Positive buzz is circulating around Disney's Hunchback II direct-to-video sequel.
"One of the most powerful and touching stories ever told by Disney" according to DVD Toons, The Hunchback of Notre Dame combines "a great story, a sensational score, and some of the best animation." And while it is "a bit disappointing to see only a few supplements" on the DVD, "youll find the transfer to be top-notch."
The L.A. Times agrees that "the animation on [The Hunchback of Notre Dame II] is uneven, as are the five original songs. But what this film has going for it are inspired vocal performances. Just as he did in the 1996 theatrical original, Tom Hulce brings a real humanity and pathos to the role of Quasimodo. Also returning from the feature are Kevin Kline as Phoebus, the captain of the guard, and Demi Moore as Esmeralda. It's Michael McKean, though, who nearly steals the show as the villain--the very vain and vile circus master Sarousch, who absconds with Notre Dame's beautiful bell. Jennifer Love Hewitt is also on hand as Sarousch's assistant, who falls in love with Quasi." DVD Toons adds that the Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel "is a kid-friendly film, and can hold as a film of its own without watching the first one."
The main theme of the movie is that true beauty is on the inside, says Disney in an official statement. "Thematically, we used La Fidele Bell as symbolism for inner beauty," says director Brad Raymond. "The outside is rusted and old, but the inside is encrusted with gold and jewels." Adds filmmaker Sharon Morrill: "Im most proud of the message in this film that beauty really does come from within and that theres a little of Quasi in all of us."
It sounds liek Disney has another hit sequel on it's hands on the heels of the very successful Peter Pan II. If sales are as robust for HBII as insiders expect I think it will be a long time before we see the last of the sequel series. But then again, Disney could always pull a George Lucas on us and unleash a whole new wave of "prequel" films that would pre-date the originals and sequels. At this rate it wouldn't suprise me one bit. Ahh, the possibilities.
"One of the most powerful and touching stories ever told by Disney" according to DVD Toons, The Hunchback of Notre Dame combines "a great story, a sensational score, and some of the best animation." And while it is "a bit disappointing to see only a few supplements" on the DVD, "youll find the transfer to be top-notch."
The L.A. Times agrees that "the animation on [The Hunchback of Notre Dame II] is uneven, as are the five original songs. But what this film has going for it are inspired vocal performances. Just as he did in the 1996 theatrical original, Tom Hulce brings a real humanity and pathos to the role of Quasimodo. Also returning from the feature are Kevin Kline as Phoebus, the captain of the guard, and Demi Moore as Esmeralda. It's Michael McKean, though, who nearly steals the show as the villain--the very vain and vile circus master Sarousch, who absconds with Notre Dame's beautiful bell. Jennifer Love Hewitt is also on hand as Sarousch's assistant, who falls in love with Quasi." DVD Toons adds that the Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel "is a kid-friendly film, and can hold as a film of its own without watching the first one."
The main theme of the movie is that true beauty is on the inside, says Disney in an official statement. "Thematically, we used La Fidele Bell as symbolism for inner beauty," says director Brad Raymond. "The outside is rusted and old, but the inside is encrusted with gold and jewels." Adds filmmaker Sharon Morrill: "Im most proud of the message in this film that beauty really does come from within and that theres a little of Quasi in all of us."
It sounds liek Disney has another hit sequel on it's hands on the heels of the very successful Peter Pan II. If sales are as robust for HBII as insiders expect I think it will be a long time before we see the last of the sequel series. But then again, Disney could always pull a George Lucas on us and unleash a whole new wave of "prequel" films that would pre-date the originals and sequels. At this rate it wouldn't suprise me one bit. Ahh, the possibilities.
