Bj Lucas 2007-09-28

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Having seen the show live in the west end I was pleased as punch to see that this had been released. This truly is the dream cast. Ruthie Henshall, Michael Ball, Philip Quast are all simply sensational. From the opening through to the barricades to the bitter sweet ending it's perfect. Listen out for Philip Quast as he sings 'Stars' just stunning. colm Wilkinson is wonderful as Jean Valjean. And ruthie henshall is stunning as Fantine. the perfect show with the perfect cast. Leah Salonga is worthy of a mention for her stunning portrayal of Eppoinine. Stunning, simply stunning!

Madam Javert 2006-10-19

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

This show which contains all the main songs and scenes from the Les Miserables west end show is an extravoganza of brilliance.! I could not fault the beautiful singing of any of the cast aptly named "the dream cast" but was especially blown away by the performance of Philip Quast as the steely yet vulnerable Inspector Javert. His voice as he sang "stars" was so powerful that it reduced me to tears and his stage presence was magnificent. Congratulations also to Michael Ball who sang "empty chairs at empty tables" with guts and emotion. I also loved Ruthie Henshall as Fantine. What an amazing voice she has! And the Thenardier's were so funny and what a brilliant delivery of those humourous songs, particularly by Alan Armstrong who is such a versatile actor! This video is an absolute MUST to any musical lover's collection. It will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. The power and emotion of the singing will make the hairs on your neck stand up throughout the performance. There was no lessening of dramatic impact because of the lack of scenery or props. Those brilliant actors brought it to life on a bare stage just by using their exquisite talent and i for one, felt transported to the seedy world of 19th century paris with all its poverty and degredation. Totally absorbing and absolutely fabulous!!!

2004-12-09

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Absolutely amazing! fantastic performances by the leading roles and by the chorus. Lea Salonga once again immediately captures you with her emotional and powerful performance as Eponine, especially when she sings On my own, she definately shines once again! Ruthie Henshall with her unique sound as Fantine. Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway with their hilarious comedy performances as The Thenardiers,amazing! and ofcourse Colm Wilkonson performing Jean Val Jean with such power in his voice it is unbelievable what notes he hits, simply fantastic! A great and entertaining display of the best talent in the world! But Lea Salonga gets the standing ovation by me, shes fabulous!!!!

Devil 2004-09-24

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

I didn't really know what to expect when this live concert started. It is much better than an ordinary videoed stage performance of a musical as there are no distractions from the acting, stage props, stunts etc. It is pure, undiluted, music with a carefully chosen cast, each member being perfectly selected for voice and appearance, backed up by an excellent choir and the Philharmonia orchestra. In a way, it has turned a musical into opera. For sheer entertainment value, I cannot recommend this version too highly, despite its low price: buy it.

2004-08-29

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Having never seen the show I did not know what to expect, but being a lover of musicals (especially "West side story") I decided that at the really low price it might be worth a try. Well! This is no light weight concert, it is totally absorbing and emotionally draining, the cast are magnificent. The only down side for me (but that's personal) was the fact that the low life french (prostitutes etc) sang with 'cockney' accents (putting me in mind of "0liver" - another of my favourite musicals) when a French accent would have been more appropriate (or just a normal singing voice). If you are undecided, my advise is BUY IT - NOW, you won't regret it.