jess | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

13Sep 2011

The Music of the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame â€“ Someday

by jess

Someday Demo Reel Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Someday was originally written to replace God help the Outcast. The idea was the directors wanted a bigger number for Esmeralda praying in Notre Dame, so Someday was written. Upon comparing the two, they decided to go for the quieter number which was Outcast. Ultimately I prefer Someday to “God Help the Outcast.” I have to agree with the reasoning, that a big athematic song in a place like Notre Dame isn’t a smart chose for a number, so I understand why they went with it. But I do find “God Help the Outcast” to be not as humble or mature as Someday. Outcast is about Outcasts and Someday is about all people coming to together. It’s about a hope for the betterment of everyone. The song doesn’t have make over-confident boosting or the juxtaposition of Nobility asking God for selfish gains to sound more humble.

All 4 One Someday Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Someday Eternal Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Der Glockner von notre Dame German Musical of Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Here’s the trouble with Someday; There are four different versions of this song. You have the original version, that was delated from the movie in lieu of “God help the Outcast” performed by Heidi Mollenhauer, The U.S Credit Roll by One 4 All, the U.K Credit Roll by Eternal, and The rendition from the German musical Der Glockner Von Notre Dame called “Einmal.” Each Version has a different feeling so it’s a little hard to review them together. So I’m not going to. Over the next few post I’ll look at each one. Then I’ll compare them a little bit. That’s Plan Anyway!

First up – The U.S Credit Roll

Follow thehunchblog

12Sep 2011

What would Frollo Cook?

by jess

A silly video using Victor Hugo Frollo as it’s base. The credits are funny too. By TheTatterdemalion2

Follow thehunchblog

11Sep 2011

The Music of the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame â€“ The Reprise of The Bells of Notre Dame

by jess

Quasimodo accepted by the people Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Quasimodo accepted by the people Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

After Frollo dies, the hellish lava goes away and the masses are happy. This is when Quasimodo, the lovable abet not too pretty hero emerges from the darkness and silence of Notre Dame to be greeted with the acceptance of the people. Why is he now welcome? I think for saving Esmeralda and saying “No” to Frollo. It’s not for killing Frollo, Notre Dame and Frollo’s haste took care of that.

Clopin, Frollo Puppet, and Girl Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So as Quasimodo is being cheered, Clopin reprises the Bells of Notre Dame. Just in case you’re a complete moron the movie clearly shows the audience who the Monster was, the Frollo puppet. To think this whole time I just thought it was Frollo, Twist ending here; it was the Puppet! The man was Quasimodo, no surprise there.

Clopin Reprise of Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

If you like Bells of Notre Dame, you’ll like the Reprise. It is sung well by Clopin (as to be expected now from Paul Kandal). It’s a bit repetitive though, not sure how times the word “Bells” is uttered but it’s a lot. The lyrics are also a little strange;

“Whatever their pitch, you
Can Feel the bewitch you
The rich and ritual knell‘

The True Villain, The Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Big Marie, The Lead Bell Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

He saying that the Ringing Bells have an effect of people. So was it the bells that made Frollo crazy with lust? I mean it says the Bells bewitch. Quasimodo did ring the bells right before Hellfire, and you only see him doing it once in the movie. So the Bells were the Frollo puppet accomplice. Of course, it all makes sense. The Puppet couldn’t stand that Frollo had all the power, so he harnessed the ancient Deus ex Machina power of the Bells to make Frollo crazy which would led to his death by Notre Dame, of course! I figured you out, movie. This makes the Bells and the Frollo Puppet the heroes and villains. TouchÃ© Disney, I didn’t know you were so complicated. Truly this twist rivals M. Night Shyamalan.

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles - Victor, Hugo and Laverne at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali, Esmeralda, and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

On an unrelated note, the song is a good ending, you get a curtain call: Quasimodo is happy to be “out there” “in the sun” with the “ordinary men.” The Gargoyles are happy that the people now love “a guy like” Quasimodo. Esmeralda is happy because Notre Dame (Mary) “helped the outcasts”. Phoebus is happy because his ex boss is dead and he has a hot new girlfriend. Djali and Clopin are happy because the sanction of street performers had lifted with Frollo’s death and now they donâ€˜t have to pay the Busker Tax. The only person who isn’t happy in all this is the Old Heretic, he fell into a sewer and was never to heard from again. They say on quiet nights you can heard an old man saying “Dang it.”

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Final Shot Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Beauty and the Beast Ending Shot Stained Glass Disney

Genie page Peel, Final shot Aladdin Disney

Since the film ends with the same song as it began with, it’s only that it ends with a pull away though the sky above the Notre Dame. It’s appropriate yet a little cheesy but it’s better that ending on a stain glass window that show all the main characters, a la Beauty and the Beast or a stupid page peel by the Genie in Aladdin. Though it would be funny to have the Genie pop up in random Disney Movies saying “made you look” at the end.

Next Time – Someday, the Credit song and Delated Song.

A Picture from the demo reel of Someday Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Follow thehunchblog

10Sep 2011

Notre Dame de Paris 2012 Tour Cast

by jess

Notre Dame de Paris 2012 Tour

According to General Entertainment Associates there will be a 2012 Tour of Notre Dame de Paris. The Languge will be in English and it has not been re-translated. The original English Translation that Will Jenning wrote will be used. Personally I wish it was re-translated it. Some of the songs are fine but more than a few are not. Some the lyrics are just down right laughable.

The website goes into specific of show’s history but other than it being a year long touring cast, that will be performed in English there is no news on casting, dates, or location. I’ll try to stay informed.

Confirmed Casting –

Matt Laurent as Quasimodo

Robert Marien as Frollo

Myriam Brousseau as the alternate for Esmeralda and Fleur de Lys

Edit- I’m not sure, but I think it maybe regarding the Asian Tour Cast. For More info on Casting Click Here

Follow thehunchblog

10Sep 2011

Spot the difference Game Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

by jess

Because I delude myself into thinking that people like this game, here’s another round of “Spot the Differences”. This time it’s Esmeralda and Quasimodo, a la Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame. 11 differences this time. Leave comment if you you can find some or all.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo spot the difference game disney hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda getting close to Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Please Enjoy

Follow thehunchblog

09Sep 2011

Hey it’s Fan-Art Friday

by jess

yeah, In the grand tradition of The Hunchblog (a few weeks) Friday is Fan-art day (or Fan-art Friday).

And since it’s everywhere else I’m posting it here it’s Phoebus by David Kawena, from his Disney Heroes series, enjoy

Phoebus by David Kawena Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

He’s very sexy.

Follow thehunchblog

09Sep 2011

The Music of the Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame – Court of Miracles

by jess

Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

After some build up to the The Court Of Miracles, towards the end of movie we’re finally introduced to it via song. Phoebus and Quasimodo find it in through a grave that lends into the old catacombs. They go to warn they that Frollo is coming, however in going there they unknowingly lead Frollo there. The song is sung by Clopin, who is the leader. He’s backed by a good portion of the court.

Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is Clopin and crew basic telling what the Court of Miracles is, why it’s called that and that their going to die from intruding. This scene is taken from the book when Gringoire (not in the movie but his characterization is merged with Clopin and Phoebus) stumbles into the Court of Miracles). Unlike the book, Phoebus and Quasimodo aren’t married off as means of getting off the hook, (though in a deleted song Phoebus and Esmeralda do get married). Instead Esmeralda spoils Clopin’s fun.

The Blind Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is fun. It shows off Clopin’s personality as he delights in tormenting Quasimodo and Phoebus. The song is split into two parts the introduction to the truth of Court of Miracles; where scum of Paris collect. The Miracles reference to beggars faking ailments, like the lame walking and the blind being able to see. The second part is reason for the Court of Miracles: a safe haven for the nomads. Since the court are not Frollophiles, they seem more than happy to Phoebus, Captain of the Guard and Quasimodo, Frollo’s lackey, hang. This is the part of that is a little more fun as Clopin is tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo as he about to hang them. He dress like a lawyer and a Judge ( Frollo), he also takes out his puppet clopin, and finally say that they are innocent but they are going to hang anyway.

Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin and Phoebus Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The real difference between the two parts is the fist part is in the dark spooky catacombs, where they are piles of bones and members of the Court are dressed like skeletons. This part is dark with a greenish undertone. The second part which is in the safe-haven, has a warm feel, bright lighting and colorful fabrics everywhere. It’s interesting to note that historical the Cour des miracles (Court of Miracles) were the slums of Paris not catacombs. But I guess the slum would have been easy for Frollo to find and it more intriguing as a concept, living in the scary catacombs.

Clopin coplay as Frollo while tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin coplaying as Frollo overruling his puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song is fun and well sung by Paul Kandel. When I was a kid I didn’t really care for it but now it’s in the top tier for me in Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next time – Bells of Notre Dame Reprise

Follow thehunchblog

08Sep 2011

The Music of the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame â€“ A Guy Like You

by jess

Victor, Hugo and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

After the intensity of Hellfire, the movie gets a little dark. Frollo goes on a tear extorting Gypsies, arresting people, attempting to kill people including Phoebus and burning a good portion of Paris. After these scenes the movie needs some levity, after all this is a children movie. The levity we’re given is A Guy Like You. I hate this song, there I said it, I hate a Guy like you.

Hugo A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles and Quasimodo A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Guy like you the gargoyles once again build Quasimodo expectations of Esmeralda being love with him. They tell Quasimodo that since he’s special, she has to be in love with him. What examples does the song give that Quasimodo is special? Well he has “something more”, vague statement song. But the song is mainly focused on his looks. Sure there being positive about it but that’s all they can say about Quasimodo is that he looks special. It’s interesting, the movie’s moral is about looking beyond superficiality but this song really only talks about his looks not how amazing or kind or even talented he is.

Victor, Laverne and Quasimodo playing poker A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles and Quasimodo at the barber shop A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles Victor, Hugo and Laverne, make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Gargoyles make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The song has some good musicality, it’s sung well (though Jason Alexander can’t seem to pronounce Dieu), and it has some clever lyrics but it’s annoying. It tries to have that certain Disney magic but it just doesn’t. I’m little hard-press to categorize it to the Disney song scheme. I would say it’s a sidekick song but those numbers are usually fun and most of the time a show stopper. A Guy like you stops the movie but not in a good way. After so much drama this just weak levity.

Laverne Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo, Victor Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

A Croissant A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Then there is all the anachronism. I dislike the use of anachronism in this movie on the part of the gargoyles. It made sense with the Genie in Aladdin, he’s a supernatural magical entity with cosmic power. With the gargoyles they’re part of the architecture, how can know what poker is, hairspray, Mozart and grand pianos and the like. Here is a list of all the anachronism just from a A Guy like you ( if you know of more let me know, the links are pictures from the song)

Victor and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Victor singing A Guy Like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo in drag Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

– Modern playing cards, there were cards but not the playing card and the card here look too modern

– Paris as the city of Love (not in 15th century),

– Accordion music is used, it’s basic form for wasn’t created till 1822

– Cigar, Hugo smokes a sausage like cigar and Laverne is smoking cigar at the poker table, your a decade too early for that. Victor and also wear visors.

– Poker wasn’t invented till 1937

– Barber shop is too modern

– Hair spray, 1940s

– Mozart 1756-1791, I get that it’s a reference to Tom Hulce as Mozart in Amadeus.

– Croissant, 19th century

– Grand Piano, well the Piano concept was it until the 17th century

– Laverne wears a Feather Boa, Feather Boa were documented in 1820 but they could have been wore in the 17th century but in the 1480s nope

– Victor wears a bow tie, Bow ties flourished 18th century not in the 15th

Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles and Quasimodo A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Seriously Disney thinks they can get alway with anachronisms when a character is magical but they can’t. The fact that you’re seeing less and less of this referential and anachronism humor in their movies means I guess Disney learned it’s lesson but this type of humor wasn’t that funny to begin with. I’m sure the song was meant to be hilarious and/or witty but it’s neither. It’s the most light-heart song but it’s the weakest in the movie.

Next Time – Court of Miracles

Clopin, Phoebus,and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Follow thehunchblog

07Sep 2011