Is the Hunchback of Notre Dame worth buying?

DEREKG · Post by **DEREKG** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:46 pm

Was wondering? I need to add this title to my dvd collection along with The Aristocats, The Black Cauldren & Hurcules. I've never seen these movies, just wondering if they are any good.

Don't need full reviews, just a "Yay" or "Nay" would be great!

Thank You So Much...

DanV · Post by **DanV** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:57 pm

Ummm.. Heck YAY

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:09 pm

Well, YAY is the short answer.

But I hate to give short answers.

It's an underrated classic, has beautiful animation, and as a single disc DVD, it is quite impressive. YAY all around.

disneywb · Post by **disneywb** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:11 pm

Yes, it's a classic. But keep in mind that a ce may be on the way, if Disney knows what is good for it.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:12 pm

While not as well put-together as other Disney animated films, Hunchback is definately a solid movie and one of the most unique animated productions they've produced. It's got splendid music, a fantastic villian, and an excellent message.

Now, as for my recommendation of getting the current DVD, I wouldn't absolutely say "Yes." A 2-Disc SE should be coming along within the next few years, so if you're not a big fan of the movie, it would be better to wait. However, if you really like the flick, the current DVD is solid enough to warrent a purchase. The transfer is grainy, but pretty clear nonetheless, and audio is very good. The extras are only few, but are quite entertaining and worth a watch.

If you haven't already, check out UD's review of the disc: http://www.ultimatedisney.com/hunchback.htm

Post by **Luke** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:21 pm

Very good movie, worth buying on its own merits even for those who don't "catch 'em all", but like Jack says, might be best to wait for the eventual 2-disc. Although, the current DVD is one of Disney's best single disc releases.

PheR · Post by **PheR** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:23 pm

it is sooooooo "yay" !!

A really beautiful movie, with great artsy style, and it has one of the most impressive sopundtracks ever; but it´s one of the Disney´s most dark and mature films, keep that in mind.

And as Luke said, a better edition is likely to come in the next few years, so, I don´t know what to say.

Key · Post by **Key** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 6:33 pm

Yes! Get it.

It's an underrated Disney classic with fantastic music to boot. It's darker than Disney's other animated family flicks (one reason why my friend disliked it and I loved it) but everyone should experience it, nonetheless.

Quasimodo · Post by **Quasimodo** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:13 pm

Yay! It's one of my favorite Disney movies. Many will disagree, but I also think the music is Alan Menken's best work (especially "Hellfire"), though it wasn't as popular as his music in other movies.

DARTH KNITE · Post by **DARTH KNITE** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:02 pm

YAY!!!!!! Absolutely. This is my favorite of the Disneys films. Amazing animation, characters, story, and not only one of Disneys best soundtracks, but one of the best made for any film. I know that's more than you wanted, but this film deserves it. I'm personally holding out for a Special Edition.

Practical Pig · Post by **Practical Pig** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:43 pm

The Hunchback is an acquired taste. I like it, but it is not one of my favorites. However, the opening sequence/Bells of Notre Dame song gives me goosebumps. Too bad it doesn't sustain that throughout.

Artlad · Post by **Artlad** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:36 pm

yes....definately!! The Sanctuary scene is one of the most dramatic parts in recent Disney animation

BrandonH · Post by **BrandonH** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:37 pm

Definitely a Yay! This is Disney in top form. The music is excellent, and the performances are inspired.

As Luke said, this is one of the best Disney single-disc DVDs on the market, and the commentary track is very sweet.

Wonderlicious · Post by **Wonderlicious** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:10 am

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a very unusual family film. There's more for adults than there are for kids. I didn't like this movie that much as a child, but seeing it from an adult prespective, it's wonderful, although I am annoyed it beat Alice in Wonderland by a few votes in the countdown...

If you've got kids and want a movie for them, don't bother with this.

If you're an adult wanting to see this movie for the first time, go for it.

ichabod · Post by **ichabod** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:18 am

Wonderlicious wrote:If you've got kids and want a movie for them, don't bother with this

I have to say that I completely disagree! Just becaus ethis film is considered ''scarier'' than most usual themes in Disney films, (the music and the latin chanting is very dominating) and there are lots of things in the story that many feel are inappropriare for kids, such as Frollo lusting after Esmerelda, like when he grabs her in the church and sniffs her hair. And of course some parents are worried because Quasimodo is so ugly. But this is a fantastic film. Beautiful music, design.

I love this film, and would definitely reccommend it.

It's my number 2 favourite Disney film (BatB is No. 1)

PatrickvD · Post by **PatrickvD** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:21 am

I cant see how this will freak children out, I loved it as a kid. Most of the dark stuff goes over the kids heads I think, the gargoyles are fun for kids

banjoboy · Post by **banjoboy** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:44 am

I would have to say, Yay, all things considered. I remember being moved to tears (just small ones) by it when I saw it at the movies, but then I sort of forgot about it. I just watched it the other night, though, and there's some great stuff in it (Esmeralda, Frollo, The Court of Miracles-episode) that I wouldn't like to be without. And of course, all Disney movies are worth buying as long as they're released in the correct aspect ratio...

Cressida · Post by **Cressida** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:54 am

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is absolutely wonderful and I would recommend it to everyone (even to people who doesn't like Disney movies).
Go and buy it if you didn't already do so.

Disneykid · Post by **Disneykid** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:06 am

I believe Hunchback is one of Disney's all-time best films. That said, I don't recommend a purchase of the current DVD. A 2-Disc Special Edition is on the way (the question is when), with better picture quality (it'll more than likely be a direct digital-to-digital transfer) and far more bonus features. I'm positive we'll be seeing this either in 2005 or 2006. I really do recommend seeing the film, though, so perhaps you can just rent the current DVD to check it out.

Wonderlicious · Post by **Wonderlicious** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:27 am

ichabod wrote:
Wonderlicious wrote:If you've got kids and want a movie for them, don't bother with this
I have to say that I completely disagree! Just becaus ethis film is considered ''scarier'' than most usual themes in Disney films, (the music and the latin chanting is very dominating) and there are lots of things in the story that many feel are inappropriare for kids, such as Frollo lusting after Esmerelda, like when he grabs her in the church and sniffs her hair.

Actually, the reason I wouldn't particularly recommend this film to kids is from my own personal experience of being bored by it as a child. I don't think they'll understand huge portions of it, as I didn't, thus losing interest in the film. I shouldn't have been so subjective by just giving an opinion, but that's my backup, ichabod.

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Is the Hunchback of Notre Dame worth buying?

Is the Hunchback of Notre Dame worth buying?