Les Miserables | 
| Director: Glenn Jordan
Actors: Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, Claude Dauphin, John Gielgud
Studio: Lions Gate
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $8.70
You Save: $6.28 (42%)
New (28) Used (12) from $6.90
Rating:  36 reviews
Sales Rank: 10320
Format: Color, Dvd, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 150 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: LGED13313D
UPC: 012236133131
EAN: 0012236133131
ASIN: B0002235R6
Theatrical Release Date: December 27, 1978
Release Date: June 22, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 06/22/2004 Run time: 123 minutes Rating: Nr
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| Customer Reviews: Read 31 more reviews...
Impressive version of Hugo's classic July 3, 2009
fra7299 (California, United States)
Although some made for TV presentations of classics can come out over the top, inaccurate, simplistic, or cheesy, this 1978 British production of Les Miserables is quite the opposite of any of those, a very successful rendition of Hugo's massive novel. I saw the Liam Neeson version of Les Miserables years ago, but it doesn't come close to the depth and accuracy of this version in terms of plot or characterization.
Jean Valjean is a man who, after stealing a loaf of bread for his poor family, is sentenced to prison. After making an escape, he tries to get help from a local priest. After stealing from the priest and sneaking out, Jean is forced to come back to the priest when he is spotted by a couple of police who suspect he had taken from the man. Rather than giving Jean up as a thief, the priest covers for Jean, and he is a free man. Given the second chance at freedom (and in one of the most moving parts of the film), Jean is grateful for the kindness offered to him by the priest, and now resolves to do good for the common people for his remaining days. Years later, Jean is a well-respected member of the community who upholds his promise to the priest, but a new inspector (Anthony Perkins), who was a prison guard years ago, remembers Jean's face and identifies him as the man who escaped. Inspector Javert, adamant in his philosophy that criminals should always pay consequences regardless of their circumstances, is obsessed with a duty to track down and put Jean away in prison.
Over all, the direction of this film was exceptional, and there were some moving, powerful scenes. For instance, the director could have made the Inspector an overbearing villain, but didn't, probably because there is much more complexity to this character in the novel. In the same light, Jean has his own faults that he comes to terms with, and he's not just a "cut and dry" good man. The themes of redemption and forgiveness are really underscored in the scene with the priest and Jean after he's escaped, and then years later. The different philosophies of Jean and Inspector Javert come to light as the film progresses. The setting, costumes and mood of the film are very epic in nature and this parallels with Hugo's work magnificently. If there is one minor drawback, the film quality is a bit grainy at times. However, this does not detract from the viewing too much.
To take an enormous novel and boil it down to two hours successfully is quite a feat. Over all, this was an impressive version of Hugo's classic.
One Of My Favorite Movies Of All Times January 22, 2009
Steven D. Alexander (Jacksonville, Florida United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have seen the Liam Neeson version and it does not compare to this one. I first saw this movie in the early 80's. I was coming home from church. We had a small B&W television in the kitchen. The movie was already in progress but still early into it. I was attracted by the music first. I pulled out an uncomfortable stool and sat right in front of the TV. I did not move from that spot for the entire movie which was about three hours. I was probably 16 years old then. I never forgotten the movie as it made a permanent impact on me. 10 - 15 years later I bought the VHS and still have it. If you have seen other movies such as this like "Schindler's List" or "Grave of the Fireflies (anime)" then you might now that they go beyond mere sentimentality, politics or religion. This is about Humanity and what happens when he is denied the God-given gift of love.
The only reason I gave it four stars is because the complete story was not told such as the "penny under the shoe" and the Thenardiers eldest daughter was in love with Marius, etc.
 2.5 stars out of 4 January 11, 2009
One-Line Film Reviews (Ann Arbor)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Bottom Line:
Perkins is very good as Javert and the battle scenes in the streets of Paris are well-done, but Jordan is never engaging as Valjean and the movie seems like it's missing some important scenes--if you want a filmed version of Hugo's novel, go for the 1935 or 1998 version instead.
 Wonderful Les Miz December 2, 2008
C. Calkins
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a superb production! Richard Jordan's finest performance. Anthony Perkins is a remarkable Javert, managing to make him both reprehensible and sympathathic. Bravo!
 Les Miserables August 19, 2008
Marcia V. Lord
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This video obviously looks like a pirated version. Over an hour of the original video tape has been left out. I wouldn't waste my money.
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