I had to laugh when you were talking about the 25th Anniversary concert and suggested subbing in Michael Ball for Nick Jonas. Someone in China actually did that. Almost every time Marius sings they deleted Nick and popped in Michael from the 10th Anniversary concert. It's brilliant! The show is so much better, and it's really fun to see a young Michael sing Marius alongside Alfie's Valjean. (I'd post the link but I lost it. I believe the site was called Bilibili, but I could be wrong. It was a while ago,)

I was at the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. At the end of Castle In A Cloud it wasn’t a cannon that went off but one of the overhead balloons that were eventually released at the end of the show.

10th anniversary that’s the dream cast , Lea Salonga as Eponine and Michael ball as Marius , no one can beat their a little fall of rain performance and of course, Lea’s On my own was impeccable and divine !

As someone who fell in love with Les Mis because of the 2012 movie I kind of have a soft spot for it but i can’t deny it’s many flaws altought i was a bit sad when you didn’t mention Aaron Tveit’s outstanding acting. I mean yes of course he’s hot but this man is my favourite Enj from the first time I’ve watched it and he kind of made me fell in love with this character

I thought Anthony Warlow absolutely carried the symphonic recording as Enjolras and remains the only real reason to listen to that version.

When I am trying to introduce people to Les Mis, I often start with the 1998 Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush non-musical version of the musical storyline. This gives them that scope you talked about that you appreciated in the movie version. I then take them to the 10th Anniversary version. As you said, every performance is sooooooo solid. After that they are on their own. It is my humble opinion that no school child in America, public or private should graduate without having been exposed to this story and this music . Thanks for your video and your commitment to the material.

Can’t believe no mention of Anthony Warlow’s electrifying Enjolras on the Complete Symphonic Recording! Nobody has ever sung that role better.

It's my personal belief that you truly know you love something when you start getting spreadsheets involved 😂 I have to confess, the only version I have consumed is the movie version but I loved hearing all your opinions all the same!

I actually voiced 8 year old Cosette in the 2001 Focus on the Family Radio Theatre adaptation of Les Misérables. It was such an amazing experience. I also was in a few other radio dramas that Philip Glassborow directed for Focus on the Family Radio Theatre. So because of that, I recommend the 2001 radio play of Les misérables. Not just because of myself, but because of the awesome people I got to work with, like Brian Blessed, Eve Karpf and the late Geoffrey Palmer.

Yesss Lea Salonga in the 10th and 25th anniversary versions, just stunning. And love that you shouted out Ramin and Hadley (yes, we ship, we ship very hard isjdkflfdsjfds hahaha)

This isn't a complete comparison without the Original Broadway Cast version - the best in my opinion. Colm Wilkinson (basically Sean Connery singing as Valjean), Terrence Mann (perhaps not the best "voice" but has the right sound for a young and dangerous Javert), Michael Maguire (the best looking and most powerfully voiced Enjolras), Frances Ruffelle (the best Eponine because she has a voice that really sounds likes she's crying which really transmits the sadness and misery of her character), and Judy Kuhn (who just had an incredible voice - she was literally the singing voice of a Disney princess). OBC = #1

the best thing about having multiple recordings is that you'll have multiple versions of your favourite songs and i absolutely love that. a few favourites are: empty chairs, red & black/abc café, do you hear the people sing, a heart full of love, stars, master of the house and confrontation

My favorite part of 25th Anniversary-John Owen Jones- is The Confrontation because you can hear Earl Carpenter saying “Damn It”.

What about the original Broadway Cast recording from 1987? It is the first that I ever heard and holds a place in my heart. Terrance Mann as Javert... amazing!

This is an EXCELLENT VIDEO. And I totally understand why you put the 25th anniversary first, I haven’t listened to that version or watched it because it’s not anywhere (sad) so I didn’t realise the cast was so strong! The 10th anniversary is my fave because it’s the one I always go to when I’m listening to Les Mis. Philip Quast is also my favourite Javert, and Judy Kuhn is my favourite Cosette so I love that album, although I haven’t seen the actual concert all the way through so I can’t speak for the acting. I saw the Gielgud concert version with John Owen-Jones and he is definitely one of my favourite Valjeans, he got a standing ovation after Bring Him Home that must have lasted a couple of minutes! He’s just incredible. I actually liked Michael Ball as Javert too, I haven’t listened to the album but in the live performance I thought he was brilliant. Most of my favourite cast members come from the first time I saw the show in London in 2014, as it was just the perfect cast and obviously nostalgia - Rob Houchen, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Eponine (didn’t love her as Fantine tho?), and Peter Lockyer as Valjean. Weirdly the film actually made me fall in love with the show, I hadn’t listened to it fully before that so it also holds a place in my heart, even though I also hate Russell Crowe as Javert... And having a crush on every single actor who plays Enjolras is the universal Les Mis fan experience!! Is it weird that I desperately want to see your spreadsheet?? 😂 I’m in the mood to go through my favourite performances and properly analyse them like the theatre nerd I am. I just love it when people love things!!! This video made me very happy

Gary Morris, the Valjean on the International, is a country-western singer with a beautiful voice in my opinion. His Bring Him Home, with the London Symphony, is absolutely a gem. He had a tough task fitting in to the critics. He replaced Colm Wilkinson in NY and was going to play the part his way, his style of singing, and not be anyone else. What more could you ask from a performer. I think he's wonderful, as I do think Colm is. Gary is not my favorite Valjean though; that opinion goes to Jeff Leyton. To me, Jeff Leyton is Valjean. Listen to Jeff Leyton Sing Bring Him Home or Soliloquy

It’s so interesting to hear you talk about the OG London cast, that’s the one I grew up with and felt it had no faults (minus cutting Grantaire out of drink with me). I’m trying to get my friend into Les Mis and that’s how I stumbled upon this video. Guess I gotta rethink some things haha

Phillip Quest is also my favourite Javert and the 10th anniversary concert is god tier! I cannot get past Nick Jonas in the 25th enough to enjoy it...although I have only watched it once maybe it’s worth revisiting. Really enjoyed this video! What did you think about the BBC mini series that came out a couple of years ago? I know it’s not a musical, but I really enjoyed it as an adaptation.

I prefer the 10th anniversary over the 25th, but the 25th is noteworthy because it’s more complete than the 10th concert, the 10th suffers from the standing-in-front-of-mics staging (and that shadow in front of Lea’s face is criminal), and there’s more interesting camera work in the 25th. But choosing between them I still choose 10th!

You know when the spreadsheet comes out you’re in for a ride 😂

The 2012 movie is precious to me

I think you’ll enjoy the Original Broadway Cast Recording, especially if you liked the 10th anniversary. In my opinion the OBC Recording IS the dream team.

I am a little late to the party but... I have to share my history with Les Mis. So, I've been doing musical theater for a long time. I have been in a teen production, as well as a main stage production. it's a very close show to my heart. When Lea Salonga was Fantine in the first Broadway revival, my best friend and I not only got to see the show, but we got to go backstage and see the props and the wigs, because my aunt's friend at the time, was a part of the crew. As for when the movie came out.... when Russal crow jumped off the bridge people actually cheered because his singing was sooooooooooooooooo painfully bad. lol I hope one day i can be in les mis again. It's such a good show that I never get tired of.

I have never felt so hard, everything you said I was like "omg yes sis, preach"! I will absolutely check out your ultimate Les Mis playlist because I think it will be very similar to mine haha. Lovely video and very good work at summarizing everything, I'm definitely subscribing!

Your spreadsheet is the most iconic thing I've ever seen... you are flexing on all of us as the most dedicated booktuber

As someone who generally doesn't like musicals but is a big fan of historical dramas, the realism of the film is what sold it for me. If it was just a straight adaptation of the musical like every other musical film adaptation ever made then the story probably wouldn't have hooked me in the way that it did, and the fact that the story hooked me is what made me start to enjoy the music in its own right and appreciate how much it elevates the story.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Phenomenal reviews! I had to laugh when you said, "because I have no life." Well, I'm sure you do, but it's awesome hearing someone else's take on various versions of a show I also hold so dear to my heart! I LOVE you enthusiasm for this! The first version I saw/heard was in '92 on Broadway, and for me, nothing will ever stand up to that version on stage (I saw the show at least 20 times until I moved out of NYC in '97.) I knew all of the lines by heart except for a few that were/are found in "Do You Hear the People Sing." It drove me nuts not knowing - so much that I bought the Complete Symphonic Edition (my favorite as it is the FULL show from beginning to end (although I sooo wish Colm W. was playing Valjean). I bought the album just to get the included booklet with all of the lyrics so that I could finally learn the lines I was missing - "The blood of the waters will meadow the martyrs of France." I agree that the 10th anniversary concert was the best by far in terms of the cast, but sooo wish it didn't cut anything and was more acted out as seen in the 25th anniversary edition... As for the movie version? Ugh! (Although, like yourself, seeing Colm cast as the bishop was beyond amazing....)

I had to say that my favorite Confrontation is the one with little Joshua Colley as Valjean :)

This is amazing and deserves more views!!!!!!

Lea Salonga’s “On My Own” is a Masterclass in singing!

i always feel so bad for nick jonas like why did they set him up like that 😭😭

Big Les Mis fan. I own many of those recordings. Great analysis! I have to say, one performance that stands out to me is Samantha Barks’ On My Own from the 25th. The build-up to “…that I have never known!” …and the echo of her last word there throughout the arena. Then “I love him…”

It wasnt a cannon at the 10th Anniv Concert - it was a balloon that above the stage for the balloon drop that occurred at the end of the show.

Love the video. Just saw Les Mis in LA and I can’t get the songs out of my head. 3rd time seeing. Can you possibly link your spreadsheet? I want to be able to see how you rated each song from each of the productions

Broadway recording was in between the London and CSR.

My favorite is the Original London Cast... 🥰

Would love to see the full spreadsheet if you still have it. We could do some interesting analysis on your rankings of the songs, or what is included in each version (if the spreadsheet has that much detail).

Since I was young I loved Les Mis and learning about it. It makes me so hyped to hear to give such informed feedback on the specific recordings. Was doing laundry, and when you said you disliked the Valjean in the Symphonic I started smiling so big, he’s always annoyed me!

Great video! I’ve been a Les Mis fan since I was a kid, when I got to play Gavroche in a production. I actually have 6 different Les Mis adaptations on my DVD shelf (both musical and non musical) I have the 1930’s, 1950’s, 1990’s, 25th Anniversary, 2012, and the recent mini series I agree that the 25th anniversary is the best one, it was actually the first version I watched, other than listening to the soundtrack. And I’ve loved it ever since!

Little people being cut always feel odd because it's the english version of La Faute à Voltaire, aka the ONLY SONG THAT'S ACTUALLY IN THE BOOK! It has the lyrics Victor Hugo wrote as the chorus, it's perhaps the most popular song of the whole french concept album that birthed this musical... and they cut it! I'll never understand that.

I loved your video a lot, thank you very much for it. As a huge Les Mis fan (I did with my friends what you did but with all the cast recordings in all the different languages). I really enjoyed watching your point of view in each one case of them. I grew up with the London 1985 and the Bway cd, and because of that they have a special place in my heart. One thing I recommend, is to pay more attention to Warlow in the Symphonic version, you´ll be surprise of how powerful his voice is compared to the rest of Enjolras. Colm Wilkinson was the first choice for that recording, but he was unavailabe at the moment, Dudu Fisher was going to be Valjean, but unfortunateley they ended choosing Gary Morris (a country singer). I also recommend you listen to the Paris 1991 cast recording, even if someone doesn´t speak french, you can feel what is intended to be the meaning of each song, it´s one of the most well balanced recordings (to my opinion) of the old Les Mis recordings. Since Javert is your favorite character, you should listen to the 1988 Vienna Cast, Norbert Lamla will blow your mind! Keep enjoying Les Mis!!! 😊😄😀

the 1988 javert is Richard Kinsey i think. the image is him, anyway. you can see him in the 1991 recordings on youtube. hes great. edit: 1988 recording of les mis is Phillip Quast! image is still richard kinsey though

My own favorite is the CSR, mostly because it is in fact complete, the cast by and large gives good performances, and the orchestral performance is on point. Kaho Shimada's accent could occasionally be distracting, but given that she didn't speak a word of English and learned the part phonetically, I have to give her credit for the incredible amount of work she must have put in. The '85 London cast recording will always be special since it was the first one I heard. I think you just kinda have to accept and embrace the differences. I've seen it live five times, and I think my favorite was the West End performance I saw in 2005. They had a turntable malfunction during the scene change to the barricade, and had to stop the show for about 20 minutes while they fixed that. Afterwards they rewound to about 10 minutes prior, the turntable worked fine then, and the rest of the performance continued without a hitch. Having worked in musical theater for many, many years, it was kind of refreshing to see that even world-class performances aren't immune to gremlins.

This was a fantastic video! I learned so much! I'm a HUGE Les Miz fan and have been ever since I first saw a national tour version of it in 1990. I am a huge fan of the original Les Miz as it was first presented on Broadway in 1987. Thus, I detest all the changes in lyrics and cuts to the show that have been made ever since...even to the point that I recently decided not to go see Les Miz in Los Angeles (where I live) even though it is currently playing at the Pantages Theater. The show today is just not what it used to be. Casts today do not seem to appreciate just how epic this show is supposed to be. I find many of them throwing away their lines and just going through the motions as if it's just a job to them and they just want to get paid. When I saw recent clips from the current Los Angles production, I just had to say, "Sorry...no way!" It's sad! I'm not going to pay $300-$400 to see a cast that isn't going to put their full heart and soul into it. Having said all that, my favorite version is the Complete Symphonic Recording because it's the most complete version of the original show. I love hearing all of the music especially in between scenes. As I said before, I can't stand all the cuts and changes that have been made in the years since. That's mostly why it's hard for me to watch it on stage today. I also miss the turntable! Luckily, there are some great videos of the entire show from the 1990's and the early 2000's on KZfaq. I'll have to make do with those for now. Also, I agree with you 100% that the movie is the absolute worst version of Les Miz ever! It is completely unwatchable in my opinion! They had one shot to make this film , and Tom Hooper completely ruined it, and I doubt if I'll ever forgive him! And you're right...this film should never have been sung live! If I had $100 million dollars, I would remake this movie using only the best Broadway and West End singers who have played the parts before. Who cares about A-List actors if they can't sing!!! I usually love Hugh Jackman, but he did not belong in this film (Really??? Screaming "Bring Him Home" at the top of his lungs??? He sounded more like a braying donkey!!!). And Anne Hathaway may have won her Oscar for a great acting performance, but her singing is awful which is what really matters! She sings the worst version of "I Dreamed A Dream" in history! She did not belong in this movie either! And of course, there's no need to even mention Russell Crowe. Big shout out to Samantha Barks though. She was completely in her element and the biggest ray of sunshine on the screen! Thank you again for making and sharing this fantastic video!!!

As a non-native English speaker, it's good to watch the movie first to understand parts of the lyric and whole story line, and then go to the theatre to enjoy the performance. It wouldnot spoil anything, in my opinion.

How strange...I definitely don't hear Gary Morris doing anything close to a French accent in the International Recording....that said, it was my first recording, and most listened to....and I'm American....so maybe I'm biased.

The OLC is my favourite recording. I guess it depends on the first you heard and what you refer to. Some of the later recordings sound too overcooked to me. It is indeed strange to do a review take like this without reference to the OBC recording, which as previously mentioned is also excellent

After listening to the Original Concept Album in French, I've almost never gone back to the English versions...

Thank you, THANK YOU, for creating this video of my Les Mis opinions so I don't have to. 😂 Seriously, we agree on basically everything! The BANG during Castle on a Cloud!! That poor little girl, I wonder if she ever recovered, because I sure haven't. The Karimloo/Fraser bromance is both REAL and EPIC and spans empires/musicals. You didn't mention the recording I have on CD, though, with the original Broadway cast. It's not great, honestly. The Eponine annoys me, and there aren't any real standouts aside from Colm Wilkinson and Michael Maguire. I've rarely listened to it, especially since I've had the concerts on DVD. I haven't listened to as many recordings as you have, but I would say the 10th anniversary concert slightly beats the 25th for me as #1 because I really can't get past Nick Jonas. But you're absolutely right, the rest of the 25th was SO SPECTACULAR. I can't believe they went and randomly name-dropped and ruined it. 😭 Edited to add: I almost forgot to squee about Norm Lewis FALLING at the end of Stars. That thing he does with his voice that makes it sound like he's getting farther away?? It kills me every time!

I would be curious if you have opinions about my other favorite musical "Chess: The Musical?" The London Cast, The Broadway Cast and the RAH Concert Version Cast? Lots to talk about there, eh?

I've never listened to any other albums but the 25th anniversary concert and the newest 2020 concert. (And Lea Salonga and Michael Ball songs from the 10th) because anytime I tried, they just sounded wrong to me, because I've been listening to the 25th one since 2015 and I was just so used to how that one sounded. But I've been curious about the others for a 😮 this video absolutely convinced me. So the last week since I first watched this video, I've just been listening to non-stop Les Misérables because I'm cycling through the 25th anniversary, the 2010 cast, the 10th anniversary and the 2020 cast albums on repeat. Once I've listened to them enough to get a proper feel for what songs I like and which versions I prefer, I'm gonna make my own "Les Misérables: the ExperienceTM" soundtrack with mix and match of those 4 albums with my favourite from each one to make a complete experience through that. Especially because there are parts of each album that I really love and like and then just other parts I don't really like/have a favourite in another cast. Am I the only one who would actually love to be able to read through your Google docs spreadsheet, though? I'd honestly love to read your thoughts about each song Great video! I'm really happy it made me listen to other versions of Les misérables I'd otherwise never have listened to on my own!

I was in the 10th Anniversary Concert.

Which version is the most complete? I noticed Little People wasn’t on the 2019 Concert Album (unless I missed it).

10th Anniversary was #1 imo no competition. Colm, Phillip, Lea, Ball, and Ruthie were just incomparable and I could go on and on with the rest of the cast each of whom should be mentioned honorably.

Les Mis is my favorite musical, and I listen to all of the albums religiously. Why didn’t you also consider the original Broadway cast? That was the first one I listened to. I’m also five minutes into the video, so if I jumped the gun, that’s why. As I said, I’m not even a quarter of the way through, here are my opinions: Russell Crowe was good enough at acting for Javert, but his voice doesn’t fit well. Alfie Boe is amazing at singing, but I don’t think his voice fits Valjean. To me he sounds a bit more like an opera singer. I don’t know if he was ever in Phantom, but I would LOVE that. Ramin Karimloo… goodness where do I start? He’s just a powerhouse, and everything he does is amazing. Whichever album had Ramin, Hadley, and Nick Jonas, that’s not on Apple Music, which is what I use. And I didn’t realize that until I was 2/3 of the way through act one, and I didn’t hear either of them. It was the other 2010 album. Edit: Got it! The Original London’s opening does sound much less like Les Mis, but I still enjoy it so much? I also think Norm Lewis is so close to perfect for Javert. Phillip Quast is perfect. Garry Morris just doesn’t sound like he can belt in the Complete Symphonic Recording

Hi, I just want to ask which among the adaptations is the most accurate to the book?

10th Anniversary is the very best…I saw it 27 times on Broadway…

The 25th anniversary trying to fit the homoeroticism of the book Grantaire and Enjolras made me so happy because I remember reading the book at like 10 years old and then asking my dad if they were boyfriends.

Can you post your spreadsheet? I’d LOVE to look it over.

What happened to original broadway? Was Terrence Mann making it too unfair?

Russell Crowe’s Javert hurt my heart. Stars is one of my favourite songs and the less said about his version the better. Phillip Quast is my favourite Javert too ☺️. I think my favourite version is the 10th anniversary but I haven’t seen the 25th. Very interesting video.

This is such a great video! I actually don’t hate Nick Jonas in act 1 of the show because I feel like he does an okay job of acting in love and sweet, which is all he needs to do. It’s when he has to actually act emotional that he struggles. Due to this, I usually pick the 25th when watching it because I adore Alfie Boe, Norm Lewis, Lea Salonga, and Ramin Karimloo. And I agree that the music sounds fuller. But since it’s not on Spotify when I just listen to the show I just play the 10th. Colm Wilkinson’s Bring Him Home, Philip Quast’s Soliloquy, and Michael Ball’s Empty Chairs cannot possibly be out done. (and yeah the only thing I like about the movie is Red and Black 😅)

Only just saw this...Got to go with Colm, Quast, Ball, Ramin, Frances, Lucas, Galloway, Hall..special mention for Norm Lewis. 10th & 25 so good.

What about the non musical versions of les miserables. Liam Nelson played valjean and Geoffrey Rush played Javert in 98. And the older movies. Maybe check which version is the most faithful to the book.

Alun Armstrong gives me devotion to the original recording, plus the intro to stars.

Hey not for nothing, but I just looked at the playlist in the description, and Empty Chairs At Empty Tables is not in it. It's a moot point, but I just felt you should know.

I'm going to answer this before I even watch the video and say The CSR. I know it doesn't have Lea and Colm but it does have Philip Quest and it's the entire show unedited. I do like them all for so many different reasons. The London Recording has such a different beginning. I love the 10th and 25th. Not a big fan of the movie soundtrack. The French version is fun to listen to just to hear the changes in translation. My answer is still the Complete Symphonic Recording. Lets see if you agree. Now on with the video.

opinion on dog eats dog? doesn't seem to be in your playlist at all... in my opinion it's one of the most underrated and important character songs in the musical and is so daring to have a song so cynical and dark so late in the show. love this otherwise! such dedication!

You completely left out the 1987 original Broadway cast recording!! One of the most well known recordings of this show. It won a grammy for best show album. It contains some definitive performances such as Randy Graff as Fantine, Michael Maguire as Enjolras, Frances Ruffelle as Eponine, and Judy Kuhn as Cosette!!

To me the one I saw first was the 10th anniversary celebration. Michael Ball first got my eye. Then Quast. Then Lea Salonga with Michael was wonderful. They both are so good that you feel what they are singing/acting. It is surprising that your hormones/brain so connect.

i recently got into Les mis and my personal fav is the 2010 live recording

I know this may be late, but any thoughts on the 1987 broadway cast recording where Colm and Ruffelle reprise their roles, but Terrence Mann plays Javert and Leo Burmester as Thenardier? It’s my personal favorite of all of them and I was a bit disappointed when I didn’t see it in this (really well made) video

Le Mis the movie. I have heard a few people slam this movie. But one thing you are not thinking about is that this was more than likely an introduction to Le Mis to millions of people who would have never heard of it. For me because of the movie, I became a huge fan of Le Mis. I have seen the Broadway tour twice and loved it. I would have never had that experience if it weren't for the movie. I agree Russel Crowe wasn't the best, but it is still one of my favorites because it introduced me to this production. Just like the 10th anniversary was yours. Just coming from a someone who isn't versed in this field.

It's either the CSR or the 10th Anniversary Concert for me (and if I could pluck Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser from their timeline and just throw them back in time so they could be in that recording, I would). I disagree with you about the film though. I got *very* into Les Mis about a year before the film came out and when it did come out, it exceeded my expectations in almost every way, and I ended up seeing it in theatres seven times! I've come to realise that liking or disliking the film (or certain performances therein) has largely to do with what people expect from it, and I'd like to share my perspective here (sorry, this has turned into half an essay!). (Just to preface this, because when I've made this point in the past, I have sometimes been accused of not valuing great vocal performances or not knowing anything about good singing: I'm by no means a vocal expert, but I grew up in a family where randomly bursting into song is a frequent occurence and I've also been an amateur choir singer for going on 25 years, so I'm also not a complete novice) The reason why I say it comes down to expectation is because comparing the audio recording of the songs in the film with all the other audio recordings is almost like comparing apples and oranges - of course they don't sound comparable because, imo, the performances in the film were never *meant* to sound like the other recordings. In my view, the film tried to portray normal people who simply express their emotions through singing - and in that, it succeeded. Of course, random normal people breaking into song in everyday situations are not going to deliver stage-worthy performances, but in my opinion, that's okay because they're *not* on stage. Take "I Dreamed a Dream" because I think it's the best illustration of what I'm talking about. Now, I disagree with you about her vocal performance in this. Yes, her acting performance in this scene is amazing, but so is her vocal performance! She does a great job in that scene marrying the two. It's not a performance that would work on a stage, but in my eyes, that holds true vice versa too - a stage-like vocal performance would seem jarringly out of place in this very intimate film. I love that the film chose to do the live singing, and I love that it gives us the opportunity to experience the musical in this way - because we'll never get to experience this more intimate, raw, "normal people" version of the musical on stage, and as you've alluded to, there are so many other recordings we can fall back on for the more bombastic, polished singing. I love that Anne Hathaway in this scene sounds exactly like (well, 10 times better but you get what I mean) I did when I, a normal person, was singing this song over and over again in my bedroom to somehow express my emotions after my ex left me and could hardly make it through a single line without sobbing. Which normal poor factory worker would sing and sound like Lea Salonga does in the 25th Anniversary Concert after what just happened in that scene? (This is not a diss on Lea Salonga, whose performance in both anniversary concerts I adore btw) I sound completely different singing something on stage compared to if I just sing off the cuff because my emotions are threatening to overwhelm me (or just because I'm bored). The film deliberately tries to explore the latter, and I don't think there's anything wrong with taking that route, and, again imo, "normal people singing like normal people in (more or less) normal situations" does not a bad vocal performance make. Of course, they have to be somewhat selective about their "normal people" for the obvious reason that even if they're singing live and meant to marry "singing" and "acting" in whichever way they see fit, it still mustn't be painful for the audience to listen to it. To that end, I feel like the only actor in the entire film who at times misses the mark and crosses the line into the territory of "uncomfortable to listen to" is actually *not* Russell Crowe (I've watched this film so many times and even after all this time, I do not understand why his performance is so universally disliked, because there's absolutely nothing wrong with his singing! It's in tune, his vocal performance never sounds strained, he sounds comfortable enough, he has a good voice, and what more can anyone expect from an ordinary French policeman who has no time to take vocal lessons because all his energy is spent on hunting an ex-con?!), but Hugh Jackman. Hugh Jackman is the only one who is vocally miscast, because he does sometimes sound uncomfortably like he's straining his voice, especially when he's belting and in the higher registers (most especially during Bring Him Home) I understand why people who wanted the film to give them stage-appropriate vocal performances plus a film are disappointed, but I went in expecting - and also wanting - something that feels like it might be how an actual person would sing in that moment. I love that gritty hyper-intimated pseudo-realism, because in other movie musicals, I hate when it's obvious that the vocal performance couldn't have come out of the moment (think Meryl Streep belting her final note in "The Winner Takes It All" in the first Mamma Mia! film, while she starts running up the hill, and the audio remains 100% even and stable, and as much as I love Meryl Streep's performance, that moment alway takes me out of the scene because she starts running uphill, something should audibly change!) And that way, the film gives us something the stage show never could - and whenever I want something different, I revisit any of the other performances or my 10th/25th anniversary DVDs. Sorry for the long, long rant, you're perfectly entitled to your opinion! I just find it so sad that so many people dislike the film because it's not an orange, because they expected and wanted it to be an orange, when the film is actually an apple and apples are just not oranges, but they're no less delicious.

My favorite is the 10th Concert. Cuts aside, I think it’s rock solid. It also has that full orchestra. Favorite studio recording is the French Canadian cast. Favorite English studio recording is the Complete Symphonic.

I always feel conflicted about "listening" to a full Les Mis album because I'm like "why not watch the concert / movie" 😂 I do listen a lot to the seperate songs though, but rarely a full listen, unless I'm on a plane.

i was watching the 2012 concert and my older brother came in the room during the "Pledge Ourselves" section and he says "God these guys are kicking nick jonas in the ass right now"

What's the effect on royalties of cutting a song or a few linking lines? Would it be more or less significant over the course of a run than shaving off a few minutes of performance? Just a thought, as my understanding of the removal of the revolve was to avoid paying the RSC royalties on the original staging.

The answer's 10th Anniversary, the answer is always 10th Anniversary

What about the Original Broadway Cast Recording from 1987? I have a copy of it on the way from EBay at the moment…

all of them.... they each have something to offer.

I've been to see Les Miserables four times, once at Bradford Alhambra, twice in London and once in New York. The best show for me was the show in New York. Not an empty seat in the house. Absolutely brilliant !

Original London cast recording is a favorite for me. I saw the original show 1986 and also Chess and Fantom of the opera. Three original shows in one week😊. I don’t think I’ll experience something like that again😢

Would I be able to see spreadsheet

Truly the best way to describe nick jonas' performance is "not bad but not michael ball"

my favorite movie is 1995 of Les Miserables and 25th anniversary concert only two movie i like to watch

2:43 battle of the perms

10th anniversary or the movie.. without doubt.... perfect cast is 10th anniversary...

10th anniversary concert was the best by far. Ruthie Henshall made all the difference in the world.

really interesting that you recommended not starting with the staged concert - that was the one I started with (well I had watched the movie already but basically forgotten everything) and it's easily my favourite version with my favourite cast. I'm in the minority of absolutely loving Michael Ball's Javert, I just love how he plays him as someone driven to madness by his principles as opposed to the disciplined, prim and proper Javert that Philip Quast or Norm Lewis play (both of which for the record I greatly enjoy too); it shouldn't work and it clearly doesn't for most people but it did for me. I also think I might prefer Shan Ako to Samantha Barks.

Before I was dragged along to watch the movie, I only knew that it was set in France, involved the French revolution, was about a man trying to protect his daughter, and had an obsessive cop in it. The movie was mesmerizing, and the actors did an incredible job. The audience in the cinema even stood and clapped at the end. (I didn't do that. I shared their joy, but not their delusion that the cast could hear them.) From there I picked up and played the les mis 25th DvD that had been floating around my house for years. Don't know where it came from, don't know where it went. Yes, the stage version is orders of magnitude better musically, but the movie was still good. To cap off my unpopular opinions, Nick Jonas is my favourite Marius. I think that, what other people say he is lacking actually fits the unsure character he plays. It seems right that Enjolras should have a more powerful, confident, and capable voice. it may not be better musically, but I find his version more enjoyable.

I loved the movie! 🤗💕 Every selected actour was perfect for me, including Russell Crowe. And I have seen musical versions in theaters before watching movie.

I actually really like the 1985 version

Dang, that's more info than I could've asked for. Now, I'm coming off of The Greatest Showman (not all that good, but a huge fan of Jackman), I guess it would be OK to jump into the Jackman and Crowe version? Going in blind, but have heard some of the songs thanks to Susan Boyle (and, GASP) James Cordon doing his Crosswalk thing in Paris and having a singalong with another fave of mine, Lin Manuel in carpool. Dang it, I just skipped ahead and now I feel like an idiot. ... meh, screw it. If it takes Jackman to hook me into this, I'm just gonna let him :)

It's funny, a lot of the complaints you have about the original London cast album are the same reasons I prefer it over most other recordings: the songs are performed at tempi that suit them rather than being rushed through at breakneck speed so the orchestra doesn't have to be paid overtime; "Stars" has a much better, more character-centric ending instead closing with a showy bang to let the audience know when to clap; and the cast truly _sing_ the music instead of overemoting their way through them. Even the original orchestrations I find preferable to later productions, especially those of this century. Other recordings I give mad props to are the original Broadway cast (where the Cosette and Enjolras from the 10th Anniversary cast came from); and the original Paris cast, - different from the French concept album - which has a magnificent cast led by Robert Marien, a bit more music than the usual highlights that most cast ablums sport (including the complete "At the End of the Day" and Valjean's trip through the sewers), some much stronger lyrics, and, uniquely, _accurate pronunciation of the character names._

2014 west end cast is pretty good and there is a decent recording on youtube the marius and enjolras are both really good.

10th Anniversary Concert for me 😉

One of my favorite Les Misérables recordings is the original 1980 French version. I love that John Owen Jones has played both Jean Valjean and The Phantom. Another recording I like is the 1992 Copenhagen recording. My Disney cast Les Miz is Eugene Fitzherbert from the Tangled franchise as Valjean, Diego Cruz from BH6 the series as Javeart, the Notre Dame archdeacon as the bishop, Violet Parr from the Incredibles franchise as grown cosette, Boo from Monsters INC as young Cosette, and Tony Rydenger from the Incredibles franchise as Marius, Anna from Frozen as grown Eponine, Kristoff Bjorgman from Frozen as Enjoras, Rapunzel from the Tangled franchise as Fantine, Jenny from Oliver and company as young Eponine, Lady Caine and her second in comand from the Tangled Franchise as the Therardiers, and Dash Parr from the Incredibles franchise as Gaverache.

My favourite is The Staged Concert from 2019