The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)

Rating:
Summary: "Disney Shouldn't Sexualize Kids!"
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Bold Movie that Works
Review: 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.