Rating: 
Summary: Whom the Bells Told
Review: Disney brings the Victor Hugo's classic tale into a spectacular and touching animated wonder. Gentle and deformed bell ringer Quasimodo (voiced by Tom Hulce) lives a solitary life on the top of majestic Notre Dame. When Quasimodo befriends gypsy beauty Esmeralda (voiced by Demi Moore), he embarks on an adventure to protect his true friend from the harsh authority of his master Frollo. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a powerful, star-studded and stunning masterpiece. The movie appeals to both kids and adults, but some content may be too strong for younger audiences. The story is well-paced and uplifting. The voice cast also includes Kevin Kline and Jason Alexander. The animation, music score and detailed backgrounds are quite amazing. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a surprisingly good DVD. This animated tale is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a detailed video transfer with bright colors. Both 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS sound are remarkable with stunning clarity. The animated menus are simple but certainly appealing. Its supplemental material features the pleasant Making of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" featurette, an audio commentary with directors Kirk Wise and Gary Tousdale, and the Topsy Turvy Underground game. Like so many Disney DVDs, it also contains forced commercials and trailers. With its fine DVD presentation, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" scores a "B".
Rating: 
Summary: Disney's Greatest Animated Film to Date
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: An Epic Motion Picture, But Definitely NOT for Children...
Review: 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).
Rating:
Summary: Exciting Drama, Almost Operatic.
Review: "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.
Rating:
Summary: Worthy of the Disney title
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: LOVE IT LOL
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the most detailed Disney film ever made.
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Judge Claude Frollo lol :-)
Review: 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!.
Rating:
Summary: What Makes a Monster and What Makes a Man?
Review: "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.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting Drama, Almost Operatic.
Review: "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.
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