Video of the [Wednes]Day: Les Miserables First Look

There are many reasons to be excited about the forthcoming musical adaptation of Les Misérables, including its stellar cast and direction by Tom Hooper. The only real reservation I've had applies to how the music would be handled. The seminal stage production (which just celebrated its 25th worldwide anniversary in 2010) is of course known for its stirring musical numbers by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Hebert Kretzmer. Because it holds a special place in so many people's hearts due to their live experiences (including this gal), there are countless ways that the film could be ruined -- the most likely outcome being a competent but flat, uninspired imitation. After all, what can replace the thrill of seeing these amazing songs performed live?

How about a movie where the actors sing live? 

Les Mis will be the first musical ever to be produced this way (as opposed to tracks being laid down ahead of time in a studio and played back for the actors to lip sync to). This behind-the-scenes look at the film allows the actors to talk about why they were excited to film this way, and why the finished product will be unlike anything you've ever seen before. Beyond the ground-breaking film technique (e.g. one finished 3-minute song taking 10 hours to film), it's also exciting because it gives audiences who never got to see the play a chance to partake of that experience.

Will you be going to see it in December?