Which Version of Les Mis Should You Watch/Listen To??

[@ilsaruthen5478]

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,)

[@introusas]

I love that! Michael Ball’s performance can’t be topped

[@jingkezhou6121]

“悲惨世界25周年无马版”😂😂😂（type these in bilibili）

[@Dead_Girl_Walking-hm9ek]

My comment just disappeared 😂

[@spikewong9740]

Right its bilibili, they called NickJonas "Little God Horse" which means "what is he doing" or "how bad his voice". While I think Nick is not a bad singer, but not suitble for musical

[@borisfenestra]

Nick Jonas is fine, you know? Like, he's a solid singer. But you put him next to Alfie Boe, and suddenly it looks like a guy with water wings swimming next to Michael Phelps. He was just so outclassed, it honestly wasn't fair.

[@marwoodrobinson1969]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Aaaah! The more you know! Thank you!

[@marwoodrobinson1969]

@@CoynieReads Your welcome Coynie! It was a great show. I got to go for free as at the time I was working at The Palace Theatre where Les Mis originally was.

[@AM-613]

You’re so lucky ! What a great concert

[@introusas]

Can you tell me what those weird groaning noises were?!?! They drive me absolutely nuts!

[@joekrouse8625]

Try the original Broadway cast from 1987. Terrance Mann as Javert is great. Quast is my favorite though. Randy Graff as Fantine and Frances Rufelle reprises her London role. Also Colm Wilkinson as Valjean. Give it a listen.

[@beethockmtee8565]

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

[@gleikasantos8919]

i agree completely! in fact he's the one that got me into les mis i only listened to the symphonic recording because of him, he's always been my favourite enjolras

[@brendanburns4596]

Love Warlow! Discovered him in this recording. Also have Jekyll & Hyde and Secret Garden Highlights with him and Phillip Quast. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Washington D.C. after a performance of Man of La Mancha.

[@faftc-rcompany2800]

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 !

[@rebekakovacs9726]

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

[@gleikasantos8919]

i confess i didn't like his enjolras when i listened to the album but then i watched the movie and completely fell in love with him! his enjolras is UNMATCHED

[@antirealist]

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

[@logandehaven6012]

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

[@bradcpuvids]

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

[@bcm4134]

Fact check says: You are correct! That is the best thing about this recording, though Michael Ball and Philip Quast are both worth mentioning.

[@frankhuhn7369]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Thank you! I definitely need to get around to the 1998 film one of these days!

[@theresisty7122]

@@CoynieReads Geoffrey Rush's Javert is the best acted version there is. (Note: I haven't seen David Oyelowo's yet.)

[@thetbrdiaries]

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!

[@CoynieReads]

It's the sign that you have so many thoughts and feelings that you know you have to structure them to make sure you're making sense 😂

[@CarolineATorge]

Do yourself a favor, and do go and listen to/watch other versions. I highly suggest watching both the 10th and 25th anniversary editions . : )

[@AuntieM27]

I hated the movie version with a passion. This musical calls out for subline singing and it did not get that in the movie. It's just a pity that no one told the producers that there is an enormous difference between a singer who can act and and actor (no matter how famous) who cannot sing and none of these highly paid actors could do justice to these songs.

[@theresisty7122]

I love productions that lean heavily into the Grantaire/Enjolras relationship. In the book, Victor Hugo is not subtle in laying out the fact the Grantaire is head-over-heels in love with Enjolras, while Enjolras is clearly described as what we would today call aro-ace. Seeing this dynamic play out on stage gives so much more pathos to the characters and really heightens the tragedy.

[@sashahawkins]

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)

[@at1212b]

I saw Lea as Fantine in 07. She was absolutely mind blowing. Drew Sarich played opposite and wow, he had a better performance than Karim as Valjean IMO.

[@heatherheyer2177]

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.

[@ChillGamerBlue]

Now you have me curious as I hadn't heard of a radio play of it. I'll definitely take a listen!

[@fredrickmagnus]

I listened to that as a kid! I really enjoyed Focus on the Family Radio Theater audio books.

[@chantellebehrens]

This was my introduction to Les Miserables and cemented my love of Brian Blessed for life.

[@roosterruler]

I loved that growing up!

[@meredithchandler73]

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!

[@nathanwhitehead1140]

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!

[@CarolineATorge]

If it is what you are mentioning, it is only a few songs from the show :( (but otherwise awesome)

[@rafaelolmeda7295]

Caroline you are incorrect. It's a 2-CD set with just as much content as the original London recording.

[@douglemberg7614]

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

[@nintendonut100]

A lot of people don't like Morris, and it seems like it's just because he doesn't sound like Colm, but personally I love Morris' Valjean

[@med0618]

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.

[@PagesAndStages]

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

[@PagesAndStages]

ALSO!! Have you seen the video where Philip Quast breaks down how he acts Javert’s Soliloquy? It’s the most incredible thing

[@CoynieReads]

Yes!!! I loved hearing his breakdown. Yeah, I really liked Carrie as Fantine but I do generally prefer her Eponine. I think she was a brilliant Eponine. I know you can still buy the 25th online and it's often played on the Sky Arts channel but since the Gielgud DVD came out it's been a bit buried by that, which is a shame! 😩

[@mcd2173]

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

[@andrewpreston1518]

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.

[@that_one_guy_you_walk_past]

Yesssss! I agree, it’s so much better that it’s realistic

[@maxphilpott9677]

Singing is just awful though

[@TheSylvanpass]

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…”

[@animationmusicals]

The 2012 movie is precious to me

[@maxphilpott9677]

No I just cant agree, the singing is just so bad, if you listen to it it physically hurts

[@animationmusicals]

@@maxphilpott9677 Again this is my opinion, and your argument is clearly an exaggeration. And singing also is subjective and depends on your taste. If you don't like it, that doesn't make it factually ''bad'', that's just your opinion.

[@saraplesingerova9970]

​@@animationmusicals I agree, I agree! ❤️

[@fellinuxvi3541]

​@@animationmusicals But what about things like Javert's ACCURATE voice? What does that mean? Also the costumes? They changed Javert from an inspector and gave him that awful prison outfit.

[@animationmusicals]

@@fellinuxvi3541 Accurate meaning that his boldness in singing fits Javert's personality. Having a Javert with a weak singing voice instead of a bold one does not fit.

[@biddleeewho4181]

The symphonic recording is definitely my favorite. It's probably the closest we'll ever get to a complete uncut version of the show and i think all the actors are fantastic. Little things like the opening to Master of the House giving some context to Thenardier as a character is why i love it so much. As far as i know that, as well as some other moments in it, hasn't been recorded anywhere else. Gary Morris isn't my favorite Valjean but i absolutely love his voice. His version of Bring Him Home is probably my favorite.

[@gleikasantos8919]

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

[@CarolineATorge]

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....)

[@mikekaraoke]

So what other theatre shows musicals/plays have you seen? I was going to follow your CarolineAnnMartinPhotography page but it doesn't work for some reason?? I'm from the UK in England-have you seen any theatre here live on stage??

[@kristenrock7783]

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.

[@danaelamond6888]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Yes, I really enjoyed the BBC adaptation, especially since I read it after reading the book. It was great to be able to see those chapters from the book that weren't in the musical brought to life.

[@peterthayer6238]

Nick Jonas is totally undervalued as Marius. So what he doesn't have an operatic background. He wasnt hammy like Michael Ball. Recordist could have amplified his voice a bit. Its a common practice in recordings. As the 25th Anniv. Version was mostly spoken face forward into stationary microphones, acting was discouraged. Only a couple of the cast broke character. Jonas's Empty Tables was the best I've seen. It was more sung from the heart. One weakness to the 25th Anniv. Version was cutting Gavroche's role. The gal commenting on the versions was arrogant and obsessed. Particularly with Michael Ball. Boe showed absolutely no emotion in his face. Even with regard to his interaction with Cosette. He was cold. I agree that Phillip Quest was faultless. As was Karimloo, so don't compare them with other cast members. How can this commentator go on and on and on almost breathlessly. I wonder who would seek her opinion.

[@annaskellington1]

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!

[@Jim_F44]

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 KZbin. 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!!!

[@dadhusfam]

I brief comment. I did see the production that is currently in LA earlier in its run when it was at the Kennedy Center in DC. While there have been changes in the production that I am not fond of (i.e., how they handle Javert's death), I cannot fault the cast. They definitely put their heart into it. I like it so much that I recommended to my daughter who lives in LA.

[@KDbooks]

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

[@CoynieReads]

You know it!! 😂

[@irine_elle]

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

[@CoynieReads]

How could I forget the most iconic performance?!

[@Abonanno24601]

Broadway recording was in between the London and CSR.

[@ventrilokid197]

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!

[@stevepreskitt283]

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.

[@stagemgr1]

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.

[@Casutama]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Don’t worry, I live for Les Mis rants!!

[@erwinumbal3495]

My favorite is the Original London Cast... 🥰

[@jane5822]

I have been at the Arena Spectacular two days ago and I hope they make a recording/ filming of this, because it was on a whole new level. Sound- and actingwise. The cast was stellar, all roles even the smallest were done by A list performers, e.g. the Warning man by a former West End Valjean. I don‘t think I will ever see/ hear it any better.

[@brendanburns4596]

Thanks for posting. I have to admit you broke my heart that you are not a fan of The Complete Symphonic which is my go to recording, butI do agree with you about Gary Morris. For me, this recording is special because I bought when it was released after listening to the Broadway Cast Recording for a few months I loved hearing the complete score supported by the London Symphony Orchestra. There are many stand out performances for me - Phillip Quast (Javert), Anthony Warlow (Enjoras), and Michael Ball(Marius). As for the London Cast Recording, the orchestrations you are probably referring to are a carry over from the French Concept Album which were later phased out. If you want to hear the development of Les Misérables, listen to ( in order) The French Concept, London Cast, Broadway Cast, and Complete Symphonic . Then to cleanse your palette the 10th or 25th Anniversary concerts. Thanks again for posting. Enjoyed hearing your comments on each recording and what you like best. I agree with you about Norm Lewis and I had the pleasure of seeing him play the Phantom on Broadway!

[@thomasscallan1718]

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

[@ElBuenVlad]

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!!! 😊😄😀

[@lelandstottlemeyer8355]

My favorite cast is the one touring the USA right now. For the first time I’ve ever heard, everything was absolutely perfect- I just wish they’d record because I’ve never been so floored by such a perfect cast!

[@Usernameforsf]

What a fun video! First time watching your channel and what a great video :). And yes I am horrified that the 10th anniversary is not your favorite!! hahah for me is faaar better than the 25th. I think the only cast member that I like more in the 25th than the 10th is Marius.. jk of course, is Enjolras. I think Michael Maguire struggled with a high note and doesn’t sound as good as Ramin

[@E-eb6ic]

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!

[@Dodecatone]

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).

[@niabb2692]

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

[@lamisere8337]

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!!

[@phelixthephoenix]

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!

[@danaelamond6888]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS VIDEO! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@CoynieReads]

Yay! 😊😊

[@ameliegifford1477]

I saw an armature theatre version of Les Mis when I was maybe 15 and I absolutely fell in love with the show (I then read the book lol I was that into it). My Dad had the international cast version, so that's the recording I listen to as well. Overall, I really like it, but I do agree that sometimes the accents are a little weird - for example whoever sings "the blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France" does so in a jarringly American accent compared to the rest of the song lol That said, because that's the version I'm used to, the others are always a little weird to me. I also just love having the full story. Like I can sit down for 3 hours and relive the entire show.

[@Abonanno24601]

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.

[@welshgal5533]

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.

[@MattTexas]

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.

[@ReadToMeAtMidnight]

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

[@ReadToMeAtMidnight]

How did I know the elephant was going to be Nick Jonas lmao... we've all seen Camp Rock what is he doing here :')

[@CoynieReads]

This spreadsheet is the most productive thing I have done in lockdown 😂

[@TopHatGacha]

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

[@rachelkuta798]

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 😅)

[@favoritethings3065]

Fantastic review, but yes how can you leave off the 1986 Broadway Cast recording…that’s the BEST!

[@joshuathompson2404]

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.

[@ericnichols9223]

I actually like the Complete Symphonic Recording's Valjean, and so that's my favorite recording. Understand what you're saying though. Maybe since I'm American, I didn't notice the accent at all. But I do wish it included Lea Salonga, as Eponine, say.

[@Faye_L]

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!

[@CoynieReads]

Aah yes, when I was uploading I saw the Broadway album listed on wikipedia, though I hadn't come across it on Spotify! Will have to do some digging! 😊

[@begaydocrime5719]

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.

[@jingrassmama]

The 10th anniversary for me is beyond amazing, Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, Michael Ball, Ruthie Henshall and Lea Salonga. I watch and listen to it frequently and always get brought to tears at some point or another

[@AndrewBrucker-r8f]

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

[@KathrynWebster-x8e]

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.

[@Simon-dx7fs]

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.

[@inmyoppinion2]

The 10th anniversary hands down. Its not called dream cast for no reason. Colm Wilkinson, Ruth Henshal, Philip Quast and Lea Salonga just to name a few. This 4 alone vocals is phonomenal. I also thought it had the funniest Thernadier. Plus the orchestra and all Val Jean from around the world. It was just epic.

[@bradleyc543]

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

[@cooper6381]

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

[@JeremyWong194]

Have you listened to the Original Concept French Album? That is a must-listen if you're a true Les Mis fan

[@cooper6381]

@@JeremyWong194 yes I do!! This is so dorky, but I listen to all of the albums I can find

[@wondrousratofbeigecastle354]

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

[@sorrystaunton]

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

[@Daniel_Jones]

my favorite is the symphonic recording, but thats mostly because it is complete. It just bothers me so much that the others cut stuff.

[@perandersdahlstrom2846]

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😢

[@MiddlesexBD]

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

[@samuelfuster6635]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Good idea! I've seen the recent BBC mini-series with Dominic West and David Oyelowo but not the '98 or others.

[@roccomacchia9125]

My favorite version of the movie is the one from 1958. It seems to be the most faithful one I've seen. It's about 3 and a half hours. (Still not enough time to tell everything from the novel)

[@TStockton4]

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.

[@pablograssdestroyerofass6965]

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

[@CoynieReads]

Thank you!

[@MargaretCutt-um8iq]

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

[@serkering8712]

1° read Victor Hugo 2° Maybe begin by the original version in French (1980) you ll find the substrate of V.Hugo's book

[@meatwoodflacmedia]

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"

[@CoynieReads]

🤣

[@operadad]

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

[@CoynieReads]

She is brilliant!

[@andrewflindall9048]

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.

[@brickironjaw3727]

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.

[@bethanderson1596]

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

[@eugenekaziw1371]

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 !

[@CoynieReads]

I’ve never seen it on tour, must fix that one of these days! I’ve been to the Bradford Alhambra many times, it was where I went for Miss Saigon when that toured a few years ago

[@justafidemyself]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

Haha, I very easily can trap myself into full listens of the show!! Days of my life have gone by and that's all I've had on 🙈

[@davidanthony4960]

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

[@JeremyWong194]

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

[@CoynieReads]

It's definitely a gaping hole in my Les Mis listening! Only reason I've shied away is because I don't speak French myself but probably not a good enough reason!

[@kylejohnson6867]

The perspective of the critique seems to be impacted by her age. Maybe once the critic has a chance to gain deeper insights into the workings of musical theatre they may appreciate how each recording was made possible by the previous. This is even further evident in the fact the Original Broadway Recording from 1987 was not included. If someone is going to make a comprehensive comparison of the English language versions, one should include all the English language versions. FYI- the symphonic recording was to included the Thenardier’s were going to be played by the actors from the Vienna production but their English language performance was not as well received. Also, Eponine was from the Tokyo production.

[@paging_snidget]

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.

[@CoynieReads]

The orchestration is really nice for Russell Crowe's version and that's the best I can say for it 😂

[@CarolineATorge]

How the heck was Crowe ever cast into Javert's role to begin with??? Ugh!

[@smitajky]

I know that you restricted it to English language versions but as this is a French history AND was first done in French it is incroyable that you didn't at least listen to the original French concept album. I note that it is able to be listened to on You Tube and can recommend that all those interested in Les Miserables should listen to it.

[@RiniPranoto]

How can you not love the original version, the one that started it all. I will always compare the others with the original London cast.

[@begaydocrime5719]

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.

[@ashleyartus1193]

The greatest is Les Miserables " LIVE .DREAM THE DREAM...of course...it's LIVE and contains the new massive orchestrations...xx 😊

[@Blazingstoke]

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._

[@vicodinmethadone]

I agree

[@a.t.m873]

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.

[@flatfingertuning727]

I just found a recording of the 1980 French production, and it's interesting to see what was kept, cut, and changed in the Original French Concept Album. Although main tune for One Day More is a reprise of an earlier song in both the English and French shows, the song "Comment faire", which became "Who am I", was cut from the OFCA. When I heard the start of the song, I found myself wondering why it was cut, and then I heard the ending. The song "Who am I" really needs Valjean to be a baritone rather than a low bass. More interestingly, the rhythm of the last line of each verse of "Ce n'est rien" is changed. In the OFCA, which is how I've known the song for decades "D'un coeur qui n'a servi ... a personne", is in the original stage musical "D'un coeur qui n'a servi a ... personne". Maybe it just sounds weird to be because of how I'd heard the song for so long, but it really sounds weird.

[@LiorBritt]

Despite it's many flaws, I do like how much easier it is to follow the story in the movie version. The plot is so complicated that it can be hard to follow when watching a stage production. That said... Yeah I absolutely don't listen to the soundtrack

[@Zastrutzki]

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 :)

[@ninalucas8983]

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

[@CareBearCub]

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

[@madelinepape3744]

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