Les Misérables Blu-ray Review

Universal Studios delivers a stunning presentation of "Les Misérables" on Blu-ray, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer and a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that showcases the meticulous detail director Tom Hooper and cinematographer Danny Cohen imbued the film with. A commendable trait of this High Definition presentation is its ability to maintain fine and shadow detail amidst intentionally murky and dark settings, especially noticeable in the first half of the film. As the narrative progresses from darkness towards light, both literally and metaphorically, the visuals transition smoothly, with the early scenes characterized by a colder, blue-toned grading evolving into warmer, golden hues. The care taken in this color grading reflects the thoughtful adaptation of this beloved story. Despite the lengthy runtime, the Blu-ray comfortably avoids compression issues thanks to its accommodation on a BD-50 disc.

The video quality of "Les Misérables" is further accentuated through its breathtaking close-ups and wide shots. From the opening sequences showcasing the formidable waves crashing against the shipyards to the expanses of countryside Valjean traverses, Universal’s transfer ensures every detail is presented with clarity and depth. The dark, shadow-laden segments of the film display an impressive depth of blacks without succumbing to crush or banding, preserving even the minutest details such as strands of Fantine's hair amidst the gloom. These technical achievements provide viewers with an unparalleled viewing experience, highlighting facial textures, emotions, and the environment’s grit in vivid detail. There’s no evidence of artifacting, affirming the Blu-ray's exemplary quality and ensuring that Hooper's vision is appreciated with the authenticity and precision it deserves.

The audio presentation of "Les Misérables" on Blu Ray, specifically the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, stands as a testament to the remarkable capabilities of modern home theater systems. The mix demonstrates an exceptionally high level of fidelity, spearheaded by the clarity and depth of both the score and the vocals. The meticulous attention to ambient environmental sounds, such as the resonating crash of waves in the opening and the cacophonous energy of the barricade scenes, provides a layer of immersion that is both subtle and profound. This is further enhanced by discrete channelization, bringing an unparalleled sense of spatial awareness to the viewer. Notable, however, is the occasional difficulty in discerning vocals, specifically those of Bonham Carter and Baron Cohen, where the orchestral swell can sometimes overshadow the lyrical clarity.

Universal's execution of the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on "Les Misérables" Blu Ray excels in enveloping the audience into the heart of the story's musical journey. The front channels deliver the iconic melodies with excellent loudness and clarity, while the added dimension from side and rear channels immerses viewers in a fully realized auditory experience. Ambient sounds and contextual audio cues are thoughtfully balanced with the central musical numbers, drawing listeners into a convincingly life-like atmosphere. From the impressive dynamics of crowd scenes to the intimate moments of solo performances, every element is positioned with precision to optimize the listener's engagement.

The technical prowess of this audio mix is further underscored by its low-frequency effects, with the sub-woofer presenting a remarkable depth that adds visceral impact to the film's more intense moments. Right from the film's opening, viewers can expect a palpable sense of being part of the unfolding drama, underscored by a beautifully deep LFE channel that enriches the overall acoustic texture. Despite minor vocal intelligibility issues with certain characters, this audio track represents a reference-quality achievement that showcases "Les Misérables'" score in its full splendor and complexity, making it an exemplary auditory experience for both enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The "Les Misérables" Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive insight into the making of this monumental film, satisfying both technically inclined viewers and fans of the source material. Director Tom Hooper's feature commentary is engaging and detailed, providing anecdotes and technical details such as the revolutionary live singing approach. “Les Misérables: A Revolutionary Approach” is a multi-faceted featurette that, despite resembling an extended EPK, offers valuable behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that highlight aspects like casting, production design, and the implementation of the original West End production insights. “The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables” gives an intriguing, albeit brief, look at the adaptation of Hugo’s novel, with comments that might raise eyebrows, such as its suitability as a child's bedtime story. There were some technical issues noted with BD Live functionality, affecting the online content accessibility depending on the connection type.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Director Tom Hooper: Director's insights covering both anecdotal and technical aspects of the film's production.
• Les Misérables: A Revolutionary Approach: A detailed behind-the-scenes look including sections on the West End connection, on-location shooting, and live singing.
• The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables: Exploration of the adaptation of Hugo’s novel, featuring commentary from Tom Hooper.
• BD Live Functionality: Online content access with noted variability in performance based on connection type.

The cinematic rendition of "Les Misérables" on Blu-ray presents an ambitious and polarizing adaptation of the beloved stage musical, which aims to capture the raw emotion and grand scale of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. Director Tom Hooper’s decision to record vocals live on set, a method not commonly used in contemporary film musicals, imbues the film with a palpable sense of realism and immediacy, albeit with mixed results. The performances vary greatly in quality, with Anne Hathaway's gut-wrenching rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" standing out as a moment of true cinematic brilliance. In contrast, Russell Crowe's portrayal of Javert, while earnest, suffers due to his limited vocal prowess, ultimately affecting the narrative's second half and its emotional impact.

The film’s technical achievements and visual storytelling techniques are noteworthy, particularly Hooper's use of close-ups and unconventional camera angles, which aim to provide an intimate perspective on the characters' inner turmoil. These choices, while divisive among audiences and critics, serve to highlight the intense emotions at play, offering an up-close experience that one might not get in a traditional theater setting. However, these innovations in presentation are at times overshadowed by their overuse, leading to a sense of stylistic inconsistency that may distract from the narrative's broader themes of redemption and social injustice.

Despite these challenges, the Blu-ray presentation of "Les Misérables" is a testament to the cinematic potential of musical theater adaptations. It showcases the monumental effort of its cast and crew in bringing such a gargantuan piece of literature and stage performance to life. While not without its flaws, particularly in vocal performance and direction, the film manages to deliver powerful moments that resonate with the emotional depth of Hugo’s original work. The technical merits of the Blu-ray, including visual clarity and sound design, further enhance the viewing experience, making it a valuable addition for fans of the genre and the story.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Les Misérables" stirs a pot of mixed emotions among viewers, ranging from professional theater aficionados to casual moviegoers. While some laud this film adaptation for its audacious attempt to bring the beloved musical to the silver screen, others find fault in its execution. The film’s use of shaky cam and fish-eye lenses has been particularly divisive, leaving a portion of the audience feeling disoriented rather than immersed. Furthermore, the attempt to maintain the original's quasi-operatic essence through a sung-through format receives praise for its ambition, yet it's debated whether this choice truly complements the cinematic experience. Despite these criticisms, the movie's grand scope and emotional depth are undeniable, with stellar performances that have left a lasting impression, notably Anne Hathaway's breathtaking rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream."

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray release have garnered universal admiration, showcasing superior video quality and impeccable audio that elevate the viewing experience to impressive heights. However, while Anne Hathaway’s performance stands out as a highlight, Russell Crowe’s portrayal has been seen as somewhat lacking in comparison to the overall talent of the cast. This disparity in performance quality does little to detract from the film's achievements, as the visual and auditory presentation on this Blu-ray edition makes it a commendable addition to any collection.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Les Misérables", despite certain directorial choices and varied cast performances, presents a formidable attempt at adapting a theatrical masterpiece for the screen. It successfully captures the epic scale and emotional intensity of the story with an exceptional audio-visual quality that enhances every scene. While not without its flaws, the film’s ambitious nature and notable performances make it a valuable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Whether or not it reaches the pinnacle of what was hoped, it stands as a testament to the creative effort involved, earning it a recommendation for those who appreciate the craft of bringing stage stories to film.