everything you have heard about this movie is true.

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This concert version of Les Miserables is literally almost picture perfect. It has a magnificent cast and the music is absolutely enchanting, wonderful and almost magical. It is perhaps the best stage production I have ever had the pleasure of viewing Because it was a tenth anniversary celebration, this concert had the the advantage of having drawn together a diverse range of talent from around the globe.And they all shine to perfection. Of particular note is Ruthie Henshall's haunting performance of Fantine. She really brings the character to life in a way that I have very rarely seen either on stage or on television. She really made me understand and appreciate Fantine's character in a way that I had never been able to do previously -she just gave her so much heart, character and soul. I wish I could find the adequate words to capture the beauty and essence of how powerful and moving she was but I don't think they exist in language That having been said, each member of the cast succeeds in giving their character a depth, dimension and substance that can very rarely be seen either in concert or on stage. Colm Wilkinson plays Jean Valjean so well that I have difficulty believing he is not a real character. Phillip Quast is the perfect Javert. Michael Ball is a great embodiment of Marius while Judy Kuhn plays Cosette so well (and the young girl who portrays the young Cosette is equally as brilliant). The couple who play the Thenardiers are really great comic talent and absolutely hilarious in their role. And I could just go on and on The orchestral music, the costumes and the stage background for this show is second to none. And the last performance -well, I won't spoil it for you -but let's just say it's an absolute treat Please, if you never see another musical in your life, rent the video/DVD of this. I cannot recommend it highly enough

This is just perfec. A wonderful cast, and they even play before the microphones.My two favorites are Lea Salonga and Philip Quast. They almost steal the show, but in this show, everybody is great.Quast - oh my, I never knew before that Javert can be THAT hot and that - humanly. He's so cool. I fell in love with the Inspector, what I never did when reading the book or watching a movie. I cried on his death scene.Lea is just so sweet. And her voice is percfect. Eh, Marius is either blind or deaf... or both.

There is only one word I can think of for this unmelodious extravaganza, now bellowing from my TV as I write: OVERWROUGHT! It has bleated, seemingly endlessly, for nearly two hours now, and I am yet to hear a decent song. The seats in the theater must be very uncomfortable, as I can think of no other reason for the standing ovations that have greeted some of these very competent performers smirkingly belting out this dreadful material. The plot also seems overwrought, and overwhelmingly depressing, although I seem to recall an old movie of this name being quite interesting ... perhaps with Charles Laughton.Surely, the stage play must be much better in flow and dramatic exposition, but it no doubt has the same wretched music.Why, you may ask, am I torturing myself by continuing to watch and listen to this show? Well, it was loaned by a friend who asks me to let him know which number(s) I like best. I honestly don't know what I am going to tell him.

If you love Les Mis then you'll love this DVD as well. It really captures the whole atmosphere of the show and includes all great songs of the musical. It's also a story that will still be valid hundreds of years from now! Just a few things that makes this DVD not a 10 out of 10. First of all: this is a concert (so it's different then seeing the real thing on stage) and that not all the lyrics were included which is too bad! Also you might not totally agree that this is "the Dream Cast"..I don't think it is, although it comes pretty close! I think Michael Ball and Philip Quast are WONDERFUL as Marius and Javert! And well...they are all wonderful. Their voices amaze me and so does the music and do the songs, so just enjoy the beautiful music...do you hear the people sing?