| | | Ultimate Edition.
Features: DVD, Special Edition
Lon Chaney stars as the gentle outcast Quasimodo in the first film version of Victor Hugo's classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Paris of 1482 was meticulously recreated on the back lot of Universal Studios for this powerful drama that turned Chaney into a screen legend - now presented in the ultimate special edition of this timeless classic.
"One of the best silent films ever made. Chaney's makeup is still incredible." Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
"One of the great performances of silent cinema!" Channel4
"...Chaney is a wonder as Quasimodo...this is one of the better versions of the novel." Dave Sindelar, Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings
Editor's Note
This silent film is the first screen version of Victor Hugo's 1831 novel. Chaney plays the deformed bell-ringer who is smitten by a beautiful dancing girl persecuted by the wicked Bishop of Notre Dame.
Plot Summary
A disfigured outcast from society, Quasimodo shows his humanity by rescuing a fair maiden marked for death. In the star-making gothic classic, the noble hunchback gives his life for the love of a young woman.
| Features | Audio Essay By Author Michael F. Blake | | Audio: English Dolby Digital Stereo | | Behind-The-Scenes Footage Of Lon Chaney Out Of Makeup On The Set | | Extensive Gallery Of 2-D Stills Including Production Shots, Scenes & Advertising Materials | | Facsimile Reproduction Of Original Souvenir Program | | Featurette: Alas & Alack | | Gallery Of 3-D Stills (3-D Viewing Glasses Are Included With This DVD) | | Insert Essay & Optional Audio Essay Through The Film, Both By Michael F. Blake, Author Of Two Books On Lon Chaney | | Interactive Menus | | Mastered In High Definition From An Original Multi-Tinted Print | | New Symphonic Score Compiled By Donald Hunsberger, Adapted & Conducted By Robert Israel, Recorded In Europe In Digital Stereo | | Scene Selection |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Image |
| Release Date: 9/15/2008 |
| Running Time: 118 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1923 | | Catalog ID: 3046 | | UPC: 00014381304626 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Tinted |
Aspect Ratio | | Standard 1.33:1 [4:3] |
| Cast & Crew | Kate Lester | | Lon Chaney | | Norman Kerry | | Patsy Ruth Miller | | Carl Laemmle - Producer | | Edward Curtiss, et. al. - Editor | | Edward T. Lowe, Jr. - Screenplay | | Elmer Sheeley - Art Director | | Heinz Roemheld - Original Music By | | Irving Thalberg - Producer | | Perley Poore Sheehan - Screenplay | | Robert Newhard, et. al. - Cinematographer | | Sam Perry - Original Music By | | Sidney Ullman - Art Director | | Victor Hugo - Based On Novel By | | Wallace Worsley - Director |
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| | Professional Reviews | Appreciating Great Trash 8 of 10
The 1923 version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame acquits itself better than most silent-film, thanks largely to Lon Chaney: beyond being just about the coolest guy ever (seriously, read his bio), Chaney's fantastically-tuned acting and make-up artistry are a sight to behold; compared to the buffoonery of most silent-film acting, he really is some sort of Chosen One. Regardless, the film is involving and occasionally even funny (beyond pratfalling, rarely does 1920s humor translate to modernity), and the last 15-minutes are suitably intense / sad. The thing is, it takes over 90 minutes to get there, and, like all plot-heavy silent-film, some scenes seem to drag-out ad infinitum...Regardless, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a classic in its own era, and over 80 years later it remains a serviceable adaptation. - Chris Coleman
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