Did you know that Blu-ray.com also is available for Canada? Simply select the
flag icon to the right of the quick search at the top-middle.
[hide this message]
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Blu-ray offers solid video and decent audio in this excellent Blu-ray release
In fifteenth century Paris, Jehan, the evil brother of the archdeacon, plots with the gypsy king to foment a peasant revolt, which eventually leads to the peasants storming the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Jehan's slave, a freakish hunchback named Quasimodo, falls in love with the young gypsy queen, Esmeralda, who in turn is in love with Phoebus, a gentleman soldier and a rogue with the ladies. Phoebus's gallant side is awakened by the beautiful peasant girl, and he soon returns her love. Unknown to him, his love is dangerous, because Jehan lusts for Esmeralda and is willing to kill the handsome soldier to possess her. But the hunchback will tolerate no harm coming to her, not even if it comes from his own master...
For more about The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the The Hunchback of Notre Dame Blu-ray release, see the The Hunchback of Notre Dame Blu-ray Review published by Brian Orndorf on May 3, 2014 where this Blu-ray release scored 4.0 out of 5.
Victor Hugo's 1831 novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," has been adapted countless times for television and cinema, with its gothic tale of deception and protection ideal fodder for visual mediums. Arguably the most famous incarnation of the story is this 1923 film, a colossal epic produced by Universal Studios with intention to sell the picture as their "Super Jewel" production of the year. And the feature lives up to its epic reputation, with glorious sets (amazingly, the effort was shot at Universal City in California, but the illusion of Paris remains intact), costuming, and performances contributing to this vivid retelling of Quasimodo and his dealings with destructive acts of obsession.
There are towering production achievements on view in "Hunchback," but little compares to the lead performance by Lon Chaney, who bravely slips into Quasimodo's skin, becoming the deformed but determined character, communicating emotion that registers boldly during this silent picture. It's a total physical transformation that's often stunning to behold, selling effective make-up effects and behavior extremes with real gusto.
The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation likely represents the best possible condition "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" could be in at this time. As reported elsewhere, original 35mm prints have either been destroyed or deteriorated, leaving restorers with a 16mm "show-at-home" print to use as source material. As with anything of this age (we're not far from the 100th anniversary of its release), wear and tear is considerable, displaying a rough quality with scratches, debris, and wobble. The intensity of the damage isn't overwhelming, but it's noticeable, carrying on throughout the entire movie, and such deterioration is perfectly understandable. Without a DVD to compare, the HD "Hunchback" still puts forth an adequate amount of detail (it's far from pin-sharp), with make-up achievements and costuming still retaining distinction. Tinting for evening and daylight sequences brings some minor color changes. Contrast isn't troublesome, working with limited resources.
The 2.0 Dolby Digital sound mix allows for an adequate orchestral mood, which comes across crisply, offering identifiable instrumentation. It's an undated score, but it sounds relatively new, with slightly inappropriate music for darker scenes. Still, distortion isn't problem, with balance intact and the musical mood secured.
Booklet contains 12 pages that explores the history of the film and star Lon Chaney's involvement with the production, sharing a fair amount of BTS information.
Commentary with "Chaney scholar" Michael F. Blake is included.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage (1:40, SD) is a brief glimpse of Chaney inspecting the cathedral set.
"Alas and Alack" (13:18, SD) is a 1915 silent short that features a Chaney in a supporting part.
Photo Gallery (14:02, HD) is an extensive collection of images from the film and its massive production at Universal City.
"Souvenir Book" (15:28, HD) is a reproduction of the original memento.
Emotions (often sold with expressionist fury) are volatile here, while scope is also successfully executed, watching a marauding band of extras stomp around immense sets and locations. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" has achieved classic status due to Chaney's transformation, but the entire picture retains a thunderous quality that services the dramatic interests of the story and its thematic power, preserving spectacle while carefully observing the unfolding tragedy.
Use the thumbs up and thumbs down icons to agree or disagree that the title is similar to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You can also suggest completely new similar titles to The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the search box below.
Eureka Entertainment has announced its October batch of Blu-ray releases. They are: The Most Dangerous Game (1932), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), and Maniacal Mayhem (1936-1951).
Kino Lorber have dated and detailed their upcoming Blu-ray release of Wallace Worsley's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), starring Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Norman Kerry, Winifred Bryson, and Ernest Torrence. The release will be available for purchase on ...
Kino Lorber have revealed that they are planning to release on Blu-ray a brand new 4K restoration of Wallace Worsley's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), starring Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Norman Kerry, Winifred Bryson, and Ernest Torrence. The release is ...
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
flag icon to the right of the quick search at the top-middle.
[hide this message]
Use the thumbs up and thumbs down icons to agree or disagree that the title is similar to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You can also suggest completely new similar titles to The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the search box below.
