The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the greatest Disney cartoons, and it marks the last that contained breathtakingly beautiful songs. Unfortunately, the demand of modern audiences doesn’t indicate a return to the lovely music and classic stories, so you’d better treasure this one.
If you liked the 1939 version, you’ll be very pleased by the cartoon. It’s incredibly similar, and the drawing of Quasimodo was based upon Charles Laughton’s makeup. Since this is supposedly geared for children, there is one difference that would have been just too sad to include: Quasimodo isn’t deaf. There are still some incredibly sad moments in this one that made me cry when I saw it as a child in the movie theaters. This is not a light and fluffy Disney cartoon; this is a heavy drama that happens to be animated.
With Tom Hulce as the title character, Demi Moore as the tantalizing gypsy Esmerelda, Kevin Kline as the romantic Phoebus, and Tony Jay as the cold, pious Frollo, you’ll be captivated from start to finish. Even without the songs, it would still be entertaining, but Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz’s songs bump this movie up to the top tier. The melodies not only sound authentic, but the lyrics include clever wording to remind listeners to the main focuses of the story. There are also back-to-back songs that reflect the contrasting characters of Quasimodo and Frollo. After Frollo sings “Stay In Here”, directing his ward to remain hidden away in the bell tower, Quasimodo sings “Out There” about his dreams for exploring the world. After the hero sings “Heaven’s Light,” the music transitions to the villain’s “Hellfire.” Musicians will probably name this as their favorite Disney movie, and for good reason!
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to the cruel treatment of Quasimodo, I would wait until my kids were a little older before I let them watch it.
More Kevin Kline movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1939's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1956's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1997's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!
If you liked the 1939 version, you’ll be very pleased by the cartoon. It’s incredibly similar, and the drawing of Quasimodo was based upon Charles Laughton’s makeup. Since this is supposedly geared for children, there is one difference that would have been just too sad to include: Quasimodo isn’t deaf. There are still some incredibly sad moments in this one that made me cry when I saw it as a child in the movie theaters. This is not a light and fluffy Disney cartoon; this is a heavy drama that happens to be animated.
With Tom Hulce as the title character, Demi Moore as the tantalizing gypsy Esmerelda, Kevin Kline as the romantic Phoebus, and Tony Jay as the cold, pious Frollo, you’ll be captivated from start to finish. Even without the songs, it would still be entertaining, but Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz’s songs bump this movie up to the top tier. The melodies not only sound authentic, but the lyrics include clever wording to remind listeners to the main focuses of the story. There are also back-to-back songs that reflect the contrasting characters of Quasimodo and Frollo. After Frollo sings “Stay In Here”, directing his ward to remain hidden away in the bell tower, Quasimodo sings “Out There” about his dreams for exploring the world. After the hero sings “Heaven’s Light,” the music transitions to the villain’s “Hellfire.” Musicians will probably name this as their favorite Disney movie, and for good reason!
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to the cruel treatment of Quasimodo, I would wait until my kids were a little older before I let them watch it.
More Kevin Kline movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1939's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1956's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1997's The Hunchback of Notre Dame here!