The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)
By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 11-14-08
Language: English
Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited
Genre: Humor, Plays, Sci FI
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.
Publisher's Summary
A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.
The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.
Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe And Everything.
Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.
A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams’s Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Review:
I had only marginally recalled how wacky this book is. Arthur Dent is lying in front of his home in order to prevent the demolition team making way for a new road. His friend, Ford Prefect, convinces Arthur to meet him at the pub because his home doesn’t matter because, according to Ford, the Earth is going to be destroyed in minutes. Ford reveals that he is actually an alien not a human. Just before the Earth is destroyed, Arthur and Ford are whisked off planet and a crazy space ride begins.
I don’t recall when I first read or watched this program. I suspect it was a good 12 or so years ago when our son was graduating high school or in college. He has always loved this work.
I totally enjoyed this version as it is a presentation of the original BBC radio broadcast which includes fun character voices and fun sound effects. This audiobook concludes with a very interesting interview which reveals the struggles involved in getting the author to complete the episodes timely.
This is a fun listen of a zany science fiction journey.
Audio Notes: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore all do a great job with the broadcast.
Source: February 2014 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for my 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.
Great review. I was a teenager when I read this book, I don't even remember everything that took place in it. I might reread it one day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this audio story with us.
ReplyDelete