Video Review

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

EW's GRADE
A

Details Rated: Unrated; Genre: Drama; With: Cedric Hardwicke, Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara; Distributor: RKO Radio Pictures Inc.

Along with 1935's A Tale of Two Cities, this adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel stands as Hollywood's best version of a classic. Every element, from the acting to the sets to Alfred Newman's Oscar-nominated music to William Dieterle's expansive direction, is virtually flawless. This new laserdisc transfer does full justice to Joseph August's breathtaking black-and-white cinematography, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame's bonuses — a running commentary by critic Robert Osborne, a making-of featurette starring O'Hara — are informative and fun. Best revelation: The cathedral bells on the soundtrack were recorded at the real Notre Dame. A

Originally posted Sep 27, 1996 Published in issue #346 Sep 27, 1996 Order article reprints

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