FLASH SPECIAL: Bring It Home! LES MISERABLES On DVD/Blu-ray

Now one of the most successful movie musicals of all time, LES MISERABLES triumphantly arrives on DVD and Blu-ray today, so it is an exceptionally apropos time to assess the many vaunted virtues and the legendary history of this spectacular mega musical and pay tribute to some of the best versions of one of its most famous anthems now that we can, well, bring it home... and own it forever.

Bring Him Home

One of the most memorable and emotionally absorbing moments in all of LES MISERABLES is unquestionably Jean Valjean's plaintive prayer to the heavens to protect his adopted daughter's suitor, Marius, and deliver him safely home to Cosette. "Bring Him Home" is a musical masterpiece by any measure and a potentially searing, soul-barring showcase for any able actor taking it on, though all undoubtedly will always stand somewhat in the shadow of the formidable forbearer, Colm Wilkinson. Nevertheless, Hugh Jackman has made the major role of the musical his own in an incomparable new way with his fiercely committed and heartstoppingly real performance - perhaps the most nakedly emotional movie musical performance ever captured; that is, if not for Anne Hathaway as Fantine. LES MISERABLES on film may very well appear to be brimming with visceral, startlingly historically authentic depictions of the cast of characters originally rendered realistic if at an arm's length away in the case of the stage musical. The film pulls no punches. Indeed, LES MISERABLES onscreen bites and claws and rips away at the heart and soul - and coos and caresses us in brilliant juxtaposition, too, to quite exceptional effect.

Case in point: "Bring Him Home" - a restorative salve to calm and somehow start to satiate the incredible hunger for justice demanded by all in the story; as well as cool down the white-hot heat and intense fury felt by many, instigated by rampant desperation and impossibly tragic circumstances seen throughout the sordid tale. Of course, the ultimate destinies met by so many involved in the mix is eventually death - as it is for us all, as well - so featuring a funereal musical fixture beyond even that of "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables" is more than merely befitting for a musical as much about death as it is about life - but, more than anything, it is a musical about living.

English lyricist Herbert Kretzmer recalled writing "Bring Him Home" while the show was still in rehearsals in a recent interview with the UK's Guardian (available here). He remembers, "I consider myself an atheist - but you don't have to believe in what you're writing, so long as you believe with every sinew that your characters believe it: the theology in the lyrics was written with the utmost sincerity. There was one dark cloud that dogged me, though: the song sung by Valjean to the sleeping Marius at the barricades. We code-named this 'Night Thoughts' to reflect the resentment, anger and jealousy that Valjean would feel as he contemplated this usurper. Yet the music I was given was ridiculously at odds - a stately, hymn-like progression of three ascending notes. The directors came round to discuss it and, as they left at 2 AM, Caird said, 'Sounds like a prayer to me.' The minute he said that, every door seemed to fly open. I was freed from delving into the murkier corners of Valjean's mind and could instead give his blessing to a young couple in love. I stood for the rest of that night in my study and by 5 AM, 'Bring Him Home' was written - 17 days before the show opened."

Whatever the day, year or century, "Bring Him Home" is a well-worn musical theatre warhorse worthy of the ages - much like the source novel by Victor Hugo itself, it's absolutely heaven-sent.

Therefore, in today's extensive clip collection we have many of the best-ever iterations of one of the most celebrated LES MISERABLES anthems, from Colm Wilkinson's quintuple-decker of splendid showings to two Glee leading men (and a lady), a BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT discovery, the 25th Anniversary's Alfie Boe, PHANTOM 25's own Ramin Karimloo as well as original cast member Michael Ball and many more!

Also, be sure to check out my previous assessment and complete review of the LES MISERABLES feature film available here.

LES MISERABLES is now available on DVD/Blu-ray/Digital Download in an extras-packed edition any fan will want to own, presented in stunning picture and sound. More information is available at the official site here.

View the trailer for the DVD/Blu-ray release of LES MISERABLES below.

Heaven Blessed

The best beginning to any clip collection centered on LES MISERABLES usually involves the originator of the role in the Cameron Mackintosh/Royal Shakespeare Company production of the musical in 1985, Irish rock tenor Colm Wilkinson. By the way, Wilkinson will soon be featured in an InDepth InterView right here on BroadwayWorld, so stay tuned for more on the man who set the incredibly high standard for all future Jean Valjeans coming up.

First, hear Colm Wilkinson's original performance of the song as captured on THE JOHNNY CARSON SHOW in 1987, introduced by Carson himself.

View Wilkinson's impassioned singing of the song at the unprecedented 10th Anniversary Dream Cast concert of LES MISERABLES.

As part of a Memorial Day TV special in 2009, Wilkinson wows the crowds on Capitol Hill with an unforgettable musical moment, introduced by Joe Mantegna.

Witness Wilkinson join with three other famous tenors - Simon Bowman, Alfie Boe and John Owen-Jones - singing a specially-arranged quartet at the 2010 Royal Variety Performance.

Another Valjean Quartet featuring Wilkinson join together for the grand finale of the astounding LES MISERABLES 25th Anniversary Live At The 02 (available on DVD/Blu-ray, too).

The 02 LES MISERABLES was headlined by newcomer Alfie Boe, who made a major mark on the role with his operatic delivery and relatable, down-to-earth portrayal of the character.

Next, view this 2009 episode clip of BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT entrant Jamie Pugh who positively floors the judges and audience with his thoughtful rendition of the tough-to-tackle tune.

West End Marius originator Michael Ball offers his heartfelt take on the iconic LES MISERABLES anthem in this memorable performance.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL was headlined by a former Enjorlas and future Vajean of LES MISERABLES onstage in the personage of Ramin Karimloo, who commands much respect for his sterling singing of the song.

Three Glee stars offer takes on the titanic tune in the following clips: first up, hear Emmy Award winner Chris Colfer's version.

Next, here is Broadway leading lady Lea Michele's female contribution to the "Bring Him Home" canon - herself a featured star of both Broadway productions of the celebrated musical.

Check out the Kurt/Rachel mash-up version as depicted on the "Diva" episode of GLEE below.

Lastly, popular Broadway regular Matthew Morrison makes the most of his seemingly maple-syrup-coated vocal cords with his sensitive portrayal of Jean Valjean in his hour of need.

And, exactly as it should be, we close our collection with Hugh Jackman's tremendous "Bring Him Home" from Tom Hooper's exemplary film adaptation of LES MISERABLES. Of special note: now also available to own is a new, expanded 2-disc deluxe soundtrack for the film, as well.

As a special bonus, view this vintage behind-the-scenes video from news program 20/20 centered around the opening of LES MISERABLES on Broadway, featuring composer/lyricist Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil as well as co-directors Trevor Nunn and John Caird, discussing the impetus of "Bring Him Home" and what necessitated its inclusion in the score.

So, what version of "Bring Him Home" is the one that you cannot forget? Which one of the many worthwhile methods that these marvelous actors utilize make the masterful music and lyrics work best, in your humble opinion? Who is simply unsurpassable? Which one is impossible to top? With so many excellent renditions of the song, new and old, a thorough appreciation of "Bring Him Home" is just one more reason to make LES MISERABLES part of your permanent home video library now that it is available on DVD/Blu-ray - almost like it has always been there.

Photo Credits: Universal Pictures