The Hunchback of Notre Dame

I am pleased with this new 2021 release on Kino. Originally I was not too into the style of the musical score, but then it grew on me. I generally like the typical scores that one is accustomed to hearing on many great silent film releases, and in general I always want to hear orchestra and real instruments in films. What I appreciate about this new score is that they took a fairly thematic approach, and it appears to me that the musicians desired to capture the emotion and sense of the scenes. The picture is a great improvement from the latest edition from Image Entertainment. First of all, they did a good job removing film shake and jutter. The Image Entertainment release has plenty of that. Second, Image Entertainment did crazy cropping on their silent films for some reason. Sometimes you don't really notice how much they cropped off until a new release like this one comes out, and you're like, wow! So you get more picture with this new release. Third, in much of the film the 16mm print looks great! Often when you read about silent film releases, it's a turn off to see 16mm instead of a 35mm print source material. However, this release changes the whole game with 16mm releases. I am very impressed with the image quality they were able to achieve in much of the film. I watched the Image Entertainment Ultimate Edition again after watching this new release. I have to say while watching the Image release, I was not getting the same feelings or making the same connections with the film as I did while watching this new Kino release. I feel that the combination of the improved picture with this new score showed me how great the acting really is in this film. All the characters are perfect, their expressions are masterful, and the camera work rightly goes along with it (unlike the latest "Lights of Old Broadway" film release with Marion Davies, which is just garbage acting and garbage film making the whole way through - had to get that off my chest.) When Quasimodo is captured for attempting to kidnap Esmeralda, you can feel the sadness and disappointment of Quasimodo in that scene, not so when I watched it again on the Image release. Also, when Phoebus first lays eyes on Esmeralda, you can see even more how he is falling for her, the scene is enhanced in this version. The film as a whole is improved, and especially Esmeralda as well. Patsy Ruth Miller shines even more in this release and the beauty and character of Esmeralda is even more noticeable. Overall, I am well pleased with this release, and it will be my new go to version of the film for the time being. Peace

No 35mm print or negative is known to exist for this film. All home video versions derive from a couple of 16mm "show at home" prints, and most releases have been very poor. This version is the first to receive a 4k scan and extensive clean-up. Make no mistake, it's still scratched up - there can never be a pristine copy from these battered old prints. However, this is easily the best it has ever looked on home video. The worst damage is at the beginning of each reel, but farther in there relatively few scratches, and the clarity is better than expected for a 100 year old 16mm print. The tints are well done and the score is wonderful and fits the movie exceptionally well.My wife and I watched this on a 100" screen and enjoyed it more than ever before. It's a shame that there are no 35mm prints, but this is VERY watchable, and what damage there is is quickly forgotten as you watch Chaney's amazing performance. This is definitely the version to own! Hats off to Kino for a job well done.

This Blu-ray edition of the 1923 silent version of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME with Lon Chaney Sr. has been given a great restoration. Old versions of this were in poor to terrible shape. I think this may be the best quality HUNCHBACK we are likely to see. Well worth a purchase. The musical soundtrack is extraordinary!

I HAVE BEEN A MOVIE COLLECTOR FOR OVER 50 YEARS.I HAVE SEEN GREAT AND HORRIBLE COPYS OF THIS FILM OVER THE YEARS.THE PUBLIC DOMAIN COPIES ARE ALL CRAP.THIS VERSION ON BLUE RAY MAKES FLICKER ALLEYS COPY LOOK LIKE S... .THIS IS THE BEST..

Lon Chaney is great in the Kino Lorber 2022 Blu-ray edition of the film! The restoration makes the image much more stable and the music fits the scenes. The commentary is also very helpful and insightful. Given that up to this point, all that survives of this famous film are 16 mm copies, the team has done a wonderful job presenting this film.

The 'Ultimate Edition', and ONLY the 'Ultimate Edition is a revelation. Over the years I have seen many copies of this old film but this edition really is the bees knees. Granted it is from a 16mm print, but that, in turn was taken from an original master and is as sharp as 16mm can be under the circumstances. It keeps its original grey scale integrity which means you won't miss any details, and it is even slightly picture framed so you won't lose anything at the edges. There are a lot of scratches and general blemishes in places, and these could no doubt be removed digitally, but only at extreme expense.Amazon have this regretable habit of scattering reviews of a film throughout all DVD editions available, so don't be fooled, especially by one particular edition, which uses the same original poster on the box, but is inferior in every other respect. Look for 'Ultimate Edition' at the top of the cover picture.Until a 35mm archive print can be found this is probably the best it will get.This edition has an excellent and informed commentary if you need it, a copy of the original programme, a film of Lon Chaney visiting the set, 3D pictures actually taken on the set, to view with supplied glasses, and best of all will play on your region 2 machine.Fussy upstarts and contemporary Philistines be warned, however - this is a silent film, Lon Chaney aint gonna talk!

The rating I've chosen for this DVD reflects more the contents than it does the seller. The seller got me new sealed product quickly, inexpensively, and quickly. The DVD, however, is a bit slap-dash for purporting to be The Ultimate Edition of this classic silent monster movie. The print is in very poor shape, the 'audio essay' is dull and unessential, and the extras are weak. This release would have done better to take a look at the earlier double-disc version of Chaney's Phantom of the Opera or (had it been released before this) the superb Masters of Cinema BD of Murnau's Nosferatu; both provide truly ideal versions of ancient films. I can't see myself watching this very often, but am glad to have an at-least-decent version that won't wear out.

There are many Public Domain versions of this classic out there, but I have to say that this multi-region release is the best yet. Difficult to imagine a better image than we have here without an unrealistic amount of restoration. You really can't wish for anymore considering it's 1923.This is the full length print complete with colour tinted images taken from a high definition source, and after only experiencing poor quality TV showings or grainy VHS, this was a joy to watch.Some interesting extras including about a dozen production stills in 3D!!! (They even give you 2 pairs of glasses).At the moment this is indeed the ultimate edition and I can't see myself buying another version.

Have not seen the movie but the disc is very much scratched .-/

Classic movie and a must see for horror movie fans.