Hunchback of Notre Dame
Hunchback of Notre Dame Blu-ray pack. Here’s my tip, throw the Blu-ray in and watch the making of Hunchback first. What you’ll get to see with this is a behind the scenes like I haven’t seen before. A true walk-through including story boards and scenes from the movie, in standard definition. Why would you want this first? The brilliance of the transition into Blu-ray will amaze. You also get to see the voice actors and how they use props to give voice to the characters. And the voices, Demi Moore (Ghost), Kevin Klien (A Fish Called Wanda), Jason Alexander (Seinfeld). This is sincerely the best behind the curtain look I’ve ever seen, including a walk through the Animation studio in California which I was able to tour when visiting California last year.
As for the movie itself. Like Mulan this was the first time watching this movie, I feel I won getting to see this in Blu-ray. The vivid colors of Paris throughout this movie were stunning. Esmerelda danced off the screen with the enhanced imagery. The story centers around Quasimodo, or the Hunchback. A disfigured crippled man who lives in Notre Dame’s bell tower ringing the bells as necessary. Frollo, Quasi’s master, controls him and convinces him the outside world will not look kindly on his looks. Frollo, in my opinion, is the darkest of any villain Disney has used in a movie. While Jafar and Ursula are horribly dark, and The Horned King (yep that’s right I’m referencing The Black Cauldron) is evil epitomized, Frollo is real, he’s believable. He could have existed.
After leaving the tower for The Festival of Fools Quasi is befriended by Esmerelda, a local gypsy who finds herself on the wrong side of the law (Frollo). Frollo’s new captain Phoebus (Kevin Kline), is clearly taken by Esmerelda, he also recognizes the evil in Frollo. The movie progresses and as Frollo realizes he’s losing grip of both Quasi and the city. The movie ends with Quasi bringing Esmerelda together with Phoebus and leaving the church to be received, warmly, by the townspeople.
This movie is darken then many Disney animated movies. But with the injection of Quasi’s friends, the gargoyles, kids will find a lot to love about this movie.
Hunchback of Notre Dame II
Sequels usually struggle with one component, retaining talent. Disney does a better then average job of bringing in the components, including cast, to sequels. But still many times schedules and business get in the way. Mulan II, Mark Moseley fills in for Eddie Murphy as Mushu. In Aladdin II, Dan Castellaneta takes over Genie duties from Robin Williams. Notre Dame II, Tom Hulce, Jason Alexander, Kevin Kline, Demi Moore are joined by Jennifer Love Hewitt. The addition of Jennifer Love Hewitt is especially notable because of her ability to voice both singing and talking voice. Be sure to watch the behind the scenes with her to see how she originally wasn’t suppossed to sing.
This movie starts with the characters from the first preparing for a festival. It’s obvious that this movie is going to be more lighthearted then the first, the color pallet used to illustrate this is much brighter and more colorful.
Madellaine (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is sent to the bell tower by Sarousch to trick Quasi into telling her which bell is La Fidele. Sarousch plans to steal the bell but after seeing Quasi, Madellaine doesn’t want anything to do with the plan. During the carnival Sarousch makes an elephant disappear while his band of thieves robs from the crowd.
Madellaine starts to follow Quasi around and when seeing how gentle he is she is no longer concerned by his hideous appearance. Qausi ends up falling in love with Madellaine.
After helping Sarousch make La Fidele disappear Phoebus is forced to arrest Madellaine breaking Quasi’s heart. Eventually Madellaine helps lead Phoebus to Sarousch and she is united with Quasi.
DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack
This movie can be found at stores RIGHT NOW! It was just released on 3/12! Hurry and check it out today! Find it on Amazon!
Disclaimer: I was provided this movie to review. All opinions are my own.