In "Hellfire," Tony Jay was convinced he couldn't hit the last high note at the climax. He was told he couldn't drop the octave down, so he got vocal training to hit the note, and he nailed it.
This is unironically my favorite Disney movie. It goes to show that kids can handle material that is a lot more "dark" or "adult" than most people give them credit for. I absolutely ADORE the moment when Quasimodo breaks his chains and the cathedral's bells start to faintly chime. It's like the cathedral itself is angry with what Frollo is doing.
And the way he shouted "NOOOOOOO!!!!"...Not only he's had enough of Frollo's wickedness, but he also wasn't gonna stand by and let Esmeralda ( the only person he cared for ) get burned alive.
The animators for this movie were given special permission to tour the cathedral. Much of what you see of it in here is a faithful depiction of the real thing.
@@Crasher1982 I was lucky enough to visit Paris and walk around the cathedral in 2018 before the fire and again last year. It's amazing the work they are doing to restore it, even following how certain parts were built in prior restorations. I have faith!
Notre Dame fire fact: prior to the fire the creators of the Assassin's Creed games were able to do a high resolution scan of both the inside & out for their game. The scan was later used to as "blueprints" to restore it after the fire.
In Frolos own twisted way, he thinks he is the good guy. Thats what makes him a compelling villain, especially by Disney standards. Usually the villain is just evil for the sake of being evil
Yeah. And I like that they didn’t overdue it by making him sympathetic, or right. They still kept him creepy and scary. Sometimes I feel like (even by Disney standards.) when they make a villain likable, he/she loses what makes them scary.
@Kayoss13212 just having some motivation and not being one-dimensional makes it more interesting. I don't think anybody "likes" Frolo, but he has a little depth. Disney really took a risk on this movie but its one of my favorites
I don't know enough of Victor Hugo's works to say if it was a common feature, but while Les Miserables featured the thoroughly evil Thenardiers, you also had Javert who was essentially virtuous but for his lack of compassion. I haven't read Hunchback, but I wouldn't be surprised if that ambiguity was in the source material too.
Now I’m thinking about that dig Deadpool 2 took at human centipede 2 and how the lowest part of that movie is when the actors realized how bad a mistake they made when they singed onto the film. lol
And yet this one trumps at least two of these by making the murder happen twenty years before the movie starts - because it starts with Clopin telling the story, not it happening.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame wasn't as well received as the other Disney Renaissance films at the time but it was probably the peak of Disney's 2D animation. It's caught between being a kids movie with the jokes and songs but also an adult movie with themes. Honestly, I wish Disney had the guts to just make it an adult movie but it's still great.
a fun fact that is often overlooked is that during the song Hellfire when the faceless guard comes in with the light behind him and let’s him know Esmeralda escaped. Is suppose to symbolize an angel from God giving him a chance to let Esmeralda go and redeem himself stepping into Heaven’s light, or continue down his path to Hell and embrace its fire.
@@AmericanAurochs I’m honestly mad at myself for not picking up on it as I got older hahah had to write a final on the symbolism of this movie in a Cinema class to find out. Helped me realize everything about this movie is a true work of art.
Yup, he asked God to deliver him from his lust and then his prayer was answered by Esmerelda going beyond his reach. It was the out he'd asked for, yet he didn't even give a single thought to giving up.
@@kenjutsukata1o1 Indeed, and we can even dig further into Frollo's psyche in the "givinig up" part: He is not only asking to be delivered from his lust (something that happens just by Esmeralda going out of his reach); he is actively expecting to be delivered *by the destruction and punishment of Esmeralda*. The righteous Frollo fails to see divine intervention because it doesn't happen in the "Old Testament" way (so to speak) he is asking for: Esmeralda being sent to Hell, with utmost prejudice (and since that doesn't happen, he thinks he still has permission to pursue it, because God would not deny the judgement of "a righteous man"). I love that layer that there is a difference between being good (even in prayer: deliver me from sin... give me inspiration and strength) and being inflexible in perceived "righteousness" (deliver me from sin... by nuking temptation instead of me, please).
thats a rather complex question cause anyone can be a monster and a man depending on the situation....and being a man and monster can be at times the same thing.......
@@ButtenisticMasterpiece I guess it depends on how we define a man and a monster. To me, a monster is someone who has no humanity left. They are so horrible, that they are no longer human. With this definition, then a man cannot also me a monster and vice-versa.
This is, without a doubt, the finest Disney movie ever made. It's dark and gothic, with a terrifyingly realistic villain and a bevy of sympathetic heroes. The soundtrack is unparalleled, the animation is gorgeous, and the story is unforgettable and epic.
Fun cameo: In the song "Out There," as the camera zooms away from Quasimodo and into the city street, you'll spot Belle from Beauty and the Beast waking down the street...with her nose "stuck in a book," no less.
Frollo kicked her down the stairs killing her. She was running to the church for sanctuary with her child. Frollo was chasing her, believing she had stolen goods. He grabbed what she was carrying and kicked her down the stairs, killing her with one blow.
@@nightfall902 That must be from the book right? Because I strongly do not believe Frollo would look at baby Esmeralda and call her a monster. If he hates gypsies that much, he wouldn't have to look. He is horrified by what he sees. I haven't read the book. Do you recommend it?
@@patrikcoh88 Paquette la Chantefleurie was Agnes/Esmereldas mother. The child was stolen from her and Quasimodo left in her place. She still took care of him and loved him despite the deformity. She was indeed running for sanctuary but he was not her child. If you like the movies, I wouldn't read the book.
One thing I learned from the stage musical (which is incredible btw) is the gargoyles aren’t actually talking to Quasimodo, he’s been so isolated and alone that he talks to them because he doesn’t have anyone else to talk to. While it is sad that they’re just figments of Quasimodo’s imagination, it helps understand Quasimodo a bit more as they’re literally an extension of Quasimodo’s inner thoughts. The song they sing to build up Quasimodo is just Quasimodo building himself up.
In the cartoon they sorta imply that in some scenes but then they have the gargoyles physically participating in the final thing, which always made me confused as a kid
@@melltenfys well in the book the gargoyles don't even exist ! And Frollo is far less demonic, in fact he got some valid points ; Phoebus actually burn down the house and he is far more submissive to Frollo, but the caracters are essentialy very well adapted !
It is interesting, during Frollo's song, the robed ghosts that come into the room are saying, "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa," which is a Catholic liturgical phrase that means, "My fault, my fault, my most grievous fault." They were calling on Frollo to take responsibility for his sin, telling him it was his fault that he was lusting for Esmerelda. But he was so convinced of his own righteousness that he could not look himself truthfully, and kept on trying to say, "It's not my fault! I'm not to blame! It's her fault! She is leading me to sin!" This movie is a lot deeper than we think. It is always those self-righteous men like this who blame everyone else for the evil in the world, but never look inward to see the evil within themselves.
Exactly this! And also reminds me of a parable where Jesus is talking about a self-righteous Pharisee and sinful man standing before God. The Pharisee is thanking God that he is not like the man standing next to him and that he is right and good in all his ways or something like that while the sinful man is very humble and is thanking God for His forgiveness and mercy.
Even more interesting: while the general idea is not lost in the film (Frollo saying "it's not my fault"), the latin lyrics are (generally) never translated; to get the full meaning, the individual needs to look for the translatation (if they don't understood latin or have no idea what "Mea culpa" means) to unlock that additional layer: the hooded figures are not cursing or accusing Frollo, but underlining the nature of his mistake. Frollo not only rejects the idea it's only his fault (and responsability), but doubles down in the way he prays to be delivered from sin: by asking the destruction (with prejudice) of Esmeralda. In the comments, I've found what seems to be an interesting fan theory (a quick internet search didn't return any official mention that the script or the production crew had that intention): in the middle of the song, a faceless guard steps in to inform Esmeralda has escaped Frollo's reach. While that faceless guard may be an animation mistake (they forgot to draw it, or simply painted over it) or a choice to save time (the face is in the shadows, so there was no need to add details), some have theorized it's an angel answering Frollo's prayer; in a subtle way. Of course, the always proud, and now obssesed, judge fails to recognize the escape of Esmeralda can be the signal he has asked for, and doubles down in his desire (he fails, once again, to recognize that miracles or divine intervention doesn't have to happen in an spectacular ways with fire raining from the skies of people being struck by lightining; and since a bolt hasn't struck Esmeralda down to spare him the hard work, that means he has still a chance to get his desires, and get away with it). No wonder the song is a though nut to crack, and a difficult pill to swallow, no matter the age group.
For me God Help the Outcasts is one of my favorite songs from this because of how powerful it's opening lines are particularly "Yes I know I'm just an outcast, I shouldn't speak to you Still I see your face and wonder, were you once an outcast too~" Saying that to the Virgin Mary hits so hard with me for how relatable the line is. Very few pieces of Media depict the ridicule and scorn Marry must have faced when she found out she was pregnant without being bedded by her husband. She faced a significant trial of being outcast from her village, her husband the only one to believe her and stay by her side in her darkest hours. The the song goes onto how we pray for all our hearts desires while some pray for the happiness of others. I love Esmeralda because she learns when to ask for help and learns when to give it as well.
It also shows the differences between Esmeralda and Frollo. Frollo claims he's a righteous man before God - like the Pharisees did - but he is not. He does evil and uses God to "justify" it. Esmeralda is oppressed and cast out of society, but still prays with humility and grace. She is rejected like Jesus and Mary were, but she has true faith. In the end, she receives mercy, while Frollo is sent to Hell.
Have you checked out Voiceplay's cover of 'Hellfire?' Absolutely amazing. It's funny, I've been listening to this song for a week now and then the movie pops up on PIB. th-cam.com/video/bVbetHB815E/w-d-xo.html
Hmmm, my post is missing. Good job youtube. Anyway, if you like the soundtrack to this, do yourself a favor and check out VoicePlay's a capella cover of 'Hellfire,' if you haven't already. It's awesome!
I was born in the hospital literally next to Notre Dame so this has been my favorite movie since I was a kid! And even at that age I LOOOOVED the gothic music & latin chants. Now as an adult, I appreciate it even more for it's animation, camera work and DARK themes! An extremely ballsy Disney movie
Definitely listen to the soundtrack again. Once you get the melodies, it becomes clearer that this has some of the best songs from any Disney movie. "Hellfire" is often ranked among the greatest villain songs ever.
The gargoyle Laverne is voiced by Mary Wickes, who had one of the longest careers in Hollywood history. You might remember her as the housekeeper from "White Christmas" and Mary Lazarus in "Sister Act".
I'm glad you both watched this. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a movie story that has been made and remade many times. If you crave a darker depiction of the story, I recommend the 1939 version starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, & Cedric Hardwicke.
One of my absolute favorite Easter Eggs in a Disney movie. Right after the first chorus of Out There... the camera pans from Quasimodo down into the town below. And you can clearly see Belle walking through the square reading a book. Note that there's also a man with Magic Carpet from Aladdin draped over his arm... but the Belle appearance just really made me smile because I wondered if they'd work her into this movie as they both take place in France.
"Is this a kid's movie?" 😆 You're not the first to ask about this film. You just illustrated the kind of courage Disney movies had in these days and how dark they were willing to go.
Without a doubt my favorite Disney movie... the duality of 'Heaven's Light' and 'Hellfire' is as operatic as it gets. The look on Quasi's face when the little girl hugs him at the end never fails to bring Me to tears. Tangled is my #2 - Carli always has excellent taste. Cassie - as a mom - you have absolutely GOT to put 'The Secret of NIHM' on your list...
@@inakamotoSecret of NIMH is a legend. Another one my sister and I watched the hell out of our VHS copy of back in the 80s. The more Don Bluth movies the better, I always say!
@@amyg4961The Last Unicorn is a magnificent story and a masterclass in how to write side characters... every one of them from Schmendrick and Molly Grue to Mommy Fortuna and King Haggard have stayed with me my entire life.
Was she really, especially during their separation in 1996? I think their roles in Beavis and Butthead Do America is the best way to describe how they were at the time. Also, anyone find it kind of weird that Demi Moore, who during 1996, also starred in Striptease playing an exotic dancer? I'm pretty certain too that someone even made a fan edit when she's dancing and Hellfire is playing in the background.
Next to Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disney film, and it has my favorite Disney music. I remember first seeing it in theaters when I was five. It was really amazing, seeing it in theaters way back when. Thus, Cassie, it’s lovely to see you and Carly see this terrific film, leading to this reaction.
Eh... the only thing that held it back for me was the Gargoyles. I get it's Disney and they needed some comic relief, but there's a right and wrong way to go about it. And for a movie that tackles some very serious subject matter, they're inclusion really almost throws the tone off.
Claude Frollo and his song is a perfect example of pride, lust, jealousy, false charity and pure pure evil. The song is a masterpiece that reflects all that. Disney would never do something like this today, and I don't think they did before.
And Oh! The voice of the Archdeacon is David Ogden Stires who is the voice of The Narrator/Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Governor Radcliff in Pocahontas, Mr. Hartcourt in Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Jumba in Lilo and Stitch!
The voice of Quasimodo was Tom Hulce, who was nominated for Best Actor for Amadeus playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was also in movies like National Lampoon's Animal House (as Larry "Pinto" Kroeger) and Dominick & Eugene. Most of the time he now produces and directs. He produced the Broadway musicals Spring Awakening and Green Day's American Idiot. In the original novel by Victor Hugo (who also wrote the novel Les Miserables), Claude Frollo was actually a clergyman. And he was a LOT WORSE than in the cartoon. The book is much darker without a happy ending for anyone. It has been adapted many times for film, some are good, some are not. The film has been adapted for the stage, but has yet to make it to Broadway.
@@Dudeman23rd Of all the many, many top quality books that I've read, there are few endings I remember more clearly than the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I clapped my hands when I read it as, yes, I also blew my nose over the tears. I guess, almost only "Where The Red Fern Grows" has as much effect over me.
@@joelwillems4081 Bro I COMPLETELY FORGOT about Where the Red Fern Grows. It was a required summer read for me going into 6th or 7th grade and just refreshing my memory on it now made me feel warmth behind my eyes.
The Rescuers Down Under, which Cassie already mentioned at the beginning of video, is one of my childhood favorites. I hope to see it on this channel as well in future. 😉
I think this is the most underrated Disney animation ever. I love how powerful, mature, dark and well written this animation is, but the two highlights here are the EPIC soundtrack and Frollo. In my opinion he's right on the top as one of the best Disney villains along with Scar and Maleficent.
Phoebus is Kevin Klein. Remember Amadeus - story about Mozart - staring Tom Hulce - he was also the bad father in Parenthood...he's the voice of Quasimodo.
Tom Hulce also played one of the slain Civil Rights activists in Murder in Mississippi (1990), which served as the inspiration for Mississippi Burning (1988).
10/10 Disney Goes Dark. I have recently rediscovered this film and have realized one thing : that this film is Disney's most darkest film yet. The film is based on Victor Hugo's lavish novel that disney tries to sugar up without losing its edge. The film's subject matter ranges from understanding others to even dark things such as racism. This film is not for the younger fans due to sequences such as The villans blatantly sexual obcession for Esmerelda or the even more depressing sequence of Quasimodo's mother dying. The songs remind you of Baz Lurhman's Moulin Rouge and by the time your done you can't get them out of your head. My suggestion is to rent this film along with Beauty an the Beast for an even more enjoyable experience.
I was actually pretty young when I first saw this movie and I think that as a kid, what I focus on is Quasimodo's kind and gentle nature, Phoebus doing the moral thing rather than following orders, and Esmeralda standing up for the outcasts. Of course the darkness of Claude Frollo is there but that goes so far over a kid's head that it didn't register as anything more for than a bad man pretending to be good as a younger kid. I've enjoyed this movie for most of my life and for a lot of the same take aways but just a more adult understanding of the villain's tactics and motivations.
If a kid understands the villains sexual obsession, they are actually too old for the film in some respects. Young kids see it and don't pick up on that stuff.
@@ElvisRose_I agree. I think children, at least maybe 7+ are fine watching this movie. It's only when I'm an adult that i understood more about Frolo's "desire". Or how he blame his arousal on Esmeralda's attractiveness. I didn't understand the racism topic either. I just knew and understand that its not okay to bully people just because they're different and its such a beautiful message that stuck with me
The male gargoyles are named Victor and Hugo, after Victor Hugo, the author who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". The female gargoyle is named Laverne, after Jules Verne.
I grew up on all the old Disney movies: The Sword in the Stone (favorite) Snow White Robin Hood Cinderella 101 Dalmatians Alice in Wonderland (favorite) Fantasia (must watch) Bambi Dumbo (less than an hour emotional experience) Pinocchio Lady and the Tramp (favorite) Sleeping Beauty (favorite) ...and many more! And Carly...I love Tangled too! The horse acting like a dog...lol. Don Bluth made wonderful animations as well. An American Tail All Dogs Go To Heaven The Secret of Nimh Rock A Doodle
Oh, the Sword in the Stone, I have fond memories of that one. My brother and I watched that movie every single night over one summer vacation when we were around 10-11 years old.
@@billwhitmore9003 I'd really love to see an "in tandem" reaction to *The Sword in the Stone* (1963). and *Camelot* (1967), because these two movies are based on different parts of the same novel, T.H. White's *The Once and Future King.*
You should read the book by Victor Hugo. It's so light-hearted. You know Disney really didn't need to change anything the story. ... ... ... Not! Everybody died!
@@TheMuddySea Phoebus wasn't as "good" in the novel as in the film. He greatly cared for his career, more than Esmeralda. And the very last part about Quasimodo's fate is so sad but well written, I actually applauded Mr. Hugo when I read that section. I don't think they've ever portrayed this true ending in films.
@@joelwillems4081 They did actually, but it was a directly to television movie in the 90's. I don't know why, but I always loved that version. I recorded it on a VHS, but it was lost in a fire.
And here I come to rain on the good feeling. The book version, Esmerelda did in fact die and Quasimodo went into her grave/mausoleum and held her corpse in grief until he died. Years later their skeletons were found that way and when they tried to remove the Hunchback from her he crumbled into dust.
One of my favourite Disney movies of all time. One of my favourite animated movies of all time. One of my favourite soundtracks of all time. I went to the play, I couldn’t help but whisper sing every single song from the soundtrack. Till this day, Hellfire is my go-to villain song.
My little sister loved watching this movie and as small toddler she would always say "Hatanta!" It took us a few days to figure out she was trying to say Hunch Back of Notre Dame. And that she wanted to watch it. To this day we still say Hatanta to each other and give her a little laugh.
One interesting detail about Frollo is that he actually was the bishop in the book. He's not as cartoonishly evil (Quasi is abandoned as a baby and Frollo takes care of him) but a giant hypocrite that ends up hurting a lot of people.
I have always love Disney's "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" as my childhood movie growing-up and one of epic animated masterpiece, I can easily put this movie with my favorites like DreamWorks "The Prince Of Egypt".
Alan Menken's music for this film is just so good. It's certainly more mature than The Little Mermaid or Aladdin, but I love how incorporated sacred music into the score. The vocal performances are also top tier. This film is way underrated, mostly because it's so much darker than your typical Disney animated joint.
Menken's lyric-writing collaberator for this film (and for *Pocahontas)* was Stephen Schwartz, who wrote music and lyrics for *Godspell, Pippin, Wicked,* and *Prince of Egypt.*
Don't know if someone already commented on this, but, I really liked this ending. Many don't like that Esmeralda ended up with someone else, but as I see it, Quasimodo was not ready to go into a relationship. He had been abused and kept captive for 20 years. In many ways, he is not only naive, he has a lot of growing up to do, and at the end he got a way to do just that. Phoebus, on the other side, was on the same level of maturity as Esmeralda. He was a better match for her. The fact that Quasi acceots their relationship shows he has grown and matured.
I didn’t care for this movie much as a kid but I have a much greater appreciation for it as an adult. This movie is an animated masterpiece. And it’s not sugar coated for kids. It has a realness to it that you can feel even though it’s animated.
You know you too could always read Victor Hugos book “the hunchback of Notre Dame”. It’s a classic of world literature. And it wasn’t Disney that made it so dark it was Victor Hugo.
Yeah, the book is a bit of a depressing mess, but it is a good read. 👍🏻 I love the backstory given to Esmeralda and the complicated relationship between Quasimodo & Frollo.
More of the complexity of the original source material is included in the 1939 live-action version starring Charles Laughton (a classic film unjustly neglected by reactors).
Tom Hulce (Amadeus) voices Quasimodo. Does that name ring a bell? Ba-dum-bum. We had young kids when this came out so I got to enjoy these classics. Toy Story, Tarzan, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Charlotte's Web, The Incredibles, are all enjoyable animated films. I love watching how engrossed and invested you both are in these reactions.
One of my favorite 90's Disney films, dark indeed but an underrated masterpiece. The novel by Victor Hugo is way darker believe it or not and does not the happy ending that this Disney one has of course. Great reaction, I really enjoy when both of you guys react together. You really should consider reacting to Hercules. Another great film with a great soundtrack.
Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) and Jenner in The Secret of Nimh (the late Paul Shenar) have voices that pierce the soul. They could make one feel like nothing or everything with words alone. Awesome actors both of those men were.
I'd definitely recommend you check out the Broadway of this movie too. Not only is it much more darker, yet faithful to the original story, but it give Frollo some more backstory of his dark turn.
yes! The Papermill playhouse version is still out there in its incredible form! My favorite version! The voices of everyone are absolutely phenomenal!!
This is one of my favorites. My sister's and i seen it multiple times in theaters. After my tonsel and adnoid surgery as a kid i got toys from McDonald's of the gargoyles.
In my headcanon the soldier standing in the door, and telling Frollo that Esmeralda is not in Notre Dame, is literally a new door opening for Frollo to stop hunting Esmeralda hence the light around the soldier. A way to maybe redeem himself and see the sinful thoughts and actions, but we all know what he choose in the end.
I first saw this movie in the cinema at age 7 and it has been my favorite Disney movie ever since. Glad to see people of my generation discovering it later on.:)
Unpopular opinion: the best Disney movies, and arguably best animated movies in general, were made in the mid-late 90's and a little bit into the early 2000's. This, Pocahontas, Mulan, The Iron Giant, The Prince of Egypt, Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell, etc etc. It was the peak of traditional hand drawn animation, and arguably the peak of "serious" animation, I miss it soooooo much. Thank goodness Japan is keeping it alive.
I love this movie, and yes it is concidered one of the darkest if not the darkest disney movie which also made it quite controversial when it came out because some parents didnt think a movie for kids should have such matrue and dark themes.
In my opinion, the best music in the entire Disney Renaissance, if not all of Disney. It moves me every time i hear it. I've been privileged to spend a lot of time with it, since i directed a production of the stage musical. Also, you know Quasi's voice from Amadeus, Cassie. And the Archdeacon is the Narrator/Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast, among MANY other things.
this is the most underrated disney movie; it’s a masterpiece, the most darker disney movie, my top 5, everytime i see the movie i understand most things and always makes me cry
This movie is Disney at its greatest. Still a favorite of mine till this day. And Frollo was a delightfully horrifying villain as he was just a human. No special powers or anything. Just an evil power hungry man who thought himself righteous and pious.
I saw this in 1996 on my birthday. It was the 3rd film I saw in theatres, after The Lion King and Toy Story. It had a huge influence on my childhood, and was probably one of the reasons I donated to the Patrimonie de France for the restoration fund of Notre Dame following the devastating fire.
I feel lucky to have grown up with this movie. You’re right, if you didn’t have the VHS or didn’t rent it, you likely didn’t see it! I didn’t grow up with so many movies like Dumbo, Robin Hood, Fox and the Hound, and many more
From my point of view, the music to Hunchback is really fantastic. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz did a great job with the music. It's my second favorite soundtrack to any Disney animated movie, second only to Beauty and the Beast (peak Alan Menken and Howard Ashman). Listen to "God Save the Outcast" or Heaven's Light/Hellfire again. They are intelligent, lyrical, involving. And Tom Hulce did a great job with "Out There" ; this is a tremendously underrated film. Everyone thinks Lion King or Aladdin when it comes to Disney films. This film has those beat.
I love this movie because of the grown up themes. You are right the score does not have that to the songs, but the score is masterful. The title song will haunt you as well as Hellfire. In fact when Notre Dame burnt a number of years back those songs came flooding back in my brain as I watched the footage. It is one of my favorite Disney film.
The part where the little girl goes up and hugs Quasimodo at the end always makes me cry. I love this movie haha. I agree that the songs aren't necessarily "bops" but they have a more epic feel to them? I don't know I really like the songs in this one
This movie came out in 1996. And it's one of Disney's last hand drawn animated films. Some of it is CGI, but most of the animation is hand drawn. I absolutely loved it. It was way different than any Disney movie I'd ever seen before. And I loved the song God Help the Outcasts. The woman who sings it in the movie, Demi Moore's singing voice, is Heidi Mollenhauer. But my favorite version is the one that plays over the end credits sung by Bette Midler. Makes me cry every time! This was a much more deep and adult and dark movie than Disney had ever done before. And Esmeralda was just absolutely gorgeous! I could not understand why she wasn't more popular. I think she is the prettiest Disney heroine of any of them... in the history of Disney! Lol! I love her beautiful green eyes.
One of my favorite things about this movie is Quasimodo's "Heaven's Light", contrasted directly by Frolo's "Hellfire." It really sums up the characters. I love Heaven's Light, its sooo beautiful!
Some years back remodeling a Catholic church and moving record books around they found the records of a groundskeeper with the name Quasimodo. They now believe the writer used real character's. And the bell ringer was a real live person.
You do realize that the story was written by Victor Hugo. Author, poet and politician. If you're interested, check out Monsieur Trajan. He was a stone mason that worked on the cathedral in the 1820s and whom Hugo based the character.
@@A.R.Windsong My point was more that he probably didn't have access to that information and is doubtful he would have gone looking for it. Trajan was in plain sight and he may have even spoken with him.. As well, Quasi modo means 'in the manner of'. Used more as a description than a name. Spoiler alert Frollo killed Quasimodo's mother. She was trying to get them both to the sanctuary of the church as Frollo chased her, thinking she had stolen goods. He grabs what she is carrying and kicks her down the stone steps killing her instantly.
Mistyped because I'm an idiot. Frollo killed Agnes/Esmerelda's mother on the steps. Paquette la Chantefleurie was not Quasimodo's real mother. I apologize for typing misinformation. There is more than enough of that here as it is.
"Hellfire" is one of the darkest, most twisted villain songs Disney has ever done. Hearing it as an adult and actually understanding the lyrics and what Frollo is saying brings the song to a whole new level. The original story, written by Victor Hugo(whom the gargoyles in this one are named after) is much much darker as are a lot of the original stories these Disney movies are based on.
To the best of my knowledge there are voice actors that speak for the characters, and voice actors that sing for the characters. Rarely does one do both.
This is one of disney's darkest movies. It's also my favorite Disney movie. P.S. if you don't know the opening song, it was pretty much ripped from Mozart's Requiem symphony. It's called "Dies irae". The translation is "Day of wrath, day of fire, when all the world shall be consumed in ash. Call me among the blessed oh lord. God save me." That might not be a 100% accurate translation, but that's directly from memory and I don't speak latin.
Thank you both so much for reacting to my second favorite Disney movie! As someone with a disabled brother, this one hits close to home for me and it’s glorious that it had the courage to tell a story as dark as this. Also, Frollo is a phenomenal villain in my eyes because there really are people just as, if not scarier, than him in real life, and “Hellfire” is my favorite Disney villain song without question. Keep up the amazing work!
In "Hellfire," Tony Jay was convinced he couldn't hit the last high note at the climax. He was told he couldn't drop the octave down, so he got vocal training to hit the note, and he nailed it.
The greatest villain song ever.
Did you see VoicePlay's version of Hellfire. It's very well done.
@@draygontaygen677amazing!!!
Tony was a class act. I'll always remember him best as Megabyte
Absolutely agreed... portraying evil in perfection!@@christopherking4932
This is unironically my favorite Disney movie. It goes to show that kids can handle material that is a lot more "dark" or "adult" than most people give them credit for.
I absolutely ADORE the moment when Quasimodo breaks his chains and the cathedral's bells start to faintly chime. It's like the cathedral itself is angry with what Frollo is doing.
Great music in that moment.
And the way he shouted "NOOOOOOO!!!!"...Not only he's had enough of Frollo's wickedness, but he also wasn't gonna stand by and let Esmeralda ( the only person he cared for ) get burned alive.
Although it being rated G may be a bit much? Maybe PG, but really PG13 is probably more aporopr. Still really good and well animated though
Dark? I read the book as a kid...this is a light hearted cartoon comedy.
I just had a thought... do you think the people of Niger enjoyed the burning of the Notre-Dame?
The scariest thing about Claude Frollo is that guy's like him do exist.
The late Tony Jay absolutely nailed it in every way.
Frollo teaches people that religion should be used to create faith, not use it as a weapon.
@@osmanyousif7849Faith is a weapon, against evil. Most people just dont want to accept that they are evil.
To be fair, women like him exist.
@@GUNNER67akaKelt That too.
Yeah he always felt pretty realistic.
The animators for this movie were given special permission to tour the cathedral.
Much of what you see of it in here is a faithful depiction of the real thing.
And developed my love it so I was heartbroken when that fire broke out a few years back!
@@ElvisRose_ When I first saw the news about the fire it was sad....That place is almost 1000 years old!
@@Crasher1982 I was lucky enough to visit Paris and walk around the cathedral in 2018 before the fire and again last year. It's amazing the work they are doing to restore it, even following how certain parts were built in prior restorations. I have faith!
@@RobbHollen Glad to hear they are still restoring it. It's sad to lose historical things.
Notre Dame fire fact: prior to the fire the creators of the Assassin's Creed games were able to do a high resolution scan of both the inside & out for their game. The scan was later used to as "blueprints" to restore it after the fire.
In Frolos own twisted way, he thinks he is the good guy.
Thats what makes him a compelling villain, especially by Disney standards. Usually the villain is just evil for the sake of being evil
Yeah. And I like that they didn’t overdue it by making him sympathetic, or right. They still kept him creepy and scary. Sometimes I feel like (even by Disney standards.) when they make a villain likable, he/she loses what makes them scary.
@Kayoss13212 just having some motivation and not being one-dimensional makes it more interesting. I don't think anybody "likes" Frolo, but he has a little depth. Disney really took a risk on this movie but its one of my favorites
Yeah he was unique. Frozen brought some of that complication with their villain too.
I don't know enough of Victor Hugo's works to say if it was a common feature, but while Les Miserables featured the thoroughly evil Thenardiers, you also had Javert who was essentially virtuous but for his lack of compassion. I haven't read Hunchback, but I wouldn't be surprised if that ambiguity was in the source material too.
Keeping it French, it’s a bit like Inspector Javert in Les Mis.
"I'm free! I'm free!" (gets trapped again) "Dang it!" That has been one of my favorite gags in Disney history
Amen to that! This was the OG "My Cabbages!" gag. And honestly, I bust out laughing every time!
🤣🤣🤣
Me and my sister quote this all the time 😂😂😂
@@geniegenie Fun Fact: He's voiced by the director of the film, Gary Trousdale.
"Every good family film starts with a vicious murder: 'Bambi', 'The Lion King', 'Saw VII'"
- Wade Wilson
Now I’m thinking about that dig Deadpool 2 took at human centipede 2 and how the lowest part of that movie is when the actors realized how bad a mistake they made when they singed onto the film. lol
And yet this one trumps at least two of these by making the murder happen twenty years before the movie starts - because it starts with Clopin telling the story, not it happening.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame wasn't as well received as the other Disney Renaissance films at the time but it was probably the peak of Disney's 2D animation. It's caught between being a kids movie with the jokes and songs but also an adult movie with themes. Honestly, I wish Disney had the guts to just make it an adult movie but it's still great.
I loved it! I still do! Esmeralda has always been one of my favorites!
Disney does do adult films...the reason they started Touchstone Films. So they could do R rated films without involving the Disney name.
Jokes & songs can be adult-oriented. "Hellfire" got a lot of complaints for not being child-friendly.
@@nightfall902 90s parents also freaked out about the Harry Potter books supposedly containing occult subtexts.
@@nightfall902 How was it written?
a fun fact that is often overlooked is that during the song Hellfire when the faceless guard comes in with the light behind him and let’s him know Esmeralda escaped. Is suppose to symbolize an angel from God giving him a chance to let Esmeralda go and redeem himself stepping into Heaven’s light, or continue down his path to Hell and embrace its fire.
I’m so glad someone else knows that, it’s such a great scene!
@@AmericanAurochs
I’m honestly mad at myself for not picking up on it as I got older hahah had to write a final on the symbolism of this movie in a Cinema class to find out. Helped me realize everything about this movie is a true work of art.
Yup, he asked God to deliver him from his lust and then his prayer was answered by Esmerelda going beyond his reach. It was the out he'd asked for, yet he didn't even give a single thought to giving up.
@@kenjutsukata1o1yep! I wanted to go in more depth in my comment but didn’t want to seem like I was rambling hahaha
@@kenjutsukata1o1 Indeed, and we can even dig further into Frollo's psyche in the "givinig up" part:
He is not only asking to be delivered from his lust (something that happens just by Esmeralda going out of his reach); he is actively expecting to be delivered *by the destruction and punishment of Esmeralda*.
The righteous Frollo fails to see divine intervention because it doesn't happen in the "Old Testament" way (so to speak) he is asking for: Esmeralda being sent to Hell, with utmost prejudice (and since that doesn't happen, he thinks he still has permission to pursue it, because God would not deny the judgement of "a righteous man").
I love that layer that there is a difference between being good (even in prayer: deliver me from sin... give me inspiration and strength) and being inflexible in perceived "righteousness" (deliver me from sin... by nuking temptation instead of me, please).
"What makes a monster and what makes a man?" This is a question we should be asking ourselves before choosing who we put our faith in.
thats a rather complex question cause anyone can be a monster and a man depending on the situation....and being a man and monster can be at times the same thing.......
@@ButtenisticMasterpiece I guess it depends on how we define a man and a monster. To me, a monster is someone who has no humanity left. They are so horrible, that they are no longer human. With this definition, then a man cannot also me a monster and vice-versa.
This is, without a doubt, the finest Disney movie ever made. It's dark and gothic, with a terrifyingly realistic villain and a bevy of sympathetic heroes. The soundtrack is unparalleled, the animation is gorgeous, and the story is unforgettable and epic.
Fun cameo: In the song "Out There," as the camera zooms away from Quasimodo and into the city street, you'll spot Belle from Beauty and the Beast waking down the street...with her nose "stuck in a book," no less.
I think Pumbaa is there too.
@@ruarikelsey1793 And the magic carpet from Alladin.
@ruarikelsey1793 really? I have not spotted him in it, but I'll watch again! LOL
@@ruarikelsey1793as a pig on a roast?
The mother died by hitting her head on the stone steps of the church.
I love this movie! The music is absolutely beautiful ❤
This sequence of sentences is hilarious.
Frollo kicked her down the stairs killing her. She was running to the church for sanctuary with her child. Frollo was chasing her, believing she had stolen goods. He grabbed what she was carrying and kicked her down the stairs, killing her with one blow.
Also, side note..The woman that Frollo killed on the steps was not Quasimodo's mother. She was the mother of Agnes/Esmerelda.
@@nightfall902 That must be from the book right? Because I strongly do not believe Frollo would look at baby Esmeralda and call her a monster. If he hates gypsies that much, he wouldn't have to look. He is horrified by what he sees.
I haven't read the book. Do you recommend it?
@@patrikcoh88 Paquette la Chantefleurie was Agnes/Esmereldas mother. The child was stolen from her and Quasimodo left in her place. She still took care of him and loved him despite the deformity. She was indeed running for sanctuary but he was not her child. If you like the movies, I wouldn't read the book.
One thing I learned from the stage musical (which is incredible btw) is the gargoyles aren’t actually talking to Quasimodo, he’s been so isolated and alone that he talks to them because he doesn’t have anyone else to talk to. While it is sad that they’re just figments of Quasimodo’s imagination, it helps understand Quasimodo a bit more as they’re literally an extension of Quasimodo’s inner thoughts. The song they sing to build up Quasimodo is just Quasimodo building himself up.
In the cartoon they sorta imply that in some scenes but then they have the gargoyles physically participating in the final thing, which always made me confused as a kid
@@melltenfys The gargoyles also interact w/ animals.
@@jp3813And the Gargoyle whi smiles at Frolo when he falls to his death, Frolo can cleary see it and he's spooked.
@@Mugthraka I'd be able to accept that it's Frollo succumbing to his madness ("the very eyes of Notre Dame") as Quasi lets go of his.
@@melltenfys well in the book the gargoyles don't even exist ! And Frollo is far less demonic, in fact he got some valid points ; Phoebus actually burn down the house and he is far more submissive to Frollo, but the caracters are essentialy very well adapted !
It is interesting, during Frollo's song, the robed ghosts that come into the room are saying, "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa," which is a Catholic liturgical phrase that means, "My fault, my fault, my most grievous fault." They were calling on Frollo to take responsibility for his sin, telling him it was his fault that he was lusting for Esmerelda. But he was so convinced of his own righteousness that he could not look himself truthfully, and kept on trying to say, "It's not my fault! I'm not to blame! It's her fault! She is leading me to sin!" This movie is a lot deeper than we think. It is always those self-righteous men like this who blame everyone else for the evil in the world, but never look inward to see the evil within themselves.
Exactly this! And also reminds me of a parable where Jesus is talking about a self-righteous Pharisee and sinful man standing before God.
The Pharisee is thanking God that he is not like the man standing next to him and that he is right and good in all his ways or something like that while the sinful man is very humble and is thanking God for His forgiveness and mercy.
Even more interesting: while the general idea is not lost in the film (Frollo saying "it's not my fault"), the latin lyrics are (generally) never translated; to get the full meaning, the individual needs to look for the translatation (if they don't understood latin or have no idea what "Mea culpa" means) to unlock that additional layer: the hooded figures are not cursing or accusing Frollo, but underlining the nature of his mistake. Frollo not only rejects the idea it's only his fault (and responsability), but doubles down in the way he prays to be delivered from sin: by asking the destruction (with prejudice) of Esmeralda.
In the comments, I've found what seems to be an interesting fan theory (a quick internet search didn't return any official mention that the script or the production crew had that intention): in the middle of the song, a faceless guard steps in to inform Esmeralda has escaped Frollo's reach. While that faceless guard may be an animation mistake (they forgot to draw it, or simply painted over it) or a choice to save time (the face is in the shadows, so there was no need to add details), some have theorized it's an angel answering Frollo's prayer; in a subtle way.
Of course, the always proud, and now obssesed, judge fails to recognize the escape of Esmeralda can be the signal he has asked for, and doubles down in his desire (he fails, once again, to recognize that miracles or divine intervention doesn't have to happen in an spectacular ways with fire raining from the skies of people being struck by lightining; and since a bolt hasn't struck Esmeralda down to spare him the hard work, that means he has still a chance to get his desires, and get away with it).
No wonder the song is a though nut to crack, and a difficult pill to swallow, no matter the age group.
For me God Help the Outcasts is one of my favorite songs from this because of how powerful it's opening lines are particularly
"Yes I know I'm just an outcast, I shouldn't speak to you
Still I see your face and wonder, were you once an outcast too~"
Saying that to the Virgin Mary hits so hard with me for how relatable the line is. Very few pieces of Media depict the ridicule and scorn Marry must have faced when she found out she was pregnant without being bedded by her husband. She faced a significant trial of being outcast from her village, her husband the only one to believe her and stay by her side in her darkest hours. The the song goes onto how we pray for all our hearts desires while some pray for the happiness of others. I love Esmeralda because she learns when to ask for help and learns when to give it as well.
It also shows the differences between Esmeralda and Frollo. Frollo claims he's a righteous man before God - like the Pharisees did - but he is not. He does evil and uses God to "justify" it. Esmeralda is oppressed and cast out of society, but still prays with humility and grace. She is rejected like Jesus and Mary were, but she has true faith. In the end, she receives mercy, while Frollo is sent to Hell.
I'm so excited you're watching this. In my opinion, this is THE best overall soundtrack of any Disney animated feature. I hope you enjoy it!!
Have you checked out Voiceplay's cover of 'Hellfire?' Absolutely amazing. It's funny, I've been listening to this song for a week now and then the movie pops up on PIB.
th-cam.com/video/bVbetHB815E/w-d-xo.html
This soundtrack is definitely a top ten for a Disney animated classic.
I concur! It has a Broadway feel to it.
Hmmm, my post is missing. Good job youtube. Anyway, if you like the soundtrack to this, do yourself a favor and check out VoicePlay's a capella cover of 'Hellfire,' if you haven't already. It's awesome!
I was born in the hospital literally next to Notre Dame so this has been my favorite movie since I was a kid! And even at that age I LOOOOVED the gothic music & latin chants.
Now as an adult, I appreciate it even more for it's animation, camera work and DARK themes! An extremely ballsy Disney movie
You have to watch "The Rescuers" and the "The Rescuers down under", you will love them both.
“Strap your kangaroos down sports fan!”
Down under is better!
Definitely listen to the soundtrack again. Once you get the melodies, it becomes clearer that this has some of the best songs from any Disney movie. "Hellfire" is often ranked among the greatest villain songs ever.
The gargoyle Laverne is voiced by Mary Wickes, who had one of the longest careers in Hollywood history. You might remember her as the housekeeper from "White Christmas" and Mary Lazarus in "Sister Act".
I remember her as Aunt March in the Little Women movie w/ Winona Ryder - recognized her voice when she first appeared on screen! :)
@@agarvin1687 She actually died during production, so they had to get someone else to record her remaining lines.
I'm glad you both watched this. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a movie story that has been made and remade many times. If you crave a darker depiction of the story, I recommend the 1939 version starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, & Cedric Hardwicke.
One of my absolute favorite Easter Eggs in a Disney movie. Right after the first chorus of Out There... the camera pans from Quasimodo down into the town below. And you can clearly see Belle walking through the square reading a book. Note that there's also a man with Magic Carpet from Aladdin draped over his arm... but the Belle appearance just really made me smile because I wondered if they'd work her into this movie as they both take place in France.
"Is this a kid's movie?" 😆 You're not the first to ask about this film.
You just illustrated the kind of courage Disney movies had in these days and how dark they were willing to go.
For another animated reaction, y’all should do THE FOX AND THE HOUND. If I hear the main song, it’s automatic waterworks 😭
I agree its one of the biggest tear jerker lol
Me too!
React to The Secret Of NIMH very good movie.
At 30, I’ve probably only seen that one a handful of times. Because it’s such a tearjerker. That said it’s a wonderful film
atlantis the lost empire is also another one that people don't see a lot
Without a doubt my favorite Disney movie... the duality of 'Heaven's Light' and 'Hellfire' is as operatic as it gets. The look on Quasi's face when the little girl hugs him at the end never fails to bring Me to tears.
Tangled is my #2 - Carli always has excellent taste. Cassie - as a mom - you have absolutely GOT to put 'The Secret of NIHM' on your list...
Agreed, Secret of NIHM would definitely be right up her alley
@@inakamoto , wrong. That title goes to Bambi or The Land Before Time....
@@inakamotoSecret of NIMH is a legend. Another one my sister and I watched the hell out of our VHS copy of back in the 80s. The more Don Bluth movies the better, I always say!
Secret of Nimh and The Last Unicorn were two of my faves when I was growing up. I definitely recommend them!!
@@amyg4961The Last Unicorn is a magnificent story and a masterclass in how to write side characters... every one of them from Schmendrick and Molly Grue to Mommy Fortuna and King Haggard have stayed with me my entire life.
Esmeralda has always been one of my favorite Disney character from my childhood, it was nice how Demi Moore is helping out Bruce Willis these days.
She was one of the sexiest. She's not bad, she's just drawn that way. 😉
Was she really, especially during their separation in 1996? I think their roles in Beavis and Butthead Do America is the best way to describe how they were at the time.
Also, anyone find it kind of weird that Demi Moore, who during 1996, also starred in Striptease playing an exotic dancer? I'm pretty certain too that someone even made a fan edit when she's dancing and Hellfire is playing in the background.
“Is this a kid’s movie?!” Asked *everyone* who has ever watched this.
I usually Watched Disney's The Hunchback Of Notre Dame 1 and 2 in 🇺🇲English and Spanish 🇲🇽
bambi's mom gets shot in the face but ok
@@alex0589 We never see it though.
Since its based on a book, thats REALLY not a book for children, it's surprising they choosed this project.
Many of the stories Disney uses have darkness in them. Even a simple story like little mermaid are dark in their original stories@@TheParappa
Next to Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disney film, and it has my favorite Disney music. I remember first seeing it in theaters when I was five. It was really amazing, seeing it in theaters way back when. Thus, Cassie, it’s lovely to see you and Carly see this terrific film, leading to this reaction.
Eh... the only thing that held it back for me was the Gargoyles. I get it's Disney and they needed some comic relief, but there's a right and wrong way to go about it. And for a movie that tackles some very serious subject matter, they're inclusion really almost throws the tone off.
Anastasia is actually the best Disney movie..
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, along with The Lion King are some of my favorite Disney movie's.
@@StayFractalesque Except it's not one. *Anastasia* (1997) was made by Disney alumnus Don Bluth for 20th Century Fox.
@oliverbrownlow5615 🐸
4:20 "This has the old Disney feel, it's fun" That right there is all you need to know about modern Disney movies
Yup they need to go back to taking some risks and finding the next big thing!
Also gotta love Esmeralda and her beautiful eyes
Claude Frollo and his song is a perfect example of pride, lust, jealousy, false charity and pure pure evil. The song is a masterpiece that reflects all that. Disney would never do something like this today, and I don't think they did before.
The best villain song in Disney's history of epic villain songs. "Hellfire."
The villain songs are the best songs.
That song sounds great in every language.
And Oh! The voice of the Archdeacon is David Ogden Stires who is the voice of The Narrator/Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Governor Radcliff in Pocahontas, Mr. Hartcourt in Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Jumba in Lilo and Stitch!
He was also Radcliffe's assistant in Pocahontas
And Major Charles Winchester in the later seasons of _M * A * S * H._
Right! Wiggins! @@ADBH-sd8cz
R.I.P. David Ogden Stiers and Tony Jay The Archdeacon and Judge Frollo are now in Heaven 😭😭😭😭😢😢
I love the fact that after frollo says "and he (god) shall smite the wicked into a fiery pit" he literally falls into a fiery pit below
The voice of Quasimodo was Tom Hulce, who was nominated for Best Actor for Amadeus playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was also in movies like National Lampoon's Animal House (as Larry "Pinto" Kroeger) and Dominick & Eugene. Most of the time he now produces and directs. He produced the Broadway musicals Spring Awakening and Green Day's American Idiot.
In the original novel by Victor Hugo (who also wrote the novel Les Miserables), Claude Frollo was actually a clergyman. And he was a LOT WORSE than in the cartoon. The book is much darker without a happy ending for anyone. It has been adapted many times for film, some are good, some are not.
The film has been adapted for the stage, but has yet to make it to Broadway.
There are very few books that have made me cry. Hunchback is one of them. The final image at the end (no spoilers!) absolutely WRECKS me.
@@Dudeman23rd Of all the many, many top quality books that I've read, there are few endings I remember more clearly than the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I clapped my hands when I read it as, yes, I also blew my nose over the tears. I guess, almost only "Where The Red Fern Grows" has as much effect over me.
@@joelwillems4081 Bro I COMPLETELY FORGOT about Where the Red Fern Grows. It was a required summer read for me going into 6th or 7th grade and just refreshing my memory on it now made me feel warmth behind my eyes.
The Rescuers Down Under, which Cassie already mentioned at the beginning of video, is one of my childhood favorites. I hope to see it on this channel as well in future. 😉
I think this is the most underrated Disney animation ever. I love how powerful, mature, dark and well written this animation is, but the two highlights here are the EPIC soundtrack and Frollo. In my opinion he's right on the top as one of the best Disney villains along with Scar and Maleficent.
Frollo's death was divine intervention. The gargoyle lighting up and scaring Frollo
And if you listen to his last line, which he meant for Quasimodo/Esmerelda, it's exactly what happened to him instead.
Phoebus is Kevin Klein. Remember Amadeus - story about Mozart - staring Tom Hulce - he was also the bad father in Parenthood...he's the voice of Quasimodo.
@MrFishing4u I was gonna make sure someone commented this! Woot. Tom Hulce is wonderful in this and in Amadeus!
@@Oldtoby1138Don't forget the Easter egg of Quasimodo getting a Mozart-esque wig from his Gargoyle friends during "Guy Like You" 😉
Tom Hulce also played one of the slain Civil Rights activists in Murder in Mississippi (1990), which served as the inspiration for Mississippi Burning (1988).
Let's not forget Pinto in Animal House
10/10
Disney Goes Dark.
I have recently rediscovered this film and have realized one thing : that this film is Disney's most darkest film yet. The film is based on Victor Hugo's lavish novel that disney tries to sugar up without losing its edge. The film's subject matter ranges from understanding others to even dark things such as racism. This film is not for the younger fans due to sequences such as The villans blatantly sexual obcession for Esmerelda or the even more depressing sequence of Quasimodo's mother dying. The songs remind you of Baz Lurhman's Moulin Rouge and by the time your done you can't get them out of your head. My suggestion is to rent this film along with Beauty an the Beast for an even more enjoyable experience.
I was actually pretty young when I first saw this movie and I think that as a kid, what I focus on is Quasimodo's kind and gentle nature, Phoebus doing the moral thing rather than following orders, and Esmeralda standing up for the outcasts. Of course the darkness of Claude Frollo is there but that goes so far over a kid's head that it didn't register as anything more for than a bad man pretending to be good as a younger kid. I've enjoyed this movie for most of my life and for a lot of the same take aways but just a more adult understanding of the villain's tactics and motivations.
If a kid understands the villains sexual obsession, they are actually too old for the film in some respects. Young kids see it and don't pick up on that stuff.
@@ElvisRose_I agree. I think children, at least maybe 7+ are fine watching this movie. It's only when I'm an adult that i understood more about Frolo's "desire". Or how he blame his arousal on Esmeralda's attractiveness. I didn't understand the racism topic either. I just knew and understand that its not okay to bully people just because they're different and its such a beautiful message that stuck with me
This movie is a travesty in terms of representing the essence of the novel.
The male gargoyles are named Victor and Hugo, after Victor Hugo, the author who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". The female gargoyle is named Laverne, after Jules Verne.
Man, the soundtrack slaps so hard !! So beautiful, so epic and so dramatic. I just love it
I grew up on all the old Disney movies:
The Sword in the Stone (favorite)
Snow White
Robin Hood
Cinderella
101 Dalmatians
Alice in Wonderland (favorite)
Fantasia (must watch)
Bambi
Dumbo (less than an hour emotional experience)
Pinocchio
Lady and the Tramp (favorite)
Sleeping Beauty (favorite)
...and many more!
And Carly...I love Tangled too! The horse acting like a dog...lol.
Don Bluth made wonderful animations as well.
An American Tail
All Dogs Go To Heaven
The Secret of Nimh
Rock A Doodle
Oh, the Sword in the Stone, I have fond memories of that one. My brother and I watched that movie every single night over one summer vacation when we were around 10-11 years old.
@@billwhitmore9003 I'd really love to see an "in tandem" reaction to *The Sword in the Stone* (1963). and *Camelot* (1967), because these two movies are based on different parts of the same novel, T.H. White's *The Once and Future King.*
You should read the book by Victor Hugo. It's so light-hearted. You know Disney really didn't need to change anything the story. ... ... ... Not! Everybody died!
Not Phoebus. Everything works out ok for him.
@@TheMuddySeaHe got the worst ending. He got married
@@richietribe9487 ...A fate worse than death!
@@TheMuddySea Phoebus wasn't as "good" in the novel as in the film. He greatly cared for his career, more than Esmeralda. And the very last part about Quasimodo's fate is so sad but well written, I actually applauded Mr. Hugo when I read that section. I don't think they've ever portrayed this true ending in films.
@@joelwillems4081 They did actually, but it was a directly to television movie in the 90's. I don't know why, but I always loved that version. I recorded it on a VHS, but it was lost in a fire.
And here I come to rain on the good feeling. The book version, Esmerelda did in fact die and Quasimodo went into her grave/mausoleum and held her corpse in grief until he died. Years later their skeletons were found that way and when they tried to remove the Hunchback from her he crumbled into dust.
You guys definitely need to watch The Rescuers, and also The Great Mouse Detective. Both get similar dark themes but still Disney at their core
One of my favourite Disney movies of all time. One of my favourite animated movies of all time. One of my favourite soundtracks of all time. I went to the play, I couldn’t help but whisper sing every single song from the soundtrack. Till this day, Hellfire is my go-to villain song.
My little sister loved watching this movie and as small toddler she would always say "Hatanta!" It took us a few days to figure out she was trying to say Hunch Back of Notre Dame. And that she wanted to watch it. To this day we still say Hatanta to each other and give her a little laugh.
One interesting detail about Frollo is that he actually was the bishop in the book. He's not as cartoonishly evil (Quasi is abandoned as a baby and Frollo takes care of him) but a giant hypocrite that ends up hurting a lot of people.
I have always love Disney's "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" as my childhood movie growing-up and one of epic animated masterpiece, I can easily put this movie with my favorites like DreamWorks "The Prince Of Egypt".
It definitely seems if you love one of those two movies you also love the other!
Alan Menken's music for this film is just so good. It's certainly more mature than The Little Mermaid or Aladdin, but I love how incorporated sacred music into the score. The vocal performances are also top tier. This film is way underrated, mostly because it's so much darker than your typical Disney animated joint.
Menken's lyric-writing collaberator for this film (and for *Pocahontas)* was Stephen Schwartz, who wrote music and lyrics for *Godspell, Pippin, Wicked,* and *Prince of Egypt.*
Don't know if someone already commented on this, but, I really liked this ending. Many don't like that Esmeralda ended up with someone else, but as I see it, Quasimodo was not ready to go into a relationship. He had been abused and kept captive for 20 years. In many ways, he is not only naive, he has a lot of growing up to do, and at the end he got a way to do just that. Phoebus, on the other side, was on the same level of maturity as Esmeralda. He was a better match for her. The fact that Quasi acceots their relationship shows he has grown and matured.
Clopin is such an underrated Disney character!!
He was the first (and only, as far as I know) time that Disney employed a "common man" character to play multiple roles.
Honestly, he's a better match w/ Esmeralda than Phoebus.
That note he hits at the end of the opening song always gives me shivers.
Note-ur Daym is an American university. Note-ruh Dom is a Parisian cathedral.
Notre-Dame, please write it correctly..
Pronunciation guide@@PawPatrolTheLionGuardFan
This is one of those movies that prove the quote from Firefly right. "Nothing worse than a monster who thinks he's right with God."
This is my favorite Disney movie. The darkness, the realism, the message, the MUSIC. So freaking good.
Rescuers Down Under!!! Definitely watch!
I didn’t care for this movie much as a kid but I have a much greater appreciation for it as an adult. This movie is an animated masterpiece. And it’s not sugar coated for kids. It has a realness to it that you can feel even though it’s animated.
You know you too could always read Victor Hugos book “the hunchback of Notre Dame”. It’s a classic of world literature. And it wasn’t Disney that made it so dark it was Victor Hugo.
Disney actually lightened it up quite a bit
Yeah, the book is a bit of a depressing mess, but it is a good read. 👍🏻
I love the backstory given to Esmeralda and the complicated relationship between Quasimodo & Frollo.
More of the complexity of the original source material is included in the 1939 live-action version starring Charles Laughton (a classic film unjustly neglected by reactors).
Fox and the Hound is a must watch.
"I didnt know a cartoon could be breathtaking.."
Oh boy.. we have a loong way to go. There is so much breathtaking animation!
Agreed, let's go "Akira".
Basically exactly what I was thinking at least in this moment, although there's way more as you know.@@corryjamieson3909
Tom Hulce (Amadeus) voices Quasimodo. Does that name ring a bell? Ba-dum-bum. We had young kids when this came out so I got to enjoy these classics. Toy Story, Tarzan, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Charlotte's Web, The Incredibles, are all enjoyable animated films. I love watching how engrossed and invested you both are in these reactions.
One of my favorite 90's Disney films, dark indeed but an underrated masterpiece. The novel by Victor Hugo is way darker believe it or not and does not the happy ending that this Disney one has of course. Great reaction, I really enjoy when both of you guys react together. You really should consider reacting to Hercules. Another great film with a great soundtrack.
This is a GREAT MOVIE. You're going to love it.
Quasimodo is voiced by Tom Hulce who was Mozart in Amadeus
He also did the singing!
Movies are made by the villain, and Frollo is EASILY in the top five of the vilest villains Disney has ever done.
Yeah he's intensely reprehensible and skin-crawlingly sleazy to boot
Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) and Jenner in The Secret of Nimh (the late Paul Shenar) have voices that pierce the soul. They could make one feel like nothing or everything with words alone. Awesome actors both of those men were.
I'd definitely recommend you check out the Broadway of this movie too. Not only is it much more darker, yet faithful to the original story, but it give Frollo some more backstory of his dark turn.
yes! The Papermill playhouse version is still out there in its incredible form! My favorite version! The voices of everyone are absolutely phenomenal!!
This is one of my favorites. My sister's and i seen it multiple times in theaters. After my tonsel and adnoid surgery as a kid i got toys from McDonald's of the gargoyles.
In my headcanon the soldier standing in the door, and telling Frollo that Esmeralda is not in Notre Dame, is literally a new door opening for Frollo to stop hunting Esmeralda hence the light around the soldier. A way to maybe redeem himself and see the sinful thoughts and actions, but we all know what he choose in the end.
Tarzan, Mulan, lion king, treasure planet, atlantis the lost empire are my favorite Disney movies
You have excellent taste in films. 👍🏻
I remember seeing this movie twice when it came out. I can't tell you how powerful the "Hellfire" song sequence was on the big screen.
I first saw this movie in the cinema at age 7 and it has been my favorite Disney movie ever since. Glad to see people of my generation discovering it later on.:)
Unpopular opinion: the best Disney movies, and arguably best animated movies in general, were made in the mid-late 90's and a little bit into the early 2000's. This, Pocahontas, Mulan, The Iron Giant, The Prince of Egypt, Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell, etc etc. It was the peak of traditional hand drawn animation, and arguably the peak of "serious" animation, I miss it soooooo much. Thank goodness Japan is keeping it alive.
Did you mean to list Prince of Egypt, Princess Mononoke, and Ghost in the Shell as part of peak Disney or just peak animation in general?
@@mdroid7755 Peak animation.
I love this movie, and yes it is concidered one of the darkest if not the darkest disney movie which also made it quite controversial when it came out because some parents didnt think a movie for kids should have such matrue and dark themes.
My favourite Disney movie. The score, the story, the animation. It's a marvel :)
In my opinion, the best music in the entire Disney Renaissance, if not all of Disney. It moves me every time i hear it. I've been privileged to spend a lot of time with it, since i directed a production of the stage musical.
Also, you know Quasi's voice from Amadeus, Cassie. And the Archdeacon is the Narrator/Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast, among MANY other things.
One of my favourite 🤯 bits of Disney trivia is that he is also both Ratcliffe and Wiggins in Pocahontas.
This is one of my all-time favorite animated movies! I also like some of the older adaptations of the book, like the 1939 and 1956 versions.
6:00 - VICTOR HUGO
Author of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' also wrote 'Les Miserables'.
This was one of our favourites when I was a kid!!! So glad you watched. Great soundtrack
this is the most underrated disney movie; it’s a masterpiece, the most darker disney movie, my top 5, everytime i see the movie i understand most things and always makes me cry
Will TH-camrs get an update on the Google situation like Patreon's did as to what the outcome was?
This movie is Disney at its greatest. Still a favorite of mine till this day.
And Frollo was a delightfully horrifying villain as he was just a human. No special powers or anything. Just an evil power hungry man who thought himself righteous and pious.
I saw this in 1996 on my birthday. It was the 3rd film I saw in theatres, after The Lion King and Toy Story. It had a huge influence on my childhood, and was probably one of the reasons I donated to the Patrimonie de France for the restoration fund of Notre Dame following the devastating fire.
I feel lucky to have grown up with this movie. You’re right, if you didn’t have the VHS or didn’t rent it, you likely didn’t see it! I didn’t grow up with so many movies like Dumbo, Robin Hood, Fox and the Hound, and many more
From my point of view, the music to Hunchback is really fantastic. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz did a great job with the music. It's my second favorite soundtrack to any Disney animated movie, second only to Beauty and the Beast (peak Alan Menken and Howard Ashman). Listen to "God Save the Outcast" or Heaven's Light/Hellfire again. They are intelligent, lyrical, involving. And Tom Hulce did a great job with "Out There" ; this is a tremendously underrated film. Everyone thinks Lion King or Aladdin when it comes to Disney films. This film has those beat.
I love this movie because of the grown up themes. You are right the score does not have that to the songs, but the score is masterful. The title song will haunt you as well as Hellfire. In fact when Notre Dame burnt a number of years back those songs came flooding back in my brain as I watched the footage. It is one of my favorite Disney film.
The part where the little girl goes up and hugs Quasimodo at the end always makes me cry. I love this movie haha. I agree that the songs aren't necessarily "bops" but they have a more epic feel to them? I don't know I really like the songs in this one
My favorite thing about this movie is actually that Quasimodo DOESN'T get the girl, and he finds real happiness anyway.
This movie came out in 1996. And it's one of Disney's last hand drawn animated films. Some of it is CGI, but most of the animation is hand drawn. I absolutely loved it. It was way different than any Disney movie I'd ever seen before. And I loved the song God Help the Outcasts. The woman who sings it in the movie, Demi Moore's singing voice, is Heidi Mollenhauer. But my favorite version is the one that plays over the end credits sung by Bette Midler. Makes me cry every time! This was a much more deep and adult and dark movie than Disney had ever done before. And Esmeralda was just absolutely gorgeous! I could not understand why she wasn't more popular. I think she is the prettiest Disney heroine of any of them... in the history of Disney! Lol! I love her beautiful green eyes.
One of my favorite things about this movie is Quasimodo's "Heaven's Light", contrasted directly by Frolo's "Hellfire." It really sums up the characters. I love Heaven's Light, its sooo beautiful!
Some years back remodeling a Catholic church and moving record books around they found the records of a groundskeeper with the name Quasimodo. They now believe the writer used real character's. And the bell ringer was a real live person.
You do realize that the story was written by Victor Hugo. Author, poet and politician. If you're interested, check out Monsieur Trajan. He was a stone mason that worked on the cathedral in the 1820s and whom Hugo based the character.
@@nightfall902
Yes. I recall. But the name is on record for some reason. Maybe he chose the name Quasimodo from record.
@@A.R.Windsong My point was more that he probably didn't have access to that information and is doubtful he would have gone looking for it. Trajan was in plain sight and he may have even spoken with him.. As well, Quasi modo means 'in the manner of'. Used more as a description than a name. Spoiler alert Frollo killed Quasimodo's mother. She was trying to get them both to the sanctuary of the church as Frollo chased her, thinking she had stolen goods. He grabs what she is carrying and kicks her down the stone steps killing her instantly.
Mistyped because I'm an idiot. Frollo killed Agnes/Esmerelda's mother on the steps. Paquette la Chantefleurie was not Quasimodo's real mother. I apologize for typing misinformation. There is more than enough of that here as it is.
I know Tony Jay gets a lot of (very deserved) praise for Hellfire, but Tom Hulce's singing is the standout for me. Heaven's Light is gorgeous.
The Late Tony Jay's performance as Judge Frollo was outstanding and chilling
"Hellfire" is one of the darkest, most twisted villain songs Disney has ever done. Hearing it as an adult and actually understanding the lyrics and what Frollo is saying brings the song to a whole new level. The original story, written by Victor Hugo(whom the gargoyles in this one are named after) is much much darker as are a lot of the original stories these Disney movies are based on.
6:05 Quasimodo is acted and sung by Tom Hulce. He played Mozart in the movie Amadeus.
To the best of my knowledge there are voice actors that speak for the characters, and voice actors that sing for the characters. Rarely does one do both.
This is one of disney's darkest movies. It's also my favorite Disney movie. P.S. if you don't know the opening song, it was pretty much ripped from Mozart's Requiem symphony. It's called "Dies irae". The translation is "Day of wrath, day of fire, when all the world shall be consumed in ash. Call me among the blessed oh lord. God save me." That might not be a 100% accurate translation, but that's directly from memory and I don't speak latin.
i think the most underrated disney film. and frollo is without a doubt the most truly evil villain.
Thank you both so much for reacting to my second favorite Disney movie! As someone with a disabled brother, this one hits close to home for me and it’s glorious that it had the courage to tell a story as dark as this. Also, Frollo is a phenomenal villain in my eyes because there really are people just as, if not scarier, than him in real life, and “Hellfire” is my favorite Disney villain song without question. Keep up the amazing work!