The Hobbit (BBC Radio Presents; 5 CDs)

Rating:
Summary: Dramatized audio edition does "The Hobbit" justice.
Review: I am not normally one to endorse 'dramatized' versions of books. An author's work deserves to be viewed as created by the author, not as condensed and interpreted by actors/directors, in the case of a movie dramatization or the audio presentation of a book. That being said, I am willing to endorse this dramatized version of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit". The storyline is true to the book, as are the dialogs. This Four CD collection presents an opportunity to listen to several hours of a classical fantasy tale, complete with songs, pronunciations of elven and dwarven words and names, and limited, appropriate, sound effects. I played the CD's in the car on a long road trip; it helped to keep my mind occupied as the miles ticked away. I purchased the CD version over the Cassette version of this B.B.C. production so that I might use this collection to entertain, and very likely introduce to the genre of Fantasy, my future children. I wholeheartedly recommend this collection to parents, and future parents.

Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: I can barely believe there are those that think this book too boring & pointless. First off, the book is barely 300 pages long, if that. Secondly, it has a point, and that's to tell a engaging story. I guess some people just don't get it or go in for this kind of thing. Pointless and boring? You haven't seen such till you read certain volumes of Robert Jordan's Wheel Of Time series. For me, this book is like a doorway into another world. A wizard, a hobbit and a group of dwarves go on a quest to oust a dragon from their mountain and run into orcs, wolves and spiders on the way? Jeez, what could be cooler? I found it engrossing every step of the way. The only criticism I would have for the book might be that the latter part of the book takes an abruptly more serious tone than the first half of the book, but that's only fitting since it prepares for the more serious tone of Lord of the Rings. This book is Classic Fantasy. For the number of reviews that wanted to give this book 0 stars, even if they are only a handful, I give this book 10 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: I can barely believe there are those that think this book too boring & pointless. First off, the book is barely 300 pages long, if that. Secondly, it has a point, and that's to tell a engaging story. I guess some people just don't get it or go in for this kind of thing. Pointless and boring? You haven't seen such till you read certain volumes of Robert Jordan's Wheel Of Time series. For me, this book is like a doorway into another world. A wizard, a hobbit and a group of dwarves go on a quest to oust a dragon from their mountain and run into orcs, wolves and spiders on the way? Jeez, what could be cooler? I found it engrossing every step of the way. The only criticism I would have for the book might be that the latter part of the book takes an abruptly more serious tone than the first half of the book, but that's only fitting since it prepares for the more serious tone of Lord of the Rings. This book is Classic Fantasy. For the number of reviews that wanted to give this book 0 stars, even if they are only a handful, I give this book 10 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Really brings the book to life
Review: I expected this to be a typical audio book with one person reading, and was surprised to find a cast of characters, music, & sound effects!! This is really well done, and I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Totally makes fun of Tolkien
Review: I got this out hoping it would be like The Lord of the Rings dramas by BBC. Boy was I wrong! The music was horrendous. Gandalf didn't sound old or wise like he should. He sounds like most of the dwarves!! (and they don't husky voice like they should.) Some of the names weren't pronounce right. Thorin was Toreen and Gollum was Golloom. BBC where did you go wrong!! And LOTR was the earlier one. Stick to that and listen to the Rob Inglis reading of this book!

Rating:
Summary: THE ABSOLUTE BEST!
Review: I have read the Hobbit and the trilogy in full many times over the last 10 years. Every time I read it I get more from it or see it from another characters point of view. It is the best fantasy series I have read and highly suggest it.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: I listened to the audio version, and read the book. The audio version was GREAT! It had some great sound effects, and Bilbo's voice was just like I thought he would sound(or pretty close). The book is a classic, and I loved every minute. I don't know how many times I've read it, I love it so much. If you think fantasy is dumb, and haven't read this book, read it now-it will totally change your view of fantasy literature, or at least get you hooked on Tolkien!

Rating:
Summary: Not anything to jump at...
Review: I recommend the Mind's Eye dramatization of this. At least Mind's Eye gets the pronunciation of names correct. GahLOOM for Gollum? All it takes is listening to Tolkien himself reading "Riddles in the Dark" (I recommend the Tolkien Audio Collection) to know that these producers didn't do their homework. Also, the split narrative is a bit distracting, and Bilbo's constant hemming and hawing makes him sound like he has a mental condition. The voice casting leaves MUCH to be desired as well. Gandalf (or GawnDAWLF as they mispronounce it) sounds awful! This actor would be interesting as Wormtongue in LOTR, but as Gandalf - PTOOIE! The script is not badly written, although they emphasize some WEIRD things in the plot, like an overlong description of Elrond.

Rating:
Summary: Not anything to jump at...
Review: I recommend the Mind's Eye dramatization of this. At least Mind's Eye gets the pronunciation of names correct. GahLOOM for Gollum? All it takes is listening to Tolkien himself reading "Riddles in the Dark" (I recommend the Tolkien Audio Collection) to know that these producers didn't do their homework. Also, the split narrative is a bit distracting, and Bilbo's constant hemming and hawing makes him sound like he has a mental condition. The voice casting leaves MUCH to be desired as well. Gandalf (or GawnDAWLF as they mispronounce it) sounds awful! This actor would be interesting as Wormtongue in LOTR, but as Gandalf - PTOOIE! The script is not badly written, although they emphasize some WEIRD things in the plot, like an overlong description of Elrond.

Rating:
Summary: Not anything to jump at...
Review: I recommend the Mind's Eye dramatization of this. At least Mind's Eye gets the pronunciation of names correct. GahLOOM for Gollum? All it takes is listening to Tolkien himself reading "Riddles in the Dark" (I recommend the Tolkien Audio Collection) to know that these producers didn't do their homework. Also, the split narrative is a bit distracting, and Bilbo's constant hemming and hawing makes him sound like he has a mental condition. The voice casting leaves MUCH to be desired as well. Gandalf (or GawnDAWLF as they mispronounce it) sounds awful! This actor would be interesting as Wormtongue in LOTR, but as Gandalf - PTOOIE! The script is not badly written, although they emphasize some WEIRD things in the plot, like an overlong description of Elrond.