The Lord of the Rings: The Trilogy: The Complete Collection Of The Classic BBC Radio Production (BBC Radio Collection)

I bought this dramatization decades ago on cassette. Cassettes were getting brittle, so I found this on sale and got it for Christmas. I love the new intros and outros that bookend the production. Great product!

My greatest enjoyment of this trilogy has come from the reading of the original books, which I did many times as a boy, and perhaps twice as a man. I also liked the movie cycle, which I saw once in a theater and perhaps two other times on DVD. This radio play was, to me, considerably more engaging and imaginative than the movie cycle. Its power derives from effective use of basic ingredients like spoken voice, sounds, music and silence. I do like the spectacular visuals in the movies, but I shall probably return more often to this radio play than to the movies. A great companion on the commuter bus and train, when perhaps at the end of the day I may not feel like reading. A sentimental element - the Frodo here is wonderfully played by Ian Holm, who appeared some 20 years later as Bilbo in the movies. I have not heard the later edition of this radio play, so my comments pertain only to this product in its own right. BTW this edition is in the collection of several public libraries in my region, which are not exceptional in other respects, so it is probably widely available for free listening.

I've lusted after this BBC audio dramatisation for years and years and years. I grew up listening to tape recordings of it from the radio broadcast (wish I could get all of my old radio favourites on CD! - such a shame). I may be biased but this is hands down one of my favourite radio dramatisations of all time. I think the characterisations are fantastic, the sound effects are convincing and the story is adapted really well. A star-studded cast - Michael Hordern, Ian Holm, Bill Nighy, Robert Stephens, John Le Mesurier and the wonderful Peter Woodthorpe in my opinion is the greatest Gollum ever (you can't listen to this version and not see where Andy Serkis got his inspiration from)- favourite scene and quote - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol: "Gates Openses" - still sends shivers up my spine! All of this back in the day painted images in my mind that the movies, whilst brilliant adaptions in their own right, only touched on! Brilliant to listen to on those long cold winter nights. So thrilled to own this at last. Awesome love it love it love it!

This is the CD collection of the wonderful BBC Radio adaptation of the Lord of the Rings. I remember tuning in every week to listen to the next installment, and wishing that they were longer! I loved it then; I loved it when it became available on cassettes and I love it now on CD. I first read Lord of the Rings as I entered my teens. Then I struggled with the pronuciation of the names and the Sindarian quotes. But I read it, re-read it and continue to re-read it to this day more than 40 years down the road. These books are rightly famous and this radio epic has achieved its own status. It was the 'First'. The characterisation was wonderful then and even managed to enter the wonderful triology by Peter Jackson in the person of Ian Holm. Of necessity this, like the films that followed, was an 'abridged' version. Hardly surprising given the length of the books. The pictures are, of course, better on radio than on any screen and I found myself enjoying anew the tale as told by the Beeb. Long may they continue to turn out drama of this quality!

I do not use the title of this review lightly being an admirer of the films of Peter Jackson (sadly my memory of the animated film is beyond me). However this adaptation is the best one, almost as good as reading the books. Almost but not quite as no adaptation will ever match the books. Yes it is abridged but so are all adaptations.I have listened to it twice so far and it has improved each time. At first listening the voices of the narrator and Stider/ Aragorn grated on my but I am growing to like them. Other than those minor gripes I have no complaints at all about this and would recommend it to all.

A memorable BBC radio dramatisation. A superb cast. I remember, while listening to it some years ago, I was impressed because I perceived its consistency with JRR Tolkien masterpiece. In all the media adaptations I know of, I regard this radio drama by BBC really faithful to the spirit of the book, and that's the main point!

I first heard this in the 1980's, when it was broadcast on Radio 4, and I really enjoyed it. I bought the casettes when they came out, and thought it was time to upgrade to the CDs. The casettes followed the same format as the Radio series I listened to in the 80's, 13 one hour episodes. Whereas the CDs are continuous renditions over each of the three books (4 one hour CDs per book). I prefered the one hour episodes, as it is easier to find time for listening to a one hour episode rather than a four hour book. This is a very minor issue, for me, and doesn't distract from the story. Some people have complained about the accents (compared with the films), but being audio and not visual, it is more important to be heard properly. I thought they were excellent, especially Peter Woodthorpe as Gollum! The story is also far truer to the book than the films, so I think if you have only seen the films and are expecting something similar, you mat be disappointed.

I recorded the original BBC radio series when it was first broadcast. Since then my son listened to it countless times as he was growing up, those were the days when we had brilliant radio & tv. Since then the tapes have become very worn so now I have the cd set and am so happy with it! We usually listen to a few episodes at a time over breakfast, a very good start to the day!

I remember the original BBC broadcasts and have enjoyed being transported back to my teenage years. The imagination is such a powerful thing and voices don't reveal the fact that the speaker is in their 70s, rather older than the character being portrayed. Film can never be that good. Really glad I bought this set.

This new BBC product is simply excellent - as superlative a recording as I remembered it to be on Radio Four all those years ago. The casting, the dramatisation of the story, the general production values are all wonderful - and essentially true to the book. I agree with previous reviewers that it helps the narrative roll along not to have it broken into its original thirteen episodes, each with recitation of cast members: the decision instead to streamline by dividing it along the lines of the original trilogy is very pleasing. I think the new Ian Holm voiceover was, on balance, probably an unnecessary addition - but it certainly doesn't detract in any real way from what is a wonderful listening experience. Highly recommended.

I bought this dramatization decades ago on cassette. Cassettes were getting brittle, so I found this on sale and got it for Christmas. I love the new intros and outros that bookend the production. Great product!

My greatest enjoyment of this trilogy has come from the reading of the original books, which I did many times as a boy, and perhaps twice as a man. I also liked the movie cycle, which I saw once in a theater and perhaps two other times on DVD. This radio play was, to me, considerably more engaging and imaginative than the movie cycle. Its power derives from effective use of basic ingredients like spoken voice, sounds, music and silence. I do like the spectacular visuals in the movies, but I shall probably return more often to this radio play than to the movies. A great companion on the commuter bus and train, when perhaps at the end of the day I may not feel like reading. A sentimental element - the Frodo here is wonderfully played by Ian Holm, who appeared some 20 years later as Bilbo in the movies. I have not heard the later edition of this radio play, so my comments pertain only to this product in its own right. BTW this edition is in the collection of several public libraries in my region, which are not exceptional in other respects, so it is probably widely available for free listening.

I've lusted after this BBC audio dramatisation for years and years and years. I grew up listening to tape recordings of it from the radio broadcast (wish I could get all of my old radio favourites on CD! - such a shame). I may be biased but this is hands down one of my favourite radio dramatisations of all time. I think the characterisations are fantastic, the sound effects are convincing and the story is adapted really well. A star-studded cast - Michael Hordern, Ian Holm, Bill Nighy, Robert Stephens, John Le Mesurier and the wonderful Peter Woodthorpe in my opinion is the greatest Gollum ever (you can't listen to this version and not see where Andy Serkis got his inspiration from)- favourite scene and quote - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol: "Gates Openses" - still sends shivers up my spine! All of this back in the day painted images in my mind that the movies, whilst brilliant adaptions in their own right, only touched on! Brilliant to listen to on those long cold winter nights. So thrilled to own this at last. Awesome love it love it love it!

This is the CD collection of the wonderful BBC Radio adaptation of the Lord of the Rings. I remember tuning in every week to listen to the next installment, and wishing that they were longer! I loved it then; I loved it when it became available on cassettes and I love it now on CD. I first read Lord of the Rings as I entered my teens. Then I struggled with the pronuciation of the names and the Sindarian quotes. But I read it, re-read it and continue to re-read it to this day more than 40 years down the road. These books are rightly famous and this radio epic has achieved its own status. It was the 'First'. The characterisation was wonderful then and even managed to enter the wonderful triology by Peter Jackson in the person of Ian Holm. Of necessity this, like the films that followed, was an 'abridged' version. Hardly surprising given the length of the books. The pictures are, of course, better on radio than on any screen and I found myself enjoying anew the tale as told by the Beeb. Long may they continue to turn out drama of this quality!

I do not use the title of this review lightly being an admirer of the films of Peter Jackson (sadly my memory of the animated film is beyond me). However this adaptation is the best one, almost as good as reading the books. Almost but not quite as no adaptation will ever match the books. Yes it is abridged but so are all adaptations.I have listened to it twice so far and it has improved each time. At first listening the voices of the narrator and Stider/ Aragorn grated on my but I am growing to like them. Other than those minor gripes I have no complaints at all about this and would recommend it to all.

A memorable BBC radio dramatisation. A superb cast. I remember, while listening to it some years ago, I was impressed because I perceived its consistency with JRR Tolkien masterpiece. In all the media adaptations I know of, I regard this radio drama by BBC really faithful to the spirit of the book, and that's the main point!

I first heard this in the 1980's, when it was broadcast on Radio 4, and I really enjoyed it. I bought the casettes when they came out, and thought it was time to upgrade to the CDs. The casettes followed the same format as the Radio series I listened to in the 80's, 13 one hour episodes. Whereas the CDs are continuous renditions over each of the three books (4 one hour CDs per book). I prefered the one hour episodes, as it is easier to find time for listening to a one hour episode rather than a four hour book. This is a very minor issue, for me, and doesn't distract from the story. Some people have complained about the accents (compared with the films), but being audio and not visual, it is more important to be heard properly. I thought they were excellent, especially Peter Woodthorpe as Gollum! The story is also far truer to the book than the films, so I think if you have only seen the films and are expecting something similar, you mat be disappointed.

I recorded the original BBC radio series when it was first broadcast. Since then my son listened to it countless times as he was growing up, those were the days when we had brilliant radio & tv. Since then the tapes have become very worn so now I have the cd set and am so happy with it! We usually listen to a few episodes at a time over breakfast, a very good start to the day!

I remember the original BBC broadcasts and have enjoyed being transported back to my teenage years. The imagination is such a powerful thing and voices don't reveal the fact that the speaker is in their 70s, rather older than the character being portrayed. Film can never be that good. Really glad I bought this set.

This new BBC product is simply excellent - as superlative a recording as I remembered it to be on Radio Four all those years ago. The casting, the dramatisation of the story, the general production values are all wonderful - and essentially true to the book. I agree with previous reviewers that it helps the narrative roll along not to have it broken into its original thirteen episodes, each with recitation of cast members: the decision instead to streamline by dividing it along the lines of the original trilogy is very pleasing. I think the new Ian Holm voiceover was, on balance, probably an unnecessary addition - but it certainly doesn't detract in any real way from what is a wonderful listening experience. Highly recommended.

I loved this when it was broadcast the first time, I taped it and listened to it for years. It is wonderful to have it again and I liked the new additions which added a new dimension to the beginning of the story.

Best version apart from the book

As good as ever. first recorded this off Radio 4 back in the day, on a reel -reel recorder. Then got the cassette version, now the CD. Brilliant.

This is a superb adaptation. So easy to listen to. Adds more speed and action to some of Tolkiens slower sections.

Bought this for my husband as a birthday present. He is a huge Lord of the rings nerd. He's obsessed with the films and books so I thought I'd buy this. He thoroughly enjoys the CDs, but said it takes a while getting used to the voices as he's used to the film. Overall, a great buy and he would definitely recommend.

Replacement copy for previous copy that has been mislaid by yu

I think that many people like Lord of the rings. We have started to buy audio books at it is nice to listen to when you are driving to the summer cottage. Having read the books I like when the stick to the original rather than add tings which is not there.

I absolutely loved this version, once you start listening you really don't want to stop, I highly recommend this to anyone interested in Tolkein.

Great to listen to after all those years ago when it first came out.

Item as expected and delivered on time

Still the best version of lord off the rings.

Amazing audio product. Clear sound

Bought as a Christmas Present, the recipient could not wait to start viewing

A glorious, faithful, moving dramatisation of the complete Lord of The Rings trilogy, with inspired casting and superb music. Very faithful to the book: it omits only the Tom Bombadil section, and retains all major scenes albeit in shortened form. I particularly appreciated that the adapters were careful to retain the integrity of each of Tolkien's characters and tell the story in chronological order. This fine production is enhanced by the inspired voice casting, especially in the principal roles. The pronunciation used is quite 'Queen's English', which might come as a bit of a shock if you're expecting it to be as modern-day as the Peter Jackson films, but in fact the voices fit very well with the formality of Tolkien's original dialogue and they sound exactly right. Especially wonderful are Bill Nighy as the irrepressible and doughty Samwise, Peter Woodthorpe as hissing gangrel Gollum, Michael Horden as wise and stern Gandalf, Peter Howell as the traitorous Saruman and Andrew Sear as gentle Faramir. Initally I thought that Robert Stephens' Aragorn was a little too regal-sounding, but as the story progressed I appreciated just how fine his voice was to portray the proud and patient Future King. I also liked Gerard Murphy's quiet and solemn narration. By the end of the production the only voice that sounded out of place to me was that of the rather slack-vowelled announcer who reads each book's closing credits. With 13 hours of audio I felt that nothing had been skipped in the telling, and that sufficient time had been given to each of the interweaving tales. The dramatisation is enthralling throughout, and in places so moving and atmospheric that the hairs rose on the back of my neck. 'The Paths of The Dead' is a particular favourite - very spooky! Personally I also loved Stephen Oliver's music (except, perhaps, for the discordant song of the Eagles!). There are beautiful and memorable tracks interspersed throughout the drama and I appreciated having the extra CD of his complete musical score - though I'd have preferred if they'd included Bill Nighy's simple, unaccompanied version of the haunting 'Gil-galad was an Elven King' that was used in the production. All in all an excellent buy and very good value for money, especially since I've already listened to the whole boxset several times in the 6 weeks since I bought it. (A brilliant accompaniment to redecorating!) These characters and their glorious tale are now very dear to me, thanks to this splendid production. It's even prompted me to re-read Tolkien's novels and rediscover the story again in its original form.

It came well presented and at a fair price. It served well as a great gift to someone who treasues this timeless piece.

Simply the Best

I love the Lord Of the Rings - but unfortunately I made the mistake of thinking it was the unabridged version so disappointment for that.

What can one say? This magnificent production would easily find a high place in any countdown of the greatest things done by the BBC. Peter Jackson's films of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic novel may offer a bright fantasy of swords and sorcery for those so inclined, but at no time do they get to the heart of what makes that ever popular story so enduring: language. More specifically, the English language. For this radio adaptation is second only to the novel itself: indeed, according to the liner notes, many who couldn't stay with the novel were gripped by the tale as it unfolded, week after week, on BBC radio. Truly faithful to the story and the language of the tale, the great glory of this adaptation is to be found in its voices, its character acting, as well as in its music, which is in the best English pastoral tradition - though wisely with redolences of early music ballads and Renaissance church music. That is another joy of this production: it is entirely, indubitably, essentially English. No phoney 'Oirish" twangings or mid-Atlantic accents, here. All are superb, but special mention of course belongs to Ian Holm as Frodo, the now ever popular Bill Nighy as Sam, and especially, Peter Woodthorpe as Gollum (reprising the role he took in the unfortunate animated movie of the late '70s, and putting Andy Serkis' feeble effort for the Jackson movies firmly in the shade). The many timbres and colours of voice brought to the characterisation of this skulking psychopath is a cause for wonder and celebration. Ian Holm, like Frodo, fifty at the time of recording, conveys more gladness, more revulsion (just listen to his response to the eyes of Shelob), more mania and more anguish (his nightmares after the return home nearly brought a tear to my eye) than the too youthful Elijah Wood (Jackson's films) could ever have managed. Bill Nighy is everything Sam should be, as is Michael Hordern as Gandalf and Robert Stephens as Aragorn, though I won't say that either are superior to William Squire or John Hurt (1978, dir. Bakshi). The clear but authoritative voices of the elves and the ladies were a particular joy. Sound effects are strikingly evocative, especially for things like the beasts of the Nazgul and the hissing of Shelob. There being little aural interest in battles, these are generally passed over, except for key incidents such as Eowyn's defence of the dying Theoden. I might have wished for more grandeur, more of a sense of space and a great gathering, for the ceremonies at the end, but at least the producers of this radio serialisation never go OTT. As you might have guessed, I have a very low opinion of those massively popular, overlong and appallingly disrespectful LOTR films so recently made. "I now wish that no appendices had been promised!..those who enjoy the book as an 'heroic romance' only, and find 'unexplained vistas' part of the literary effect, will neglect the appendices, very properly" (Tolkien, 1955). The kind of nerds who bombarded the author for all kinds of irrelevant detail, about geography and botany and genealogies of kings and elves and everybody's horses and what not, are the kind of people who took to those boring and arrogant attempts to imprint on the mind the exact nature of Tolkien's Middle Earth, with zero respect for his language or the personalities of those enduring characters who make up the fellowship. Frodo most of all. If you are such a one, you may not wish to bother with this, but I hope not. The listening is closer in spirit to the act of reading, and characters and words can come alive in the voices of 'skilled' actors in a way that one's own voice in one's head never manages. Some beauties and some horrors are the more evocative for not being seen clearly. This purely aural experience will not dictate to you the beauty of Galadriel, nor the terror of the Balrog, leaving you free to imagine them as suits you best. The producer Jane Morgan and scriptwriters Brian Sibley and Michael Bakewell don't fall into the trap, unlike Peter Jackson, of treating LOTR as "some vast game" (Tolkien, ibid). As a delightful bonus, the complete music is presented separately on the twelfth disc. The musical settings of the poems and lays is no mean achievement, especially when you remember that it is the verse that is so often maligned by those that scorn the novel. Listening in 1981 every week must have been a wonderful journey. Don't miss out now. The BBC adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings. Praise it with great praise.

great audiobook

I had this play on cassette tape, so when I saw it on CD was quick to grab. Ian Holm who plays Bilbo in the Peter Jackson movies, plays Frodo on in this play. All respect to Andy Serkis' version of Gollum in the movie, but Peter Woodthorpe's Gollum is THE BEST. Another very notable performance is Michael Hordern as Gandalf. Highly respect the marvellous job Ian McKellan does in the film version, but alas, Michael's version is just a little bit better.

I remember listening to this on the radio when I was a child and eagerly awaiting the next episode to be aired. Never thought I'd get the chance to own it and listen to it again and again. Great stuff!

Hatte die Trilogie auf Cassette, mit den üblichen fatalen Folgen beim Abspielen. Habe schon lange keinen Kassettenrecorder mehr und war traurig, daß ich Tolkiens Geschichten nicht mehr hören konnte. Dank der Aufnahmen auf CD ist das jetzt endlich wieder möglich. Danke!

This is a superb production, an absolute classic. I would strongly recommend ordering the CD set as opposed to the digital version at the iTunes Store, which has a low sample rate and sounds "woolly" due to the poor reproduction of high frequencies. I know -- I have both