The Hunchback of Notre Dame: An Underrated Disney Masterpiece (Video Essay and Review)

In this retrospective video essay, I'll be analyzing one of the most stunning and thematically bold adaptations that Disney Animation Studios ever attempted. Specifically, I'll be taking a look at its unique approach to the adaptation process, as well as its interesting relationship with the Victor Hugo classic that inspired it. I try to look at this classic with fresh eyes, renewing and rekindling my passion for animation innovation in the process! I hope you all enjoy it!

This is the first part of a two part series on the Hunchback of Notre Dame. My desire is to pay tribute to what I consider a incredibly underrated film and to give it the time and attention it deserves...hence why it will be my longest video essay yet, even after splitting it into two parts!

The next part will take a closer look at the innovation and artistry involved in the making of the film! As always, thank you so much for watching!

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All music used in this video is from the YouTube Free Music Library.

Research Sources:
-Notre Dame De Paris 1482 by Victor Hugo
-The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo - English Translation (translated by Isabel F Hapgood)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney Film, 1996)
-The Making of the Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney Behind-the-Scenes Documentary, 1996)
-The Art of the Hunchback of Notre Dame by Stephen Rebello (Book, 1996)
-Producer/Director Audio Commentary for The Huckaback of Notre Dame (DVD/Blu-Ray Bonus)

All imagery used to make this video (with the exception of written text) either belongs to Disney, is sales-page promotional material (as is the case with sales imagery from modern book covers and toys), or is in the Public Domain within the United States. All non-Public Domain material is used here under the terms of Fair Use.

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Video script written and narrated by me. Video editing done by me.