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Post by birchie on Mar 17, 2013 17:47:21 GMT -5
A lot of negativity coming out again as the BluRay/DVD release comes near - trolls are coming out in droves again on IMDB ;D But it seems people are voting with their Place-order-clicks on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk -- the top editions of the release are both ranked # 3 on both bestseller lists, even if official release is not till a few days more in the USA and not till May in the UK. Jo We can't really expect anything better from those little minds. As you say, the smart people will respond with their wallets and those of us in the know will just be able to enjoy our purchase for years to come. Sue |
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Post by jo on Mar 18, 2013 18:13:10 GMT -5
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Post by jo on Mar 18, 2013 18:18:30 GMT -5
The BluRay/DVD combo pack is now # 1 in the movie bestseller list while the DVD version is # 6, on Amazon.com. The Deluxe Full Soundtrack ( for release on March 19) is now # 10 on the TOP 100 bestsellers for all music releases. It is # 1 among soundtrack releases, also both based on Amazon.com lists. >  |
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Post by birchie on Mar 18, 2013 19:31:44 GMT -5
The BluRay/DVD combo pack is now # 1 in the movie bestseller list while the DVD version is # 6, on Amazon.com. The Deluxe Full Soundtrack ( for release on March 19) is now # 10 on the TOP 100 bestsellers for all music releases. It is # 1 among soundtrack releases, also both based on Amazon.com lists. > Well I'm happy to be a contributor to the #6 & the #1-Got the combo pack for me and 2 DVDs for my Aunt and best friend who were too ill to see the movie in a theater. Since I think everyone should see it...and they like musicals and historical drama...I decided to gift them each a copy. We can't wait till Friday! > > :P :-/ Sue |
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Post by jo on Mar 18, 2013 19:57:47 GMT -5
LOL -- I have also pre-ordered two copies as gifts ( although I did try to gauge first if they like Les Miserables  ) -- *To a Brit friend celebrating her birthday, a day after the Amazon.UK release will be shipped to her just in time. I once gave her a CSR copy and she loved that ( we used to see each other a lot - we are both Michael Ball fans -- when I could travel more often to London). She told me that she did not cry as she expected in the movie - but that she only cried a lot! LOL! She also tells me that her MUM just loved the movie so I am glad that there would be at least two people in the house who will enjoy the DVD. *I thought I would give as a graduation present to my grandniece who will be turning 12 soon ( she is graduating from elementary school early April) a copy of the BluRay combo and the vocal/piano compilation. She loved the movie and has already learned 6-7 songs from the movie musical. They do have a big home entertainment room in their house, so maybe I might come over and watch the movie with her again! *I have already given my sister a copy of the Highlights version of the soundtrack -- she had seen the stage musical in London and Broadway...and of course the movie musical, which she insisted on joining us in seeing , even if she was just recovering from some health problems! I have never thought that 25 years down the line, that I would continue to be as delighted with Les Miserables as I was before and would continue to share this appreciation of the musical with others Jo |
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Post by birchie on Mar 18, 2013 21:10:59 GMT -5
LOL -- I have also pre-ordered two copies as gifts ( although I did try to gauge first if they like Les Miserables ) -- *To a Brit friend celebrating her birthday, a day after the Amazon.UK release will be shipped to her just in time. I once gave her a CSR copy and she loved that ( we used to see each other a lot - we are both Michael Ball fans -- when I could travel more often to London). She told me that she did not cry as she expected in the movie - but that she only cried a lot! LOL! She also tells me that her MUM just loved the movie so I am glad that there would be at least two people in the house who will enjoy the DVD. *I thought I would give as a graduation present to my grandniece who will be turning 12 soon ( she is graduating from elementary school early April) a copy of the BluRay combo and the vocal/piano compilation. She loved the movie and has already learned 6-7 songs from the movie musical. They do have a big home entertainment room in their house, so maybe I might come over and watch the movie with her again! *I have already given my sister a copy of the Highlights version of the soundtrack -- she had seen the stage musical in London and Broadway...and of course the movie musical, which she insisted on joining us in seeing , even if she was just recovering from some health problems! I have never thought that 25 years down the line, that I would continue to be as delighted with Les Miserables as I was before and would continue to share this appreciation of the musical with others Jo I guess we think alike. If something is wonderful I just love to share it with those I care about.  I was thinking of getting my aunt the OFCA because, a) she's French and b) she doesn't hear or see that well so watching the movie she may miss certain things. My cousin and I have talked about it...he'll be upping the volume and putting the captions on. She's 93 and up until a couple years ago she was very active but health problems and her poor eyes & hearing have slowed her considerably recently. Sue |
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Post by alma on Mar 20, 2013 16:35:46 GMT -5
Jo It's interesting that my comment as "Jamie" under the review was made several days ago but is only appearing now. The review captured what anyone who loves this work as book, stage, and film sees and exactly why it will last forever. Hugh is in good hands when our very eloquent Ozalots (Jamie, Jo, Ellen, Sue...et.al.) speak up for him in those forums! ;D I saw the film for the seventh (and last time at the cinema) last weekend. I've happily done my share to increase those international box office numbers. And I've just ordered the DVD pack, the two-disk Soundtrack, and the Stage-to-Screen book. So I've happily done my share in that area also. Whew! So ready for a Les Miserables banquet. I am unfamiliar with any recordings of Les Miserables, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the Epilogue in the Soundtrack includes a VERY complete JVJ death scene. I'm afraid, though, that my tears will overflow at home just like they did at the cinema. Or maybe only a "Complete Symphonic Recording" would be enough for me. Am I right in thinking that such a recording would include practically every word between songs, Jo? When are they releasing THAT? Alma |
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Post by Jamie on Mar 20, 2013 17:25:45 GMT -5
My favorite of the "concert recordings" is the BBC 21st anniversary because it includes narration of the story between the songs. I don't know if it is still available to download on line because as far as I know there isn't a CD.
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Post by jo on Mar 20, 2013 18:51:39 GMT -5
Alma,
The CSR was recorded with a great mix of voices - notably Michael Ball, Philip Quast, Anthony Warlowe, Debra Byrne ( Hugh's Sunset Boulevard co-star) and to me, also Gary Morris as Valjean ( he was the first Valjean I had seen onstage, on Broadway). At that time, it contained the entire libretto of the stage musical, which had been changed somewhat over the years.
It is one of my favorites because it includes a printed libretto, with the 3-disc recording.
Also, I am biased, because Michael Ball is my favorite singer and I discovered him in Les Miserables - he was the original Marius ( and Mackintosh has called him the "definitive voice of Marius)! I think I fell in love with Les Miserables partly because I discovered his glorious voice in the original London cast recording. To this day, he continues the link to the past, as he has recorded a cover of SUDDENLY for his new album, at the suggestion of Cameron Mackintosh. One regret is that the concert version of Les Miserables performed at Windsor Castle for the Queen of England and the Prime Minister of France was not recorded, because it featured Michael as Jean Valjean.
...And because of this great love affair with the musical, I blushingly confess to owning so many versions of the musical score, including the original French concept album and a French album of the revival in Paris but already as a Mackintosh/Nunn version. I think it is the imagery and the music which binds me to the show, regardless of the language.
Jo
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Post by jo on Mar 20, 2013 18:57:22 GMT -5
Has anyone already gotten a copy of the Deluxe Soundtrack ( released on March 19)? I was listening to the Samplers for the album on Amazon and had a very wonderful surprise -- www.amazon.com/Les-Mis%C3%A9rables-Original-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B00BG08FKK/ref=zg_bs_music_7In Sampler # 15 ( called The Convent), it features Hugh singing a recitative that was using the melody for one of my favorite songs from the show, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables! I had forgotten this from the movie itself but now recall that I had written how the melody was used before Marius got hold of it. Great surprise from Hugh...er Valjean Jo |
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Post by birchie on Mar 20, 2013 19:25:11 GMT -5
Has anyone already gotten a copy of the Deluxe Soundtrack ( released on March 19)? I was listening to the Samplers for the album on Amazon and had a very wonderful surprise -- www.amazon.com/Les-Mis%C3%A9rables-Original-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B00BG08FKK/ref=zg_bs_music_7In Sampler # 15 ( called The Convent), it features Hugh singing a recitative that was using the melody for one of my favorite songs from the show, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables! I had forgotten this from the movie itself but now recall that I had written how the melody was used before Marius got hold of it. Great surprise from Hugh...er Valjean Jo I'm glad that's included in the full soundtrack. When I heard it in the movie my impression was that it was a way for Jean Valjean to reconnect with the Bishop. The nuns "reminding" him of his first encounter with the Bishop "Come in sir for you are weary, and the night is cold out here..."...In that respect, I found the scene very moving in the movie. I look forward to hearing it on the soundtrack. Sue |
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Post by jo on Mar 20, 2013 21:17:11 GMT -5
I was trawling YouTube for amateur covers of SUDDENLY and found this enchanting one from a female singer, Bonnie Lee. Imagine a mother singing this bedtime lullaby to her young child  www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXHEa8FyfskBeautiful! In the same vein, this is one song that I would like Lea Salonga, with the crystalline quality in her voice, do a cover of! One of my favorite songs by Lea is an iconic lullaby in our native language ( composed by one of our national artists) and she just moves me so much with that rendition! Hey, Lea And I would absolutely love to hear or see Hugh singing the song to his Ava! Hey, Hugh Jo |
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Post by marymagdalene on Mar 20, 2013 21:58:15 GMT -5
Has anyone already gotten a copy of the Deluxe Soundtrack ( released on March 19)? I was listening to the Samplers for the album on Amazon and had a very wonderful surprise -- www.amazon.com/Les-Mis%C3%A9rables-Original-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B00BG08FKK/ref=zg_bs_music_7In Sampler # 15 ( called The Convent), it features Hugh singing a recitative that was using the melody for one of my favorite songs from the show, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables! I had forgotten this from the movie itself but now recall that I had written how the melody was used before Marius got hold of it. Great surprise from Hugh...er Valjean ;)Jo I picked it up yesterday (March 19th), and have been listening to it slowly... So far, it is FANTASTIC! The first "Look Down" (Valjean vs Javert) is what is in the Highlights CD. "The Convent" is EXTREMELY pretty... When I was just about to turn off my car once I got home, I was JUST about to start "Look Down" (Paris/Gavroche)... Kind of difficult when you only drive 10 minutes to and from work! I should have more to say about the DELUXE soundtrack by this tiime tomorrow... |
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Post by birchie on Mar 21, 2013 21:16:52 GMT -5
I just called my son and sang..."One day more, another day another destiny...this never ending road to DVD" He had a nice laugh. A few days ago I decided to also get the Target special, exclusive set so he's picking that up for me tomorrow and my Amazon pre-order BluRay/DVD is coming tomorrow and my friend & Aunt are getting their DVDs delivered tomorrow too. With 2 BluRay/DVD sets the whole family will get a copy. I'm giving the extra BluRay to the older one who's picking up the Target set and the extra DVD is going to my DIL since her husband, my younger son, has no real interest in it.
One Day More....!!
Sue
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Post by jo on Mar 21, 2013 21:58:39 GMT -5
What have I done, sweet Jesus, what have I done
Bought discs from Target, Amazon.com and even the uk
And have I fallen so far, picked up all options
That nothing remains but the cry of my Card,
That cries in the dark, that nobody hears,
Here where I stand at the turning of the years.
If there's another way to go,
I risked it twenty five years ago,
Les Mis was a war that could never be won,
They gave me a show and showed me Valjean,
Where they chained me and left me for long,
Watching the stage, now a movie show.
Yet why did I allow that man,
To touch my soul and teach me love,
He treated me like any other,
He gave me his trust,
Bonded me to Les Mis
My life he claims for fandom ever more,
Can such things be?
For I had come to love the mus'cal,
This mus'cal that resonates with me.
Take a knife for an eye,
Turn your heart into stone,
This is all I have lived for,
This is all I have known.
One call from the music, I'd be back,
In cinema, TV, audio player.
Methinks he offers me my freedom,
To like other shows and other films,
He said that I had a choice.
How does he know?
What spirit comes to move my life,
Is there another show to go.
I am reaching, but I fall,
And the night is closing in,
And I stare into the void,
To the call of Les Mis'rables
Can I escape now from the world,
From the world of Jean Valjean,
Jean Valjean is everywhere,
Can another story please begin...
For this Jackman / Les Mis fan???
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alma
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Post by alma on Mar 21, 2013 23:46:35 GMT -5
Jo, I (naturally!) meant a CSR featuring Hugh and the rest of the cast, but that recording sounds amazing! I'm 'hooked' on Les Mis now, so I can understand why over the years you've wanted to collect all the great versions that kept appearing. The timeless themes in Victor Hugo's classic tug at your heart. But if the music and lyrics were not such masterpieces, the musical would have fizzled out long ago. So once more (I know I've repeated myself too much): hats off to Schönberg, Boublil and Kertzmer. And to Hugh and the rest of the cast for their excellence and commitment to the film, but specially to Tom Hooper for his vision and CARE in making it. About the third or fourth time I watched the movie, I noticed that several melodies are repeated with different lyrics, in situations with different characters, like when Fantine is dying and she sings "Come to me, Cossette, the light is fading..." is the melody for Eponine's "On my own, pretending he's beside me"... I thought it was strange, at first, but then I thought this ties the characters together throughout the film beautifully. Such a masterful composer certainly would not be lacking in new ideas, so I'm sure it was deliberately done for effect, to link the character's tribulations. Mr. Schönberg, it worked. Jamie, I checked for your favorite concert (21st Anniversary, BBC) and you're right, it's not available. Apparently it was available for a week after it was on: "For those who don't recieve BBC Radio 2, it should be available to listen to online for 1 week after the broadcast on www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/. It is very rare that performances on BBC radio are released on CD and therefore it is unlikely to happen." Unless I'm not looking in the right places? That's what I found in mdn.chanvrerie.net/bbc-records-les-miserables-21st-birthday-concert__o_t__t_51754.htmlAnd I loved your "Les Miserables is Anything But"! blankandwhite.net/2012/12/26/les-miserables-is-anything-but/ I love that picture of Hugh with three of the Barricade Boys. I hadn't seen this one before!  Alma |
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Post by alma on Mar 21, 2013 23:54:12 GMT -5
What have I done, sweet Jesus, what have I done Bought discs from Target, Amazon.com and even the uk And have I fallen so far, picked up all options That nothing remains but the cry of my Card, That cries in the dark, that nobody hears, Here where I stand at the turning of the years. If there's another way to go, I risked it twenty five years ago, Les Mis was a war that could never be won, They gave me a show and showed me Valjean, Where they chained me and left me for long, Watching the stage, now a movie show. Yet why did I allow that man, To touch my soul and teach me love, He treated me like any other, He gave me his trust, Bonded me to Les Mis My life he claims for fandom ever more, Can such things be? For I had come to love the mus'cal, This mus'cal that resonates with me. Take a knife for an eye, Turn your heart into stone, This is all I have lived for, This is all I have known. One call from the music, I'd be back, In cinema, TV, audio player. Methinks he offers me my freedom, To like other shows and other films, He said that I had a choice. How does he know? What spirit comes to move my life, Is there another show to go. I am reaching, but I fall, And the night is closing in, And I stare into the void, To the call of Les Mis'rables Can I escape now from the world, From the world of Jean Valjean, Jean Valjean is everywhere, Can another story please begin... For this Jackman / Les Mis fan??? JO, YOU HIT A HOMERUN!!!!! WHERE'S THAT "ROFL"? ;D Alma |
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Post by jo on Mar 22, 2013 3:37:51 GMT -5
Alma, Sadly, I doubt that a CSR can ever happen with Hugh and company...unless you or a techie friend can rip off the entire screenplay/score from the movie/bluray or dvd ... Hope someone here can or is willing to do that ... I would be willing to pick up a copy!...Also, releasing the entire score direct from the movie may need much more than 2 discs, which they may find hard to sell, if it is basically just the recitatives that will be added. They never recorded the singing in a studio...all the singing is direct to the filmmaking. Neither do they have any time to do that now - Hugh and a few are quite busy and have moved on to new projects. Plus it would be very costly, it would not be just the singing cast but the 70-member orchestra plus the technical crews which would be needed to produce a new CSR! Re the repeating use of melodic themes -- that is generally referred to as the use of leitmotifs ( which I understand originated from the world of opera). In many sung-through musicals, you will find the use of leitmotifs often. It is not just Boublil and Schonberg, but the most prodigious composer ALWebber has done that a lot in his many musicals. My favorite musical which has used leitmotifs is Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE - which I think is his most beautiful and most gorgeous musical score. Re Les Miserables -- here's one very interesting fact -- the melody that was used in the French concept album called L'Air de la Misere became On My Own in the English version. BUT, it was not the song of Eponine...rather it was the song of Fantine! Also, another interesting fact -- in the original French concept album, the role of Valjean was composed for a baritone (it actually made sense that way -- why would a rough and gruff convict sound like an operatic tenor??) -- but it did not have BRING HIM HOME. That was written for the English version and since it was sung by Colm, it was written for his tenor voice. They had to transpose the Valjean parts of the entire score up, for his vocal range, when the original French musical was reimagined for the English version which opened in London years later. There are many interpretations -- sometimes, the differences add to the pleasure of listening to the scores. Of course I am biased for Michael Ball, always - because he is my favorite singer Hope you find new pleasure in discovering other Les Mis treasures -- but you have started with a good one. The movie musical score is very different from stage productions because it does not put the beauty of the singing as its primary consideration. Rather, it is acting through song ( Hooper's directorial choice and the actors acting/singing choices) which favors the imaginative and realistic storytelling over the beauty of the singing voice. Musical theatre purists argue against it -- but to each his own. The movie was never meant to be a clone of the stage musical. Both musical incarnations of Les Miserables deserve different appreciation, never one being better than the other. After all, the book of Victor Hugo has been adapted many times and the past non-musical films have their own legion of fans. The story of Valjean remains the same...and so do the rest of Hugo's fascinating characters! Jo |
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Post by jo on Mar 22, 2013 3:57:57 GMT -5
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Post by jo on Mar 22, 2013 8:41:31 GMT -5
A detailed review of the BluRay/DVD release, which highlights the positive features of the home video, including reasons why it would gain new fans ( including the stage fans who were polarized by the movie musical version) -- cliqueclack.com/p/les-miserables-bluray-dvd-review/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Mis¨¦rables becomes an even more intimate spectacle on home videoClacked by Chuck Duncan on Friday, March 22, 2013 ¡¤ ¡®Les Mis¨¦rables¡¯ divided fans of the musical, and found some new ones with the film version, but is the new home video release worth a second, or third, look? The film version of the beloved stage musical Les Mis¨¦rables certainly divided fans of the show. When I reviewed Les Mis¨¦rables back in December for its theatrical release, I commented on how this epic production was surprisingly intimate because of director Tom Hooper¡¯s use ¡ª some might say over-use ¡ª of extreme close-ups during some of the movie¡¯s big musical numbers. The film version of the beloved stage musical certainly divided fans of the show because of its not exactly strict adaptation from stage to screen, and a lot of movie-goers felt that the close-ups were more than a little over-powering on a giant movie screen. Of course, the biggest complaint came at the expense of Russell Crowe¡¯s singing ability, or lack thereof depending on how you felt about him, but I still defend his voice. It¡¯s not a ¡°Broadway voice¡± by any means, and that fact alone set him apart from the rest of the cast who did have the ability to belt their tunes to the back of the house. He wasn¡¯t bad, but his voice just didn¡¯t mesh well with the others or the material. But kudos to him for giving it a shot. It certainly wasn¡¯t enough to ruin the movie, for me anyway. And now, with the movie newly released on a variety of home video formats, viewers can re-assess their initial thoughts about the film experience, good or bad. Theatrically, I had more of an issue with the thinness of the orchestra. Having seen the show live many times, I didn¡¯t think the film score had the same oomph as a live orchestra. I don¡¯t know if any major remixing has been done for the video release, or if perhaps the cineplex just had a lousy sound system, but the aural experience with the Blu-ray¡¯s 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio let the voices shine front and center (with some nice directional effects corresponding to a character¡¯s placement on screen) while allowing the orchestra to swell powerfully through the surround speakers, along with the directional sound effects (waves, gunfire, crowds). I really found the audio mix to be much more pleasing than the theatrical experience, even as it emphasized some of the limitations in the actors¡¯ voices ¡ but that also gives the performances another level of realness. The fact that all of the singing was captured live during filming is a major accomplishment and the process is very well represented on the video release. For the record, the DVD¡¯s 5.1 Dolby Digital mix is just as good. The film image on Blu-ray is an accurate representation of the film, nicely highlighting the shift from darkness in the first half of the movie to a brighter future by the film¡¯s conclusion (even if the ending is more than a little bittersweet). The color palette Hooper employed is also represented well, with colors very muted in the first part of the movie, becoming more vibrant as the story progresses. Best of all, the close-ups during Anne Hathaway¡¯s and Samantha Barks¡¯ single-take songs, are less over-powering, more intimate, giving you much more of an emotional punch as the actors are closer to life-size than they are on a movie screen. Hooper¡¯s choice to give the film this kind of intimacy that isn¡¯t possible with the stage show now seems to be a much better decision than it was originally. The DVD¡¯s standard definition, 16¡Á9 image is also very acceptable. Hooper¡¯s commentary is very informative as he explains some of his directorial choices like adding scenes, changing lyrics and rearranging numbers that upset the show¡¯s purists. Fans of the movie (and the book or show) should be interested in the extras included on the Blu-ray and DVD. At the top of the list is Hooper¡¯s audio commentary. It may be a little dry at times, but it¡¯s very informative as he explains some of his directorial choices like adding scenes to help bring more emotional depth to a character¡¯s journey (the dinner scene with Valjean and the Bishop, for example, that was not in the show, or the scene where Valjean brings young Cosette home for the first time ¡ a scene that is in the book and required a new song to be written by the show¡¯s original team), and changing or cutting some lyrics and rearranging the placement of Anne Hathaway¡¯s ¡°I Dreamed a Dream¡± number (which may have even helped her win that Oscar) thanks to a suggestion by Eddie Redmayne. It¡¯s a very informative track that also talks about the whole process of recording live, the locations, working with the original writers, and some of the cast¡¯s acting decisions (Hathaway wanted to lose weight and have her hair cut on-screen, while Jackman had to bulk up over the course of the film, which required a lot of it to be shot in chronological order). Also included on the Blu-ray is a one-hour behind-the-scenes look at the film¡¯s production, ¡°Les Mis¨¦rables: A Revolutionary Approach,¡± which can be viewed in six separate segments or in its entirety. The segments are broken down in the following chapters: ¡öThe Stars of Les Mis¨¦rables (11 minutes) ¡ª A look at the casting for the film, including Jackman¡¯s regime to prepare for the role (including some behind the scenes looks at his rock hard body), and Hathaway¡¯s desire to lose weight for the role and have her hair cut on screen. ¡öThe West End Connection (8 minutes) ¡ª The producers discuss the importance of including original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, in the film, and Samantha Barks¡¯ journey to the role of Eponine. The piece also highlights some of the West End and Broadway cast members who appear in small roles. (Blu-ray only) ¡öLes Mis¨¦rables On Location (9 minutes) ¡ª A look at shooting on locations like the dry dock that opens the film, and all of the various locations that give the film its epic scope. (Blu-ray only) ¡öCreating the Perfect Paris (4 minutes) ¡ª A look at rebuilding the Paris of the story which no longer exists in reality. ¡öBattle at the Barricade (5 minutes) ¡ª Creating the barricade scene and how most of it was shot in real time with the cast actually building the structure in about 10 minutes. (Blu-ray only) ¡öLes Mis¨¦rables Singing Live (23 minutes) ¡ª Tom Hooper and the cast discuss the decision and process of recording the actors singing live on set, and takes a look at a particularly trying moment during the recording of the film¡¯s score. (Blu-ray only) The Blu-ray and DVD also include the 11-minute ¡°The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo¡¯s Les Mis¨¦rables¡± which is a short bio of the author that tells how his work inspired the actors, and how the character of Marius was inspired by Hugo himself. It gives a nice historical account of Hugo¡¯s life and the inspirations for the story. Overall, if you were a fan of the movie, you will definitely want to add this to your video collection, and even for those who love the show but hated the movie, it might be worth giving it a second look. I know I have definitely come away with a new appreciation for the movie and for all of the hard work that went into its making. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope fans who were turned away somewhat by their cinematic experience will enjoy the movie better now. Jo |
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Post by foxie on Mar 22, 2013 10:03:48 GMT -5
o angry Amazon said mine would be here today I am even off this aM and it didnt come!!!!!!
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Post by JH4HJ on Mar 22, 2013 12:29:52 GMT -5
I doubt that a CSR can ever happen with Hugh and company...unless you or a techie friend can rip off the entire screenplay/score from the movie/bluray or dvd ... Hope someone here can or is willing to do that ... I would be willing to pick up a copy!... Easy enough to do... with the right software, and a little patience. |
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Post by jo on Mar 22, 2013 17:53:35 GMT -5
Mackintosh and Samantha reminisce about the filmmaking -- insidemovies.ew.com/2013/03/22/les-miserables-samantha-barks-cameron-mackintosh-video-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Samantha Barks and Cameron Mackintosh talk 'Les Miserables' -- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO by Erin Strecker People who enjoy a good cry, today is your lucky day: The film version of Les Misérables is now out on Blu-ray and DVD. The epic musical has been running all over the world for over 26 years, and according to movie producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who also produced the original show, an idea to make a movie version has been kicking around for nearly as long, but only recently – despite an occasional exception — have movie musicals been seen as a commercially successful idea. “Musicals 25 years ago were very few and far between,” Mackintosh explained to EW. “I think in the sort of last seven or eight years we’ve started to see more and more musicals get made. There’s no doubt that the success of Moulin Rouge and Mamma Mia! and Chicago plus Sweeney Todd [helped Les Mis get made].” For fans who grew up singing “One Day More” into a hairbrush and were mighty nervous about a big-screen version that stayed closer to Victor Hugo’s original work, but lost a lot of the musical moments they’d fallen in love with, they may owe a thank-you card to director Tom Hooper and Mackintosh. “There was a lot more dialogue in the original screenplay,” Mackintosh explained. “And then Tom said, ‘What I want you to do is turn the dialogue and [put it] into the form the show is in.’ And I think by setting us to work, both to deconstruct the stage musical and take the material and remake it as a story that happens to be told through music for the movies, that was the key to shooting that laid the groundwork for the film to be successful….One of the other things [Hooper] said to me when we first met was that he felt we should record [the songs] live, which is something I felt passionately about for years. …[Singing live] was a risky step, but it was a risk that paid off.” Watch below for an EW exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette about the live singing on location: For Samantha Barks, who was already an old pro as playing the “pretty badass” Eponine, having already performed the role on stage in London and in the 25th Anniversary Concert, belting “On My Own” live may not have seemed like a big deal – but singing on stage is a bit different than singing for film. “Although I do it on stage every day, on stage you know at 7:30 p.m. you’re ready to go,” Barks told EW, while also explaining that on film she had to wear a mouth guard and practice singing around that. “Whereas with this, sometimes I’d be picked up at five in the morning and [have to be] ready to sing at six. And then you’re singing at 10 o’clock at night and then again the next morning. So it required stamina in different ways.” And, of course, besides the singing, the movie provided a few thrills that weren’t seen in the stage show, such as “one of the high spots of the whole film” for Mackintosh: The moment when Javert (Russell Crowe) pins his badge on young Gavroche. For Barks, the movie thrill came a bit earlier in the story, during the first screening she watched alongside Eddie Redmayne (Marius) and Amanda Seyfried (Cosette). “There was an amazing moment when Hugh rips up his parole letter and throws it up into the air and then it goes into the opening song [sings opening melody] I got chills; I welled up. I grabbed Eddie and Amanda’s arms in the cinema. We couldn’t believe [we got] to be a part of it.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The exclusive video is all about Hugh. Check it out -- he says one word in French at the end Jo |
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Post by birchie on Mar 22, 2013 18:07:16 GMT -5
Wasn't sure where to put this but it is "other media" and it's a song from Les Miserables sooooooo...I thought it was very well done. I have a feeling that this song is going to produce a lot of videos like this one! Hope you all enjoy it. youtu.be/NxVehgQBLRgSue |
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Post by birchie on Mar 22, 2013 18:10:49 GMT -5
I'm still digesting and re-living my Les Miserables experience today. Watched the BluRay and special features...fabulous! Tonight I'm watching the DVD with the commentary on. Want to hear what Tom has to say and see if the DVD is noticeably different from the DVD. Tomorrow morning I'll be watching the extra disc with another hour of special features from the Target exclusive. I hope to provide suitable comments after all that.
Sue
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