Rating: 
Summary: An unexpected modern-day Disney classic with a dark side...
Review: "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.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Film--But NOT for Kids
Review: 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...
Rating: 
Summary: "Which is the man, and which the monster?"
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Every bit as Broadway worthy as Beauty and the Beast!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame DVD
Review: "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".
Rating: 
Summary: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: I can't stop loving this movie!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Another Disney Classic
Review: In an unusual move considering that there are tons of unused fairy tales left from Europe alone, Disney chose to tackle Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame. The movie admittedly has some faults. To begin with, the story itself is not really appropriate for children - a major, major strike still infuriating some parents even now. As for Hugo fans, Phoebus is given a 100 degree personality change and Frollo given additional faults and sins to make him more of a dyed-in-the-wool villain. The gargoyles, obviously added to keep with Disney comic relief tradition, seem forced - and a possible perception that their presence cut major character Gringoire will seem unforgivable to hard core Hugo fans. Finally, there's the drastically reduced body count at the end - although The Little Mermaid is proof that this isn't necessarily the toll of doom it does beg the question of why Disney tackled a story they knew they would have to change dramatically. None of which changes the fact that this is one of the best films of Disney's silver age. We are introduced to three of the movie's main assets in it's opening scene - the astonishingly detailed and obviously meticulously researched medieval architecture; the beautiful, soaring musical score; and Paul Kandel's amazing Clopin - whose worse traits are toned down just enough to enable him do narration duty without losing the essence of the character (and, since this is a musical, of course, is inspired as much by Cabaret's MC as Hugo's more-than-slightly-cracked antihero). The rest of the cast proves equally good as we enter the famous, strange story that takes place in medieval Paris in the vicinity of the title church. Although not as complex as Hugo's novel, the story has some of Disney's most emotionally rich characters. Largely because of a halfhearted attempt to reign it in to maintain the facade that this was made for children, this is not an undiluted masterpiece - but it is a masterpiece nonetheless.
Rating:
Summary: Not Victor Hugo, but still great
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Rated G?
Review: 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.
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