Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
Product Description
Made-for-TV film adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel with Anthony Hopkins in the title role as Quasimodo the hunchback, who falls for gypsy girl Esmeralda (Lesley Anne-Down). The film is set in the year 1450 against the background of the famed Paris cathedral which was recreated in Pinewood Studios. Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud and Robert Powell co-star.
Synopsis
Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame's cathedral, falls in love with the beautiful gypsy dancer, Esmeralda. When Esmeralda is arrested for lewd dancing, she catches the eye of Quasimodo's guardian, the archdeacon of the cathedral. Further unwanted affections are lavished upon her by a poor street poet. But Esmeralda's love is reserved for a handsome soldier. When a mob accuses Esmeralda of being a murderer and a witch, Quasimodo must rescue her by claiming sanctuary for her in the cathedral.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
At last this TV movie is available on disc. I hadn't seen it since its screening in the early eighties and was pleased to find that it has held up really well, despite some rather dated CSO effects (a very minor criticism which does not detract from the enjoyable entertainment value). With stars such as Derek Jacobi, John Gielgud, Robert Powell, David Suchet, the gorgeous Lesley Anne Down as Esmerelda and Anthony Hopkins fabulous in the title role, the quality is superb. With an unusually generous budget for a TV movie of its time, no expense has been spared on the impressive backdrops, sets, crowd scenes etc. Fantastic value at this price.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By IanRW - MK
Amazon Verified Purchase
It was some years ago that I originally saw this film but such was Anthony Hopkins performance [as is his wont] it remained with me. Feeling nostalgic, I invested in this film on DVD and was not disappointed. Anthony Hopkins' performance as Quasimodo, The Hunchback is Powerful, rivetting and at one and the same time, heart-rending.
As for the film itself, it is a simple and tragic tale of unrequited love. I do not mean simple in a derogatory sense, more that the storyline is uncomplicated and completely inoffensive. The excellent performances by Anthony Hopkins, Lesley-Anne Down, a simply beautiful Esmeralda and Derek Jacobi are sustained throughout. No doubt, some of the effects would have been created by CGI,if available, in its day but do not feel the film is lacking in the absence of any such creations.
This is a touching, moving and ultimately a sadly, tragic account of unrequited love. As Quasimodo, Anthony Hopkins displays characteristics of courage, loyalty, devotion, strength and remarkable gentleness.
In today's climate of explicitness, gratuitous violence and obscene language this film is a pleasant, gentle and refreshing change. I do not believe anyone could watch this film and not be genuinely moved by the emotions that are stirred. Any film devotee watching 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' should not be disappointed.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame [DVD] [1982]
As for the film itself, it is a simple and tragic tale of unrequited love. I do not mean simple in a derogatory sense, more that the storyline is uncomplicated and completely inoffensive. The excellent performances by Anthony Hopkins, Lesley-Anne Down, a simply beautiful Esmeralda and Derek Jacobi are sustained throughout. No doubt, some of the effects would have been created by CGI,if available, in its day but do not feel the film is lacking in the absence of any such creations.
This is a touching, moving and ultimately a sadly, tragic account of unrequited love. As Quasimodo, Anthony Hopkins displays characteristics of courage, loyalty, devotion, strength and remarkable gentleness.
In today's climate of explicitness, gratuitous violence and obscene language this film is a pleasant, gentle and refreshing change. I do not believe anyone could watch this film and not be genuinely moved by the emotions that are stirred. Any film devotee watching 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' should not be disappointed.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame [DVD] [1982]
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mr
This version I remember from the 1980's. It whips along with the plot. Lesley Anne Down looking sultry as Esmerelda, although not quite as sexy as the Disney Esmerelda which is disturbing. Anthony Hopkins giving his bravura best, with a crazy eighties ginger wig, is a moving and sympathetic Quaismodo. Derek Jacobi as the scheming and frownsome Frollo.
The dialouge is often banal, and the narrative contrived, and nothing can equal the power of Alan Menken's score for Disn but these are the only things that stops this from being five stars. The sets, the standard of production value, the casting are all first rate and make it a bit of a gem. Look out also for David Suchet giving a rip roaring "King of Theives" and Pam St Clement and June Brown from Eastenders as two rather surly crone's standing over the font at the start of the movie.
At this price it is a bargain!
The dialouge is often banal, and the narrative contrived, and nothing can equal the power of Alan Menken's score for Disn but these are the only things that stops this from being five stars. The sets, the standard of production value, the casting are all first rate and make it a bit of a gem. Look out also for David Suchet giving a rip roaring "King of Theives" and Pam St Clement and June Brown from Eastenders as two rather surly crone's standing over the font at the start of the movie.
At this price it is a bargain!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Hunchback of Notre Dame/Anthony Hopkins
Great value for money, marvellous acting from Anthony Hopkins in the updated version, a classic to watch any time, love it
Published 2 months ago by Mrs P
1.0 out of 5 stars
abysmal
This version of Hugo's classic novel is quite simply abysmal. Hopkins, alhough a fine actor is most roles, kills this. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Whitfield
3.0 out of 5 stars
Hopkins Hunchback is Moving
I got this product because of Hopkins. He is a terrific actor when he gets the chance. And in this he takes up the challenge of making you forget Charles Laughton. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Nipper
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
