Les Misérables in Concert

I'm not sure what to say. This musical rocked. I usually detest musicals with a vengeance, but this is just different...since I finished watching it for the first time about a week ago, I have never stopped watching it again and again (thanks to the good old VCD, I don't need to pay any ticket fees). For some reason, I find the first 40 minutes rather slow and boring, but not enough to drag my opinion of this down. Honestly, anyone who thinks this is a stinker just doesn't understand this. It's just...brilliant.

The emotions evoked by the second act are simply overwhelming. The spirit of love and camaraderie until death are portrayed so brilliantly and effectively. Absolutely a must-see for any die-hard intellectual movie viewer.

I never thought I would like Broadway music. I was kind of iffy when I got the International Cast's Highlights for Christmas. I only listened to a few songs. Then I got interested, and saw the 10th anniversary concert on PBS. I was spellbound. Since then I have adored Broadway, but this one has always been and will always be my favorite. I am not drawn to any other musical the way I am to this story of justice, duty, love, redemption, and revolution. If you are a fan of Hugo's book, see it, if you are a fan of Broadway, see it, if you want to see a powerful story in song, see it.

Les Mis is my favorite musical of all time, and this video shows why! The cast is incredible, the music is incredible, and that ending with 17 Jean Valjeans is absolutely breathtaking. Here are things to look out for when watching this video: - Colm Wilkinson's angry singing

• "Master of the House"

• Philip Quast's absolutely beautiful "Stars"

• "Do you hear the people sing!"

• "One Day More!"

• Michael Ball!!

• Lea Salonga!!

• The two of them singing "A Little Fall of Rain" (get tissue ready)

• The finale: 17 Jean Valjeans from 17 countries all singing the lines of "Do you hear the people sing" (both regular and Epilogue versions) in their own languages from English to Japanese to Polish.

I have very few complaints! I think if there had been a set the singing and music would have been less powerful (200 chorus singers couldn't possibly fit onto one set during One Day More, and a full orchestra wouldn't fit under the stage). Michael Maguire gets my only complaint for his singing during "The Final Battle." His voice was wrong for that part and should have sung the way Anthony Warlow had sung the same song in the Complete Symphonic Recording. Listen to both to see what I mean.

Also, Andrew Lloyd Weber did NOT write this musical. I liked Phantom of the Opera, but that's it. Haven't seen Evita yet, but it couldn't possibly beat Les Miserables. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg wrote this and Miss Saigon. Cam Mackintosh produced Phantom, Les Mis, and Miss Saigon. Get your info straight, people.

I have seen the musical live twice and I am still spellbound by how powerful this concert is on video. Phillip Quast is just fantastic - especially when he sings his final song before he dies. There is such force and passion in his voice. The other thing that makes this video performance memorable is that you get to see the reactions from the cast members towards each other's numbers; it's great to see THEM enjoying the show so much.I just wish I could have been there!

...is the only word I can think of here.

Since hearing the Les Mis soundtrack a few months ago, I have been a die hard fan. Unable yet to see the show, I saw this in a shop and decided to buy it.

How glad I am that I did. This is amazing. All the cast are fabulous, especially Ruthie Henshall, Lea Salonga, Michael Maguire, Michael Ball and Phillip Quast. I wasn't as impressed by Judy Kuhn (I may be biased as I despise the character of Cosette) but she still gives a fantastic performance.

A word of warning though: bring out the tissues, and don't wear mascara during 'A Little Fall Of Rain' 10/10