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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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Do you hear the people sing...?,
By
This review is from: Les Miserables - 10th Anniversay Concert (Reissue) [DVD] [1995] (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!"
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful show, disappointing extras on DVD,
By geoff.shaw@sbu.ac.uk (London) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Les Miserables - 10th Anniversay Concert (Reissue) [DVD] [1995] (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!
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this musical!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Les Miserables [VHS] [1995] (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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