Les Misérables in Concert: The Dream Cast - The DVD
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Do You Hear the People Sing?
Les Misérables, is the stunning story brought to the Broadway stage based on Victor Hugo's epic novel. This DVD version celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the show with a "dream cast" of the best actors and actresses, plus nearly 250 chorus members who have played in the show through the years.
Rather than telling the entire story of love, loss, and revolution, this special presentation celebrates just the show's wonderful, stirring, and even comical music. Directed by John Caird and Trevor Mann, with the score performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this DVD presents the show at its very best. Starring Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, and Ruthie Henshall as Fantine, the remastered Dolby stereo on this DVD is worth the price alone. Especially notable are the songs "Do You Hear the People Sing?" "Master of the House," and "On My Own," but the entire DVD is a masterpiece of music, talent, and wonderful lyrics. So is the reunion of worldwide Jean Valjean's at the end, who steal the entire show, if that is possible. If this DVD does not have you standing and cheering by the end, nothing will.
DVD Features
Presented in widescreen, the quality is much superior to the video tape, and it has only one negative factor -- you have to turn the DVD over to watch the Second Act. Other than that, the quality of both music and picture is quite good, and will keep you watching throughout.
DVD Additional Features
There are many extra features, including subtitles that show the words to the songs as they are sung. Other features on the DVD are a photo library, story synopsis, biography of the author, Victor Hugo and biographies of the cast. It's a great value, and a wonderful show.