The Hunchback of Notre Dame (DVD, 2002)

When my husband and I popped in this movie we expected to watch a sweet story about how Quasimodo's friendship with Esmeralda helped him develop confidence. Instead, we found ourselves SHOCKED that we were watching a DISNEY movie that is supposed to be geared toward CHILDREN. While I know that Disney tries to include some things in thier films that appeal to the adults in the audience, in my opinion, they went WAY too far on this one. It contains some themes that are just not appropriate for children and that unfortunately overshadow the message of friendship they might originally have been trying to convey. I would STRONGLY caution ANY parent to watch this before allowing a child to view it.

First off, the music in this film is very heavy and oppressive- a lot from the pipe organ. There is also a song sung by Esmeralda, the heroine, that is very religiously charged. These serve to set the stage for some very dark themes, including violence, extreme cruelty and forbidden sexual desire. (YES, you read that correctly).

The movie begins with Frollo (Quasimodo's master) killing Quasimodo's gypsy mother (who was fleeing from him) on the steps of Notre Dame- and it doesn't stop there. Esmeralda, the heroine, is depicted as a gypsy who dances for money. Much like an adult entertainer she says that she dances to "pay the bills" and her genre includes swinging around a pole. Not exactly something I want my daughter to glamorize and emulate. This movie also sets up a love triangle of sorts between Quasimodo, the "lovely" Esmeralda and Phoebus, a brave and handsome soldier. To make things worse, there are several scenes in which Frollo appears to be lusting after Esmeralda- for example the scene in which he smells her hair!!! How creepy is that coming from Disney!!! Now, I could go on about how in the end Esmeralda chooses to become romantically involved with the handsome Phoebus rather than the "ugly" Quasimodo, but I think I've already said enough...

I enjoy the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as Disney's animated version. The fact that good conquors evil is the basic life story of things. Do right or do wrong. And the fact that a child was left orphaned because of no fault of his own than being deformed. Everyone needs love and although that love is often harsh and even abusive, we all need love. Having the heart and mind to stand up for what is right, it is the most essential lesson learned in this story. Although your "parent" loves you, you have to follow what is right and not be dictated or coerced into something you disagree with; especially when it is YOUR life and YOU are held responsible for those actions. If you are going to get into trouble, then it should be at your own will to do those things.

I enjoyed every moment of this movie from the brilliant and well-adapted character designs to the masterfully retold story of Victor Hugo's tragic hunchback, Quasimodo, his master, Frollo, and his heoric friends, Phoebus, Esmeralda, and of course, the gargoyles.
This, Disney's thirty-fourth animated motion picture, truly revolutionizes its craft with the seemless fusion of traditional and computer animation; now restored in Disney DVD, along with wonderful special features, it is a total delicacy for the eyes, ears, and soul.
It is a true delight for all ages, and I would personally recommend this movie to ANYONE who enjoys spending 91 minutes of their life having a great time with friends and family.

Released in 1996, HoND received several awards, was highly praised and enjoyed by children and parents alike.
Although very different from Hugo's novel, the film still contains several similar elements and remains relatively true to the characters.

The songs and animated characters appeal to children, while some of the darker, more adult undertones keep parents interested as well. Children see song and dance, bright colours and a love story. Adults see the same, but also witness the religious and racial tensions, the plight of the social outcast and much more.

Overall, a brilliant film to be enjoyed by any and everyone!

I love the older Disney movies. I decided to start collecting them on DVD. This is one more to add to my collection. I absolutely LOVE this movie!!

look forward to trying it but saving the film for Christmas gift. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx​xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx​xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx​xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx​xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx​xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The price, service and professionalism is outstanding. I will come back and buy more. I have nothing adverse to say at this time.

Loved it, no scratches. Only when i opened the box one of the outside tabs came off. However, its ok. I will do anything to keep that movie. I love it.

It's an original disney masterpeice, need I say more. Having it on dvd is wonderful since vcr's are all but extinct. This is one of my favorite disney movies and deserves the excellent I gave it and more.

I decided to buy this movie because I really really identified with the character of Quasimodo, more so when I was younger but the connection is still poignant. It is a great watch because the art is fantastic, it really does look like paris. The themes are very serious even though it is a Disney movie with its main market being children. It deals with prejidice, vanity, the place of religion in society, the posibility for the corruption of authority and power. It's not like other Disney movies where the guy and the girl inevitably get together. The girl goes with someone else and it is a very real reminder of the imperfections of life. I highly reccomend this movie to anyone. The soundtrack is also fantastic.

I liked the way it was shipped immediately, so I didn't have to wonder if it was coming or not. Since I am giving as a Christmas gift I was excited on the condition it was in.

This movie is one of the greats it tells a tale of an era with many dramatic events and it displays a likeness to factual events. However the story line is for the Hunchback. He is a kind hearted man who has a deformaty and despite his looks takes the heart of many. This movie has wonderful animation and lively music. Great for the whole family to enjoy and reflect on the humbling message it holds.

I wanted to purchase the movie for my 2 young grandchildren. I received it quickly and in great condition. Would definitely purchase from this seller again.

quick safe and easy. good description. made it easy to buy and decide on the item. also made it cheaper the buy then in any store.

thank you

=)

I received my item about a week after I ordered it, and it came in exactly as I expected it to be. It was a great deal.

Love the price and love disney movies they always hold there value!!! cant wait to buy more you cant go wrong with disney movies there fun for all . i watch one a week play it over and over for a week ... the sellers where great and best part it got to me fast and it was not a over seas thing or boot leg great

well waiting for it to come cant wait hope to get it soon. i only have the vhs in it so am excited to see something different other then the vhs

I remember this film was all the rage in '97 at the Disney theme parks. Time marches on and of the Disney Renaissance animated films, it has been forgotten in favor of The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. It is a visually stunning film, full of gorgeous color and intricate designs that was a hallmark of the work during the Disney Renaissance. Paris would not be so beautifully illustrated until Pixar's Ratatouille. It is really more of an adult-oriented film with dark themes running throughout. Even the most frivolous of the songs have a dark satirical edge. Glad I got to revisit this classic that remains true to the spirit of Victor Hugo's original. Too bad it is not on the list of future 2-disc Platinum releases, as there must be tons of archival material on this film.

I love this movie because the music is phenomenal and the animation is a classic. Some of my favorite songs come from this movie and the plot is amazing! This movie was basically genius!

I love this movie - I bought it to replace my old VHS copy, which is showing signs of wear. The mood is a little darker than most Disney movies - the artwork is incredible, and like most Disney movies (especially at that time), the voice talent was amazing: Kevin Kline, Demi Moore, Thomas Hulce (he does his own singing!), Jason Alexander. This is probably my second favorite Disney movie, taking a backseat only to the original Fantasia - and the score is probably second only to Fantasia as well, including the amazing run with the Rice/Menken scored movies. It didn't do as well as its predecessors, but it's as worthy as anything in the Disney catalogue.

My teenage daughter collects Disney movies and needed this one for her collection. I purchased it as a Christmas gift for her. My son and daughter both feel that this movie is unappreciated by the general public. It could be that it isn't light hearted enough for the masses. We think The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Disney at it's best -- wonderful characters, beautifully animated and enjoyable songs. It will be viewed often in our home.

I bought this movie for my little brother for Christmas! It was a favorite of mine when I was younger, and now it is a favorite of his! It is such a cute movie with a great message!

Talk about a dark disney movie lust, murder, torture! This is a must see movie just for the backgrounds alone.I'm a fan of the book and was a little disappointed that the personalities of the characters weren't the same, but the tone of the book was still there. The stripped down change worked well with the disney animated movie, and helped move it right alonge, for these reasons I give it five stars.

ive watched this movie more than 7 times since ive bought it and i still love it! the story and themes in this movie are a little more on the adult side but are need to tell the whole story. its a whole new take on happy endings. i wont spoil it but even if your like my brother and find some of the begining boring it will all come together at the end which will leave you at the edge of your seat. so buy the movie, get comfortable and enjoy Disneys "The Hunckback of Notredame"