![LES MISÉRABLES [ The Wretched ] (Masters of Cinema) (1934) (Blu-ray)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81gl8wK8x-L.jpg)
The most thorough of all film adaptations of Victor Hugo's immortal novel, Les misérables [The Wretched] was a triumph for director Raymond Bernard, one of the more overlooked filmmakers of the early French cinema.Originally released in quick succession as three separate features in 1934, Bernard's film recounts the story of the ex-convict Jean Valjean (Harry Baur) harried by the wicked Inspector Javert (Charles Vanel); of the virtuous Fantine (Florelle, née Odette Rousseau) who sells herself into prostitution for the welfare of her daughter Cosette (Gaby Triquet as the young girl Cosette, and Josseline Gaël as the young woman); and of intersections of these threads and more in an impressive rendering of Hugo's stately tapestry.Newly restored in 4K at its original length by Pathé, Les misérables is a major accomplishment on the level of storytelling, and a major component in the history of French film. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Raymond Bernard's magnum opus for the first time on Blu-ray in the UK.SPECIAL TWO-DISC BLU-RAY EDITION:New presentation of the film in its complete length from the new Pathé 4K digital restorationOptional English subtitlesVictor Hugo in Cinema, Claudine Cohen discusses Bernard's Les misérables, it's production, and other adaptations of Hugo's novelRaymond Bernard, un grand cineaste francais, a 1979 interview with filmmaker Roger IkhlefLa distribution des Misérables de Raymond Bernard, video discussion with French Cinema expert Raymond ChiratScreen tests of auditions for the role of GavrocheDeleted scenesArchival newsreelsTheatrical trailerLe Chemineau [The Vagabond], Albert Capellani's 1905 short film28-PAGE BOOKLET with a new and exclusive essay by critic Emmanuel Burdeau illustrated with archival imagery
N**N
The best of the many versions I have seen of Les ...
This is a review of Les Miserables by Raymond Bernard. The best of the many versions I have seen of Les Miserables: wonderful acting and wonderful atmosphere, every shot a joy to behold. Foreigners can't make a film of Les Miserables - it has to be done by the French themselves. Just savouring the sounds is such a pleasure, even if you don't - as in my case - understand very much. It is made even more poignant by the star, Harry Bauer, who met a frightful end at the hands of the Gestapo a few years after making this film - see wikipedia. The only fly in the ointment is the booklet which comes in the DVD case, so badly translated from French into English as to be virtually unintelligible. I was a language teacher for 45 years: if I student of mine had turned in such a shoddy piece of work they would have been for the high jump.
M**S
Not like all the the other remakes
It might be old,but the story is well told. Not like all the the other remakes, which harpers on good looks,glossy style. You must have realism in a film to get the story over. This one does the others don't. Love the theatre show,but what a lot of hype for a crap musical film.Let real trained singers sing not dregs.
J**F
Excellent remastering
One of the great motion picture masterpieces gets a stunning remastering. This is far better than the Criterion Eclipse version issued in the U.S.
M**D
Four Stars
case and disc not damaged
A**R
Masterpiece
Very faithful to the novel and excellent performance. Restoration masterfully done considering it’s such an old movie.
J**S
every other adaptation is a very very poor copy, a must see a true classic its ...
This is the true version, every other adaptation is a very very poor copy,a must see a true classic its blue ray with all the trimmings.treat yourselves to the best ever les miserables, adaptation other then the book
M**T
An introduction to the real Victor Hugo.
Probably the best film version of the novel which i have ever seen, (I've seen a lot!). After 80 years this screen version stands up well. There are some wonderful individual performances. You will love to hate Thenardier. Above all it is true to Hugo's original story.
O**A
Beautiful attention to detail
Very impressive. The most complete version of this prolifically filmed story. Beautiful attention to detail.
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