Rating: 
Summary: Disney's Greatest Animated Masterpiece Of All Time!
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Some Liberties with the story, I imagine!!!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Submitted for your approval, a review from the Twilight Zone
Review: 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.)
Rating:
Summary: The Bells Ring Loud
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Not highly requested by my kids.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Everything is upsy-daisy!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: awe-inspiring
Review: 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.)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: What's wrong with hell?
Review: 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!".
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