Disney History - Hunchback of Notre Dame (Down to Disness)

Thanks for watching Down to Disness - a Disney history series where I'll be examining Disney animated feature films and exploring their impact on pop culture. Hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to let me know what movie or era you'd like to see me do next!
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Thanks for watching!!

[@HeatherJergensen]

I love this movie, BECAUSE of it's dark content. Like you said, it was a huge risk for Disney to take on this project, but it is arguably the most beautiful movie they've done. Menken outdid himself with the soundtrack, the animation and character development were superb! The reason I think this movie has been pushed aside in the parks is that I wouldn't consider it a "kids" movie. So many times, we assume that "animated" = "kids." In the case of Hunchback, I feel like this was more of an art piece...a chance to see how far they could take a story. I think it's an under appreciated film. Love what you said about Hellfire...I think it's SUPPOSED to make you squirm! Thanks Sarah!

[@SarahSterling]

You're totally spot on!

[@RIZIKIBENOIT]

​@@SarahSterlingPlease Do The Disney Revival Movie Winnie The Pooh Release In 2011 Please From Benny Mufabiro. 😢

[@TheaterRaven]

What? Victor Hugo's family didn't like the movie? Okay, sure, it's not exactly like the book, but first of all, there's no way every detail of the book could be squished into a 90-minute movie; secondly, this was a "children's film" and yet it got away with tons of dark elements from the book, even with the looming threat of over-sensitive parents; and thirdly, the score alone captures the story beautifully. I think they were being too strict on Disney. Hell, even Victor Hugo was willing to change the story when he wrote a libretto for an opera based on the book; he had Esmeralda be saved at the end rather than die. I'm curious to hear what Hugo's family thought of the recent Disney stage show. It still wasn't word-for-word like the book, but it was much closer to it than the film, since they didn't have to worry about a ratings system.

[@nastasiakubrick6857]

TheaterRaven The thing is Disney's movie is darker than the book. Frollo's obsession with damnation, Hell and death ? Frollo's purely sexual feelings towards Esmeralda ? Frollo's genocidal tendencies ? The murder of Quasimodo's mother and Frollo actually wanting to drown a baby ? The entire city of Paris burning down ? An entire race being targeted ? Sure, there were some gruesome moments in the book, but the story is simplified in a way that makes it even more fucked up, especially when it comes to Frollo's character.

[@Echosinabox]

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE, I LOVE HUNCHBACK SO MUCH!!! I wish they would bring back hunchback stuff in the parks, it's a really good movie for all of us depressed outcast, and I feel that it is a movie that helps show kids with disabilities that they can be the hero of their own story despite their physical flaws, so yeah.

[@kimbasciano_]

I agree.

[@annacairns]

That's basically what I wrote, it would help with people with disabilities. 😊

[@bunheadladymelody3355]

Maddie D Amen.to that

[@HelloProjectKaraoke]

Disneyland Paris has the Hunchback featured in Disney Dreams! It's quite recent and really beautiful!

[@samseloo4962]

Dear lord the soundtrack amd the Song "the bells of notre dame" was amazing and so dark but it was so powerful! i feel like both the son of egypt and the hunchback of ntre dame have the best soundtracks because the message is so powerful within the verses and instruments!

[@Rainiepie]

Atlantis:The Lost Empire!! there was going to be a ride and a tv show but they stopped it, the guy who invented Klingon made the atlantean language. There's so much cool stuff to talk about!!

[@blancacasanovas8776]

yessss I want a Down to Disness about Atlantis too!!!

[@amandagrigsby4555]

Another great Down to Disness! One of the best Disney movies ever made! It's one of the best soundtracks to a movie ever. Can't wait to see what movie you do next (Aristocats Please)!!!

[@Rainiepie]

Oh I love Aristocats too! I mean they're cats!!! Pretty sure there's some cool facts with the geese as well.

[@islaythejabberwokky]

What makes this movie so SO good to me is the music. Every single song is GRAND and DEEP and BIG! I'm not sure if they ever made a broadway/stage show of the Disney adaptation, but if not they 100% SHOULD because that music was MADE to fill the airspace in a grand theatre. Can you imagine a full orchestra and ensemble performing Bells of Notre Dame? Because I can and it gives me chills.

[@amadaotero2886]

There actually is a new stage adaptation of the movie with actual Latin choirs and even better music. It's amazing and I highly recommend that you check it out.

[@denisejoanne]

Quasimodo does have a pretty big appearance in the Disney Dreams show in Disneyland Paris!

[@SarahSterling]

I assume that's because he's French? Paris also has a lot of Aristocats and such - they love the characters that are from France.

[@denisejoanne]

+imSarahSnitch True! Except for Belle, it seems. She's not even in the parade :(

[@pingvinererkule]

Why there's so little Belle there is beyond me. She's pretty popular too, right?

[@sammcdonald769]

Absolutely this movie is a big big deal it Disneyland Paris. This is their movie and they know it.

[@CharlotteReidsWonderland]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of my favourite Disney films and Hellfire is one of my favourite Disney songs... what does that say about me? I think I like just how different it is compared to anything else :)

[@heyitschevonne6322]

me too

[@panchish]

ALSO IT HAS A VERY AWESOME MUSICAL STAGE ADAPTATION WHICH HAS VERY RICHER MUSIC AND A PLOT SOMEWHAT CLOSER TO THE BOOK AND DELETED SONGS THAT GOT BROUGHT BACK COMPLETE WITH A WONDERFUL CAST YET SO VERY STRANGELY DID NOT MAKE IT TO BROADWAY 😕 (the musical got me loving the film tbh) as for requests, i think maybe the fox and the hound, because why not? 😊

[@cascharles3838]

WHERE CAN I FIND THIS

[@lostgirlclub]

They brought out a cd and it's on spotify as well. Just search hunchback of notre dame, studio cast recording and you should be able to find it. it has a red cover. I LOVE it with a passion its fantastic!

[@lostgirlclub]

AHHH I know right. Michael Arden as Quasimodo is the greatest thing in existence I swear to god!

[@rebeccafinn4971]

Ahhhh yes! I was sad it wasn't mentioned! I got to see it in NJ and Michael Arden singing Out There was soooo beautiful

[@lostgirlclub]

Rebecca Finn WOW you are SO lucky!!!! I only found clips of the show online by random and instantly fell in love with Michael's rendition of Quasi, his whole body movement, his voice his way of acting. It must have been a treat to see it live!

[@disturbedotaku123]

Hunchback now has a feature at Walt Disney World! Specifically, the final chorus of Out There is used during Happily Ever After, the new fireworks show at Magic Kingdom! There are projections of Quasimodo ringing the bells and climbing on the castle, and the fireworks go off in time with the bells! I cried when I first found out, and I cried again when I watched the show!!

[@ReadySetRiker]

I am so glad you did Hunchback because it is my favorite Disney movie of all time. It was my favorite even as a kid. I went to Disney World when I was a kid and I got to see the Hunchback of Notre Dame stage show and I just wanted to be Esmeralda after seeing that show. There was recently a stage show and there is an album for the show Alan Menken and Steven Schwatz wrote the music for the show and a lot of the songs from the Disney movie were also used in the stage show. If you haven't listened to it yet you definitely should. Michael Arden plays Quasimodo and his voice is just fantastic. There is a new song they added called Made of Stone and his vocals will just blow your mind. And Ciara Renee plays Esmeralda the both of them were just phenomenal in the show.

[@girlonabookshelf4922]

I'd really love to see a Down To Disness for The Black Cauldron, another one of Disney's darkest movies!

[@justanotherbohemian3827]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favourite Disney movie ever

[@meagsandbaconn]

It definitely surprised me to hear that the Hunchback of Notre Dame was considered to be Disney's darkest films, "Hell fire" and Frollo were the most darkest moments for me but I think I also understood what racism was at a young age. So maybe that's why I never thought of it as dark? If anything I always saw the Black Cauldron as a dark movie, absolutely terrifying at times!

[@SarahSterling]

Black Cauldron has the PG rating, so in a lot of ways it's definitely darker. But it's not really the racism that is dark to me, but like the fact that Frollo loves and hates Esmeralda and there's so much sexual undertone to it. Like....very sexual assaulty.

[@meagsandbaconn]

imSarahSnitch Valid! I never picked up on those type of tones when I was younger so of course I would have never understood what it was about, I just knew that Quasimodo's mother was trying to escape because of her race, and of course you see what Frollo does to her as well as the other Gypsies.That's what has stood out to my memories until after watching this episode of Down to Disness.

[@danielguizar360]

This isn't the only movie that was considered dark also the Black Cauldron was considered dark as well.

[@HannahKayW]

​@@danielguizar360 The Rescuers had some pretty dark moments, little orphan girl is kidnapped and enslaved and risks her life digging around and almost drowning in a cave. It wasn't as dark as those others though

[@faithwright4533]

It absolutely baffles me how The Black Cauldron got a PG rating whereas Hunchback got a big G rating despite the themes of genocide, infanticide, racism, murder, and especially the sexual themes that Disney rarely touches upon, if not at all in the way Hunchback did it. Black Cauldron has nothing on this movie. The only thing consistently dark about that film is the dark and murky type of animation.

[@DessMelissa]

I love how seamlessly they did the cgi, I didn't even know it was cgi! I did know that there was two voice actresses, this had so much really cool info! Love these still XD and feel so happy that I got to meet them at Disneyland since they aren't there anymore! Can't wait for next month, and I recommend maybe Tangled?

[@pablomontanez7427]

YEEEES 😍🙌🏼 Fav down to disness! I actually was really scared of this movie as a kid but now that I am an adult I love it. I love that its dark and twisted. It really stands out from literally any disney movie lol

[@AuraLeafstorm]

Kids can handle a little darkness. I watched this movie as a little kid, and while I obviously didn't fully understand it, I don't remember it really scaring me. As an adult it's one of my favourite Disney movies.

[@h1bena5]

Please do The Rescuers Down Under next. I feel its a very underrated Disney movie.

[@pablomontanez7427]

YES PLEASE

[@crystalmathews7213]

Yes!!! So glad u did this video!! I didn't realize how dark it was and lustful until I watched it as an adult, cuz now I get exactly what was going down! I always loved the music!! (Even if some of the lyrics are messed up "you are deformed, and you are ugly. And hell fire is creepy and sooooo intense!) And the scene with Esmeralda singing in the cathedral, it's so beautiful, so much soul! You feel for everyone.

[@nathandiaz4847]

The short-lived Off Broadway show of Hunchback that played in San Diego and then in New Jersey, was much closer to the novel than the movie. In the show, Frollo is in charge of the church. He also does stab Phoebus and frames it on Esmeralda. He never dies but, in the stage show, Esmeralda does start to get burned at the stake and Quasimodo saves her but it is too late and she dies in his arms. It was a great show but maybe the dark tone was the reason why Disney didn't give it a chance to hit the Broadway stage.

[@nikkigagliano3438]

Laverne was Hugo’s middle name!

[@shani6814]

My favorite Disney Movie! :) It's so good!

[@lostgirlclub]

When I saw this in my subbox I screamed of joy! This is def my favorite disney movie it's SO good. I LOVE Alan Menken and think he has been really groundbreaking within the musical genre and this is his best piece by far. The soundtrack is amazing like seriously. Recently they adapted it to stage as well and have a cd out with Michael Arden as Quasimodo and it acutally tops the movie verison (out there) imo. The animation is stunning is just ahh I love it can u tell LOL. Next down to disness I would love it if you talked about Tangled :D

[@kimbasciano_]

please do beauty and the beast! great facts Sarah! I've learned so much about each film you've done on Down to Disness, so thank you!

[@MackinzieSchultz]

Do a Down to Disness on Hercules!

[@KatieFrys]

Please feature 'The Little Mermaid', 'Beauty & the Beast' and 'The Lion King' in future episodes! They are my faves! Just discovered your channel today, thanks to my sister. We're big Disney geeks, too!

[@elizaashford]

Love this series, look forward to it every month! It would be great to see a Down to Disness on Atlantis: The Lost Empire! Super underrated but one of my favourites!

[@rocky_m2]

YAAAAAAS! FINALLY! One of my most fave Disney movies! I personally think that Hunchback isn't represented in the parks because there is no clear royalty character that children can identify with. I've only seen Phoebus at Disney World, but that's it. And let's face it, Frollo looks terrifying in person LOL! Thank you so much for finally doing Hunchback - one of the most underrated Disney movies ever! This was the first movie I watched without an adult. I remember feeling like an outcast in real life, and all I wanted to be was accepted. When Quasi was accepted at the end, I BAWLED my eyes out!

[@rocky_m2]

Shoot! I forgot to put my suggestion. I'd love to see Hercules and Fox and the Hound!

[@ansarullahchaudharychaudha2911]

Rocky Manzon II are you out of your mind because Hercules is a nice movie.

[@thesharpestofthorns___9132]

Ansarullah Chaudhary Chaudhary (The only thing good about Hecules is Hades.)

[@balvarado1986]

Can you please do A Goofy Movie!!!!!

[@StevenRoseQuartzz]

You should do Hercules!

[@beckiejbrown]

I was just thinking, I WISH SHE'D DO ONE ON THIS! And you have! THANK YOU!

[@jenniferlewis7994]

You should do Fantasia next! Also another movie Disney really took a chance on like Hunchback :)

[@sarahvanorden670]

When I was little I met Frollo in the parks, I was 3 and I screamed and cried he scared me so much, but I want beauty and the beast next

[@jasminelaury736]

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame is a beautiful Disney movie. It's really dark and twisted as well. There's a lot of heavy themes that's kind of over your heard, especially if you're a kid watching it. A movie about a church that tackles on religion, good and evil, lust, oppression, and genocide was probably the last thing you expect to come from the Mouse House. I knew about the song "Hellfire" almost getting cut from the movie. While I am glad it didn't, it's still a pretty uncomfortable song. Sex is such a big no-no for Disney so the way that Frollo's lust for Esmeralda is presented makes you wonder if it is a movie for kids. I'd say in a way a movie like this help kids see the good in the thoughtful and caring love and the evil in malice and vengeful lust. So is it a movie for kids? Well, depends on who you ask. I'd say it's complicated. It's most likely that Disney probably won't make a movie like this again, especially a religious one. I have just thought about what if Disney made a movie based on Shakespeare's play Measure For Measure, which has a similar feel to The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Well, I don't think it's likely to happen, but I can almost see Angelo singing his own version of "Hellfire" and Isabella being the first religious Disney princess.

[@funtimeswithfefe242]

song of the south!!!!

[@JonasAlmostFamous]

I think its interesting that the most representation of this film that we see in parks is through Frollo. The darkest character in the film is the one we see roaming the parks the most! haha I also think that the films that are showcased in the parks tend to be the ones that are the most iconic and successful in pop culture. Like Frozen, Toy Story, etc. Hunchback might be popular among us Disney Fans, but its not as popular among everyday people. I think that is why we don't see it getting very represented in the parks.

[@SarahSterling]

That's true, so weird. He's always out at Halloween.

[@summernichole7872]

Can you do next time Funding Nemo❤️

[@TheSofiaQuinn]

There's this really cool little tribute in Fantasyland in Disneyland, going into the castle from I think Fronteirland to Fantasyland. There's a poster featuring Clopin and right by where you can meet the princesses across from the small theater, there's a giant music box that plays Topsy Turvy and has such a large array of Disney cameos in it. It's honestly something I love visiting each time, especially since not a lot of people know it's there and get such a kick out of it when they start to play it after they notice the box.

[@SarahSterling]

I love Clopin's music box!

[@TheSofiaQuinn]

Me too! I was so happy when I first saw it. Especially since Hunchback is one of my absolute favorite movies

[@keithsallee1792]

Wreck it Ralph or The Rescuers!!

[@miriamcq]

Tokyo Disneyland does have Esmeralda as a face character, too bad they don't have them in other parks. I would love though an attraction at the Parks of a real-life bell tower and animatronic gargoyles (Sarah, I know you hate animatronics, but it would be so awesome!!) My favorite part of HB of ND is definitely "God help the Outcasts". Please, do an episode on Mary Poppins, Hercules or the Princess and the Frog!!

[@thetwofangirls]

This green screen action is so cool!!!! I'm loving this!!! Ugh, I have so much love for this movie... My suggestion for the next Disney movie you can do is The Sword in the Stone and 101 Dalmatians! :)

[@bittertea]

Great vid. Book Fact: There is torture in the book where they put Esmeralda's foot/leg in a clap and slowly crush it. I read the books after the movie as a child and was like... wow, middle ages suck. Entertainment Fact: Demi Moore, the voice of Esmeralda did a risky film Striptease that same year. There was speculation that this would effect the box office of the movie's release because of this tie. There is a slight stripper move in the movie with a spear or something. Anyway, I like the movie because of the backgrounds and the opening song.

[@lilyluvspink]

Hey Sarah! I just wanted to say thank you for the Down to Disness series!! I've been a subscriber ever since your princess showdown series and I love geeking out to your videos! I thought I was a Disney connoisseur until I ran into your channel. I've never commented before, but the 90s feels/ nostalgia got me bad this time! Thank you soo much for your channel. Best wishes always from this fellow Disney lover :)

[@ghaithmahi8892]

Please do beauty and the beast next❤️

[@Mel-xd4my]

I think it is such a powerful movie. Like you said, the subjects are really heavy and that doesn't really happen so often. Also, when I was at the Notre Dame last summer it struck me that I was actually standing in a legit disney movie location, which blew my mind! It was sooo cool, it felt like the whole movie suddenly was real, most of all when I stood right at the spot where Esmeralda was standing during God Help the Outcasts :)

[@AbigailJoyyy]

Wonderful! Atlantis or Beauty and the Beast next?

[@gnat559]

This movie has been a family favorite, and I appreciate so much of what it has brought to us, especially the music, myself being a theater major. Since I was born a short bit of time after this movie, I even think it had an influence on my name. Loved this video!

[@MsBerann]

Ah, too bad Victor Hugo's family members didn't like the movie! But I'm just wondering, have they seen the stage musical? I think they would like it cause that one is even darker! :)

[@minalovegood4060]

Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disneymovie. To bad that I always chose favorites where you have a really hard time to get something and you have mostly any chance to meet them at Disney parks but the music is so amazing and I love it so much. I was at Disneyland Paris when it came out and they even changed the castle. But Disneydreams is the only part where you can see it (and I am really happy to have that part.

[@jessicaharleee]

I love Hunchback! Frollo is one of my favorite villains (even though he's definitely one of the scariest). I'd love to see a Mulan Down to Disness in the future :)

[@lugalan95]

Yessss these are my favorite videos Sarah! They are very well done and I always learn something new and interesting that I then share with someone... as if I learnt it by myself haha. You have all the credit. Lots of love xx

[@partofjordansworld6688]

I love hunchback so much. I think what gets me most is the music. The scoring to this movie is hauntingly beautiful. I freaked out when I heard that it was becoming a musical and cried when I first listened to the cast recording. I really hope it makes its way to Broadway because the show is incredible and like I said the music is phenomenal

[@charlottemarshall795]

Please do Beauty and the Beast!!

[@BubblyDayz]

It never was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I went back and watched it and when hell fire was playing I was like 😳 what the....

[@lukethegreat29]

Mary Poppins!

[@AlyssaRooPew]

That's mostly live action

[@Nikitaa66]

Yes Mary Poppins!!! I think it is a very important movie in Disney History. And it would especially be fun in the light of the new remake

[@justanotherbohemian3827]

Luke Vermeire Yeah please!!!!

[@cydonprax12]

How about Atlantis: The Lost Empire?

[@MrNintendoFanBoy64]

Beauty and the Beast plz!

[@harrietfisherr]

The rescuers pleaaaaaase

[@veratola]

YOUR MAKEUP IS ON POINT😍👌🏽

[@veratola]

Tutorial pleaseee

[@boiqwazy]

+Vera Luci She has already posted a video of how she does her makeup. Not too long ago actually.

[@veratola]

+Alexis Zavala thanks❤️

[@PyrotechNick77]

Thank you for doing one of my favorite movies!!! Please do Hercules, The Black Cauldron and Atlantis: The Lost Empire in the future!

[@LewisCox]

+Pyrotechnick777 Oh yeah The Black Cauldron is a Disney movie always forget that.

[@1TSS0FLVFFY]

WHY did they have a white actress for Esmerelda in the parks🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@mirandaperry1889]

A movie about racism? LETS CAST A WHITE PERSON AS A CLEARLY NOT WHITE CHARACTER! Good job guys...

[@lordspaggedis1950]

im pretty sure Esmeralda in the book was white

[@NovaV000]

How should she sound?

[@emiliajanewilliams4229]

I'm a Gypsy and I have very pale skin. It makes me laugh that people think Gypsies have to have dark skin.. Not all of us do.

[@micheller2655]

can you please do Alice in wonderland? I feel like it's appropriate with the new movie coming out.

[@lilysage1239]

I've never been so early to a video! These are super interesting Sarah, can't wait for more Disney history from you. 😊❤️

[@ashlynehere]

Do wreck it ralph :D

[@hpboy13]

I LOOOOOVE Hunchback! Still mind-boggled that it got made. Hellfire is kinda the villain song to end all villain songs (seriously, no Disney film after Hunchback featured a villain song until 2009!). I wish there was more of it in the parks, but Disney World just seems to entirely ignore the latter half of the Renaissance (except Mulan, cuz she's a fake Princess). I'd love for you to continue with the latter Renaissance films - Hercules next please!

[@TheSingeuse]

The 5th Disneyland Paris Anniversary was full Hunchback of Notre-Dame themed ! And I think that's one of the rare times THoND was really represented in a Disney Park. You can find the parades and what the park looked like on KZbin if you want ! Cool video Sarah. I love that movie, and being French I can tell you that most French teachers don't approve of that movie adaptation, which is so sad. Same goes with Beauty and The Beast though. xD

[@linkfan160]

"I can't believe it got made. I don't think a movie like this will ever be made again by Disney." YES. One hundred times yes. People can complain about this film's tone problem if they wish but honestly, it's a miracle the film came out as good as it did considering the extremely mature subject matter it was based on. It had the courage to tackle subjects that no Disney film had previously. Religion being the big one. But also genocide, sin and even lust are explored therein. So it's no wonder that this film has almost no presence in the Disney Parks or anything related to Disney these days. Nowadays Disney likely sees it as something that should be left in the past. It's almost like they're ashamed of it or something, which is awful because IMO it's one of their best films. In fact, this is my favorite Disney movie because it's the only animated film I can watch as an adult and feel just as entertained and moved as I would be if I were watching a live action film. It's SO good and so unfairly underrated. I agreed with every single thing you had to say. You got another subscriber!

[@BecomingaPolyglot]

What I love most about this movie is that the lyrics of the songs are really good! Especially 'God help the outcast'. Disney doesn't have that much songs with such a great story in it. It's also one of my favorite songs. What I do think is that they made Quasimodo a really nice person. You learn from this movie that the inside counts and that you shouldn't judge someone by it's looks! And for someone who is younger is that a great lesson. I'd love if you would talk about tangled or Peter Pan next time!! ☺️ xxx from holland, Vera ❤️

[@justanotherartist274]

This video was great! Could you please do a Down to Disness on The Rescuers?

[@AnnRita45]

The reason I REALLY LOVE Hunchback is because I just ADORE how Quazimoto is STILL so kind-hearted, and though he doesnt get to be with Ezmerelda, he FINALLY gets the acceptance that he always wanted/needed!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@chaoticfantasycosplays]

Hunchback is my favorite Disney film, with Frozen being second, and Beauty and the Beast being my third. I actually knew quite a lot of these facts but I enjoyed hearing you talk about it. I admire what Disney did with making this film and I honestly think it's one of Disney's best in terms of music and the extremely heavy themes that are present throughout the film. It is a bit disheartening to know that Disney may not do a film this risky again, at least not for a long time. And while I'm not surprised by it, I am sad that there is little to no representation of the film in the parks in the U.S, whether it be merchandise or characters. I know that Frollo, Esmeralda, and Clopin came out for Long Lost Friends Week in 2014 or so, and I wish I had known that it was going on DX It would be my absolutely dream to meet the Hunchback crew, especially in my Frollo Disneybound or cosplay.

[@robcorley7565]

Very powerful movie. Music and everything. Thanks for the history lesson :)

[@RoqueSox]

This is one of my all time favorite Disney movies. The first time I watched it was only because of the gargoyles coz I had an obsession with them when I was younger, but now I literally watch this mvie almost every month and sing the whole opening song and do (horrible attempts at) all the voices lol

[@Kaikive]

I watched this for the first time since I was a kid and I was like "woaaaah what?" I think you're right and they don't have them out because they don't want to introduce kids to it. Frollo was out during Halloween and there was so many people asking the host who he was!

[@sophkarps8246]

i feel like Hunchback of Notre Dame's soundtrack is one of the most underrated soundtracks of all time!! its all so amazing and well done. BEAUTIFUL COMPOSITION

[@TheKateCupcakes]

I LOVE Hunchback! As a kid I was hooked to this movie! Esmeralda was my favorite, I had a stuffed Djali that I would carry everywhere. Also, I'd run to the top of the playground and yell SANCTUARY so I wouldn't get tagged by the other kids. Maybe you could do Enchanted for your next Down to Disness? That's my favorite Disney movie :)

[@sunbeamsami]

FINALLY! YOU DID ONE ON MY FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE! THANK YOU! I really, really want you to do one on Tangled or Beauty and The Beast because those are my two other favorite movies and I love them so much.

[@fabulousmyriad267]

I think when HBOND was pitched as the next project, the writers wanted to challenge the public's perception of Disney 's animated films. I think the film had problems in keeping a consistent tone veering wildly from the cruelty of the crowd's somberness to the forced humour from the gargoyles (I suspect a LOT of Disney executives passed notes to make it kid friendly). Since 1996, Pixar has brought maturer stories to screen so HBOND would probably have done much better if released today. Having said that, I put HBOND in my top 5 favourite films. The themes of prejudice, genocide, hypocrisy are counterbalanced by social justice, compassion and acceptance and I wish more kids would watch this film to appreciate the very mature themes and the very unique hero of the story.

[@mariahdesiree3927]

I'm surprised I was allowed to watch this growing up Catholic lmao. I LOVE this movie!! I always though Quasi and Esmeralda would fall in love, and I was genuinely surprised when they didn't. But I saw something on Tumblr that said that Quasi saw her as an angel, Frollo saw her as a gypsy(Romani) and like a sex object, but Phoebus saw her simply as Esmeralda, and that's ultimately why she chose him. I never saw the themes about oppression and all that until I watched it as an adult. And I think it's such an important movie in that regard. Because you really don't see these topics addressed in kids media today. It's like studios are afraid to go there. Hopefully the more mature themes that started back with PATF will inspire Disney to go to this area again. I absolutely adore the music in this movie. Out There and Heaven's Light are probably some of my all-time favorite Disney songs. And years later the lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, composed WICKED-my favorite musical!!

[@mmarston332]

The Disney Studio sure worked very hard to make "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" more Disney-like. So, I say it might've been among the hardest work for the studio since 1951's "Alice In Wondland" and 1953's "Peter Pan".

[@jensenvenger8554]

FAVORITE MOVIE THANK YOU SOO SO SO SO MUCH. maybe hercules? or great mouse detective!

[@benjaminwambeke9458]

How about Meet The Robinsons, 101 Dalmatians, or Tangled?

[@conniekucani2772]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Hunchback of Notre Dame! For some reason I never watched it as a kid but only when I was 16 or so and I immediately fell in love with its themes and the quality of the animation and the sophistication! So happy to see you cover it in Down To Disness! Knew a lot already but I didn't realise Hugo's relatives were so much against it (although I get it, I guess - even though I disagree ;)) I would love for you to do A Goofy Movie, I know how much you love it and I really like it as well! (:

[@Sa5151]

My whole family LOVED the Hunchback show at MGM/Hollywood Studios. The stage was actually where the 1st location for the Frozen show was. Out there is in my top 10 of favorite Disney songs.

[@LisaMariavanHarmelen]

I will let my children watch this movie (when I have them). It's so important that they know that the inside matters. And I truly believe that I am the person who I am today because of this movie. At least, a part of who I am.

[@THT14]

My local theater is actually doing the Hunchback of Notre Dame (disney version) as a play this year. (With Disney approval I might add.) They've already done Aladdin and the Little Mermaid, which I've been lucky enough to see with my mom and sister. But this is in Denmark in Scandinavia (Europe). So it might not be as big of a deal as in the states? Don't know for sure which Disney musicals are going on/have happened over there. They have (my local theater) however (according to newspapers and such) gotten a lot of praise from Disney for their work so far.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

I grew up in the 2000's. I first saw it shortly before "Frozen" was released. I thought it was amazing. I couldn't believe how dark it was, I fell in love with it beginning to end. I guess it's not as popular as other Disney films at the parks because it wasn't as big a hit as films like "Beauty and the Beast" "The Lion King." Maybe if it came out after "Lion King" it would've had better reception. And regardless of how good it is there are a lot of flaws. The film seemed to force Esmeralda and Pheobes' romance, and the gargoyles are annoying to most people. But it took major risks that are worth notifying. And it was cheated out of the Oscar for Best Original Score. Alan Menken himself has said that this was his favorite score that he ever worked on, and I agree. Right now he's working on a Broadway version in Germany, and I hope one for the U.S. I want to do it as a high school musical so bad. Disney should make more films as dark as "Hunchback of Notre Dame," It would probably bring back more of the adult audiences.

[@k1tkat-kate]

I never watched this as a kid, I remember the trailer that played before Toy Story in minute detail, but I only watched it for the first time a couple years ago as an adult. honestly I think I would have hated this movie as a kid, but I love it so much now. I appreciate its story telling and its absolutely GORGEOUS soundtrack! the first time I heard 'bells of notre dame', I cried. and then couldn't stop talking about it for weeks. 'God help the outcasts' and 'out there' are musically dramatic songs and 'heaven's light/hellfire' is just.... jgidmwnfofbsjaidbdj *flails*

[@brandyloutherback9288]

Victor's novel was original novel was named Notre Dame De Paris and features none of the themes in the movie, like justice for the oppressed, This movie is more based on the 1939 version starring Charles Laughton who had previously played Henry VIII in The Private life of Henry VIII. Tangental Disney Trivia, Huh, That would be an excellent name for a podcast!

[@Faosify]

Ummm... I don't mean to be superficial, but I could not loose focus over your review because of your eyes. The make-up probably has something to do with, but your eyes are stunning. Just wow.... Maybe Frollo had a a point, a really f#cked up one, but a point. Subscribed!!!

[@HollyBethInc]

Ah, LOVED this! Hunchback is my all time fave Disney movie! I can't believe Hellfire almost got cut, the movie wouldn't be the same without it. Oliver & Company next? So underrated!

[@jessicastillman1855]

I LOVE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DOME its one of my favorite Disney movies there is it scares me sometimes but i still love it. And you should do sleeping beauty or Beauty and the beast (sorry i don't remember if you already B&B)

[@JustJay]

Yes!!!! I was definitely one of those people that kept asking for Hunchback of Notre Dame, so I'm really glad that you were able to do it this month! Yay! :D This is the movie that I never really paid attention to as a kid. Like I enjoyed it, but I could never compare it to my beloved princess movies. But now that I'm older? It's definitely at the top of my list. ^_^ The movie is so dark, the characters are so complex, and the music is AMAZING. I always recommend this movie to people who aren't big fans of Disney movies because, as you said, it's one of the darker films that they've ever created. But I love it.

[@marnistone6153]

The Disney film definitely has its faults, and I know it's not as popular as most Disney films, but "Hunchback" certainly has a large "cult" following that can appreciate it for the dark, ballsy movie that it is. I'm so glad it got made into a stage musical recently. Personally, I feel it would have done better as a dark Broadway show (with the Menken and Schwartz score, of course!) than it did as a Disney film. It could've been one of those timeless theatre musicals like "Phantom" and "Les Mis"

[@iamvia9749]

I love Hunchback of Notre Dame! Not as a kid though... but when I had a disney throwback, and saw a lot of disney movies... The hunchback of Notre Dame was better then I remember :)) Such a good movie! I remember as a kid I was like " Oh no... there he is! when I saw Frollo on screen :D I was soo scared of him... seriously, Frollo did creep me out! And I took a pillow over my face hahah. But now, I think it's such a good movie.

[@isroll011]

Festival of Fools was my all time favorite Disneyland show until Mickey and the Magical Map opened three years ago. I recently found a KZbin post of the show and fell in love with it all over again. The actors who hit that D6 still amaze me. The true nature of man is explored in this movie which makes this movie one of my favorites in the Disney canon. Pair the themes with "Out There," arguably one of the best numbers composed by Menken, and "Topsy Turvey" and this film shows why fans love it. Thanks for the great recap, Sarah! Down to Disness is my favorite spot you do! Mary Poppins should be next!

[@zval101]

I agree with Sarah why Hunchback is not represented as much in Disneyland (I'm not sure about WDW, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong). Hunchback came out a year before I was born, and my parents and grandparents weren't really into it so they didn't bother to buy it. I didn't watch it, till recently and I was so shocked that Disney was able to put it out! I absolutely loved it , but like Sarah said I had no idea how it didn't get a PG rating. I wish there was a little more representation in the park, at least bring out Clopin. For now I will just continue to visit the hand crank music box that plays Festival of Fools outside of the Royal Hall.

[@josephguerena3602]

Omg! Finally! My favorite movie! The music! The book is amazing too!

[@jasminvalerie]

I was a super dramatic kid who loved big, dramatic ballads and musical numbers, so I gravitated towards this movie. It's one of my top 3 favorite disney movies. Look up the French version of God Help the Outcasts by Lara Fabian, it's beautiful and one of my favorite songs. Also I vote Hercules for the next one