Just
in time for the release of the new theatrical musical version of Les
Misérables, the theatrical version of the adaptation of the book (as opposed to
the musical) from 1998 has been released on high definition Blu-ray. Although
it does not have the songs that many associate with the story, all of the
characters and magic from Victor Hugo’s novel are included, for the most part.
Liam
Neeson stars as Jean Valjean, a convict who is transformed by an act of
kindness and rises up to be a man of virtue. When a prostitute named Fantine
(Uma Thurman) begs Valjean to raise her child, Cosette (Claire Danes), it is an
opportunity for the convict to redeem himself. At the same time a determined
police officer named Javert (Geoffrey Rush) is determined to put Valjean back
behind bars, and all of this takes place during the French Revolution.
The
cast is wonderful and director Bille August is able to provide a concise
telling of the story in just over two hours. Though the latest version is likely
to be more popular, simply because of the musical aspects and a new cast, this
is an admirable adaptation of Hugo’s classic tale. The Blu-ray includes a
featurette, though the high definition presentation is the true reason for this
Blu-ray. Even that is somewhat unspectacular, seemingly rushed just to have
this on shelves in time for the new theatrical release.
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