Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney DVD - 03/19/02

[Gyvedgate]

Check out this official Disney website... http://psc.disney.go.com/disneyvideo...s/2331503.html

Incidentally, you can check out other upcoming Disney DVDs at this site: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/

[This message has been edited by Gyvedgate (edited 09-06-2001).]

[Drexl]

Do they mean it this time?

[Laughing Gravy]

I think HUNCHBACK rivals OLIVER & CO. and ROBIN HOOD as the absolute nadir of Disney feature cartoons.

Give me LION KING, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, and ALADDIN!!!

[Nexus 6]

It's about time.

I actually like Hunchback quite a bit. The gargoyles are a little out of place, but the rest of it is pretty good.

I just hope Disney hasn't edited any of it out.

[Jr M]

It's been quite a few years since I saw it, but from memory, "Hunchback"'s not so bad. The art direction is pretty good and the story whips along at quite a pace... I didn't like the gargoyles much either though and the songs were so-so.

I remember being quite surprised when I first saw it at some of the more mature themes in the film. Although I believe Disney changed Frollo's profession from the original novel to avoid controversy, it was still interesting that they still played on the internal conflict between his lust for Esmarelda and his faith. Of course all of this is utterly undermined by those gruesome gargoyles. If Disney want to trim anything, they could lose some of their screen time.

I'll keep my eye out for this one. I certainly found it more entertaining than "Snow White". That may have been the first, but it certainly ain't the best IMHO.

[Jr M]

It's been quite a few years since I saw it, but from memory, "Hunchback"'s not so bad. The art direction is pretty good and the story whips along at quite a pace... I didn't like the gargoyles much either though and the songs were so-so.

I remember being quite surprised when I first saw it at some of the more mature themes in the film. Although I believe Disney changed Frollo's profession from the original novel to avoid controversy, it was still interesting that they still played on the internal conflict between his lust for Esmarelda and his faith. Of course all of this is utterly undermined by those gruesome gargoyles. If Disney want to trim anything, they could lose some of their screen time.

I'll keep my eye out for this one. I certainly found it more entertaining than "Snow White". That may have been the first, but it certainly ain't the best IMHO.

[Chris in OC]

I've always felt that Hunchback was flawed, but it's one of my favorites it in spite of those flaws. I find the look and feel very deep and rich, and except for one bad song ("A Guy Like You") I think it's some of Alan Menken's and Stephen Scwartz's best work, almost coming across like an opera at times.

The major flaw, IMO, was keeping the kiddies too much in mind. It's clear right from the start that they wanted a dark, dramatic tone. Add Esmerelda (the most overtly sexual character ever to appear in a Disney film) and Frollo's attraction to her, and you have a story that is or should be very much for adults. In fact, Frollo's song "Beatta Maria" is one I would be reluctant to show to small children.

I would like to have seen them keep that tone all the way through, ratings be damned, but they threw in the talking gargoyles, slapstick, and cheap gags, all of which only hurt what could have been a really fine animated film.

And then there's that song -- a light, happy, soft shoe number coming right in the middle of Paris' desctruction. Even if the song didn't stink, it came at the worst possible moment, bringing the action to a crashing halt for no particular reason. I'm not advocating editing for PC reasons, but I'd be happy if they cut that song out.

About the gargoyles: I don't think the idea itself is particularly bad if taken as Quasimodo talking to himself, and Charles Kimbrough and the late, great Mary Wickes handled it quite well. But Jason Alexander's character rang false from the second he opened his mouth, and I could have done without him.

As I said, though, this is still one of my favorites. Given that the DVD doesn't appear to have any extras, though, I'm glad I picked up the LD box set, and I'm not sure how quick I'll be to buy the DVD.

[This message has been edited by Chris in OC (edited 09-07-2001).]

[Soggy Bagel's Revenge!]

"Hunchback of Notre Dame" is by far the worst movie Disney has ever made. I mean, it's just such a stupid idea. What were the Dsney executives thinking?!

"Oh I know, let's take a really long, really hard to understand, really depressing French book where everyobdy dies and one of the main characters is a whore, and TURN IT INTO A CHILDREN'S MOVIE!"

How stupid can you get?

Thanx,
Brook

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If you're a film fan in Colorado, be sure not to miss BLOODFEST!, my horror film festival benefiting Bonfils Blood Center. There are great films showing, so you should come! Get all the info here!

Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films!
or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun!
Also, see my ever-so-wonderful DVD collection!

[Laughing Gravy]

It's been said that Irving Thalberg and Lon Chaney loved Hugo's novel and saw the possibilities for a good movie in it; obviously, the Disney people saw that film (or the fine 1939 remake) and concluded that it could make a lot of money as a cartoon follow-up to BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. They didn't have any respect for the source material, hence we have Quasimodo, instead of deaf and barely able to speak, as a whiny teenager with puppy love. How anybody could prefer this film over SNOW WHITE, one of the great works of art of cinema, is beyond me....

[Soggy Bagel's Revenge!]

"Snow White", while one of the greatest artistic achievements in animation, also really screwed up the original story. I mean, adding seven dwarves was just plain ridiculous.

Thanx,
Brook

------------------
If you're a film fan in Colorado, be sure not to miss BLOODFEST!, my horror film festival benefiting Bonfils Blood Center. There are great films showing, so you should come! Get all the info here!

Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films!
or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun!
Also, see my ever-so-wonderful DVD collection!

[Chris in OC]

Originally posted by Laughing Gravy:
How anybody could prefer this film over SNOW WHITE, one of the great works of art of cinema, is beyond me....

Well, to each his own. Like Brook, I consider Snow White more of an achievement than a great film. I've always felt that the story is poorly paced, sometimes moving fast and furious and other times slowing to a crawl. It's a glorious starting point for animated features, but it's far from Disney's best.

[Jerm]

Originally posted by Chris in OC:
Well, to each his own. Like Brook, I consider Snow White more of an achievement than a great film. I've always felt that the story is poorly paced, sometimes moving fast and furious and other times slowing to a crawl. It's a glorious starting point for animated features, but it's far from Disney's best.

I enjoyed this movie, and I've preordered it, but I always thought that it seemed like a realy long music video. Not a whole lot of dialogue, just enough to set up the next song. And the Hunchback never did much for me. My son took our copy and stuffed it in his room (once he got my old TV) and I haven't missed it.



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Jerm
"I feel like a Kentucky Fried idiot"

[Soggy Bagel's Revenge!]

Have you people even glanced at one page from the book?! Do so, and you'll be convinced that Disney must have gone mad. The most disgusting part in the whole film is at the end where the hunchback pairs together the two beautiful people. After all, they deserve one another, why would anyone want to subject themselves to loving an ugly man? I mean, if you're going to completely fuck up the sotry, you can atleast do it in a positive manner. What trash.

Thanx,
Brook

------------------
If you're a film fan in Colorado, be sure not to miss BLOODFEST!, my horror film festival benefiting Bonfils Blood Center. There are great films showing, so you should come! Get all the info here!

Go to the missing title art gallery for fun comics, creative writing, and original short films!
or, visit Cheap Thrills ...or more? for lots of horror cinema fun!
Also, see my ever-so-wonderful DVD collection!

[Chris in OC]

Originally posted by Soggy Bagel's Revenge!:
Have you people even glanced at one page from the book?!

Yes, and it's clear that the movie doesn't follow the book. However, I still enjoy the movie as a work unto itself, and find the story as told by Disney very involving.

[Jr M]

I don't think there is any question that the Disney version of "Hunchback" is a travesty of the original novel. I have lots of problems with the film and agree that the ending left me with a sour taste in my mouth. However, as a piece of work in its own right I think it does have some merits & is certainly interesting for its more "adult" sensibilities.

As for "Snow White", I would reiterate what has already been said previously. It is certainly an incredible achievement in terms of the advancement it brought to the field of animation, but as a work of entertainment I find it flawed. Whilst the dwarves and the Queen are interesting, amusing, memorable, Snow White and the Prince seem empty and vacuous and without character. Whilst I can enjoy the film for its historic significance, I would choose a fair few other Disney films over it as overall more entertaining.

[Rogue]

Originally posted by Soggy Bagel's Revenge!:
"Hunchback of Notre Dame" is by far the worst movie Disney has ever made. I mean, it's just such a stupid idea. What were the Dsney executives thinking?!

"Oh I know, let's take a really long, really hard to understand, really depressing French book where everyobdy dies and one of the main characters is a whore, and TURN IT INTO A CHILDREN'S MOVIE!"

What a wonderful way to sum up Victor Hugo's masterful novel!
I will agree with you about it not being ideal material to turn into children's entertainment. Then again, neither is Hamlet, and that turned out OK. (The Lion King)
This is not the worst Disney has made, though. The animation in 'Hunchback' is gorgeous. Far superior to 'Pocahontas' and 'Hercules' (which looked like a Saturday morning cartoon to me). Ditto for Atlantis.


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"Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief."

[Gyvedgate]

Today right here on DVDFile:

Just announced on the Disney website is a new street date for the long-awaited DVD debut of the 1996 animated version of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, along with its direct-to-video sequel The Hunchback Of Notre Dame 2. Both releases are now slated to arrive on 3/19, though full specs are not yet released.
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/dvd-....html#11052001




And it does seem like they did away with the "Gold Edition" banner. It's pretty small, but I believe the banner for Hunchback reads "The Original Animated Classic".

[This message has been edited by Gyvedgate (edited 11-05-2001).]

[dvds'r'us]

At Least It Has Better Artwork Than Atlantis : The Lost Empire. I Think I'll Pass!!!! I'd Rather Save My Money For Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, & Other Disney Titles.

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I bought a pack of gum yesterday - Bubblicious - Watermelon. I know everyone's saying "Hold off, there's gonna be a special edition with remastered flavor and at least it won't be in that awful paper wrapper." But you know what, I figured it's worth it. I mean if it's not that good, I can always auction off the rest of the pack on eBay. And then if Bubblicious revisits the Watermelon gum, I can use the money to re-purchase the upgrade.

My DVD Site!

[Gyvedgate]

Well, from the Disney site, here are the official suppliments:AUDIO COMMENTARY
Insight by Directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale and Producer Don Hahn.

"TOPSY TURVY UNDERGROUND" GAME
Add all new sounds to customize hilarious scenes from the movie.

THE MAKING OF "THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME"
Discover how the filmmakers brought the wonder and majesty to Disney's 34th animated Classic.

SING-ALONG SONG - "TOPSY TURVY"
Dance and sing along with Quasi and all his pals with the help of easy-to-follow on-screen lyrics.

MULTI-LANGUAGE REEL - "A GUY LIKE YOU"
See Quasi's gargoyle pals Victor, Hugo and Laverne sing in various languages from around the world.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Digitally Remastered
Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1)
DTS 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
French and Spanish Language Tracks

http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/an...ame/index.html

[Doug Bull]

For those of you who can run region 4 Pal DVDs and can't wait until next year, then you might be excited or dissapointed to learn that the Disney Special Edition of Hunchback DVD has just been released here in Australia.

It features a 16:9 transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound and the following extras,
History and background of Notre Dame Paris.
The Making of Featurette.
Early presentation reel.
Animation progression reel.
CGI Demo reel.
Deleted song, "Someday"
Multi Language reel.
Game, "Topsy Turvy underground"

There doesn't appear to be any Commentary or DTS Sound on the Region 4 release.

The retail price here in Australia before discounts is only $29.95 Australian Dollars, which converts to an amazingly low $14 to $15 American Dollars.

[Chris in OC]

That region 4 set appears to have some of the extras included on the laserdisc box set. It's too bad they aren't seeing fit to include them in region 1.