- Actors: Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, Ruthie Henshall, Jenny Galloway, Alun Armstrong
- Directors: Gavin Taylor, Paul Kafno
- Writers: Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, James Fenton, Jean-Marc Natel, Victor Hugo
- Producers: Cameron Mackintosh
- Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
- Language English
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region 1 (US and Canada DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Unrated (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- DVD Release Date: 17 Nov 1998
- Run Time: 160 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
- ASIN: 0767812131
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 246,729 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Amazon.co.uk Review
The 10th-anniversary-concert video of the international musical sensation Les Misérables might be the best thing to appease fans until a full-fledged movie comes along. Or it might be even better, as feature films are often subject to extra musical casting considerations and this 1995 dream cast is superb. Reprising their roles from the original London company are Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Michael Ball (Marius) and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier). From Broadway come Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine) and Michael Maguire (Enjolras); from a later London production comes Ruthie Henshall (Fantine); and from Australia comes Philip Quast (Javert).
Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score vividly captures the passion of Victor Hugo's epic tale of pre-Revolutionary France, combining tear-jerking ballads ("I Dreamed a Dream", "Bring Him Home") and rousing anthems ("Do You Hear the People Sing"). The format of this concert is closer to that of a dramatic cantata rather than a fully staged production; the singers stand at their microphones with an orchestra and chorus behind them, but they do wear costumes and participate in some movement. At certain points, such as the climax of the barricade scene, the video switches to action from a stage production. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra sounds great, and it can be thrilling when 200 choristers (dressed in logo T-shirts) rise to their feet for a full-company number such as "One Day More". Also, subtitles provide date and scene information and help move the story along.
This 147-minute version contains footage not seen before, most notably the encore in which a progression of 17 actors who have played Valjean around the world share "Do You Hear the People Sing?" Each sings a line in his native language, a testament to the enduring power of this show to audiences everywhere.--David Horiuchi, Amazon.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
When they write "The Dream Cast" on the box, they're not kidding! The performers in this version of Les Miz are exactly how you'd picture the characters. Although this is purely a concert, and not a performance, Colm Wlikinson et al. do their best to bring the characters to life, without props, with the restrictions imposed by the microphones, but still with such emotion and realism. The finale to this version is also a treat - several minutes of encores featuring several Valjeans from all over the world performing "Do you hear the people sing?" in their own native tongues - an experiance not to be missed. Although you can never replace the atmosphere you get when you go to see the musical at the theatre, this DVD comes very close to it, especially with the optional on-screen lyrics. This is a must for any Les Miz fan, or even if you're just into musicals. Don't even think about waiting "One Day More!"
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I originally had the video of this concert, which included footage of Cameron Mackintosh, Trevor Nunn, John Caird, Alain Boublil and Jean-Michelle Schoenberg. I was surprised to find this missing from the DVD version. I was also disappointed to find that only the original stereo soundtrack was included and it had not been re-mixed to make full use of the surround capabilities of the medium. Finally, I remain puzzled by the missing middle 45 seconds of "Turning" which appeared on the original radio broadcast of the concert, but not on the TV, video or DVD versions. As the sound was obviously captured, I am surprised they couldn't edit in some footage from the real show if they lost camera picture for a while when recording the concert. Bcause it is an indoor performance, the picture quality is quite poor on video, but is much improved on the DVD version. If you haven't seen it, get it. It remains a remarkable experience, despite the above comments. How I wish I could have been there. Maybe in 2005!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I have seen this musical 3 times and eagerly bought this video when it was released - and I was not disappointed. The idea of presenting it as a concert rather than a stage production did not lose any of the dramatic effects . It still had the power to make me cry - Cosette's 'Castle on a Cloud' and the rousing 'Do you hear the People Sing' being the worst culprits. If you've seen the musical then this video is a must.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A gift to give ot to own
A Christmas gift for a favourite niece who introduced me to the work several years ago in NZ.
If you cannot always afford the West End prices to see the show (or indeed... Read more
If you cannot always afford the West End prices to see the show (or indeed... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Dermot C. Hunt
wow!
Having seen the show live in the west end I was pleased as punch to see that this had been released. This truly is the dream cast. Read more
Published on 28 Sep 2007 by Bj Lucas
a night of pure delight
This show which contains all the main songs and scenes from the Les Miserables west end show is an extravoganza of brilliance.! Read more
Published on 19 Oct 2006 by Madam Javert
Stunning and amazingly breath-taking
Absolutely amazing! fantastic performances by the leading roles and by the chorus. Lea Salonga once again immediately captures you with her emotional and powerful performance as... Read more
Published on 8 Dec 2004 by D. Thomas
Unexpected pleasure
I didn't really know what to expect when this live concert started. It is much better than an ordinary videoed stage performance of a musical as there are no distractions from the... Read more
Published on 24 Sep 2004 by Devil
Amazing!
Having never seen the show I did not know what to expect, but being a lover of musicals (especially "West side story") I decided that at the really low price it might be worth a... Read more
Published on 28 Aug 2004
"Les Mis" Best musical of all time!
This DVD is the ultimate for any fan of this fantastic musical. Although it is in concert format, and a live performance at the Palace Theatre would have been better, it does... Read more
Published on 20 Aug 2004
SUPERB!!!
Imagine Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Bruce Willis, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan in one movie!!! Star studded performance! The best Les Mis Cast! Jean Val Jean was great! Read more
Published on 26 July 2004 by Boss
Les Miserables Dream Cast Review
I have seen the show 3 times on stage, and have loved it each time, although I do have my favourite persons in the roles. Colm Wilkinson sings "Bring him home" just so amazingly. Read more
Published on 21 Feb 2004 by Period drama lover
A dream performance from a dream cast
I have seen Les Mis three times in the theatre, but unfortunately I never got the chance to see the best stars of the show perform, though I have heard the original soundtrack... Read more
Published on 10 Feb 2004 by T. E. Hartshorn
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