Les Miserables - The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall Reviews

• Small but annoying mistake!

  
  By A1VSFE9ZXQM7NH on 2008-02-20
  I absolutely love this concert! It has some wonderful music, and the very best singers around. I own the original DVD and am very happy with it. The reason I bought this copy was because it was in widescreen format, and I hoped it would offer a better viewing experience - to make you feel more like you were there. It accomplishes this nicely! Unfortunately, there is an error in the video transfer and a small section of singing is omitted. In the section where Gavroche (the little boy) exposes Javert as a spy, and sing's "Little People" - the part of the song where he sings, "Good evening Inspector, lovely evening my dear...his name's Inspector Javert" this whole section has been left out - and it is quite obvious! I thought maybe it was a defect on my copy but I have seen another copy and this same error is present. Maybe I'm too picky, but I expect perfection when it comes to my DVD's, and this is just too careless a mistake on the publisher's part.
  
  

• Great in some ways, but disspointng in others...

  
  By AHM6BNYVFEXOZ on 2008-02-24
  This new edition of the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert (taped in 1995 at the Royal Albert Hall in London) is a welcome new edition for any person who found the original concert enjoyable and thrilling. The 2-DVD set comes in a good quality hard case with new artwork. The performances continue to be mostly excellent and one really does not miss the staging too much. There are several new positive additions to this edition. First is the wide-screen presentation of the concert. It was painfully obvious at certain points during the original release (especially the bigger numbers) that you were missing some of the singers on the sides. The new wide-screen presentation opens up the experience so you can watch the concert as it was originally taped. The second positive aspect of this issue is that the whole concert is on one side of one disk, which makes it much more convenient to watch. The third is the inclusion of the "Stage By Stage" Documentary from the late 80s tracking the recording of the Complete Symphonic Recording as a supplement on the second disk. Finally, for those who want to, you can follow along with new (optional) on-screen lyrics.
  
  However, this edition is not without its disappointments. The first and by far the biggest disappointment is how it's only presented in stereo and not Dolby Digital 5.1 or better. Not having a digital audio option in 2008 is ridiculous and I would have greatly put up with changing disks if it meant having a better quality performance. The second disappointment is the deletion of parts of the concert previously available, which include part of "Little People" and the speeches by the creative talent behind the show at the end of the concert before the encore. Even if space was limited on the first disk, these deletions could have easily been put on the second disk as supplementary material.
  
  So, while the concert itself continues to be quite enjoyable and there are some new additions that makes it a must have for any Les Miserable fan, there are some basic disappointments that keep this edition from being perfect.
  
  
  
  

• a disapointment

  
  By A2DDZZTAPRKW4J on 2008-02-21
  Wow, I have waited forever for this concert to be released on DVD, I have worn out two VHS tapes, and I can't express my disapointment. It arrived today and my wife and I disconected the phones and prepared to watch on our new 1080p with a Blu-Ray player. The DVD is very grainy a lot of the time, like looking through a screen, much of the time there are ghosts around the actors. It appears to be simply a copy of the VHS with no enhancement. It has been edited, for instance Gavroche's song exposing Javert to the students has been shortened, the entire part between the end of the concert and the entrance of the international Jean Valjeans has been cut. (It may be on the second disc, but if it is then the "additional material" is misleading) In this day of digital enhancement there is no excuse for this poor quality, my old VHS is superior. The sound track is not enhanced at all. I will only hope someone will eventually offer a real quality DVD of this great, great event.
  
  

• The Only Way You'll Get to See This Show Outside a Theatre

  
  By A2XRZV63X79YSJ on 2008-02-15
  This show oringinated in France and was transferred to London's West End and completely rewritten for the English/American audience (the French version was even bleaker!). It opened at London's Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985 for a limited season but found a home at the Palace Theatre on December 4, 1985 and on April 3, 2004 transferred to the Queen's Theatre just down the road and is still playing today. It opened on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre on May 12, 1987 and ran until May 18, 2003 for 6680 performances.
  
  This show launched many West End and Broadway careers. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its West End opening, producer Cameron Macintosh gathered cast members from London, New York and Austrailia to perform the show in concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
  
  This production was overpoduced like all of Cameron's shows but for a concert performance it was perfect. London and Broadway's Colm Wilkinson leads the cast as Jean Valjean. London favorite Michael Ball, Austialia's Philip Quast and Broadway favorite Judy Kuhn join the show with Miss Saigon star Lea Solanga rounding out the cast.
  
  The encore has 17 different Valjeans together to sing "Do You Hear the People Sing?" in each performer's native language.
  
  For fans of the show, this will probably be the only filmed version of the show, unless Rob Marshall gets the itch to direct a movie of the show.
  
  The only thing that at a $35 list price, it is way too expensive. I'll wait until it is a little more reasonable.
  
  

• Great Performance and DVD

  
  By A2B60UR3GCDC9U on 2008-02-20
  This IS a great performance of the musical, but do note that this is not a new release of this production. A DVD with this same production was released a number of years ago when they were not able to double layer a DVD way they current do, i.e., with this one you can see the entire performance without having to flip over the DVD (Nice!).
  
  Also this DVD comes with an extra documentary about the "making of the performance". I am not sure if there are any other extras.
  
  The performance itself is not a fully staged production, but very nicely presented with the performers standing at stage front in costume. The final encore with 17 different Valjeans from world wide productions singing "Do You Hear the People Sing?" in their native language is truly memorable and "worth the price of admission".
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
  
• It doesn't get any better! :o)
  By A1C7KO9OHL0USG on 2008-02-14
  This is entertainment at it's 100% absolute best. The music is haunting in it's melodies and lyrics. The lessons in life are ones we, as human beings, should all follow....compassion, loyalty, and love. The ending chorus of all the international Jean Val Jeans will stir even the most dispassionate of heart!
  
  
• Les Mis is Tres FANTASTIC!!!
  By A34IXMFCEE5F0V on 2008-03-28
  All I can really say is that you MUST get this dvd. It's wonderful to come back to this music again. I had forgotten how amazing it is(of course, we community theatre peeps were going to kill ourselves if we heard yet another "On My Own" or "I Dreamed a Dream" for auditions).
  
  Now my daughter is singing "Castle On a Cloud" like I did when I was young. It warms my heart to share this musical with her. It opens up many life conversations and opportunites to be close.
  
  Buy it now, you won't regret it. To hear and see this music performed the way it was intended is an experience like no other.
  
  Philip Quast as Javert wins my vote for best performer. I could watch him sing "Stars" and "Javert's Suicide" over and over again!
  
  
• Closest Thing to the Live Performance
  By AJ35N26OTXSIG on 2008-04-04
  Having recently seen a live performance in London, I was excited to see this 10th Anniversary performance with the original cast members on DVD. The performances, backed by a full symphony orchestra and chorus were excellent and reminded me of how majestic and emotionally involving this play is. I especially appreciated the positive, for a change, image of Christianity presented and the themes of forgiveness and atonement that give emotional impact to the story. The video quality is a little less than current standards due to the age of the original recordings and those not familiar with the play may not be able to follow the story, since only the songs are performed. However, for those already familiar with the play, this is as good as it gets! Highly recommended.
  
  
• There is no exuse for the poor quality of this release.
  By AVEGV2X4NMH2 on 2008-05-27
  While it is nice to have this on DVD, with a widescreen picture, it isn't enough to make up for the poor quality of everything else that comes along with this release. In fact, the video quality isn't better in any way to the original VHS release.
  
  Les Mis is one of my favourite musicals and I listen to the concert CD soundtrack all the time. I was looking forward to getting this on DVD so that I could watch it with DVD quality audio, which would be a vast improvement over the original VHS release. Boy, was I ever wrong with that assumption.
  
  The audio is embarassingly terrible, with actual distortion in the mix. The original 2CD soundtrack to the concert sounds infinitely better, so there is no excuse for a new DVD release to actually sound worse. Somehow, they managed it with this.
  
  And the commemorative booklet that comes inside is a joke! Grainy screenshots and the same old regurgitated text does not a commemorative booklet make. Once again the packaging doesn't live up to the CD packaging, which came with a marvelous booklet that was truly special.
  
  And then there is the issue of footage being cut out which is, quite simply, a blunder of the highest order. Skip this, send the message that this travesty of a release should not be tolerated.
  
  
  
  
• The Almost Definitive Concert Recording
  By A3Q1GB17EH17UD on 2008-03-03
  "Les Miserables : Two Disc Collector's Edition"
  
  The Almost Definitive Concert Recording
  
  Amos Lassen
  
  Very few people have not heard of "Les Miserables" and even fewer have not heard of the phenomenal Broadway score. Now we have a change to have the wonderful music in a beautifully photographed concert version which was filmed at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1995. The new release also includes the documentary of the making of the musical.
  Seeing "Les Miz" on stage is a magical experience. It has the heart and the energy to make it special and this semi-dramatized concert version keeps everything beautiful for us. The music alone makes it worthwhile and it brought memories of when I heard the original French concept recording before it had ever been staged.
  The concert cast is referred to as the dream cast and it is led by Col, Wilkinson who draws us in the moment he opens his mouth. A tremendous chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra helps the major singers weave their way through the drama of the French Revolution and a beautiful love story. There was no need for scenery or elaborate sets because the cast is so competent and their facial expressions and wonderful costumes are all that is needed to accompany the lush music and rich lyrics.
  "Les Miz" has been regarded as a theatrical phenomenon and has a loyal following and they will not be disappointed with this version. The second act is absolutely emotionally overwhelming and the finally with seventeen Jean Valjeans from all over the world is something gorgeous to watch. The musical evokes the spirit of love and camaraderie and the story of justice, love, redemption, love and revolution are in no way to be underestimated.
  Colm Wilkinson is Jean Valjean in every sense of the role and he reaches unbelievable emotional levels that touch the listener and the rest of the cast (Ruthie Henshall, Philip Quast, and Allun Armstrong-- to name a few) are all admirable.
  To see wht I entitle this as "almost definitive" see the other reviews here at amazon.com
  
  
  
• Widescreen...finally!! But only in stereo??
  By A27AG4P7GFH88 on 2008-03-18
  I have the previous DVD release of this concert, and I love the music and sound, but the picture quality was a big disappointment: it's quite poor on an HDTV since it's shown in 4:3 standard definition format. I was excited to see this widescreen release, but after reading that the audio is only in stereo, I'm going to have to pass.
  
  I have had the HD broadcast saved onto my DVR for the last two years, and it's sooo much better than the DVD. I long for a Blu-ray edition that will give this magnificent production the visual and audio treatment that it deserves.
  
  
• Amazing performance
  By A3JY7M4NHZ1IL3 on 2008-03-23
  Although I would have preferred a bit more acting al la Candide, I was amazed at the quality of all the performers. The "Master of the House" was done exceptionally well and it was obvious that everyone was having a good time. Michael Ball is perfect as Marius. I would have liked to see a bit more animation from Ruthie Henshall as Fantine, but her voice cannot be faulted. Since the actual show is not available, this is the next best thing...
  
  
• Excellent Singing, Poor Format
  By A1M3E1SLJRWUXC on 2008-04-18
  Frankly, I found this product can do little but disappoint. The singing is, of course, superb; however, this is a CONCERT, not a real production. Seeing the actors standing on a stage in front of microphone can't possibly do the work justice (especially after having seen the musical on Broadway). Personally, I think purchasing a recording would be far more effective since it won't provide the negative imagery of the characters standing on stage not engaging each other in any meaningful way (not to mention the recordings of this performance can be found at far more reasonable prices).
  
  
• Excellent
  By A3DDDF5V7DHTVN on 2008-03-26
  This is a wonderful product. It has two DVDs one with the show, which is really beautiful, and the other one with a documentary on how the show was made. I recommend this edition of Les Miserables.
  
  
• Fantastic
  By A1LMDNUMLX87AX on 2008-03-27
  I'm so glad that it's the 10th Anniversary of the Dream Cast in Concert because I have not been able to find this DVD before this. This concert is so amazing and moving, it's a joy to watch everytime. Especially poignant is the finale when the Valjeans from around the world sing and come up on stage. It's simply fantastic.
  
  
• Les Miserables - The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall
  By A2UZK1FZ1KR1XB on 2008-03-29
  Wonderful concert of Les Mis. If you like the show, you'll like this DVD. I love the music and the performers. It's a wonderful way to revisit the show as often as you want.
  
  
• Breathtaking
  By A1YXQRXOUSTXRU on 2008-04-01
  Almost as good as the real thing! Great music, fabulous singing, you could not ask for more.
  
  
• You ARE at the Royal Albert!
  By A1T36LVF6TZJXE on 2008-04-05
  This DVD seats you in the front row center of the Royal Albert theater.The DVD wonderfully creates the magic and awe of Les Miz. Voices were strong ( Although I thought Colm
  Wilkinson was weak in some aspects.....overall,, tho, he was magnificent!) Master of the House is one of my least favorites in the show but hilarious in this version. Overall, well worth the money!
  
  
• Little People Skip
  By A2M30G68W19K0Z on 2008-06-28
  I love Les Mis and I love this concert but I am extremely disappointed with this DVD. They cut out a verse from Little People that was in the original concert!
  
  Instead of
  
  Liar!
  Good evening, dear inspector
  Lovely evening, my dear.
  I know this man, my friends
  His name is Inspector Javert
  So don't believe a word he says
  'Cause none of it's true
  
  we get
  
  Liar!
  So don't believe a word he says
  'Cause none of it's true
  
  Which makes no sense. And makes me very sad. I waited so long to get this on DVD and Gavroche is one of my favorite characters so to have some of his part cut really sucks. :< I don't know if this was intentional or not but GRRRRR.
  
  
• Where are the subtitles?
  By A3QIERQ4E1UCEG on 2008-08-29
  I bought the DVD of "Les Mis" to replace a taped version. I am completely satisfied with the DVD except for the fact that, unlike the tape, the DVD has no subtitles to describe the events of the story being depicted by the music. For anyone who has not read the book or seen the actual musical, the subtitles are necessary to completely follow the story.
  
  
• A MUST SEE.......FOR BROADWAY SHOW LOVERS
  By A1V02ZSY3BG0UW on 2008-03-31
  Les Miserables - The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall
  
  This Concert is an emotional roller coaster ride that left me wanting to see it all over again. The vocal performances are superb, from all the lead characters. The massed choir adds huge vocal strength and the orchestra is superb. The finale is a treat with 17 Jean ValJean characters from all the productions world wide performing the rousing "DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING". This is a must see ......!
  
  
• To be watched over and over and over!!
  By A2WNEJNVIHJB8S on 2008-04-02
  Les Miserables is the best play to begin with, the 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall was a great way to enjoy the story and the music. Absolutely amazing! We keep watching it over and over again! If you've seen the play (or even if you haven't), you'll love this production.
  
  
• Les Miserables Anniversary Dream Cast
  By A2AE6433A1TM0U on 2008-04-11
  Excellent CD; just as advertised. Very powerful music to be enjoyed time and time again.
  
  
• A Must-Have for any musical lover
  By AOGPQC5P25FJI on 2008-04-20
  I first saw, and taped, this performance on WETA (PBS channel) and loved it. I've never seen the actual musical but the way this concert is produced -- from set design and staging to the costumed characters and "acting" -- I almost believe I saw the Broadway play. I bought the DVD when my VHS finally wore out; it's definitely a must-have for any musical lover.
  
  
• Amazing
  By A3NS0XCGH6WYH6 on 2008-04-21
  Any body who loves musical theatre should have this as part of their collection. I could watch and listen to this DVD for the rest of my life and will never get tired of it. Great Ensemble of well known Singers.
  
  
• Les Miserables !0th Anniversary Concert
  By A24ZWLJ3I0F0IR on 2008-04-23
  This is a great video you can learn alot about Le Miz by watching the special feature's. If you love this musical I recremend that you buy this video.
  
  
• WOW
  By A3I8OURC83NM6V on 2008-04-27
  Hadn't watched the VHS of this in a while, and forgot how much fun "Master of the House" was. I think I actually first saw this on PBS. I guess, though, if you are going to own one version of Miz, you may as well make it this one. I personally found it jaw-droppingly good. The bonus disc is wonderful as well. I really don't get into musicals (I'm sort of a closet musical fan...certain ones capture me, others I could care less) per se, I mean, this is the only one I own on DVD and VHS (bought Cats on VHS to see what the hype was all about), but this is awesome. Part of the reason I bought it, to be honest, is I had read the book (unabridged version) and loved the book. I feel the musical captures the spirit of the book completely. This a wonderful roller-coaster of emotions. Live it, love it. VIVE LES MISERABLES!!!
  
  
• Simply the best!
  By A257IJ95BN71SJ on 2008-05-05
  This may be my favorite recording of all time. Amazing story and simply the best cast. The performances are absolutely top-notch. Be aware, though, that this is not the musical in its entirety. This is a concert performance and certain scenes and songs are omitted. The quality of the cast and performances is more than enough to make up for it. And I love the encores.
  
  If you want, try before you buy by checking this out from your local library.
  
  
• A real treasure!
  By A3OI15QW4X4Y4D on 2008-05-11
  Having seen Les Miserables in London years ago I fell in love with what I consider the greatest musical of all times. I saw the 10th anniversary concert on PBS and once again was overwhelmed. Now, the concert is available on DVD and I can't be strong enough in my encouragement for you to buy this concert. The talent involved is the very best. It is such an encouraging and moving story of forgiveness performed by some of the greatest who performed in the musical in past years. How they got all these people together for this one great performance at London;s Royal Albert Hall is a work of genius. You will not be disappointed. This is a real keeper and you'll play it over and over. What talent...what music...what joy!!!!
  
  
• review Les Miserables
  By A2KX0YTVCT7M5D on 2008-05-27
  I enjoyed this DVD very much and I am very happy to have it in my library of favorite shows, however I was very dissapointed that the "parade" of past Jean ValJeans was cut short. I was looking foward to that and felt that it was one of highlights that was missing.
  
  Ann
  Minnesota
  
  

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