Rating: 
Summary: I listened to the original BBC Radio Broadcasts- still great
Review: This was one of the classic BBC Radio productions (alongside the likes of 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy'). I followed this production avidly when it was originally broadcast as twenty-six half hour episodes over a six month period. I was delighted when it was released on audio cassette, but I'm ecstatic that it is now available on CD (having worn out the cassette edition). My only gripe with the BBC radio drama is the ommission of the 'Old Forest / Tom Bombadil / Barrow Downs' section of the books. This shouldn't deter anyone however, as this is still the best rendition of Tolkein's Epic tale in any medium (other than the original books)!
Rating:
Summary: A magnificent way of building up expectation for the movie
Review: I am one of those rare beasts, a fortysomething who has never read 'The Lord of the Rings'. I am slowly plugging away at the book -- in the bath, in bed etc -- but frankly, as a father of two demanding children, I'd find it hard to justify spending much more time curled up with a massive book like this. Hence the joy of audiobooks for me -- when I'm out on the road between offices, I just slip another CD into my car's CD player and I'm transported to another realm. It's just so much more exciting and enthralling than listening to the news. Never before have I so looked forward to the next car journey as at the moment ... and I'm only on CD #4 of 13! This is a wonderful adaptation of a book I haven't read. As another reviewer pointed out, this 1981 recording is somewhat better than the BBC's 1969 recording of THE HOBBIT, if only for the sound effects. (Synthesised sounds were only in their infancy then, and some key narrative details were obscured by the distorted voices of the birds and wolves.) Ian Holm, who plays Bilbo in the new movie, stars as an excellent Frodo here. Listen out also for the versatile Bill Nighy as Sam. I have promised myself that I will eventually finish the book. But for the time being, this audio CD is an excellent way of getting familiar with the Tolkien landscape in time for the movie. And you don't need to visit many Web sites to realise that Amazon's deal here is extraordinarily good value compared to the BBC package on offer in the UK.
Rating:
Summary: A great introduction..
Review: I first heard this dramatised production of the LOTR when I was a wee little fella just after finishing the Hobbit. They were being broadcast for the very first time and I can remember making sure that I was there to hear each and every episode. They made a great introduction to this incredible trilogy (contrary to other opinions voiced on this site)and when I was old enough to tackle the books myself, I was delighted to find ever more detail and even parts of the plot that hadn't been featured in the BBC's production. I've been back and listened to them many times since and they've lost none of their charm. If you're planning to introduce children to the LOTR, I can think of no better way - they're also not bad if you want bumper course on all things middle earth but are too lazy to wade through the books again. I can't recomend this set highly enough!
Rating: 
Summary: Not as advertized!
Review: Just got mine in the mail. This audiobook is in fact the 13-hour BBC abridged version, not as advertized! Hmmm... hope I get a refund!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Dramatization of a Beloved Work - Highly Recommend
Review: This is a terrific dramatization of the epic Lord of the Rings. All of the actors give true, heart-felt performances. Especially note-worthy is Peter Woodthorpe's interpretation of Gollum, truly frightening and pitiful; Ian Holm's Frodo, heart-breakingly felt; William Nighy's Sam Gamgee, very funny; and Michael Hordern's Gandalf, strong and commanding. The background sounds; birds singing, horses stamping their hooves, hobbit feet tramping in the woods, even the sound of the wind in the trees will make you feel as though you were right in the middle of it. I especiallly enjoyed Tolkien's poems set to original music, very inspiring! Be warned that this is an abridged version, the Tom Bombadil, Old Forest chapters are deleted, as well as, a few passages here and there. However, it doesn't take away from the sheer impact this will leave you with. It helps to read the books, but it's not necessary to enjoy this particular adaptation. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Saving grace for any LOTR fan stuck in traffic
Review: This has been an absolute treat and I actually can't wait to get in the car and listen. As with any new environment, this adaptation of the story takes a little getting used to. Having read the books many times, I had a very firm notion of the voices of certain characters and was initially a little put off by some of them. Gandalf is on the money - perfect. Aragorn, or Strider was a little annoying at first, but I've grown to really like him. The whole cast is truly wonderful with a powerful range of emotion. Be warned that this an abbridged telling of the story. I give BBC high marks for doing a great job of choosing what to and what not to tell. One omission is Tom Bombadil. Although he is a fascinating and powerful character - the only character totally impervious to the effects of the Ring, it would be a time consuming detour and a theatrically difficult task to include him. The net effect of his absence is imperceptable and I doubt he'll be in he upcoming film, either The sound effects range from fabulous to amusingly hoakey, but never stray from the spirit of the Story. The songs, which I always found as important, though of lesser interest, are well done and thankfully a minimul, but effective presence. The music is very well done and not distracting, which can be the case with audio books sometimes If you've never read the Lord of the Rings - read it. It is a right of passage and a true pleasure - at any age. And then, pick up this extraordinary, loving and faithful adaptation of one of the greatest stories ever told. It will be one of many revisitations you'll make to this captivating work of fiction and a very rewarding one at that.
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Rating:
Summary: Unabridged? I think not...
Review: Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderfull work but it claims to be Unabridged and it is not. It does not follow the book word by word which you would think an Unabridged version would do. Other than this fact it is a great set of CD's.
Rating:
Summary: Nice way to spend a long drive
Review: I bought this right before I had to take a long road trip. It was well worth the money and I have enjoyed it!!! Only draw back is that it does cut out a few things, but over all it is a nice listen!
Rating:
Summary: great voices...disjointed narrative
Review: In a 2500 mile road trip I relived "The Lord of the Rings" through this audio CD version. I enjoyed the music in the background and the expressive voices. Gollum's representation was particularly outstanding, capturing the emotion and struggle of his character. Overall, this CD set was worth the purchase: great packaging and liner notes, nice production. The only complaint is that it does not fill in many of the gaps for those who've not yet read the series. I intended to introduce my kids to Tolkien via this CD set, but I fear they would miss much of the flavor of his Middle Earth narrative, not to mention the details of a number of climactic scenes. I loved reading the books, and listening to them was like reminiscing around the campfire about shared experiences...but if you haven't read the books, these campfire tales might leave you feeling a bit left out.
Rating:
Summary: The BBC production is a great companion to the Book..
Review: This production is vastly superior to the Mind's Eye version and the 1978 Cartoon version. Sir Ian Holm is magnificent as Frodo and Peter Woodthorpe will never be bested in his role as Gollum. The music is perfect, as are the sound effects and the narration. This collection is a must for any Tolkien fan.
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