Hunchback of Notre Dame

Writing in VL-3/97, I said that: "Although it didn't post the box office numbers of The Lion King (though at DVD: $100 million, who's complaining?), Disney's latest animated epic is nearly as good, as it loosely follows Victor Hugo's tale of the orphan hunchback Quasimodo (Tom Hulce), his battles with the repressive church and his flowering friendship with the dazzling gypsy girl Esmerelda (Demi Moore). Great computer animated sequences, stirring songs, and a strong supporting cast (including Jason Alexander as a wisecracking stone gargoyle) make this an automatic purchase for most collections." To which I'd add, more so on DVD, which in addition to boasting sparkling Dolby Digital 5.1 sound (as well as DTS and French and Spanish language tracks) and a handsome transfer, also includes an entertaining (for adults, anyway) scene-specific commentary with the filmmakers, a 26-minute "making of" hosted by Jason Alexander, a sing-along song ("Topsy Turvy"), a multi-language reel (it was released in 31 languages), and a game. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—Mar. 12, 2013—Walt Disney, 3 discs, 157 min., G, $39.99—Making their first appearance on Blu-ray, 1996's The Hunchback of Notre Dame and 2002's The Hunchback of Notre Dame II sport great transfers and DTS-HD 5.1 soundtracks, as well as bonus DVD copies of the films. Extras for The Hunchback of Notre Dame include audio commentary by producer Don Hahn and directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, a “making-of” featurette (28 min.), a multi-language reel for “A Guy Like You” (4 min.), and trailers. Extras for The Hunchback of Notre Dame II include a behind-the-scenes featurette with voice actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (5 min.), and “A Gargoyle's Life: It's Not Easy Being a Gargoyle” segment (3 min.). Bottom line: a wonderful Disney classic and so-so sequel make a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]