The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)

By: Douglas Adams

Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore, full cast

Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.

The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.

Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and everything.

Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.

A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams's Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.

Audio files were replaced in April 2021.

©2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Should have kept the original

I'll never understand why the BBC allowed this remaster to be published. The original already sounded great. In fact, it was a lot better than this "remaster". It would have been fine if they'd also made the original available, but no. Now we're left with this subpar experience. The story is fantastic, please give us the option to buy the original!

Zillions of Times Better than the Book

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was the first radio comedy show to be recorded in stereophonic sound and it was acted out by a full cast of professional actors, but what really sets this show apart is the sound effects which were completely innovative at the time. "One of Adams's stated goals was to be experimental in the use of sound. Being a fan of Pink Floyd and The Beatles (and especially the experimental concept albums both bands produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s), Adams wanted the programme to have the feel of a "rock album...to convey the idea that you actually were on a spaceship or an alien planet — that sense of a huge aural landscape". (From Wikipedia)

Of course today, there is a quaint quality to those sound effects, but that only adds to the overall charm of the experience. I first discovered this show in the late 80s when a local radio station aired the series, and must say that more than 20 years later, a reading of the book (which not surprisingly seemed awfully flat) it felt just as fresh, off the wall and yes, innovative as it did the first time around.

Great story... Flawed by terrible volume balance!

Love the writing... Love the performances... Hate the sound balance, or whatever you want to call it.
The narrator is LOUD... Ford is normal, while Arthur is quiet.
Very annoying, makes it hard to listen to.

Amazing

This is one of the best radio shows I have ever listened to, amazing acting and narration, makes you feel as if you were watching a movie

anyone reading this already knows the answer

here words are not optional and are indeed counted. viva rodentia, long live the mice

Quirky, wierd, and awesome!

I confess up front that I've read the book and seen the movie, and more than once at that.

Obviously then, I knew the story was 5 star, and I realized by the length of this audio book that it wasn't the complete work, but I wanted to see how BBC had done the original broadcast. I must say, they did a great job. Well engineered and with a great cast of voices.

The interview at the end was also enlightening and gave some insight into the oddball man that Douglas Adams was.

If you've never listened to or heard of the Hitchhiker's Guide before, I recommend you get the complete work or read the book. If, however, you are like me and have familiarity with the book already, then you will find this work quite enjoyable.

Marvelous book.

Not a dull moment and uproarious too. Cast of characters wonderfully acted by actors of repute as well, as may surprise you, intelligence.

Classic radio

Do not let all the reviews trick you. This is how it sounds on the original broadcast. Old radio goodness

worth it.

Great if you have a long commute everyday. If you have time to read book it's very good too.

Amazing! Funny! Witty! Smart! Wonderful!

I absolutely love this one. I have listened to this hundreds of times and pick it up on every format I can. I have read the series and seen all the shows/movies. This is by far - hands down - the best way to experience this series. The book is pretty superb too! So glad to have it digital so I can listen to it much easier with current technology. Thank you so much to the glorious mind of the late D.A.