Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (2 Disc Collector's Edition) [DVD]

I recently bought the DVD as my videos of both this and Stage By Stage are getting rather old now. I readily confess to being a bit of a Miz fanatic, also owning two French versions on CD as well as the Complete Symphonic Recording (on cassette - could do with updating to CD!) and having seen the production some years ago in Manchester.

This anniversary concert (10 and a half years old already!) brings together some of the finest performers, a wonderful orchestra and huge choir in an atmospheric, emotionally-charged performance. I agree with others that, whilst Colm Wilkinson is the Jean Valjean, his perfomance here is maybe not quite his finest but all the emotion is there. Michael Ball slips easily back into the role that first brought him to prominence. Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway bring the house down as the vile, but comedic, Thenardiers. Ruthie Henshall plays Fantine well, though not sure if she's my favourite in the role, whilst Lea Salonga is well-suited as the feisty Eponine - she and Michael Ball sing A Little Fall of Rain beautifully.

Highest praise though must go to Philip Quast as Javert, a role he has truly made his own. His two main pieces - Stars and Javert's Soliloquy - are outstanding. He has such a rich and beautiful voice that moves me every time I listen to/watch this. (18/7/07 - have just found my theatre programme and it turns out Philip was playing Javert when I saw it back in 1992. As I had already had the Complete Symphonic recording for about 3 years by that point, I must have appreciated seeing/hearing him live, but can't quite recall it now 15 years on!)

My only criticism of the DVD is that it skips out the speeches, which precede the encore of the 17 Valjeans, and the final encore of One Day More. So for that reason I shall be keeping hold of my original VHS version.

It's not quite the complete show, but it is a superbly-staged performance of one of the best-loved musicals in the world.

Yes, I agree with all the 5 star reviews. This is such a great pleasure to watch. The singing is fantastic. Well worth the purchase price.

I return to say a little more about this. See the musical, read Victor Hugo's masterpiece, learn about this period in French History. Then watch the DVD again, and marvel at these true singers, the inspirational music, and the superb lyrics of Herbert Kretzmer.

And who are these not very well known singing stars ? They deserve more recognition beyond that lavished upon them by the theatre-going 'elite', and quite rightly so. Ironic that Susan Boyle gets the fame for a song sung more than a decade ago by the lesser known but in my view, sonically superior Ruthie Henshall.

And where are they now, these great performers ? Colm Wilkinson turned-up recently in BBC's the Tudors! What about Michael Macguire, Lea Salonga, Philip Quast so good as Javert. Even those with just a few lines to sing, shine intensely - Anthony Crivello? Anybody heard of him? No, but what a great voice he has as Grantaire. Peter Polycarpou even !

Not only is the whole thing first-class entertainment, it can also become an enriching educational experience, if you delve into the great story that is Les Miserables and share it with your friends and family.

In these troubled times let's rejoice at the great creations that humans are capable of - this DVD is your key into the world of Les Miserables if you have yet to see the musical or read the book.

For anyone who loves Les Miserables, anyone who loves their musicals and indeed for anyone with a fond appreciation of good music performed by real talent, this is a fantastic DVD. The concert recording is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime cast performing the show pretty much in its entirity and making every song ad every character really stand out.

The accompanying documentary is also a superb feature for fans of the show or for anyone who wonders what goes into putting together such a huge production.

All in all a fantastic package that I can only hope will inspire future musical theatre releases!