Brings back memories.

I first heard this adaptation when I was in primary school, it started me on my journey into Middle Earth and the lore of Tolkien.
I am glad to say that re-listening to the BBC adaptation I have fallen in love with it all over again. As with most dramatisations it does differ from the books but it is worth a listen.

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Sensational

Very compelling to listen to, I was enthralled and actually in Middle-earth the whole book.

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4 people found this helpful

The AMAZING BBC dramatisation. A classic forever.

I first heard this adaption on Radio 4 when I was a child, and immediately grabbed the nearest cassette tape to start recording it. I've cherished the show ever since and listened to it hundreds of times. Every voice in it was a superstar actor at the time. It's nice to see this Audible version - the only change is the original superb opening music is slightly altered (not sure why they did this, but I'm sure they had their reasons). Also includes some new introductory dialogue which I had never heard before until now by Ian Holm.

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Fun, vivid immersion but does drift from the book slightly

Thoroughly enjoying this! Love all the voice acting and background sounds. Full of atmosphere.

Be aware that this is not 100% faithful to the book and the order in which you learn of events has been tweaked here and there.

However, I don’t think that a one-to-one match was ever the goal of this. I read these as a kid and am currently re-reading on kindle and in that sense it’s a very complimentary experience.

If you’ve read LOTR already, then I recommend this

If you haven’t read LOTR, then it depends on if you want the 100% authentic experience. Personally I wouldn’t ever say this could replace the book.

In the book, there are questions intentionally left unanswered unanswered that the reader does not learn of until Frodo finds out. You’re kind of on the journey with him.

Where as here it’s more of a higher level narrative, but very well crafted. If you don’t mind that, or are not much of a reader then sure go for this.

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5 people found this helpful

Getting reacquainted with this best of old friends

I have loved Tolkien since childhood and this dramatisation since 1981. it is a masterful adaptation with a wonderful cast who are complemented by Stephen Oliver's score (still the most faithful of all in my view). Originally taped onto cassette and then replaced with CDs, it is a joy to have it so readily available to me. Now on to the Two Towers ........

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Great

Good audio dramatisation, will always love the story anyway! Timeless classic tale that never disappoints.

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Excellent quality radio dramatisation

I've had the cd's of this and listened to it for many years. Considering this was produced in the mid-60s the quality is excellent. A stellar cast of incredible actors bring the characters to life. Ian Holm's performance as Frodo was chiefly responsible for his being cast as Bilbo in Peter Jackson's trilogy and he attacks the role here with passion.

Overall a quality production with top tier cast, excellent music and (mostly) well done effects.

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One adoption to rule them all

Sibley's adaption, recorded in 1989, is genuinely timeless. Perfect cast, narrator and balanced ambience with the sounds and atmosphere of the key locations in the story.

The late Sir Ian Holm (who played Bilbo Baggins in the cinema adaption) does not play Frodo as a passive observer in his own story who happens to carry the One Ring, but rather as a learned, earnest and good natured, noble soul, who battles his will against the might of Sauron. The ensemble cast match the gravitas Holm provides to Frodo; all credit to the actors and directors, they gave such life to every nuance and iconic scene.

Ultimately this adaption captures the magic and adventure of the Fellowship of the Ring and is an invaluable journey for lovers of Tolkien and those discovering the greatest story of the 20th Century for the first time.

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Fantastic drama!

Great listening for those who have seen the movies and want to hear what the books were like. saves you the time of hearing a different description of characters and scenery that youve already become familiar with from the movies. best listened to with headphones or with the sound up loud in the car.

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1 person found this helpful

Good but audio volume annoying

loved it. The volume was annoyingly too quiet then too loud. W couldn't hear people often.

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2 people found this helpful