Product Details
El Jorobado de Notre Dame (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) [VHS]

El Jorobado de Notre Dame (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) [VHS]
Directed by Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

List Price: $22.99
Price: $14.92
Click here for buying information

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by chanlee3002

8 available, lowest price is $1.85

Average customer review:

Product Details

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The misconception about this animated film from Disney was that it was a movie for kids--something Victor Hugo never had in mind. In fact, despite a cute brace of singing gargoyles who are Quasimodo's (Tom Hulce) best friends, this version of Hugo's classic tale is really adult entertainment, with a strong set of songs by Alan Menken. The story remains mostly the same (though tricked out with a happier ending than Hugo's): Quasimodo, the ward of repressive monk Frollo, falls for a gypsy girl named Esmerelda (Demi Moore)--though she loves one of the king's guards (Kevin Kline). But they are all put in jeopardy by the wicked Frollo, whose secret passion for Esmerelda leads him to seek her death. At times too dark and even a shade kinky, something that may scare younger viewers. --Marshall Fine



Rating: 1 out of 5 stars - "pass"
Try other disney movies instead or at least GARGOYLES. The gargoyles in this movie are worst than Greg weismens GARGOYLES. They aren't very smart. Instead there annoying, poorly created, dumb, and not as mature as Goliath and his clan. Basically a dumb cartoon movie with dumb cartoon characters in it.


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Parents, watch it first
A little too suggestive for me but my young son loves it. He's not old enough, yet, to understand what's going on between two of the main characters. An older male character feels lust, not love, for the main female character.
My son likes the relationship between the gargoyles and the Hunchback. There are some funny scenes but I'd be cautious. Parents, watch it first and decide for yourself.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - The Most Amazing Disney Film to Date
This movie, it is fair to state, took a great number of artistic liberties as far as adherence to the original plot as set by Victor Hugo, the author of the original work titled Notre Dame de Paris.

I would like to state, however, that one should expect Disney to take such liberties when attempting to animate such a masterpiece. Although Hugo's work is absolutely magnificent on its own, the Disney film compliments it in astounding manner. It serves as an introduction to the work itself for the lovers of the film who are not yet mature enough to read Hugo's work.

For those who posted negative reviews regarding the distortion of the story--I would like to remind these people that Hugo's work was over 500 pages long. One could therefore deduce, by simple common sense, that the hour-and-then-some movie is going to have to cover the "bare essentials" and leave out some details. It is also my regretful duty to remind that this IS Disney, so they won't be showing Frollo's attempted murder of Phoebus or anything which bears graphic nature of that caliber on a childrens' film. One can draw said conclusion without needing to view the film--so don't bother to give it a bad review because of that.

The positive aspects of this film are numerous and valid. The main purpose this film serves is, in my opinion, as an introduction to Hugo's work. It is an incentive to seek out the literature which would be otherwise forgotten.

Such is the state of the human condition. In our Twilight-infested era, literature is [for the most part] forgotten unless it is forced down our throats in high school/college. Anyone who finds personal reading to be a pleasurable activity can sympathize with the resistance students exhibit at the forced literature. Yes, most of this literature is of magnificent quality and most of these children are too moronic to appreciate its beauty. It is safe to state that most of these children would not glance upon the canon books if they weren't required to do so by their curriculum.

This "required" feeling, however, engenders resentment in the child. He shall not learn to appreciate this priceless literature. He will instead liken it to a chore--something tedious to be dealt with in order to move on with his life. This is the tragedy of our modern era--an era where "Dross is Gold", as Clopin so cleverly sings in "Topsy Turvy".

By providing children, while young, with beautiful animated adaptations of timeless tales, one is discouraging the "requirement" attitude and inspiring in the mind of the young child a pleasurable sentiment regarding literature.

Disney, in making this film, attempted to draw attention to classic literature in a format which most children would appreciate. Hunchback, with its exquisite animation and spectacular, rich selection of memorable music, is quite possibly Disney's last production of something worthy of bearing its name. Although they make attempts to "water down" certain scenes, omit some characters and change the plot considerably in order to fit time/content requirements, the Disney team ultimately produces a certain masterpiece.

Quasimodo's story in the Disney film is a touching one, whereas in Hugo's novel he was not given the privilege of hearing, thus stealing from his element. Esmeralda is not as focused upon in the film as in the book, however, she provides young viewers with lessons on acceptance and courage. Frollo, although not as multi-faceted as in the Hugo novel, proves himself to be THE most complex and human of all Disney villains. Unlike most villains in Disney films, Frollo possesses no magical powers. His sort of terror is a more realistic one which history has witnessed throughout the ages. Moreover, Frollo is enamoured with Esmeralda, the dancer who belongs to the "heathen race" he so despises--and this longing for her love whilst hating everything she is ensures an intersting inner conflict experience.

Frollo is a fascinating Disney villain largely because of that--inner conflict. Inner conflict is usually reserved for protagonists in children's stories, whose authors for whatever reason prefer to make the villain one-dimensional and plain. Frollo is none of these things. The man is cruel, wicked and clever to the end, however, he is weak in the innermost fibers of his being. He puts forth a facade of strength and righteousness, yet in the dark hours of the night, he makes it known to his own hallucinations how weak, powerless and lost he truly is. Flawed as he is, Frollo attributes his lack of righteousness to Esmeralda and her "spells", yet one believes him to know that it is he and not she who is at the bottom of his own undoing.

Overall, the story is more complicated than the average Disney viewer would be accustomed to. It is this quality which renders Hunchback as unique among the Disney cannon and it is for that wonderful complexity that this movie goes down as my favourite Disney movie of all time.

I highly recommend it, especially for older children who will better understand the storyline and appreciate the content of the film. It serves as a great introductor to the world of classic literature and shall hopefully inspire a whole new generation of intellectual youth [an endangered species].

For the parents who are purchasing this film for older children [young teens], I highly encourage you to purchase Hugo's original work as well. I make the same recommendation to those who find pleasure in viewing this beautiful film and are mature enough to read Hugo's novel. I highly encourage you, no matter what group you are part of, to read and watch and then compare the two in the end. This shall ignite the spark which causes critical thinking to manifest. This shall provide one with an enlightening reading/viewing experience and improve one's ability to recognize artistic license, question the choices made by the film maker, appreciate the changes, and --most importantly-- appreciate the original work.

Ultimately, I wish for this film to be the vessel through which Hugo's work makes its presence known to the modern world. I am a fan of both the film and the book, as I have undoubtedly expressed. :)



Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Hunchback of Notre Dame
I've always enjoyed this movie and I'm very pleased to have found it at a reasonable price after looking for it for many years.


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - A classic, Underrated Film
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most underrated Disney films of all time. Never do you see any aspects of the film promoted in the disney parks alongside other classics like Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The film is very unique, and the music is beautiful. Definitely a great buy



Rating: 2 out of 5 stars - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) vs. The Hunchback (1997)
It's hard to imagine two more different interpretations of the same source material.

"The Hunchback," made for television, isn't entirely true to the novel by Victor Hugo, but it's a poignant, passionate interpretation that boasts a trio of incredible performances. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," made to sell lunchboxes and action figures, dismisses the novel entirely, sacrificing the power of the story for a package of cute, cuddly and happy.

The story deals with the misshapen bellringer of a 15th-century Parisian cathedral, a beautiful gypsy dancer and the fallen church leader who desires her. Often depicted as a horror, it is truly a tragedy of magnificent proportions.

Mandy Patinkin is the focal point of "The Hunchback." The handsome actor and singer is entirely hidden behind his grotesque makeup, but the heartbreaking level of emotion Patinkin pours through his mask and putty is astonishing to see.

Emotions dance to the beat of Patinkin's drum as we share his sheer joy at being crowned King of the Fools during a city celebration; the acclaim of the crowd is in part mocking, but that doesn't stop Quasimodo from wringing pure delight from a moment's brief acceptance. Then try to keep a dry eye as the hunchback is whipped for a crime he didn't commit; there is shock and betrayal more than pain here, and a desperate cry for water ... but it's his genuine smile when he sees his master, followed by utter misery when his master turns away, that really twists the heartstrings.

Don't expect even a hint of Patinkin's magical voice in this movie. It is buried deep beneath the tortured croak of the hunchback. His makeup, which entirely transforms the actor's head and body, is excellent.

Richard Harris supplies brooding presence as Dom Frollo, the conflicted archdeacon whose faith is severely tested -- and fails. Not evil, he is not as good as he once believed, and his argument for the banning of printed books is just plain scary. Harris's Frollo takes no joy from life, and by movie's end you'll find yourself pitying, not hating, this misguided villain.

Salma Hayek is both sultry and compassionate as Esmeralda, the dancing gypsy who inflames just about every male she meets. The object of Frollo's dark lust, she is also loved by Quasimodo, to whom she was kind, and activist/orator Gringoire (Edward Atterton). (The subplot between Esmeralda and Phoebus, captain of the guard, is dropped for brevity in this version.)

While the conclusion is somewhat lighter than Hugo's, it remains plenty dark. Hunchback is an emotional rollercoaster, and it's a shame Patinkin didn't receive the kudos for this effort that he deserved. This should be a classic, and I hope the powers that be release it soon on DVD.

Now, the cartoon. First, let me say that I'm typically a fan of Disney animation (to my wife's eternal chagrin and my children's delight), but I still cast a fairly critical eye of the cartoon mogul's interpretation of classic material. While I don't mind a certain degree of revisionism (and I even liked the happy-ending retelling of "The Little Mermaid"), this takes it just a bit -- OK, a lot -- too far.

Sure, Quasimodo is still deformed, but now he's cute, too. His tortured voice has been replaced by the dulcet tones of actor Tom Hulce (Amadeus). Disney's Quasimodo is an acrobat of Olympics-caliber skill, with strength that exceeds any conventional weightlifter. And, far from being a lonely, isolated creature at the top of the belltower, he now has a close circle of friends; they may be stone gargoyles (silly and slapsticky, voiced by Jason Alexander, Charles Kimbrough and Mary Wickes), but that doesn't stop them from being chatty and supportive, and even from helping Quasi repel the king's men who seek to recapture Esmeralda.

Esmeralda, voiced by Demi Moore, is now a high-spirited trickster and a poster girl for feminism in medieval France. (My wife takes particular exception to her sensual pole dance at the Festival of Fools; this is, after all, a kids' flick.)

Frollo is now a civic judge with armies at his disposal; perhaps Disney balked at making a man of the church the film's villain. And, far from tormented and torn between right and wrong, this Frollo (Tony Jay) is outright evil, malicious and wearing a constant sneer. Phoebus, the captain of the guard with a conscience and the hots for Esmeralda, rounds out the cast; expertly voiced by Kevin Klein, his dry wit is the source for most of the movie's genuine laughs.

Visually, the movie boasts some stunning vistas. The architecture of Paris, particularly the cathedral itself, is dramatic, rich and highly detailed -- although the awesome spectacle of molten lead pouring from the cathedral like Niagara Falls becomes laughable when you realize this vast quantity of hot death comes from a single boiling pot.

The music, seeking to equal the heights of a Broadway or London stage production, reaches too high. There's nothing memorable here, a far cry from earlier Disney soundtracks.

And, while there is certainly an obvious message of acceptance for young viewers, the movie works too hard to come up with a happy ending that must have left the late Victor Hugo writhing in his grave.

At the final tally, Disney's version is OK, so far as animated, watered-down classics set to music go, but for a stirring look at the wretched face and gentle soul of the hunchback, Mandy Patinkin has it down pat.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(net) editor


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - hunchback of notre dame
well this one was almost perfect, but while watching it the subtitles will pop on in random spots letting me know it is a burned copy witch i could have got from anywere


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - An Incredible Project of Animation
To put it bluntly, Disney doesn't make movies like this anymore. True, it's considered very dark for young children, but the underlying message makes up for it. I shouldn't repeat what others have been saying in previous reviews, other than the fact that Disney hasn't given this movie a proper two disc release like other classics. It's a real shame to hold back such a excellent movie. Hopefully they'll do that in the future without reverting back to the ill conceived "Disney Vault".




Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - Slightly Searching for a Target Audience
In the Middle Ages, the city of Paris is ruled with an iron first by Frollo (Tony Jay), the chief magistrate. Frollo has made it his mission to destroy the gypsies. While he is doing that one night, he winds up with the baby Quasimodo. Guilted into raising the child as his own, he places Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) in the bell towers of Notre Dame and attempts to keep him hidden from the rest of the world.

Quasi gets tired of staying in the tower, however, and ventures forth during the annual Festival of Fools. It is there that he meets Esmeralda (Demi Moore), a beautiful gypsy who is actually nice to him. But the crowd quickly turns on him when they see how deformed he is. That's nothing compared to how Frollo acts toward Esmeralda, however. He attempts to get his new captain of the guard Phoebus (Kevin Kline) to arrest her. But Phoebus has other plans. When the city of Paris suddenly lies in the balance, what can Quasi do to help?

To be honest, I still have trouble believing this movie got made. Even with the attempts to lighten the storyline and change the ending, this is still an incredibly dark film. I don't understand how it missed getting the PG rating it deserved.

Now that's not to say I don't like the film. It is a powerful tale in the evils of prejudice and hypocrisy. There are eight songs, and all of them are wonderful. This is definitely Broadway caliper music. The animation looks incredible. The details are almost breathtaking at times.

But the story is so dark. Frollo becomes obsessed with Esmeralda, and his actions make the film very dark. And that doesn't even bring up "Hellfire," a song devoted to his desires for this gypsy. The imagery and words are a bit much for a kid's movie.

In an attempt to make the movie appeal to kids, three gargoyles are added to the story that act as Quasi's friends up in the tower. They do add some fun comic relief, and I like them. However, it makes the film feel a little scattered between trying to appeal to adults and kids at the same time.

This is a movie well worth watching. Adults will definitely appreciate it. However, watch it before you plop your kids down in front of it.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - I love this movie!
I love this movie! Every character is flawed and interesting. The animation of Notre Dame itself is breathtaking! The song Hellfire is about as dark and sinister as it gets! Sure it's a little deep for the kiddies, but there is still enough upbeat scenes to appease them. Great movie!




Click here for comments posted by our customers

Apparel-Sitemap