Although it's rare to see contemporary musicals on video when performances are still commanding prices that would make a scalper blush, it's appropriate that this adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel celebrating the human spirit and the cause of the common man should be made available to the rank and file at something more than a pauper's but less than a prince's price. Filmed at the Royal Albert Hall on October 8, 1995 (the show's 10th anniversary), the now legendary musical features some 250 performers (including a scene-stealing turn by Jenny Galloway as the delightful penny-pinching orphanage mom, Mme Thénardier), a spirited score by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and a fine sampling of sets. As with most live performances, there's a trade-off here: a little less clarity is balanced by a little more vivacity. No matter; the touching story of on-the-run former thief Jean Valjean's commitment to raising a dead prostitute's daughter tugs ye olde heart strings, and the music--at its best (as in "At the End of the Day")--rivals that of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Enthusiastically recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)
Les Miserables--In Concert
(Columbia TriStar<b>, </b>159 min., $29.95) Vol. 11, Issue 6
Les Miserables--In Concert
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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