Universal Studios Home Entertainment has officially announced and detailed the Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Combo Pack release of director Tom Hooper's Les Misérables (2012). Nominated for eight Academy Awards, the innovative adaptation of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's musical of the same name stars Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe, and streets on March 22nd.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean (Jackman), hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe), after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. This enthralling story is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Hooper's Les Misérables co-stars Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen and Samantha Barks. The film has also been nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Jackman) and Best Supporting Actress (Hathaway), among others, and has already won three Golden Globes (Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actor - Musical or Comedy for Jackman, and Best Actress - Musical or Comedy for Hathaway) and four BAFTA Awards including Best Film and Best Supporting Actress (Hathaway).
The Blu-ray edition of Les Misérables will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, standard DVD and UltraViolet digital copies of the film, and numerous extras:
Les Misérables Singing Live: The star-studded cast and production team discuss how the daunting challenge of singing live rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks ultimately gave them the creative freedom to deliver nuanced, emotionally powerful performances. (Blu-ray Exclusive)
Battle at the Barricade: Director Tom Hooper wanted the dramatic building of the barricade to be as visceral and intense as possible, so he had his actors build it in real time, literally hurling furniture out of windows to construct an actual barricade. This featurette takes an in-depth look at the creation and filming of all the action on this remarkable set. (Blu-ray Exclusive)
The West End Connection: Meet the "godfather" of the original stage production of Les Misérables, renowned West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was deeply involved in the filming, as well as former Les Misérables, theatrical stars who were thrilled to appear in supporting roles in the current film. (Blu-ray Exclusive)
Les Misérables on Location: Filming rather than staging Les Misérables presents the opportunity to shoot in real world locations: a massive dry dock on the coast of England, a beautiful underground chapel in the heart of London and the ancient city of Winchester. Members of the cast and crew talk about what it was like to find and work in these incredible locations. (Blu-ray Exclusive)
The Stars of Les Misérables: Director Tom Hooper talks about casting the iconic characters, and the actors discuss why it was important to them to be a part of this groundbreaking version of
Les Misérables.
Creating the Perfect Paris: Production designer Eve Stewart created a massive Paris set featuring real cobblestones and running water. Take an intricate look into the detailed recreation of these Paris streets that no longer exist in today's world.
The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo's Les Misérables: This mini-documentary takes a look at the historical backdrop and universal themes of Hugo's classic, and how the filmmakers mined the novel to enrich the look and feel of the film.