Tolkien Audio Books

[garyh]

I was interested in picking up a good CD dramatization of Tolkien's Hobbit and LotR. I've seen several different sets, though. Can anyone recommend a good version?

Thanks!!

 

[Wormwood]

The DEFINITIVE version is Brian Sibbley's BBC Radio adaptation, with Ian Holm.

Available at Amazon

 

[garyh]

That one looks pretty darn cool, Wormwood. And with Ian Holm, too, that's awesome!!

I notice it's abridged. I take it both from your recommendation and the reviews at Amazon that the abridged aspect is good?

Oh, and would you recommend the abridged BBC The Hobbit as well?

 

[Sulimo]

That one looks pretty darn cool, Wormwood. And with Ian Holm, too, that's awesome!!

I notice it's abridged. I take it both from your recommendation and the reviews at Amazon that the abridged aspect is good?

It is abridged, but still brilliant...still the definitive adaption imo. As an abridgement I'm quite happy with it, even if Old Tom got chopped again...the BBC did redo the Old Tom part later on apparently, thats on some other collection.

 

[garyh]

It is abridged, but still brilliant...still the definitive adaption imo. As an abridgement I'm quite happy with it, even if Old Tom got chopped again...the BBC did redo the Old Tom part later on apparently, thats on some other collection.

Poor Tom Bombadil just can't catch a break!!

I'm leaning towards the BBC edition, but am still looking forward to any other advice - either more BBC support, or other options, more info means a better decision.

 

[Brown Jenkin]

If you have the time and the money you could also pick up the unabridged set. The version I just finished listening to over many long drives is from Recorded Books read by Rob Inglis. It retails for $130-$140 and consists of 46 cds covering 52 hours including the apendixies. Rob Inglis does a good job diferentiating between all the charactors although I felt his singing left a little to be desired. This is not a dramatization so no sound effects, you'll have to let your imagination do the work.

 

[Mean Eyed Cat]

I bought both BBC versions on FOTR and TTT for my 10 year old son (and me ). They are both excellent and affordable (compared to the longer versions). The BBC cast not only did a great job vocally enacting this condensed and well-written story, but they also utilized some good sound effects. Worth the money.

 

[Assenpfeffer]

The Rob Inglis recording isn't a dramatization, it's a reading. The BBC recording is a dramatization, and an excellent one. It is "abridged" in the sense that it's a radio adaptation and written with that medium in mind.

I also have the NPR dramatization. It's very good in places, but the BBC version is generally better.

 

[garyh]

Pardon me while I BUMP this back to page 1.

I'm pretty sure about getting the BBC dramatizations. Any more thoughts from my fellow Tolkien fans?

 

[Psychotic Dreamer]

I just wanted to say I'm also considering getting the BBC dramatizations. I am one of those types who have been unable to get into reading the novels, but could easily listen to it, I think. Now I just need to wait another two weeks until I get paid.