The movie musical of 2012, Les Misérables arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and for Digital Download on Friday, March 22. Hypable was able to check out the home release ahead of its availability on store shelves.

Directed by Tom Hooper and starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfriend, Les Misérables is an obvious must-have for fans of any version of the musical. Universal thankfully opted for a simple combo pack which offers special features for both Blu-ray and DVD players, but the Blu-ray version offers a few more bonuses than the DVD.

On both the DVD and Blu-ray you will find three special features: The Stars of Les Misérables, Creating the Perfect Paris, The Original Masterwork: Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, and commentary with Hooper. Each offers great behind-the-scenes looks into the making of the film. In Stars, Hooper explains Jackman’s overall importance to the project. “There were two requirements” for Hooper to make the film, he explains. “One was everyone signing up to the idea of singing live, and second was Hugh Jackman existing. Because if Hugh Jackman didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have made this film.” Later in this feature Hooper discusses the importance of each of the lead actors/actresses. He calls it “the hardest movie I’ve ever had to cast and ever will do.”

Hypable is pleased to offer an exclusive first look at The Stars of Les Misérables below. In this clip, Hooper and Hathaway discuss the role of Fantine, and the actress gets emotional describing the character’s struggle:

Meanwhile, the Blu-ray version has four exclusive features: Les Misérables Singing Live, Battle at the Barricade, The West End Connection, and Les Misérables on Location. The stand out in our opinion is Singing Live. This rare production move by the director and his cast offered a truly unique movie, and the insight into how they handled the challenge is documented here. See a clip where Eddie Redmayne shares his warm up techniques.

Target Special Edition

Though we didn’t review it, we reported previously that Target is offering an exclusive edition of Les Misérables. It includes an additional 40 minutes of special features and a collectable book. Order it at Target.

Wrap up

The Les Misérables Combo Pack offers the film on DVD, Blu-ray, Digital, and UltraViolet (the latter two allow you to watch the movie on your go through iOS and Android devices as well as your computer). Across the special features you’ll find lots of historical background as well as insight into the production. Hooper’s commentary is detailed and passionate, but it would’ve been nice if he were accompanied by a cast member or someone heavily involved in the song development. If you’ve been enjoying the soundtrack and/or you’re a fan of the musical, you’ll want to purchase it Friday.

Order

Get Les Misérables on DVD or Blu-ray using the links below. The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes the DVD and digital copies.