Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean.Phillip Quast's Javert is definitely one of the best. The first time I watched this, at the beginning of the song "Confrontation", the grinning on his face instantly makes me love this actor.Michael Ball is not my favourite Marius, but much much much better than Nick Jonas.I like Lea Salonga's Eponine better than Eponine. I think she is great. I like her voice better when she was younger (there is a recording of her first show on Broadway as Eponine I suppose).I like Ruthie's voice so much that I love Miss Saigon Complete Symphonic Recording (Ruthie as Ellen) better than Miss Saigon OLC (Lea as Kim).As for Cosette, I have to say I prefer Katie Hall (from 25AC) because Judy Kuhn's voice seems too mature for a young, innocent girl as Cosette.And ABC boys. 10AC looks much older than 25AC but their voice are much better (except for Ramin, he is as good as Michael)Anyway, this is the best version of Les Miserables musical. Don't miss it.

It is my favorite musical and one of my favorite DVD. But I made mistake. I had seen DVD before I saw London performance. The problem is, that this performance is cut comparing to stage score. Not to much, but significantly. I understand of course, that score was to long for TV broadcast. But in my opinion too many important songs were cut. F.eg. solo of Valjean from "Thenardier Waltz of Treachery" and ending of this song (with young Cosette), first meeting of Marius and Cosette (The Robbery), and definitely duet of Marius and Valjean in "The Wedding". Lack of these songs and lack of stage movement causes understanding of full show difficult. So do not watch this movie before watching theatrical performance. Stop complaining. It is really extraordinary performance. Singers are doing their best - Wilkinson, Quast, Henshall, Galloway, Salonga, Ball and Armstrong are simply breathtaking. Definitely best performances I have ever heard. Chorus consisting of 200 singers singing a cappella is incredible. 17 Valjeans ending show give you unique impression how different tenors might be good performers of this score. This DVD is perfect reminder of stage show. I hope 25th Anniversary performance planned on 3rd October 2010 in O2 Dome will contain stage movements and will be recorded for DVD broadcast too.

This concert version of Les Miserables is literally almost picture perfect. It has a magnificent cast and the music is absolutely enchanting, wonderful and almost magical. It is perhaps the best stage production I have ever had the pleasure of viewing Because it was a tenth anniversary celebration, this concert had the the advantage of having drawn together a diverse range of talent from around the globe.And they all shine to perfection. Of particular note is Ruthie Henshall's haunting performance of Fantine. She really brings the character to life in a way that I have very rarely seen either on stage or on television. She really made me understand and appreciate Fantine's character in a way that I had never been able to do previously -she just gave her so much heart, character and soul. I wish I could find the adequate words to capture the beauty and essence of how powerful and moving she was but I don't think they exist in language That having been said, each member of the cast succeeds in giving their character a depth, dimension and substance that can very rarely be seen either in concert or on stage. Colm Wilkinson plays Jean Valjean so well that I have difficulty believing he is not a real character. Phillip Quast is the perfect Javert. Michael Ball is a great embodiment of Marius while Judy Kuhn plays Cosette so well (and the young girl who portrays the young Cosette is equally as brilliant). The couple who play the Thenardiers are really great comic talent and absolutely hilarious in their role. And I could just go on and on The orchestral music, the costumes and the stage background for this show is second to none. And the last performance -well, I won't spoil it for you -but let's just say it's an absolute treat Please, if you never see another musical in your life, rent the video/DVD of this. I cannot recommend it highly enough

Having been a big fan of les mis before buying this DVD i knew i'd enjoy it but wow! Tis is the most phenomenal recording of the musical there has ever been. You don't need the full stage production, hearing the music performed by a huge orchestra, choir and undoubtedly the best cast there has ever been is breathtaking. You will laugh, cry and lose yourself in this brilliant show. particular attention should be drawn to colm wilkinson who owns the role of Van Jean and philip quast who's voice is so full of meaning and emotion you can't help but become spellbound.watch it! you haven't lived until you've seen it.