Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert

Product Details

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 Reviews

(5 stars) - simply enjoyable
I have been looking for this program for some time and was so excited to have found it. I couldn't wait to watch it and know that it will be watched over and over again.

(2 stars) - Hugo vs. Thénardier
The musical performances given by "The Dream Cast" in this DVD (1998) of the concert version of the musical, Les Misérables, are excellent. From full psyche to vigorous diaphragm, from single drum beat to entire chorus, and all the soloists in between, the theme of power as well as the sub-themes composed into this drama are very well done. This accounts for the audience response and overall effect. There are some weak spots in the lyrics however. Now, just to mention some ways in which Victor Hugo's important work is distorted? His descriptions of post-Napoleonic France are Rembrandt-like in their line and contrast (light and dark), meaning and depth. The only aspects of the scenery that even approach this are the trench coat worn by Jean Valjean (Colm Wilkinson) and the graphic of the ragged child used with the title. Also the plight of Cosette (Ruthie Henshall) at the inn, as originally drawn, wouldn't be any opportunity for comic relief.
Further, it seems the emphasis got shifted so that this version of "Les Mis" substantiates the opposite of values so intensely put forward in the novel.

The principle of man as microcosm is lost and becomes the ideology of the community over the individual.

(5 stars) - Les Miserables DVD
The DVD was exactly as discribed and arrived sooner than expected. I do not know how they could have done better. Based on this one purchase, I highly recommend this company.

(5 stars) - Outstanding music, outstanding performers
This IS dream cast production. The music, acting and orchestrations are fantastic.

After seeing Colm Wilkinson as Jean Val Jean, I can't imagine anyone else playing the role. He was born to play this role.

Philip Quast put on a towering performance as Javert. Quast made this otherwise cartoon-evil character into an attractive and empathetic antagonist to ValJean. Quast's version of Javert is not what I had seen done by other actors when I had seen Les Mis on stage several timese. In the end, I saw Javert as being tragically obsessed and misguided, not evil. Philip Quast definitely took this part and made it his own.

The most spellbinding song is "The Confrontation" between Javert and ValJean--the energy and emotional impact is thrilling. My other favorite songs are "The Work Song" (what at GREAT opening number), "I Dreamed a Dream," "One Day More," and "Master of the House."

Also: Watching the actors as they sat in their chairs (waiting for their time to sing) was also very interesting. Even though this is a serious musical, it was great watching the actors smile and enjoy each others' performances. It made you want to be there.

If you buy this dvd, you won't regret it. The only thing you'll regret is not having actually been there to see the concert in person. Enjoy!

(3 stars) - See live first!
The voices are fabulous and will linger in your mind for days after viewing, however the acting version of this amazing musical left me wanting more. Great follow up DVD once you have seen the musical live. If you haven't seen live, don't buy this DVD. It will not offer you the full experiance of such an outstanding story.

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