Les Misérables (2012) [MX sin fecha]

[Lost hero]

Review



Movie 3.5
Video 4.5
Audio 5.0
Extras 2.5
Overall 4.0

I know a lot of professional theater people, including several who did different national tours of Les Misérables (some in major roles), and their reaction has been about as disparate as the public at large. Some of these people absolutely love this film adaptation while others absolutely despise it. My personal reaction falls somewhere in the middle, with at least a tilt toward the favorable. I am not a fan of "shaky cam", especially in musicals, and Hooper's repeated use of fish eye lenses is just plain odd. The film also rather uneasily manages its quasi-operatic roots, and while its through sung approach is commendable, that doesn't necessarily mean it works as a film. On the other hand, the film has an epic sweep and an undeniable emotional heft that can't be denied. The performances are uniformly excellent and few will be able to ever forget Hathaway's commanding one take performance of "I Dreamed a Dream". Les Misérables may still work better on stage, but this film is a rather valiant attempt to reinvent the property for a different medium. Does it completely succeed? No, but like the rabble who join Jean Valjean in a struggle for justice, the mere fact that it tries is worthy of admiration. This Blu-ray offers superior video and impeccable audio and comes Recommended.