Product Description: Undertaking the adaptation of Tolkien's best-known work was an enormous task, but with its first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on March 8, 1981, this magical dramatization became an instant global classic. The set features Ian Holm as Frodo, Sir Michael Hordern as Gandalf, and Robert Stephens as Aragorn in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale of Middle Earth. The set includes The Fellowship of the Ring; The Two Towers; and The Return of the King.
Marvelous, marvelous, marvelous!!! I remember being absolutely enraptured by this BBC dramatization when an FM station in Seattle played it in the early 1980s, so much so that I later bought the 1987 release on CD. If you love Lord of the Rings, or if you have kids who might, this is an excellent chance to get the entire series for less than $3 per CD.
Just keep in mind that this is a dramatization rather than a reading of the actual text. Tolkien's original is some 600,000 words long, so some things had to be left out, including their encounter with Tom Bombadil. Think of the old-time radio dramas and you'll get the feel it creates. And if you're buying it for your kids in the hope of inspiring an interest in reading, the difference between the two will give your kids more reason to read the original.
There's a longer and more detailed review at TheOneRing dot Net
--Michael W. Perry, author of Untangling Tolkien: A Chronology and Commentary for The Lord of the Rings
Absolutely excellent It wasn't until 2001 that I learned of the existence of this particular dramatization of Lord of the Rings, after having listened to the American program for well over ten years. Unfortunately, it was rather a difficult program to locate. I found a copy at my local library but some of the disks were damaged and, so while I was able to listen to it I had to fast forward through certain parts. However I was able to listen to enough of the program to realize what a masterful dramatization this is. Ian Holme is admirable in the role of Frodo, Michael Hordern is just about what I would have expected for Gandalf...well I really couldn't find any complaints with the actors. Ian Holme, interestingly enough, would go on to later star as the aged Bilbo in the film trilogy. Aside from the actors (Peter Woodthorp comes to mind as a particular favorite in the part of Gollum), I loved the music, which unlike the American version was specifically written for the program if I'm not mistaken. And the singers, where singing is used, are excelent, particularly during songs sung in Elvish. That leads to another thing I love about this particular drama. We get a good deal more exposure to the Elvish language versus the bare sprinkling found in the american version. Also, they didn't give the Elves those squeaky voices found in the American program. All in all this program feels much more real. In fact, it was almost hard for me to believe it was an abridgement given the amount of detail that was put into it. Needless to say, when finances permit I intend to own a copy of this wonderful program. If you're a Tolkien fan but haven't heard the BBC radiodrama of Lord of the Rings, you might just do yourself a favor by checking out or even purchasing a copy. While i'll grant that the 1979 American dramatization is more accurate as far as the story goes (it's the only dramatization in existence that features the scenes with Tom Bombadil), the BBC pprogram still feels more real because it features better actors and much better music. So if you haven't already heard this wonderful production, you should find yourself a copy and give it a good listen.
wonderfully entertaining! for years i have been in love with this bbc version of the lord of the rings. my audio cassettes have been played and played to the point that several no longer work properly. finding this set on cd was the highlight of my week. if you are one of us tolkien crazy devotees, you should add this to your collection. it is well worth the money. i especially enjoy this on long road trips. ian holm (who played bilbo in the new line cinema movies) makes for a wonderful frodo. the other bbc regulars also offer very enjoyable performances.
absolutley awsome !!! BBc's version was the best very very very good!!!! the voice acting was excellent couldnt get any better. very good voice actors, Brian sibley you did an awsome job keep up the good work !!!! Tolkien is one of the best writers ever or i would say the best in my opinion. The music was perfect,excellent sound fx. Sam was played excellently the voice actor is perfect for sam. I wish there was a sequel tellin about frodos and bilbo and gandalfs stay in the far west and about there return to hobbiton.
Marvelous and heartbreaking rendition - wish I could give it 10 stars! What a wonderful adaptation of the Professor's translation of the Red Book! I did not care for Arwen's voice, but otherwise the entire cast is wonderful, just as they were in the films, but I think this is even better than those magnificent productions, truer to life. Ian Holm is superior as Frodo, going from innocent, carefree lad excited about seeing Gandalf's fireworks to one completely broken and in despair. You get the feeling this is what it was really like for him, the pain, the suffering, the fears and the tears, the horrific cost to his heart and soul to be Ring-bearer and carry his cross to Mount Doom. Reading that the Nazgul were pressuring him to put on the Ring is one thing. To actually hear them saying "Put on the Ring, put on the Ring," and hear Frodo struggle against it and not always win is quite another. To read that he lashed out at Sam in the tower while under the influence of the Ring is nothing compared to hearing that meltdown and his retelling in tears of how the orcs had abused him and how he wished the Ring had never come to him. That he suffered during his anniversary illnesses is brought out heartbreakingly well. He's got an incredible voice and range of feelings in this broadcast. Aragorn/Strider has a very calm, soothing voice that is needed for four frightened hobbits to hear and it's clear he cares deeply for them. Smeagol/Gollum is one completely cracked hobbit and that is played very well. The music, though limited, is very good, especially the lovely "Bilbo's Last Song" at the end. I could go on and on. I've listened to it repeatedly. So should you!
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