Les Miserables cast recording...

Definitely an age-old debate. I personally prefer the London cast so I can have Frances Ruffelle, Michael Ball, and Patti LuPone.

I love the original London cast and the 10th anniversary concert. I really think those are the best

Personally, I think out of the 3 recordings that I own, the 10th Anniversary Concert is the best. Huge orchestra, Huge choir, and a "Dream" cast. Javert sort of screams as he commits suicide on this recording, but I don't know about the sound effect of hitting the water.

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There isn't one that I'm aware of that has Javert screaming and hitting the water.

And as an owner of all 4 recordings, my preference is definitely toward the CSR. Although there are amazing performances on the 10th Anniversary Cast recording, absolutely nothing can top Anthony Warlow's amazing Enjolras. Add in solid performances from Michael Ball, Phillip Quast, my favorite pair of Thenardiers and the fact that it is complete, and you can't go wrong. The only true negative of this recording me is Tracy Shane's Cosette.

As a Les Miz freak, I would reccomend any of the English recordings, except for the OBC. It's by far the weakest--I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've listened to it.

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I have three of the four... I personally enjoy all three for different reasons. I enjoy the 10th anniversary for the combination of a live theatrical experience, the calibre of talent and the completeness. The Original London has Patti LuPone, Michael Ball (also on the concert) and original material. I like the Original Broadway for Judy Kuhn (again also on concert) and Randy Graff's Fantine- something that really isn't talked about too much, but I love her. And of course I love all three for Colm Wilkinson. It's a hard choice. There is good in each. If I were to pick, I'd probably go with the 10th anniversary concert because it was my introduction to the score as a whole and one of the more exciting cast recordings of a pop opera.

~Kevin