1996
·91m
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Summary
Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny.
Director
Gary Trousdale
Director
Kirk Wise
Lyricist
Stephen Schwartz
Novel
Victor Hugo
Screenplay
Jonathan Roberts
Screenplay
Irene Mecchi
Screenplay
Bob Tzudiker
Screenplay
Noni White
Screenplay, Story
Tab Murphy
Story
Geefwee Boedoe
Story
Jim Capobianco
Story
Gaëtan Brizzi
Story
Paul Brizzi
Story
Brenda Chapman
Story
Burny Mattinson
Story
Francis Glebas
Story
John Sanford
Story
Kevin Harkey
Story
Ed Gombert
Story
Jeff Snow
Story
Kirk Hanson
Story
Floyd Norman
Story
Kelly Wightman
Reviews
r96sk
June 30, 2020
I've always enjoyed Disney's <em>'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'</em>.
I love the atmosphere of the film, how fairly dark it is in parts and how lovely the animation looks. There are also many characters to enjoy, from Quasimodo to Esmeralda to Frollo to Phoebus to Clopin. The striking score is truly excellent too.
As for the voice cast, all of those who speak for the aforementioned bring them to life splendidly. Tom Hulce does well in the lead role, while Demi Moore is very good in the role alongside Hulce. Tony Jay is menacing as the antagonist. Credit to Kevin Kline and Paul Kandel too, as well as the three who voice the gargoyles of Victor, Hugo, and Laverne.
All the songs are solid if not massively memorable, with the obvious exception of "The Bells of Notre Dame". It's Alan Menken's score that brings things to life dramatically, as it suits every scene - particularly the opener, which makes for enthralling viewing.
This is a very good production from 1996.
