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The musical phenomenon Les Misérables hits theatres nationwide today (December 25), and Universal Pictures is celebrating the release by offering fans a free Multi-Touch Les Misérables digital companion book available exclusively on the iBookstore. The book will give fans an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of Les Mis, Including exclusive interviews, photo galleries and video, musical performances, interactive timelines, and more.

 

"We're thrilled to provide a digital experience for fans of Les Misérables that enhances the vision of the film's director, Tom Hooper. The interactivity of the digital book allows for an immersive experience, putting readers in the world of Les Misérables before they experience the phenomenon in theatres." Said Doug Neil, senior vice president of digital marketing, Universal Pictures.

 

Curt Doty, who heads up the digital group at Bemis Balkind, added: "Our philosophy on building these new touchpoints is to create a beautiful, illustrated book and enhance it with content and multi-touch interactivity. We always want these to have a balance of the written word, amazing photography, and compelling interactive content."

 

Detailing the 28-year history of Les Misérables the Musical, the interactive book will highlight each major cast member in the new film and showcase their musical performances with video clips from the movie. Another cool feature will be the unique interactive "Character Relationships" widget, which allows fans to see how each character is related as well as showing us a timeline that establishes key events during this epic story that spans over 33 years.

 

"We are very proud to be associated with this terrific project and to make it available to readers familiar with both the musical and Victor Hugo’s classic story," said Michael Fabiano, vice-president and general manager of NBC Publishing. "This enhanced book is simply a great way of experiencing Universal's behind-the-scenes magic and is sure to reach a whole new fan base as well."

 

Les Misérables was one of the first musicals I watched as a child and is by far my favourite. Seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe, it is still breaking box-office records -- even after 28 years!

 

I have seen the play three times on stage, so I was naturally excited to attend the screening of the new film. It’s directed by Oscar-winning The King's Speech helmer Tom Hooper and stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen.

 

The film is a brilliant adaptation of the play and novel. The entire cast is spectacular, and I can assure you, if you’re a fan of the play, you won’t be disappointed.  In the meantime, I suggest you check out Les Misérables “The Musical Phenomenon” on iTunes today!

 

 

- Felix Kay, YH Staff