As a complete Victor Hugo fan in general, and "Les Miserables" in particular, let me speak about this so-called 'classic version'. First of all let me say that I am not French, and so am not speaking from a French perspective. If a British or American classic had received the treatment which this version had, the critics would have most certainly lambasted it. Why are the critics falling all over themselves in praise for a version which retains neither the spirit nor even the plot of the original? Nothing bad happens to Fantine other than getting fired from the factory, the Revolutionaries become a student's society for law reform, Eponine, a pathetic waif in the novel, becomes a respectable young woman who serves as Marius' secretary, Gavroche, the novel's most original and interesting character, is completely eliminated, etc, etc. This version is only, repeat ONLY, for those who have either not read the novel or have no respect for the novel.