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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9780767812139
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 0767812131
Label: VCI/Tristsar
Manufacturer: VCI/Tristsar
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: VCI/Tristsar
Region Code: 1
Release Date: November 17, 1998
Running Time: 160 minutes
Sales Rank: 22705
Studio: VCI/Tristsar
Theatrical Release Date: May 01, 1998
Editorial Review:
Description:
The 10th anniversary of the international musical sensation Les Misérables is celebrated in this 1995 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The all-star cast features Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Ruthie Henshall (Fantine), Michael Ball (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine), Philip Quast (Javert), and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier). Favorite songs from the Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg score include 'Who Am I?', 'I Dreamed a Dream,' 'Master of the House,' 'One Day More,' 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' and 'Bring Him Home.'
Amazon.com:
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 extramusical 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 post-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 microphone stands 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.
The 147-minute video contains footage not seen when Les Mis was a PBS pledge-drive staple, 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Les Miserables
I've always wanted to see this musical live ever since I read the book, but this video was just as good and cheaper. The last portion when Valjean's character played by all the international cast sing together was absolutely breathtaking.
Rating: - What can I say ... It's Les Mis!
Les Miserables is, in a word, amazingspectacular. Really. It's an incredible piece of art, and for the most part this cast is excellent. Blow by blow:
COLM WILKINSON (Jean Valjean) -- The original JVJ, however perhaps the weak link in this cast. He's never been my favorite Valjean, and the strength of his voice declined significantly between 1985-87 and 1995. ... What's with the ear-piercing shrieks? ("2-4-6-0-oonnnnnnnnnnnne-NUH!")
PHILIP QUAST (Javert) -- What can ... Read More
Rating: - The Best Recording of Les Mis...
Being a Broadway fan and having seen the show several times, including its debut in DC and can state that this compilation is superb. Many recordings from Les Mis, have been published but the Dream Cast from Les Miserables is unique.
What make the Dream Cast unique is the many performances from foreign productions that have been included in this recording. You will enjoy the already familiar songs in several languages.
Performances from the Lovely Ladies to the Thenadiers ... Read More
Rating: - Astounding, captivating, world-halting musical story of redemption
My husband and I watched this concert together for the first time last year (it was actually my third time and his very first). And we both fell in love with it (me again and my husband for the first time). The music is astounding, the cast was amazing, and we've been held spellbound by the songs for the last 365 days... I love how they thread the same melodies throughout the whole story -- but changing the words as the story progresses, people grow, develop, encounter different devastations... -- ... Read More
Rating:  - Another muscial DVD
If you like the music from Les Miserables then this is for you. Some lovely singing and music. Very enjoyable.
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