Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert

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 Product Description The 10th anniversary performance of the musical that swept the world, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live at Albert Hall. Set Contains: The two-sided DVD comes with a plot synopsis, performer bios, and an option to turn on English-language subtitled lyrics. Sound and picture quality are unexceptional.
ASIN: 0767812131
VSKU: LFV.0767812131.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Colm Wilkinson|John Caird|Cameron Mackintosh
Binding: Dvd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: DVD Very Good - Case is in great condition. Comes with all artwork. Disc quality is near perfect. Guarantee in working condition. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included.