Rating: 
Summary: Bone-tingling storytelling without frills
Review: Vincent Price and Basil Rathbone bring to life some of Edgar Allen Poe's classic stories in this marvelous CD collection. Rathbone's rendition of "The Raven" is especially noteworthy. As the poem builds to its startling climax, the actor perhaps best known as one of the first to portray Sherlock Holmes onscreen proves he can do more than enact the role of the great detective. His precise enuciation coupled with his abject terror at the sight of the raven sitting atop the "pallid bust of Pallas" will chill and thrill the listener. His readings of "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Cask of Amontillado" are also very enjoyable (listen for the drunken voice of Fortunato in the latter, which is sure to bring a smile). Price's readings, too, are a delight, as he brings to life "The Gold Bug" and - to me, the best selection - the tragic tale of "Ligeia". He has a way of making Poe's stories so personal that one can almost believe he is telling you about something which really did happen to him. Price becomes Poe's narrator so easily, so smoothly, that he gains the listener's sympathy instantly as he spins his terrifying tales. One reviewer commented that the lack of background sound effects and music detracted from the collection. I beg to differ. Who needs distractions from these two sonorious voices as they wrap around you on a dark, chilly, rainy evening? If they were reading to you in front of the fire, there would be no background noises to distract your attention, and thus it is here. You get pure story-telling magic from two of the most acclaimed actors of the 20th century. The collection's audio quality is first-rate. No scratches, skips or other sounds to mar the excellent recording quality. I purchased these CDs for long trips in my car and they've kept me good company for just that purpose. For fans of Poe, these readings will renew awareness of the author's literary genius. For those unfamiliar with his work, no two actors could provide better introductions to the original master of horror.
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