Once in a lifetime a musical escapes from its genre and becomes a legend. Les Misérables, the beloved global stage sensation, seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the world is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. In January 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen. Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway lead an all-star cast in the motion-picture adaptation of a musical phenomenon. The highlights from the soundtrack provide the perfect accompaniment to the movie and will be released through Polydor Records on January 14th.

Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale breaks new ground in allowing the cast the spontaneity of normal film acting by singing live during filming, rather than miming to a playback. This is the first time such a technique has been employed and, in Tom Hooper’s words, has “a profound effect on the power and realism of the story.”

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, 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.

With international superstars and beloved songs—including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”—Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

Artists

Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert), Colm Wilkinson (The Bishop of Digne), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Isabelle Allen (Young Cosette), Samantha Barks (Eponine), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Sacha Baron Cohen (Thénardier), Helena Bonham Carter (Madame Thénardier), Eddie Redmayne (Marius), Aaron Tveit (Enjolras)