Les Miserables

Starring:Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, Claude Dauphin, John Gielgud, Ian Holm, Celia Johnson, Joyce Redman, Flora Robson, Christopher Guard, Caroline Langrishe, Angela Pleasence, David Swift, Timothy Morand, William Squire, Geoffrey Russell, Caroline Blakiston, Michael Sheard, Dexter Fletcher, Joanna Price
Director: Glenn Jordan
Studio: Lions Gate
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Product Description
His crime: stealing a loaf of bread. His sentence: five years in a brutal prison. But resourceful Jean Valjean escapes. And grim Inspector Javert sets out to see that Valjean is recaptured...and that the state's cruel justice is served. Victor Hugo's classic work comes to powerful screen life in an acclaimed film set against the backdrop of barricaded streets and violent political upheaval in the post-Napoleonic era. Richard Jordan (The Secret of My Success) plays Valjean, whose heartrending odyssey from fugitive to hero forms the center of Hugo's much-loved tale. Anthony Perkins (Psycho) is Javert: obsessed, hard and unforgiving. Joan Gielgud, Ian Holm, Claude Dauphin, Cyril Cusack And flora ROBSON are among the other sterling talents in this memorable production.

System Requirements:

Running Time 123 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Average customer rating:

Napoleon and Josephine: A Love Story - Mini Series
Justice vs. Mercy
Worst adaptation of the novel ever
Les Miserables
Pretty Impressive

Les Miserables
Starring: Liam Neeson , Geoffrey Rush , Uma Thurman , Claire Danes , and Hans Matheson
Director: Bille August
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 076781505X
Release Date: 1998-11-03

Amazon.com

Frenchman Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson), imprisoned for stealing bread, is paroled after nearly two decades of hard labor. A gift of silver candlesticks from a kindly priest helps him begin anew. Forging a decent and profitable existence, he finds success as a businessman and as the mayor of a small town. He even takes in a pregnant young woman (Uma Thurman) and raises her daughter as his own. When a former prison guard (Geoffrey Rush) recognizes Valjean, his past catches up to him. Director Bille August culls mesmerizing performances from his cast, but loses us with an ending that panders to teen audiences. The focus shifts dramatically, and uncomfortably, from the haunted Neeson and his hawk-like pursuer, to his daughter (Claire Danes) and her romance with a handsome revolutionary. After this narrative shift, the script leaves behind the Victor Hugo classic's themes of revenge and redemption to focus improbably on teen angst--hardly what Hugo had on his mind. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Napoleon and Josephine: A Love Story - Mini Series.......2007-06-13

When will this be available in dvd:

Justice vs. Mercy.......2007-05-29

It should be obvious to anyone that the task of adapting a 1400 page book of the complexity of Les Miserables into a two hour movie is going to be tough. Of course things were left out!!

If you take the film on its own merit, without making comparisons it can be tremendously moving. I found the story to be deeply touching--it's not just about an ex-convict trying to make a better life for himself and for others. But the way he managed to forgive, over and over, as he had been forgiven by the Bishop, is amazing! I admit that I wanted him to shoot the inspector when he had the chance, in the alley and I groaned when he let him go. I groaned some more when he let Cossette stay one more evening to meet her beloved, instead of just grabbing her and carrying her to safety. The power of his forgiveness and intense self-sacrificial love was amazing. And I loved the ending!

I found Liam Neeson to be superlative as ValJean. His strength and tenderness touched me deeply. Jeffrey Rush as ValJean's nemesis, is very good at embodying rigid legalist righteousness. These two mirror one another in a perfect way! Uma Thurman is good as the beautiful, pathetic woman whom ValJean befriends. I found Claire Daines a little disappointing as Cossette. Her lapses into an American accent seemed jarring and her behavior seemed at times too "modern" and trivial for the story. She seemed more like some girl you'd see shopping at the Mall, than a girl raised in a strict French convent with an adoring "father." I found "Marius" less than impressive, too. This did weaken the last portion of the film that focused on their romance. It did seem improbable that such a deep love would have formed in such a short time, but I guess that's how it is in times of war...!

However the power of the story and the performance of Neeson make up for the flaws. See it---you'll want to be a better person!

Worst adaptation of the novel ever.......2007-05-29

This is the worst adaptation of the novel that I ever watched. The acting was average. Javert and Fontine were acted out excellently. In fact, they are some of the best that I have ever seen. Unfortunately, their stellar performance was shadowed by the wrong cast and poor performance by the acting of Valjean and Cosette. Valjean was portrayed as a handsome man in his forties (if not younger), which totally betrays the original novel's depiction of the character. The reason for the bizarre young portrayal of Valjean seems obvious though. In the beginning stage, the relationship between Valjean and Fontine (Cosette's mother) is romantically described. This is something that only Hollywood can think of. However, the worst part is yet to come. In the last scene, Valjean walks away feeling liberated (almost in glee) after Javert kills himself. It totally misses the original novel message of redemption and liberation through the act of self-sacrificial love. Please stay away from this movie by all means and spend your money elsewhere.

Les Miserables.......2007-05-07

This was a very well done movie. Having seen the play/musical in New York makes it difficult to rate beause the New York production was so great.

Pretty Impressive.......2007-04-12

This was a great movie. They didn't quite follow the book...but it was good anyways. The reason I rate this only four stars is because of Marius. His make-up and acting in this film was horrible. Me and my sisters try to imitate him being annoying, like he is in the movie. We laughed our heads off. Liam Neeson did a great job playing the role of Jean Valjean. Fantine's life is miserable, as in the book. I think this is a great movie, minus Marius.

Les Miserables (1935 & 1952 Two-Disc Set)

Average customer rating:

Great Restoration Work
the 1935 version only:

Les Miserables (1935 & 1952 Two-Disc Set)
Starring: Fredric March , and Charles Laughton
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000MGBLI2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

Victor Hugo's massive novel Les Miserables has spawned many adaptations in many forms over the years, and Twentieth Century Fox can count two respectable versions from its studio heyday. Both are included on this single-disc release. The superior version is the lavish 1935 take, for which producer Darryl F. Zanuck marshaled the studio's resources. While evocatively staged by director Richard Boleslawski and smartly condensed into punchy, vivid scenes, the movie is remembered for its indelible central performances: Fredric March as the hunted Jean Valjean and especially Charles Laughton as his letter-of-the-law pursuer, Inspector Javert. March, a sometimes stagey actor, is at his committed best, notably in the sequence where (in a single-scene second role) he plays the simpleton mistaken for the fugitive Valjean. But Laughton is completely fascinating: cruel and unforgiving, yet neurotic and weak; and Laughton brings out a tortured sexual undercurrent to Javert's pursuit. (Laughton didn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance, but he bagged one the same year for Mutiny on the Bounty; the film itself was nominated in four categories, including nods for Best Picture and Gregg Toland's cinematography.)

The 1952 production is similarly handsome, and director Lewis Milestone (All Quiet on the Western Front) an even more talented filmmaker than Boleslawski. But it misses classic status because of the elusive alchemy of casting. The story may be told serviceably, but Michael Rennie's Christlike Valjean and Robert Newton's steadfast Javert don't catch the magic, giving the result a sort of "Classics Illustrated" quality. But Laughton will haunt your dreams. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Great Restoration Work.......2007-05-11

The original 1935 version is definetely the best here,and the 1952 version is okay, but more of a curiosity piece only, though it has its audience. The DVD transfer is excellent and the restoration process is super. I think that the Charles Laughton/Frederic March version is one of cinemas lost masterpieces and Laughtons performance was overlooked at the time because of "Mutiny on the Bounty" which was released in the same year. This DVD release will definetely enhance its reputation

the 1935 version only:.......2007-05-02

This IS the best film of ALL time! And I've been a movie addict for all my life. (about 40 yrs now). Ive seen many movies and have a long favorite list, but this is definately number one! Everything is perfect!
It has drama, romance, action, touching music and a great tearjerking ending! All performances could never be better! Fredric march & Charles Laughton (should have got Oscars, but who cares?) are at their best!
If you like great classics, this is it! I can go on & on & on...but will stop here! I am so glad it is on DVD now!

Raymond Bernard - Eclipse Series 4 (Wooden Crosses / Les Miserables) (Criterion Collection)

Average customer rating:

Les Miserables by Raymond Bernard - the best, and amongst the best films ever made.

Raymond Bernard - Eclipse Series 4 (Wooden Crosses / Les Miserables) (Criterion Collection)
Starring: Pierre Blanchar , Gabriel Gabrio , Charles Vanel , Raymond Aimos , and Antonin Artaud
Director: Raymond Bernard
Manufacturer: Eclipse from Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000PKG6P8
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Customer Reviews:

Les Miserables by Raymond Bernard - the best, and amongst the best films ever made........2007-05-21

Of all the versions of les Miserables that I've seen (and I've seen a few of them), this is by far and away the best and also closest to the spirit of the book. The whole film is imbued with an atmosphere which transports you to a different time and place. The story absorbs you, the characters come alive. The composition of the images often gives the impression that they have been carefully sketched out, in the manner of Eisenstein or Bergman - only they have a simplicity that does not intimidate. The telling of the story, the acting, the scenery makes it an immortal film - it still makes you weep and it does not resort to Holywood's tricks to do so. For me it is amongst the top ten films ever made.

Average customer rating:

Good actors and very faithful.
They say it's the best version of the story yet, but........
Well Done, my Favorite version of Les Mis.
Classic
Poor QualityDVD

Les Miserables
Starring: Richard Jordan , Anthony Perkins , Cyril Cusack , Claude Dauphin , and John Gielgud
Director: Glenn Jordan
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert

ASIN: B0002235R6
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Product Description

His crime: stealing a loaf of bread. His sentence: five years in a brutal prison. But resourceful Jean Valjean escapes. And grim Inspector Javert sets out to see that Valjean is recaptured...and that the state's cruel justice is served. Victor Hugo's classic work comes to powerful screen life in an acclaimed film set against the backdrop of barricaded streets and violent political upheaval in the post-Napoleonic era. Richard Jordan (The Secret of My Success) plays Valjean, whose heartrending odyssey from fugitive to hero forms the center of Hugo's much-loved tale. Anthony Perkins (Psycho) is Javert: obsessed, hard and unforgiving. Joan Gielgud, Ian Holm, Claude Dauphin, Cyril Cusack And flora ROBSON are among the other sterling talents in this memorable production.

System Requirements:

Running Time 123 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Good actors and very faithful. .......2007-04-28

This version has to be one of the most faithful and well presented film adaptions that I have seen (and I have seen quite a few). I was not aware that a good thirty minutes are aparently missing from this version. It does explain a bit. Presumably there was a little more on the Thernadiers? I don't know.
What I do know is that I was very impressed at how faithfully this film manages to capture the spirit of the story. Yes, there are a few points where the story diverges from the book. This is, however to be expected with any adaptation of so massive a novel.
The actors are quite brilliant. Richard Jordan is perhaps a little young for Valjean. While watching, one is never quite taken in by his white hair and wrinkles. He is believably sullen and stubborn in Toulon at the start of the film, and his scene with the bishop is commendable and touching. He has a very good voice for Valjean, speaking with the right mixture of authority and restraint. However, at times I found him to be a little too submissive and over-awed (especially by Javert).
Anthony Perkins as Javert completely stole the show. He was magnificent, embodying in his presentation of Javert a wry wit, a sharp intelligence, a strong sense of duty and honor, and a strong spark of humanity that no other actor I have seen has thought to protray. He looks perfect for the part: tall, thin, and imposing. But I most appreciate about his performance and the handling of the film the way that Javert never appears as a villain. Ever.
Fantine is gorgeously pitiable, if a little simple. Ian Holm makes the briefest of brief appearances as a rascally Thenardier. Gavroche is quite irrepresable, Enjolras is existant, and Marius is rather daffy. M. Gillenormand even turns up a couple of times!
The camera work is quite well handled and the music is subdued and enjoyable.
The minor bones I have to pick is the fact that once again Valjean gets a happy ending (a common trait among film adaptations) and Javert's secondary reason for dying was not properly shown.
But apart from this, the movie was extremely enjoyable and one that I would heartily reccomend.

They say it's the best version of the story yet, but...............2007-02-12

I'm itching to purchase this version of the story, but I will not Why? Apparently there are no English sub-titles offered as an option. Without them, I miss too much of the dialogue, therefore the story is not as interesting to me. I'm sure there are other folks out there like me.

Producers of DVD movies need to realize that they would sell many more DVDs if they would only offer the sub-titles. I have learned the hard way to check first before I buy to see if they are available. If not - - sorry, they've lost a sale. And I was recently surprised to see that a friend of mine whose hearing is perfectly good,favored me by clicking on "sub-titles" when I was at her house one day, and she said at the end of the movie that she was amazed; she got more out of it than she ever had before,as she had missed understanding some of the dialogue. People in general don't speak as clearly as they did a few decades ago.

So, I hope this message gets to the right people eventually and that they will seriously consider adding English sub-titles to their movies.

Thanks for lending your ear. Perhaps some one of you will spread the good word to the powers-that-be?

Again, thanks.

Well Done, my Favorite version of Les Mis........2006-12-01

This is not the big budget version of Les Miserables, BUT, it does a very good job of showing what life was like, it was shot on location in Europe, costumes are good, and it portrays life at the time well. The big bonus is that Richard Jordan and Anthony Perkins are simply excellent. They both really make you understand the characters of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert. Some of the scenes STILL give me chills and I've seen this thing so many times because I show it to my World History high school classes. And, that is all that really matters isn't it? The book is obviously a classic of Western Literature, and they have to chop the story down so much to get into a movie format/screenplay, I feel they did an excellent job of boiling down the story. I personally feel the newer versions just aren't as moving, although Umma Thurman as Cosette's mother is excellent. I guess the main reason I'm writing this is because I'm just showing this again to my classes, and afterschool I decided to look up Richard Jordan to maybe get a website/address where I could write him and (do I have too much time or what?) tell him how much I appreciated his performance, and I found the he died of a brain tumor quite awhile back, I believe he may have died even earlier than Anthony Perkins, such a shame to lose these two so young. Finally, I have the VHS version of this and it runs 123 minutes, some say that there should be an additional 30 minutes?? I'd like to figure that out and see if I could get a version that has the entire picture.

Classic.......2006-11-10

I haven't seen this movie in at least 15 years. It is a shame the television programs do not air such excellent, intriguing, adventuresome movies as Les Miserables. Anthony Perkins and Richard Jordan were excellent and convincing. I enjoyed the compassion that came out of Valjean's misfortune with an unexpected end for Inspecotr Javert. Great acting, great story line.

Poor QualityDVD.......2006-08-31

I purchased this movie, Les Miserables, for my boyfriend. All he ever talked about was this movie starring Richard Jordan and Anthony Perkins. Since it was a fairly old movie, I chose to purchase what I thought would be a quality movie from Amazon. My boyfriend watched the movie while I was working one night, and to his dissapointment, towards the end of the movie, the DVD stopped, slowed down, started, paused, started, slowed. What a shame. I am really dissapointed with my purchase.

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert

Average customer rating:

The best of the best - -
A Moving Musical
A Spectacular Masterpiece
Just amazing
Spectacular

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
Starring: Colm Wilkinson , Philip Quast , Ruthie Henshall , Jenny Galloway , and Alun Armstrong
Director: John Caird , Paul Kafno , and Gavin Taylor
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
Cats - The Musical (Commemorative Edition)
Les Miserables
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: 0767812131
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Amazon.com essential video

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

Description

The 10th anniversary of the international musical sensation Les Misérables is celebrated in this 1995 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The all-star cast features Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Ruthie Henshall (Fantine), Michael Ball (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine), Philip Quast (Javert), and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier). Favorite songs from the Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg score include "Who Am I?", "I Dreamed a Dream," "Master of the House," "One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "Bring Him Home."

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best - - .......2007-06-10

I have this show in the VHS format and am more thrilled each time I see it. It is very touching and goose-bump-raising. Would love to have it with English sub-titles, which means on DVD, which means $118.00 or more, which my budget won't allow. But if anyone out there can hack it, it would be well worth the investment. Just let me warn you, however, the more often you see it, the more you will love it. Be sure to see it to the bitter end of the tape/disk, where there is an unexpected treat: The main (or one of the main) songs is shared by maybe 12 different artists, each from a different country, each from a different production of the world-wide show, each singing one phrase following the previous one of the song. Thrilling! The music is haunting throughout the show, and there is not an inferior voice in the whole cast. All send goose-bumps, and the projection of emotion is superb. Don't miss it, in whichever format!!

A Moving Musical.......2007-04-23

Unbelievable! I bought both the CD soundtrack, and the DVD of this inconcievably brilliant musical collaboration and automatically was hooked.

I've never seen any other Les Miserables performances on stage. I do admit I watched the movie starring Liam Neeson. But when I watched this concert, I was immediately biased.

Colm Wilkinson has such a heartwarming yet awe inspiring way of bringing Jean Valjean to life. And the fact that at his age he could still hit those higher notes was just a testament to him being on the dream cast.

Ruthie Henshall. Fantine the mother of little Cosette played by Hannah Chick. Never before have I seen a more perfect merging of character and performer. When she sang I Dreamed A Dream, you could feel and see every emotion coming forth. You could believe what she was going through, and she deserved her spot on the dream cast.

Judy Kuhn. Older Cosette. Before Pocahontas, Judy Kuhn made Cosette her own. She made it quite seen that she enjoyed her role and that she was feeling the love for Marius who was played by Michael Ball. Micheal Ball being the brilliant vocalist he was, was another testament to his role and spot on the cast.

Phillip Quast as Javere. A character I felt so many emotions for. Hatred, understanding, pity, respect. He was definately a character for the ages. And Quast was so tear jerking as Javere, especially when his character commits suicide. I did truly feel sorry for Quast's character, and I also respected his determination once he performed the song Stars.

Lea Salonga as Eponine. Another Disney veteran(Aladdin), her performance of On My Own deserved the outstanding ovation she recieved. She was tender, she was honorable, she made it quite easy for the audience to be sympathetic to her cause and strife.

Other very honorable mentions include Adam Searles who played Gavroche, Michael Maguire who portrayed Enjorlas, Alun Armstrong who played the innkeeper and of course Hannah Chick whom I mentioned earlier portrayed the younger Cosette.

The best performances in my opinion were the ensemble performing the song One Day More during the end of Act 1, Michael Maguire's performance of Do You Hear The People Sing, the epilogue of the performance at the end of Act 2, and one performance I didn't expect to mention, Michael Ball's performance of the song Empty Chairs At Empty Tables.

Keep an eye on the DVD for the gathering of every Valjean from the performances around the world performing with Colm Wilkinson a multi lingual version of Do You Hear The People Sing, and then belting out with the rest of the ensemble a powerful encore of the chorus from One Day More.

Do you hear the people sing? Well if you buy this DVD of Les Miserables, I garauntee you will and more.

A Spectacular Masterpiece.......2007-04-06

Les Miserables is always wonderful, but the Dream Cast Concert surely deserves a special mention. I have seen the DVD five times, and still am held spellbound by the exquisite music and amazing performances.
It is truly the Dream Cast. Colm Wilkinson delivers his songs with a beautifully perfected panache. He manages to portray Valjean with both the veiled threat of the ex-convict and the softened repentance of the philanthropistic mayor. Phillip Quast is the epitomy of Javert, managing to create an Inspector who is both law-bound and human at once.
Alun Armstrong performs the most hilarious Thernadier I have ever seen, expertly backed by Jenny Galloway.
Michael Maguire is a passionately fierce Enjolras, and Michael Ball performs Marius with just the right touch of good humour. Ruthie Henshaw's Fantine is suitably poignant, while Lea Salonga's clear voice and superb acting skills make certain that her Eponine will never be forgotten.
While I found the singing and acting fantastic, after a few viewings of the DVD, the discerning watcher becomes more intrigued by what the performers are doing while sitting down. The interaction between Javert and Valjean is especially intriguing. It's satisfying, too, for all those who wished that the two redoubtable characters could have been friends.
Also worth a mention is the heart-stopping rendition of Do You Hear The People Sing at the end of the concert performed by 17 Valjean's from some of the World's productions.
I highly reccomend this production.

Just amazing.......2007-04-03

What to say...it is just amazing...I just can't stop watching this opera once a time. The opera and actors are sublime, you are like surrounded in this opera and you can't do anything except watching and listening.
Marvellous.

Spectacular.......2007-02-08

This is one of the finest productions I have ever seen..Too bad more aren't being produced.

Les Miserables (Original French Version) NO SUBTITLES

Average customer rating:

Depardieu and Malkovich.... Powerful Performances
i dunno...
THE BEST VERSION OF THE MASTERPIECE OF VICTOR HUGO

Les Miserables (Original French Version) NO SUBTITLES

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ASIN: B0002VJIGY

Product Description

Original French Version) NO English Options --------------------- The scene is set during the French Restoration at the beginning of the 19th century. Jean Valjean, a galley slave who was sent to prison for stealing food, is now released after serving nineteen years. At first he only encounter mistrust and closed doors; only the saintly Bishop Bienvenu treats him kindly and takes him in. The bishop's truly Christian compassion and humanity not only restores Jean Valjean's faith in the good, but also smoothes his way back to an orderly life. As Monsieur Madeleine, Valjean is soon a wealthy industrialist and popular citizen, even becoming the mayor of a small provincial town. His good fortune departs, however, when he meets Fantine, one of his workers, an unmarried mother who tragically dies of consumption. The well-intentioned Valjean frees Fantine's illegitimate daughter Cosette from the clutches of her insidious foster parents, and looks after her like a father. When Valjean reveals his true identity in order to prevent an innocent man who closely resembles him from being sold into a life of slavery as a result of a police error, he is convicted yet again. Valjean soon succeeds in escaping yet again, however, and manages to live under a false name in Paris for a few years. When Cosette, now a young lady, falls in love with the young attorney Marius Pontmercy, Valjean forbids the match - because he has fallen in love with the young girl himself... At this point, however, Marius finds out about Valjean's disreputable past and about Valjean's love for her and has no choice but to keep him away from Cosette. Valjean, thinking of his former benefactor Bishop Bienvenu, now makes the ultimate sacrifice - he decides to do without Cosette. A short while later Valjean falls seriously ill, but in the face of death he leaves a message of love to the young couple: "There is only one thing in the world that is important - and that is to love each other."

Customer Reviews:

Depardieu and Malkovich.... Powerful Performances.......2005-03-12

This review refers to "Les Miserables" (Original French Version)

This 4 part production of "Les Miserable", that was televised, is magnificent. It is the best I have seen. There are no subtitles in any language on this edition, but it didn't matter. Gerard Depardieu was absolutlely Jean Valjean, the ex-convict who suffers and sacrifices on his journey to redemption. Javert, the lawman intent on the capture of Valjean, comes alive in the form of one John Malkovich. My French is limited(to put it mildly), but I had no trouble getting swept away to the time, the place, the events, and with every emotion portrayed exquisitly by these intense actors. Charlotte Gainsbourg as Fantine, Virginie Ledoyen as Cosette, Christian Clavier and Veronica Ferres, as M. and Mme Thenardier, and Enrico Lo Verso as Marius add their remarkable portrayals as well.

The DVD(ImaVision) is an import from, Canada. There are 2 DVDs, each in their own snap case, with 2 parts of the 4 on each disc. Each disc running about 3 hours. The picture was very nice, clear, with good colors. There is a scene with Fantine in the cold stark streets, looking like death, and draped in a red shawl that took my breath away. There are some extra feautres on both discs(pertaining to Hugo, the story and the actors), but this may be a time when your French would come in handy, as they are all in the form of production notes, and all in Francais! I bought this new, and there were no inserts that came with it. The back of the box shows these DVD specifications: NTSC, Zones 1-6, Continent 2 DVD9. I don't see any available at this time, but check with your local video store(maybe they can order it), or put it on your wish list to watch for it to become available.

Region 2 viewers, click hereLes MisÃ©rablesand check with sellers for languages, subtitles etc.

If you love this magnificent work by Victor Hugo, you MUST see this version. The performance is powerful!

Merci Beaucoup....Laurie

i dunno..........2005-02-25

As far as the acting goes, I thought this was very well acted, but the one sticking point I had was the whole love triangle between Valjean, Cosette, and Marius. I have read the unabridged version (one of my favorite books) and I never got such a thing from the book. I don't think that Valjean ever loved Cosette in a romantic way, but did want her for himself in a selfish way, for the love (non-romantic and very fatherly) that he did have for her. This was one of the several tests that Valjean goes through during the novel. If you really read the novel you will find it is more about Valjean being tested to go back on his promise to change his life than anything else. He always makes the right choice, even after trying to convince himself otherwise. Such is the case with saving Marius and allowing the marriage. He does it for her good then withdraws from her life in order not to tarnish her promising future with his ugly past. I have yet to see a movie that really portrays this central theme of Valjean enduring to the end with his conviction to be an honest man, with the ultimate test being separating himself from his daughter. Trying to make him romantically inclined towards the daughter he raised seems just weird and wrong to me anyway - must be a French thing.

THE BEST VERSION OF THE MASTERPIECE OF VICTOR HUGO.......2005-02-24

I have seen this mini-serie on HBO, in my country, Brazil and I have LOVED it! I have readen Victor Hugo's Les Miserables several times and I have seen almost all the movie-screen versions of this romance and I can assure all that it is the best one! First, it follows the twists and turns of the book with almost meticulous details. Second, Gérard Depardieu is the PERFECT Jean Valjean, almost to the bones of his crooked nose and slightly hunched back (read his description in Victor Hugo's book!) Liam Neeson is too elegant and too handsome to fit this description!!! Third, as Les Miserables comes, longer is better, because there is so much to tell, so many nuances that the shorter versions do not show! And I would go on and on because that is one of my favorite books and this movie is my favorite version. A plus: John Malkovich as Inspector Javert is ousttanding and Christian Clavier as Thénardier oh, that is a trio you will not easily forget. Another movie made by the three of them is NAPOLEON, with Christian Clavier as Napoleon, John Malkovich as Taillerand (chilling as a machiavellian politician !) and Depardieu as Fouché, a minor role, but very important in the plot. If you REALLY want to see the very best version of LES MISERABLES see this movie. You will not regret the almost 7 hours of duration. To know the best of Victor Hugo go to the French versions! Hollywood may do great action movies but the classical...I prefer the French adaptations!(That is not a prejudice, but compare, if you will, the Hollywood version with Liam Neeson with this meticulous and very literary French version with Gérard Depardieu and you will agree with me.That is the same with the Count of Monte-Cristo, starred by the same Gérard Depardieu. Oh, well, if you can see a movie starred by Gérard Depardieu I garantee it will ALWAYS be a good one, because Mr. Depardieu is one of the finest actors of our times.

Les Miserables in Concert: The Dream Cast [Region 3]

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Les Miserables in Concert: The Dream Cast [Region 3]
Starring: Alun Armstrong , Michael Maguire , Philip Quast , Lea Salonga , and Anthony Crivello
Director: David Charles Abell , Trevor Nunn , and John Caird
Manufacturer: Pim
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NDEXFC
Release Date: 2007-01-22

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Les Miserables à la Dickens

Les Miserables
Starring: Evelyne Bouix , Michel Bouquet , Jean Carmet , Fernand Ledoux , and Paul Preboist
Director: Robert Hossein
Manufacturer: Unicorn (Tnt200)
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ASIN: B00019GHLG
Release Date: 2006-11-01

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Les Miserables à la Dickens.......2004-11-20

This film was disappointing, particularly in the awful dubbing. The voices bear no resemblance to the stars' actual voices and I was shocked to find that it was not in French with subtitles. No, it did not say that it was, but I guess I assumed it would be, not being a really well-known foreign film. The Javert doesn't hold a candle to Charles Laughton's evil portrayal; this guy just looks like a dithery older man who somehow got into a bad situation. The Cosette also seems like an airhead. Though the story can hold it's own through almost any treatment, the dubbing was the biggest problem. It did, however, point up the Dickensian situations and characters.

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There are only a few stories ........
One of the best movies I've seen - needs DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of my all-time favorites
Light Shining in the Darkness
Highly Recommend~

Les Misérables [Region 2]
Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo , Michel Boujenah , Alessandra Martines , Salomé Lelouch , and Annie Girardot
Director: Claude Lelouch
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000506AE

Amazon.com

This brilliant film manages to reinterpret the story of Victor Hugo's classic novel, critique it, and investigate the nature of art and life on top of that--all in three hours that zip past, fueled by the dynamic performance of French icon Jean-Paul Belmondo (Breathless, Le Doulos). In 1900, Henri Fortin (Belmondo) is wrongfully imprisoned for murder; his loyal wife is forced into menial labor and prostitution; then in the beginning of World War II, Fortin's son (Belmondo again) helps a Jewish family elude the Nazis, setting in motion his own imprisonment, escape, and adventures as a criminal. Not only is that just the first half of the movie, there are also the story lines of the husband, wife, and daughter of the Jewish family, who each have their own struggles. The conclusion is joyous and heartbreaking. Director Claude Lelouch (A Man and a Woman) handles the entire movie with supreme skill, humor, and compassion. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

There are only a few stories ...............2007-02-05

I first saw this film in February 1997, with a female friend I had recently met. We went along to a beautiful Art Deco cinema in Melbourne, Australia and frankly, nothing could have prepared us for the life-changing experience this film provided.

Jean Paul Belmondo's performance, while breath-taking is well and truly matched by the incredible ensemble cast's performances. The beautifully measured pace of the film and the exceptional story telling transported us through every emotion possible and left us not only wanting to live better lives, but with a shared experience that cemented our friendship forever.

That's the power of great story telling.

I rank this film as among the best ever made and can not recommend it highly enough to others, seeking to experience its rare riches.

ps. Of course, all good stories end with the morals firmly in place - For me, Les Mis's is "Be True" - Oh.... and the girl is now my wife and we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of our Les Mis outing in a few days.

One of the best movies I've seen - needs DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-08-16

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I can't understand why it is still not available on DVD.

One of my all-time favorites.......2006-03-14

This re-telling of the well-known "Les Miserables" story is set in the bloody, painful first half of the 20th century in Europe. It opens with a scene of a gorgeous, turn-of-the-century ball, a robbery afterwards, and wrongful imprisonment. Quickly fast forward to WWII France, the Resistance and the awful plight of the Jews. Jean-Paul Belmondo is a truck driver whose decent heart leads him to hide some Jews, and his quiet courage and strength as the Nazis try to find out his secrets are amazing. As he is driving one of the Jewish escapees to freedom, the man regales him with the story of the Hugo novel, which he has never heard. The twists and turns of the story are truly bizarre and horrifying, but amazingly Claude Lelouche has made a movie of hope. The film ends with a reprise of the gorgeous ball in a very different setting. One can only sigh with satisfaction.

This is one of the most moving films I have ever seen. It got scant notice at the time, perhaps because it wasn't dubbed from the French (thank god!) but the subtitles didn't bother my husband at all, and he's hard to please. Jean-Paul Belmondo has a gorgeous, rugged, weathered, expressive face--truly a wonderful actor. The plot is riveting, the music gorgeous--what more can I say?

Light Shining in the Darkness.......2005-12-20

I really loved this film. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because I kept comparing it to what I think is the best english-language version (best period!) of the original tale. That would be the 1978 w/ Perkins, Jordan, Gielgud, Holm, etc. If you get that you have to get the full-length VHS version.
I do have to say that anyone who's passionate about the original should most definitely see this reworking, which reminds us of the story's relevance to contemporary life.

Highly Recommend~.......2004-08-25

This is neither a movie based on the book or the broadway musical; it is not merely a retelling of Hugo's novel in modern times- it is a beautiful masterpiece that follows a period of time filled with fear, ignorance, oppression, suffering, miserable ones, war, greed, and betrayal. We follow the story of Henri Fortin (Jean Paul Belmondo), whose father died while trying to escape from a prison that unjustly sentenced him based on appearances. Henri Sr. was the driver of a man who commited suicide, and the police assumed that Henri Sr. killed the man. His wife, much like Fantine in the book, does everything she can to raise money for a lawyer, making her son Leopold, who she now calls Henri, work to raise money. She is forced into prostitution. Henri Sr. dies on an attempt to escape, so the wife kills herself. Henri Jr. starts a boxing career, and World War I ends. However, peaceful times never come because soon comes World War II. The Jews are being betrayed by all their friends. Henri is called a Jean Valjean because many people feel that his life parallels that of Jean Valjean. He helps a family of Jews travel towards Switzerland and gets their daughter into the Academy of the Sacred Heart for safety. As they drive they read him Les Miserables since he cannot read or write. He is amazed at the story and feels that Les Miserables can be applied to any situation in life. He starts seeing parallels to Cosette and Valjean.

It is a beautiful story that will surely make you cry! It is in French and has subtitles. I don't speak French but I had no problem with it. I read quickly and I had to rewind a couple of times because the subtitles go by so quickly, but that was no problem for me! I highly recommend this video if you want to see how Les Miserables is so true in today's world and is still a masterpiece. It is a wonderful movie! There is lots of violence in it, so it's not necessarily for younger viewers. it is beautifully done. I only hope they come out with a DVD version in the future with commentary and extras! BRAVO!

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The best of the best - -
A Moving Musical
A Spectacular Masterpiece
Just amazing
Spectacular

Les Misérables in Concert [Region 2]
Starring: Colm Wilkinson , Philip Quast , Ruthie Henshall , Jenny Galloway , and Alun Armstrong
Director: Paul Kafno , John Caird , and Gavin Taylor
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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