 Rated G?
Parents should watch this film before showing it to youngsters. This film should have been rated PG. For example, after the gypsy woman dances in a seductive manner (including using a pole), the head of the guards lustily vows that if he can't have her he will kill her and she will burn in hell. Disney should use their influence to have this movie re-rated to PG and advise stores not to group it with the likes of Peter Pan and Cinderella.
66 Great Movie!
I know it's kind of late for a review but I've loved this movie for years. The characters are well structured and easily to fall in love with. The storyline is well laid out too. Leaves you figuring new things out every time you watch it! I encourage anyone to buy this (except of course, if you don't like Disney Videos)
67 Should not become a disney classic
The ending is ok I even liked the little talking statues,but the rest of the movie was boring and it was a waste of my time watching it. "Do not buy this movie".
68 Great cast, great songs, great plot, GREAT FILM!
I really like this film. I think part of the reason I like it so much, is the brilliant casting The actors fit perfectly into their roles, Hulce makes you care for Quasi, Kline adds that humorous touch to Phoebus. Moore is really Esmeralda in real life! You gotta love Hugo, and as for Tony Jay, well, Frollo is my favorite villain in a looooong time!
The animation is brilliant, especially the magnificent detail given to the cathedral. The computer animation of the crowds is outstanding as well
.
There is some excellent music in this film, my particular favorite being Frollo's "Hellfire," which is combined with some tremendous artwork. "The Bells of Notre Dame" is another great song.
As for the DVD's extras. it has a very good commentary track, the multi- language reel "A Guy Like You" is worth a laugh or two, and the making of Hunchback is interesting. Then for the kids, there's the sing-along song of "Topsy Turvy" and the Topsy Turvy underground game.
One note: this film may not be for all kids, so parents may want to watch it without the kids present so they can judge for themselves if it is suitable or not for them to watch it.
69 Not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies
Although there is bonus material on this DVD, it is not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies. The picture and sound quality are excellent, so it's still a good buy.
70 Not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies
Although there is bonus material on this DVD, it is not up to par with Disney Collector's Edition movies. The picture and sound quality are excellent, so it's still a good buy.
71 Great film... Moving and Thrilling....
I thought that this was a great film! Part of that success should go to Tom Hulce as well as the wonderful animation. I think that Tom Hulce brought new life to Quasi and that people like that can be different. I know how he feels.... I am disabled and have seen first hand just how nasty people can be..
This film is rather dark in tone, but I think that you should see it with the kids and talk to them about it.. I think that it would help them see that people that are disabled or deformed are just like everyone else.. They need a chance to prove it...
Lord Frollo was one of the darkest characters that I have seen in any Disney movie... Peobis.. was OK, but Quasi moved me the most... Tom Hulce brought such longing and his singing moved me to tears! His voice is a beauty in itself...
I would pre screen it before showing it to anyone under 10. It is not the original story, but it is a breakthrough, and a wonder to see again and again... So glad that it is out on DVD...
72 An underrated treasure!
I was so glad to see that Disney released this classic film on dvd from their collection. When it was released back in '96, I was amazed at the beautiful animation, the songs, and the story. What shocked me the most, however, was that it didn't do as well as some of its predecessors and that was a disappointment. Though it isn't as good as "Beauty and the Beast", it is close enough in my opinion and better than some of the blockbusters that Disney has released. As good as "The Little Mermaid", "The Lion King" and "Aladdin" are, I think it is still a step above them. Hopefully with its release on dvd, a new audience can see the film and realize what a gem it is. It also has a good message---that we need to look past a person's disability and see the person inside. That is the most important thing a child, or any of us for that matter, could bring away from this film.
73 Could have been a masterpiece ...
Disney's musical-comedy retelling of Victor Hugo's grim _Notre Dame de Paris_ leaps off the screen with brilliant art direction and excellent animation. Computerized and traditional animation effects produce images of medieval Paris that venture beyond photorealism into hyperrealism.
If the film were as good as its first six minutes, it would be a masterpiece. But _Hunchback_ doesn't deliver on its early promise. It features plenty of high drama, then undercuts the drama with low comedy and anachronistic humor. As with a few other recent Disney ventures into more adult-oriented subjects -- _Hercules_ and _Atlantis_ spring to mind -- this film seems fundamentally uncertain of its audience. Many scenes are too intense for children, but the film still attempts to pander to their tastes.
Songs by Alan Mencken and Stephen Schwartz are hit-and-miss. The comic songs and ballads -- usually the high point of a Disney film -- are uniformly weak, while expository numbers are uncommonly strong (and very well staged).
_Hunchback_ is a fascinating misfire -- a minor but opulent addition to the Disney studio's oeuvre.
74 HUNCHBACK: A Treat for THE EYE, THE HEART, and THE EAR!
Disney's version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame is the only animated movie (in my opinion)to achieve weaving together a fantastic story, a beautiful, soaring, suspence building,soundtrack and yet still able to top it off with the BEST most detailed and beautiful animation EVER seen to date. This movie has yet to find it's match. Since Hunchback was released the Disney studios has NEVER been able to top itself! Tarzan is the only movie since, from any company, that has come close to achieving the same results. Tarzan had a great story and a really great soundtrack which was unique and worked well with the film but it is in part due to it's lack of depth in the character animation that causes this film to fall slightly short of Hunchback. Tarzan is a movie with Hunchback quality backgrounds and main characters but has Pocahauntas style "co-stars". Young Tarzan,Teck and all his friends just look as though they were to be in another film. They are simple rounded, cartoony looking characters who do not mix well with the more "realistic" looking characters and elements of the movie. Atlantis has BREATHTAKING animation but lacks a good soundtrack and the story is a little rough at times leaving you lost and having to rewind and watch parts again. Hunchback is not for the very young but I would let a 7 year old watch it. It's lessons are valuable and necessary for kids to learn and live by in todays world. Mayby after a class bully watches this movie he may learn that the kid with the glasses has a heart and feelings and may be a pretty cool person inside and that's what counts!! Buy this movie, WATCH it, LISTEN to it, BE AMAZED BY IT and LIVE by it's lessons tought throughout! GOD BLESS!
75 If You're Worried About the DVD Quality...
...then the transfer for this film is TOP NOTCH!!!!! I was so excited when my mother brought this home for me, and I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED AND NEITHER WILL YOU!!!!
The 5.1 Track is absolutely gorgeous!!! It is not too loud or too soft. I went mad over it, *simply MAD!!!!!* A+ in Audio!!!
The picture is anamorphic widescreen and shows off superb quality and resolution! I had only seen this film once before on television, and I had forgotten about the millions of colors used for the film. They were beautiful then, but with the DVD they shine through brilliant, gorgeous, and absolutely vibrant I kid you not. Save for some *very minor* film grain, the picture lacks nothing and I went absolutely *Topsy Turvy!!!* over it and so should YOU!!! A+ for Picture.
The story is of course heartfelt and despite it being a Disney film, is probably meant for those around their teens and smaller kids also, should you parents explain a few things to them.
The making of the film extra is informative and the game and multi-language reel is a nice addition.
Packaging is great and menus are okay.
If you were worried about how the DVD held up, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT ANYMORE! Pick this up and absorb the glamour!!!! Believe me, I've watched it twice since I got it 4 hours ago ^_~!
76 Deserved a Nomination for Best Picture, among other things.
This is the last of the great Disney animated films. The visuals, the score, the special effects, the storyline. All organic elements which worked together effortlessly. Tom Hulce's reading of Quasimodo was as impassioned as anything I've seen/heard in live action films over the past decade or so. Surely, if there were ever an Oscar for vocal readings, he would have been in serious contention.
I recently saw Beauty and the Beast for the first time in many years. Just as the credits began rolling, I thought to myself, if this film garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, why not Hunchback of Notre Dame? Moreover, the musical score for Hunchback, penned by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz - is clearly above the scores for such films as Harry Potter, The Full Monty and other films which have mysteriously received nominations over the years. Hunchback has it all: ballads, comedy schtick, excitement and even a heavy dose of choral writing, highly appropriate and effective for the setting in which the story is told. How it missed a nomination is beyond me. Much less the poignant single version of "God Help The Outcasts" sung by Bette Midler.
Yes, Disney strayed away considerably from the original story (not as if this is the first time they've done this for an animated adaptation... Mermaid, Cinderella, Snow White.. the list goes on and on). However, they also strayed away from their usual "family" entertainment approach to storytelling. There is no glossy finish (save for the gargolye sidekicks, which should have been dropped) added to homogenize or second-guess the expectations of the audience. All of this makes for a more natural film, definitely the crown jewel in animation history. Even the cinematography (which is hardly something that ever truly stays with me after seeing an animated film) was illustrious, well-paced and breathtaking.
In a year when Moulin Rouge is nominated for the Oscar - and is being hailed as a return to the Hollywood Musical genre, don't for a minute forget Hunchback. This is a film that was just as groundbreaking, daring, and unconventional when put in the confines of traditional "kid-tested mother approved" animation. Or rather, put in the confines of American cinema, period.
77 Quasi-Disney
It was a strange move for Disney. After phenomenal success with animated features like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King, the animation studio took a risk. Feeling audiences were tiring of the same ol' song and dance routine, Disney Animation branched out into other narrative territories. A brave move indeed seeing as the studio had the biggest animated film of all time (The Lion King) and the only animated feature to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar (Beauty and the Beast) under their belts. The results of such daring and ambitious aspirations were...well mixed. For no one thought Victor Hugo's dark story and Disney's bright storytelling was a perfect match. One can certainly see the appeal of that juxtaposition as a challenge. The artists must have been thrilled to explore gothic architecture and cathedrals that served as the stories setting. That inspiration came through loud and clear in the film's design and it's intricate backgrounds. Notre Dame literally dwarfs everything around it and this concept was beautifully taken to an extreme in the film's design. The character animation in this film is also amazing. Movement and timing are perfect, a rather amazing feat given the unusually sophisticated character designs. Re-watching this film illustrates how almost flawless the animation is. Noteably, a dancing gypsy evolves out of the flames in an extremely dark (by Disney standards) but memorably striking song. With all this style and talent it's a shame the film lacked the magic and graceful storytelling of the Ashman and Menken years. Too often this duo is reduced to a musical comedy team, a witty laugh factory utilizing the Broadway mentality. But they knew how to tell a story and tell it well with real emotion and character development. They used all the elements Walt had established as well as the strengths of musical theater. They didn't so much re-define the animated feature as much as they perfected it. Without their graceful touch on this film as well as Pocahontas, the magic was lost. The songs were nice but not memorable. The characters were never fully developed though wonderfully voiced by Kevin Kline, Tom Hulce and Demi Moore. Technincally this film is outstanding but it takes more to please the heart than it does to please the eyes.
78 perfect paris
The misconception going on is that all Disney films are only for children. By no stretch is this a "kiddie" movie. There are several very dark moments, some moments of repressed sexual longing (!), and religious bigotry! whew!
The well-known story of Quasimodo the bell-ringer is given a refreshing twist in this film, and comes off as being very original and extremely entertaining. The animation is, as always at Disney, top-notch, and the musical numbers are wonderful. The cast of all-star voices is exceptional in their roles, and the whole production rolls along at a fine pace.
As I said earlier, to anyone who thinks their 4 or 5-year olds can watch some kiddie entertainment without supervision, this movie will challenge that notion. There are moments where parents would be wise to explain the meanings of certain situations with their children, to avoid confusion/fear. That being said, don't let that keep you from watching this film. It truly is one of the finest films, animated or not, to come from Disney in a long time, and should be seen to be believed.
79 Excellent
The music was excellent if you're into the choir sounds, whcih I am. The addition latin added a certain touch. While it's not a movie you should buy for your five year old, if they're mature enough children should like it. I know I did. If you're looking for a copy of the book, it's not here. While the movie is pretty sugar coated compared to the book, I still appriciated it.
80 Cracked Bellringer
One of Disney's weakest animated features (along with bottom-of-the-barrel "Oliver & Co." and "Robin Hood"). The animation is strangely lifeless, the songs are forgettable, and -- worst of all -- Quasimodo is zapped by Disney's pixies and changed from a terrifying, nearly speechless deaf bellringer into a lovesick teenager who won't shut up; it's enough to make a movie fan look for "Sanctuary!" I have a complete set of Disney DVDs to date, but I won't be buying this one.
Stick with the Lon Chaney and Charles Laughton versions, which are better for adults AND kids.
81 Disney's oddest ever kids film isn't one at all; nice change
Disney's oddest ever film designed for children turns out not to be for children at all, and it's a nice change. Taking a compelling story from the classic Victor Hugo novel, this features some of the darkest moments ever in animation history, but the result is amazingly brilliant. The DVD was originally set for a December 2000 release -- why was it delayed? -- but fans will be rewarded for their paitence. For the first time sicne the original 1996 theatrical run, people can experience this groundbreaking Disney classic as it was meant to be seen, with thrilling stereo sound and the original eye-popping 1:851 anamorphic widescreen viewing format along with several special bonus features, including audio commentary, a "making of" doccumentary, a "Topsy Turvy" sing-along song, a set-top game, multi-language reel on "A Guy Like You," and more.
More spicific bonus feature details and reviews upon the disc's March 2002 release.
***** (5/5)
82 Disney's Modern-Day Masterpiece -- An Entertainment Gem!
This visually and acustically stunning masterpiece was not given its proper due when it ran in cinemas. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" easily ranks among "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Murmaid" as a modern day Disney Classic! -- Although the Victor Hugo story was written for adults, the innocent treatment given to this deep material is pure Disney Magic, making it another family favorite. -- The film is filled with touching moments; my favorite scene is where Quasimodo carries the injured and unconscious Esmeralda into the Church and repeatedly yells "sanctuary!" as the mob roars. -- This is one of modern Disney's best films. The DVD version is superior, but the video is wonderful as well. Highly recommended!*****
83 A Change for the Better for Disney
Out of all the movies I`ve ever fallen in love with and gotten mad at how underrated it was, this one makes me the most dissapointed. Reviews complain about how it doesn`t contain Disney`s classic kiddie humor. No, it doesn`t. It has a much more adult humor that had me cracking up the first time I saw this masterpiece in theatres. Phoebus is one of the most hilarious characters Disney has come up with in a long time. (Besides, I get very tired of little kid pun humor, and those obnoxious sidekicks to the villian that you feel like punching by the middle of the movie.) No, there is nothing using the kid gloves in this movie, and while others sit there and complain about it not being an exact replica of Cinderella, I find it extremely refreshing that Disney only tried something different for once, resulting in a phenomenalyl brilliant outcome.
One thing we can all stress is a good element in "Hunchback" is
the beautiful animation put in it. Compare the colorful Paris setting in this one to the way old-day France was illustrated in Disney`s "Beauty and the Beast" and you`ll see how much times have changed (Watch for Belle`s brief appearance in the town while Quasimodo is singing his first song in the movie.) There are so many beautiful images in this movie; the powerfully drawn Notre Dame "herself", the sky turning red as Paris burns, and the powerful symbolism in the scene when Quasimodo raises Esmerelda`s unconscious body over Paris`s population below to claim sanctuary in the cathedral.
The character of Esmerelda is well over enough to make you want to buy the movie. Nowadays Disney`s acknowledgement of strong female character is rustry and unrefined; you see merchandise in stores of characters like Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White, all of which do nothing to prove themselves as good characters but just sit there looking pretty while stuff happens to them. Esmerelda is not a princess, and in fact she and Quasimodo have it in common that society wants nothing to do with them. She is an outcast, but she is in my opinion the greatest heroine animation has ever seen. Never in the movie is she screaming for help, only standing up for the right thing and bravely spitting in Frollo`s face in the midst of her doom. Esmeralda sees things as they really are - she knows what kind of people are monsters and what people are good. If Quasimodo is Boo Radley than Esmerelda is Atticus Finch. She`s not a damsel in distress, but she is vulnerable and needs to be saved from Judge Frollo at the end, but it`s her who rescues Quasimodo in the beginning. Esmerelda does not marry a prince, become trapped under a spell, or eat a posion apple, but she is a very symbolic supportive character in this film. It`s easy to lay in a bed waiting for a prince to come break a spell, but it`s not easy to be as tough as Esmerelda. The fact the she is voiced by Demi Moore only adds to her sporty qualities.
"Hunchback" doesn`t only have the best Disney chick in a long time, but a very kick-ass villian. Judge Frollo would outdo Captain Hook in any match of scariness. Jafar, Ursulla, and Governor Ratcliffe were all a pain of a villian, yes, but this guy is one of those bad guys that you just can`t believe because they`re just plain EVIL. This is shown in his treatment of Quasimodo, his prejudice against gypsies, and the way his secret desire for Esmerelda leads to his out-of-control need to kill her. Some villians don`t stand for anything, they`re mean because they feel like it, but Frollo represents pure evil. I can think of no better villian (and as a final note, his horse is very cool, too).
Last but not least, I have to put a good word in for Alan Meken`s soaring music for this movie. I`m not talking about the sing-alongs, though there are some good songs in this movie that address themes of the story like "Heaven`s Light" and "God Help the Outkasts." The songs are commendable, but the score is like nothing else I`ve heard in any other films. Menken uses piercing vocals to make action scenes sound beautiful; the final scene during Esmerelda`s execution is good enough to watch over and over again just because the music in it is phenomenal. And then there`s Frollo`s trademark villian song, "Hell Fire," which is the scene you watch and then you KNOW this is not a movie for four-year-olds. Everyone agrees that this movie has a very dark mood, and I don`t think the mood would be at all that way without the cathedralesque music.
So in conclusion, it`s no walk through the park for kiddies, but for older viewers I believe "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is one of the best full-length animated features of all time. If you do want to show it to the kids you better be ready to explain what damnation means and why Frollo`s really into smelling Esmerelda`s scarf.
84 Kid's work?? Not really, but excellent anyway.
With one of their most adult themed masterpieces, teamed with wonderful music and splendid animation, this animation came through. Although the part of the gargoyles did distract from the overall story, the movie held together through it's extremly adult theme, and wonderful cast parts. Not one I would let a child see, but definetly a great piece with wonderful music.
85 Great movie, but more for adults
Disney did some pretty good ones like 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'the Little Mermaid', but after that he went sort of downhill with 'Pocahontas' and 'Aladdin'. I think that his best after that was the 'Hunchback of Notre Dame.' With it's superb animation of the Cathedral and its interior and it's great adaptation of the story by Hugo, it's a great movie.
The first thing i should mention is the music and songs. Elton John wrote the music and he did a great job! From the strong 'Bells of Notre Dame', to the moving 'Out There' and even the passionate 'God help the Outcasts', the songs are high-score. I thought 'Topsy-Turvy' and 'A Guy like You' were more or less out of place, but fit into the story. You can't help but feel a shiver down your back as you watch Frollo sings his haunting 'Hellfire'.
The characters and story is pretty good too. They did a good portrayal of the poor, lonely bellringer Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) confined to his belltower for the rest of his days. Demi Moore did a great job as the lovely gypsy Esmeralda who befriends him at a festival. Tony Jay's ominous voice makes a good portrayal of the demented judge Frollo, after Esmeralda and all gypsies for prejudical reasons. Kevin Kline is Phoebus, the captain who falls in love with Es and becomes an outcast, along with the Gypsies and Quasimodo. I have no idea who did the voices of the Gargoyles, who were there for a little humor to the story, but they weren't bad. In the end, of course, good conquers over evil.
I think the movie was more or less dark and little children wouldn't understand a lot of it, so I think it was ore adult or teen oriented. Still, it was one of Disney's better efforts!
86 my all-time favourite!
animation is breath-taking, plot is tight (ok, so it didn't stick to the original, but view this for itself!), and the characters, (how can i forget to mention them?), are believable.
i love this show, besides disney's beauty and the beast, and highly recommend it. it's rather dark and little kids won't understand much of it, but hey! who's stopping the rest of us to watch?
87 Typical Disney...
The scene where Quasimoto rescues Esmerelda from the fire is rather stunning. That is the only reason I give this 2 stars. Other than that, it's typical Disney....
88 enchanting Disney epic
An entertaining extravaganza packed with music, merriment and unforettable characters, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is a resounding animated wonder that will dazzle you every time!
High above the city of Paris, in the mammoth Notre Dame belltower, the warm-hearted bell ringer, Quasimodo, and his gargoyle friends dream of going outside. He is attracted to the beautiful raven-haired gypsy girl Esmeralda, and longs to tell her his feelings of love.
As the story swells to it's spine-tingling conclusion, you'll experience the power, scope and majesty of this supreme achievement from the Disney studios.
With the voice talents of Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, Mary Wickes and Jason Alexander.
89 Submitted for your approval, a review from the Twilight Zone
Am I the only one that finds the moral of this lonely-misfit-goes-through-adventures-only-to find-true- happiness-at-the-end-in-spite-of-whatever-hideous-disfigurements-or-social-inadequacies-he-or-she-might-have story rather odd and unpleasant? Okay, forget the idea that this is "based" on a Victor Hugo novel. I could only watch it as a thing in and of itself, as it was otherwise intolerable. But regardless, this is one in a long series of Disney movies with the same theme--The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast (interesting in that BOTH leads were misfits), Aladin, Mulan and more recently Shrek, among others. Disney even tried to cast Hercules in that light, although completely unconvincingly. So Quasimodo is in distinguished company, and it's certainly a message worth saying repeatedly. Kids need to be empowered to go their own way, to assert their individuality, and to practice compassion toward others. And certainly the "odd" kids, whatever the cause of their difference, need hope and love. Of course it is no suprise that many of those involved in the production of these films on many levels are somewhat divergent themselves.
But Hunchback seems to tell a rather different story. While Belle and the Beast's love overcame Beast's curse and restored him (and his entourage) to his former magnificence, and the Little Mermaid lost her tail but gained a prince and a kingdom--alas, in spite of the good intentions there is certainly a subtext that it's okay to be different as long as you are beautiful and rich, which even Mulan doesn't escape--poor Quasimodo doesn't fare as well. Not only Quasi, but Esmerelda also is an outcast, and according to the typical Disney logic they should end up together, redeemed by their love. But apparently the audience can't stomach that--so Esmerelda, in spite of her affection for Quasimodo and his totally selfless dedication to her, ends up with the vapid but beautiful knight. The hideous disfigured hunchback is deemed too awful to get the girl, in spite of the beautiful person that he has inside, and ends up with the consolation prize of spending the rest of his life in a low rent walk-up with a couple of real gargoyles. What kind of a message is that to send to kids, especially those who might have some kind of physical abnormality themselves? Most of the audience walked out thinking they had just seen a comedy, but no, it was a tragedy as deep as Hugo's. At least the original Quasimodo didn't have to continue waking up every day realising he was too horrifying to ever have his true love. Disney, what were you thinking? How very uplifting. Others have said that this is not a movie for children, but if not, who is the target audience?
The music is the saving grace, and several of the songs are absolutely terrific, including the tear-jerking "God Help the Outcasts" and the dramatic "Bells of Notre Dame". Superb orchestration deserves a mention, too. But rather than purchase the film, buy the soundtrack instead and then take your kids to Shrek, whose take on these same themes is much more uplifting. (Although even there, the physically abnormality is the butt of more jokes than the obvious character flaws of the obnoxious prince.)
90 Disney's Best
I saw this film 11 times in the theater. After reading the book between the 6th and the 7th time, I was able to better appreciate how well Disney kept the dark themes of Hugo's novel. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz's work is absolutely incredible. I remember children crying during the Hellfire song (and after reading the corresponding part in the book, so did I) so be careful with the youngin's. Buy
