Almost, but not quite, the original version
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As with previous releases on vinyl etc, this is NOT the original radio show. Episodes 1-4 sound like they have been re-recorded, from the voices and the technical sound I'm guessing this was done at the time of the third series. The script, the sound effects and music all contain differences - I've compared it to my original (very old) cassette recordings off the radio and the CD version is definitely different - cleaner maybe but somehow rather "flat".
Maybe the BBC lost the original recordings as they did with so many other radio and TV shows? Maybe the quality was thought to not be good enough? Maybe they thought they could improve the original sound effects with newer technology? Whatever the reason, claiming this as the original is not quite true. BBC, if you have the originals you should include them as an "extra", or release them seperately.
From episode 5 on this sounds like it is the original in every respect.
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Essential Douglas Adams Stuff!
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First off, as anyone could say, miles better than the film! Secondly, how is it to the book? Tough call, while I love the Radio series, I do find the book amazing to read, quite honestly it depends on your mood. If you know you can plough your way through the book (worth it, but time consuming) then go for that, and get the radio series a bit later. On the whole, I think I must enjoy the Radio Series more anyway, but the book is very well written!
Although it wasn't easy to get the hang of distinguishing between Ford, Arthur & Zaphod for at least the first half of Primary. It was great fun. The guide, not as great, everything else, much better! There were sometimes when it was clinging to a part of the book, but as a consequence made it sound a bit rubbish. Although the only real change from the book is the fact that Hotblacks ship is replaced by some war-raging generals and that the Quintessential Phase, only spends half of its time on the bit which was Mostly Harmless in the book. However, some of the changes in the storyline were better, and felt a lot more real! On the whole, fantastically amazingly brilliantical! Well worth getting.
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*This* is the version you want to buy
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This CD box set contains all the radio episodes (the older ones plus the more recently produced episodes), as well as some bonus materials.
I was in heaven for many hours during a long car trip!
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This is great
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The Title of this review says it all realy.
As some before me have said.
Don't see the film.
Don't read the book.
If you want to appreciate the genius of Douglas Adams listen to the radio series, the pearl of BBC radio.
My "Life The Universe And Everything" is The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy.
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The definitive ýGuide!
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Forget the awful film, forget the book - **this** is the original and definitive HHGttG
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