@Nines and Halo: I think what did it for me was Amanda Seyfried. Because I had sung the role before and had seen the musicale performed in a theater, listening to her sing was like listening to nails against a chalkboard. Whenver she sang her Bb5 and C6, it just made me cringe. And her acting wasn't spectacular either... acting Cosette is difficult because you have to convince the audience that you totally love this dude you had just looked at. The audience basically sees you as a MAN STEALER, and it's hard to win over their hearts when Eponine has "On My Own" and also dies in her love's arms. BUT Eponine is also shown as a jealous liar, so I guess both women are even.

I totally agree with you guys though on the acting. Jackman and Crowe did an excellent job, as did Hathaway. And MY GOSH, during "I Dreamed a Dream" and "A Little Drop of Rain," I BAWLED like CRAZY. It was just so raw for me.