I've been looking to buy a dramatization audiobook of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I know of the BBC Dramatization of The Lord of the Rings, having listened to it previously, but i would like to hear the opinions of others before buying any. Which of the many audiobooks would you recomend to purchase?
Fenfick Tale, Welcome to the "Forums". Which audiobook may depend on your use for it. If it is purely entertainment then the BBC dramatization is in my opinion very good. While I often listen to different versions I still recommend something that is complete and unabridged. Often companies will cut pieces of the story out. For instance, while I love the films made by Peter Jackson, having the whole section about Tom Bombadil left out definitely changed the tempo and richness of Tolkien's story. Companies must make a profit to survive and editorial revisions are a way to keep production cost down. I think you will find most of us celibrate authorized editions also. Tolkien has a unique style, rhythm, and a distinctive narrative pattern which is why we are fans in the first place. The section of the forums called Lord Of The Rings games and films forum has numerous opinions about different types of media formats of Tolkien's works. While most are about video I think what I have gleaned from it is that what is best is what Tokien himself approved.
I have a complete and unabridged audio cassette set of "The Silmarillion" performed by Martin Shaw. It is 12 cassettes long. I love it.
I do have a recommendation about the specific media...tapes wear out, stretch, become tangled, and sometimes break. CD's and DVD's are much easier to maintain and if properly maintained will last forever.
Again, welcome to "The Tolkien Forum's". It is a wonderful place for scholarship and fun. There are people from all over the world here. And there are fans at all levels. Jump in. The water is fine!!! Bear an Elf-Friend
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I just found this reading of The Two Towers. I've listened to the first few chapters and couldn't decide if I liked it or not. Whoever is doing the readin put in music from the movies and a bunch of sound effects. I prefer just a plain reading. But, I thought I'd share it with you all because it might appeal to someone. If anyone has kids, they might really get into it. Even though I'm not overly fond of it, I will continue and listen to the whole thing.
I had to laugh at the necromancy! But, if anyone finds a reading of the Two Towers online somewhere, specifically read by Rob Inglis, do tell, cause I would love to listen to that one.