Les Miserables

(OOP) out-of-print item here (DVD). So this point is key —> condition of item was EXACTLY as-described (like new).•Would gladly do business with this seller again (cds•dvds•guaranteed). They know how to find, inspect, grade, list, and package digital media that is hard to find in acceptable “gift quality” condition. Seller is honest. Seller is competent. You can work with them to fill niches in your video library, and rest assured there will be no unpleasant surprises. Seller fulfills thru Amazon, so this is the best possible situation for buyers.•As for the media content: I already owned the 1995 “Dream Cast” performance, recorded by BBC, and manufactured by Warner in 2008, with the Stereo 2.0 audio track at 192 kbps.•This 5.1 surround version, also manufactured by Warner, but released in 2012 with 384 kbps audio track, is a nice addition to a collectors’ video library.•The “noise floor” is about +1 dB higher, but your brain will quickly learn to ignore it, and it is only perceptible for the first few seconds of only a handful of tracks.•The huge advantage is that the nuances of each soloists voice can better be heard in the ambiance echos of the Royal Albert Hall. It adds yet another dimension to the video recording, and is the closest possible thing to having been there, sitting in the “good” seats.•These are the best performers of Les Mis. This is the best performance of Les Mis. This is the best A/V recording of Les Mis. This is the best audio presentation, of all.

I have seen the stage play and I have seen the movie (2012). They are both GREAT. But if you want the best of both worlds...music and acting, this is a keepsake for all time. I've seen it many times on my own videotape, but this DVD is one to keep forever. The cast is in costume; nevertheless, they are also in concert, in front of microphones so you can hear every nuance of their spectacular voices--leads, supporting actors, and chorus. It is now newly remastered in 5.1 Surround Sound. The concert was given in 1995, at the Royal Albert Hall, with a full orchestra [Royal Philharmonic, I think] and chorus. I can't explain to you how moving this is . . . how sad . . . how uplifting . . . yes, and even funny (with Alun Armstrong as "Master of the 'Ouse!") Jean Valjean is sung by Colm Wilkinson, who created the role; his enemy, Javert, is sung by Philip Quast [his "This I Swear By the Stars" gives me goosebumps]; Eponine is sung by Lea Salonga, Tony-award winning actress for "Miss Saigon." There's no way I can give a "favorite voice" or even a "favorite song." The 2 most moving songs to me are "Bring Him Home" [as Valjean prays for Marius] and "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" [as Michael Ball (Marius) grieves for his dead friends. How can I forget Fantine's (Ruthie Henshall) "I Dreamed a Dream?" Makes me cry every time.The ensemble thrills as it sings "One Day More" and the finale. I received my copy today, along with an extra disc about the making of "Les Mis." Cost & shipping? $23.97!!! You will not regret ordering this. And I'm not going to tell you about the several surprises therein. ENJOY. Betty Willard.

This is the classic 10th Anniversary Concert Performance of Les Miserables, shot live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. Though my favorite is the re-vamped 25th Anniversary production shot in 2010 at the O2 Arena, I have *cherished* this 10th anniversary concert perfomance since I first laid eyes and ears on it when it aired on PBS in February of 1996. It is simply beautiful, a breathtaking concert performance. I call it a tad "incomplete," because several important songs, "connective tissue" of the musical if you will, are left out of this performance but restored to the 25th anniversary production (such as Valjean's confession to Marius, and Valjean's reading of the letter that Marius wrote to Cosette the night of the barricade battle). The omission of these songs is glaring after seeing the 25th Anniversary over and over. But get past that: get BOTH the 25th Anniversary for a more complete production but PLEASE DO NOT FAIL to get this 10th Anniversary Production as well. If you don't get it, you will be missing out on some historic Les Mis vocal performances, such as Michael Ball wiith his beautiful and powerful voice performing the role of Marius, or an unforgettable performance by Philip Quast as Inspector Javert. Ruthie Henshall, with her soft facial features, sweet smile, and beautiful voice, is a stunning Fantine. And adorable LEA SALONGA is, in this 10th Anniversary, priceless as the giant-hearted EPONINE (while in the 2010 25th Anniversary, Lea returns, now playing the role of FANTINE!). Please do yourselves a favor, get, and cherish, this precious 10th Anniversary performance of Les Miserables. It is such a treat for the eyes and, especially, the ears and heart.

I saw the original Broadway cast (with Colm Wilkinson as Valjean) twice, but I bought the London original cast album, because I thought the supporting cast there was better. This is the first time I've had the chance to see some of the London cast in performance (especially Michael Ball as Marius). This is a fabulous DVD, for many reasons. Because it's a concert performance, you don't get the rush to capture all the action going on onstage -- here you get pure voices and a few costume changes, yet you feel like you're right in the middle of the full-blown show. The direction of the DVD was excellent -- closeups when and where you wanted them, master shots when you needed to see the text on the screen behind them. I was a bit surprised at how much emotion I felt watching this. It's from the 1990s, and the performances are fresh as ever. THIS is the DVD to own. The movie with Hugh Jackman just didn't cut it (although Colm Wilkinson, the original Valjean, was there as the kindly bishop -- I guess that was a wink to the original!). This is a must for any Broadway musical lover.

I had taped this on VHS years ago when our PBS channel aired it and watched it over and over. Now I have a premium quality DVD which I plan to repeat watch as well. Les Mis is my favourite musical!

I saw this stage version on PBS many years ago and knew I had to make this part of my collection.

When I heard that this is the dream cast production, it is true 100%. Absolutely outstanding! Although it is a concert version, nothing is lost in its presentation. The cast is outstanding, vocals as well as acting in a concert setting.

I love that this is the old cast.

Loved it! Very happy