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DVD The Hunchback of Notre Dame
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
If I had read the book before this came out I would not have believed that Disney could make a movie out of Victor Hugo's classic tragedy, but they managed to pull it off. Although the cartoon is only loosely based on the novel it's charming in it's own way. And, despite a few mature themes, it's fine for younger children. When I first saw this at age 5 I managed to understand the movie without grasping the sexual or violent aspects. For example, Frollo's lust for Esmerelda seemd like one-sided love. Disney handled the darker side of the story well.
All in all it's a fun film with only a bit of Disney's usual over the top silliness.
Dramatic animation a first and it works
The original film The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of the saddest and most dramatic films ever. Now, Victor Hugo's original vision is put with color from disney, and it is still dramatic and sad, but it amazingly works into the Disney family fold, even if it is erotic, killing and weird. Great fun in voices Thomas Hulce. Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, Tonyt Jay.
True beauty is the one within
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is an extremely worthwile movie, appealing to both children and adults. With stunningly beautiful animation and backgrounds, breathtaking music and delightful voice-acting, it can easily pass for one of the most glorious gems in Disney's crown.
Speaking of the highlights, Tom Hulce definitely steals the show with his heartfelt speaking and singing voice performance. His Quasimodo is so beautifully true and lovable - you can immediately feel the connection with the character; actually you can read his soul from the voice, which is so amazing!
Words are just not enough to describe the thrilling brilliance of this animated masterpiece; I'd say the life action movie couldn't please you with so much beauty radiating from the screen. Everyone should see this timeless tale of tolerance, understanding and friendship. Along with "Beauty and the Beast" and "Pocahontas", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is one of the best movies ever!
Not the egregious foul it seemed to be in theaters, Hercules stands up as an entertaining spritzer of an animated feature. The continual peppering of in-jokes and cultural references becomes less irksome on video. That there's no majesty or awe invested in the beloved Greek legends also seems less of an error. Also on the plus side is the bounciest Alan Menken music since Little Shop of Horrors. With Zeus's blood in his veins, young Hercules's amazing strength makes him an outcast (sorry, that still doesn't fly), so he trains with a satyr named Phil to become a hero. Along the way Herc meets Meg, a common mortal who falls hard for him. They're both against the jocular Hades, who has to destroy Hercules to take over Olympus. The hydra is the computer-animated set piece for... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Ron Clements - John Musker DVD Release Date: Released the 01 August 2000 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Disney's take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the first meeting is quite divine), fall in love, and try to ward off the warring factions. It's Disney's version of a Native American West Side Story. Two Disney trademarks do not quite muster up: the villain isn't hissable and the score's only high point is the Oscar-winning "Colors of the Wind." Calling it "historical" is a stretch, but Disney created a very natural look at the two... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Mel Gibson - Christian Bale - Linda Hunt Director(s): Mike Gabriel - Eric Goldberg DVD Release Date: Released the 06 June 2000 Usually ships in 2 to 3 days
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Based upon T.H. White's beloved novel, this Disney-fied version chronicles the tutoring of the Once and Future King, Arthur, as handled by the magician Merlin. Sword was a portent of things to come, with slapstick upbraiding storytelling, and cultural in-jokes substituting for wonder. But there's much to enjoy here as Merlin shows Newt, the young Arthur, things that will help him become the ruler of the Britons. The transformation sequences, where the boy is turned into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel are vintage Disney. The oft-repeated scene of Merlin battling it out with the mean old Madame Mim still is worth a few chuckles, but it belies the problem with most of the film--the scenes are only there for the chuckles. References by Merlin to television and other items of modern... More Info about this DVD Director(s): Wolfgang Reitherman - Les Perkins DVD Release Date: Released the 20 March 2001 Usually ships in 24 hours
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It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: "the death of Bambi's mother," a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney's 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift but somehow leisurely 69 minutes, Bambi covers a year in the life of a young deer. But in a bigger way, it measures the life cycle itself, from birth to adulthood, from childhood's freedom to grown-up responsibility. All of this is rendered in cheeky, fleet-footed style--the movie doesn't lecture, or make you feel you're being fed something that's good for you. The animation is... More Info about this DVD Director(s): David Hand - Wilfred Jackson DVD Release Date: Released the 01 March 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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A Disney "classic" that actually is a classic, Dumbo should be part of your video collection whether or not you have children. The storytelling was never as lean as in Dumbo, the songs rarely as haunting (or just plain weird), the characters rarely so well defined. The film pits the "cold, cruel, heartless" world that can't accept abnormality against a plucky, and mute, hero. Jumbo Jr. (Dumbo is a mean-spirited nickname) is ostracized from the circus pack shortly after his delivery by the stork because of his big ears. His mother sticks up for him and is shackled. He's jeered by children (an insightful scene has one boy poking fun at Dumbo's ears, even though the youngster's ears are also ungainly), used by the circus folk, and demoted to appearing with the clowns. Only the... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Sterling Holloway Director(s): Ben Sharpsteen DVD Release Date: Released the 23 October 2001 Usually ships in 24 hours
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