The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Less epic in scope and scaled down in design (those huge crowds in the original have thinned way out), but still priced like one of Disney's animated classics, this produced for video sequel does not ring the bell. But parents will appreciate that part deux is way more family friendly than the intensely dramatic first film, as is illustrated by the substitution of the Festival of Love for the Festival of Fools. Tom Hulce returns as the voice of the lovelorn "Quasi," who falls for sweet Madellaine (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a circus performer in thrall to the evil magician Sarousch (Michael McKean), who forces her to cuddle up to Quasi so he can steal the bejeweled bell, La Fidel. Also reprising their original roles are Jason Alexander as the voice of goat-fancying gargoyle Hugo, with Kevin Kline and Demi Moore as Phoebus and Esmerelda, a now-domesticated (boring) couple with a young son (Haley Joel Osment) who is Quasi's best friend. An optional purchase. (K. Lee Benson)[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.]