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

The original radio version

The last chapter is about how this radio show first came to be (yup, I didn't know it was a radio show first either). At first I was annoyed that I had to listen to an hour about the making of this "book" to finish it, but I actually enjoyed that part. it was interesting that a lot of it was written the day it was due. Overall I really enjoyed the book. My only criticism is that some of the sound effects are very loud. I found myself having to turn up and down the volume a lot during my listen

Take all my (digital) small bits of green paper...

I loved it to pieces. Been a fan of the book since the late 90s, enjoyed the movie, and am now very glad to find the radio version (or a version of the radio version). The only thing I could possibly complain about is that there are times when I can't hear what's being said (too soft or low or quiet), but that is a problem I have with movies too, so maybe it's just me.

Great for listening to while commuting or doing computer work (just try not to laugh too loudly), and possibly even walking or working out.

Don't panic.

I was first exposed to the world of the Guide back in the early 1990's when my sister began reading the first book to me. It wasn't until a year or so later that I discovered the radiodrama, and it was at least another ten years before I learned that the radiodrama had in fact come first, even before te books.
It all started when Arthur Dent awoke to discover a bulldozer in te process of trying to knock his house down to make way for a new bypass. With the arrival of his longtime friend Ford Prefect, however, things get even stranger. First off, Ford reveals himself not to be rom Gilford after all, or from anywhere on Earthh for that matter. He is, in fact, from a small planet somewhere in te vicinity of Beatlejuice. As if that wasn't bad enough, not only Arthur's house but is entire planet is then demolished by an alien race to make way for, you guessed it, a hyperspace bypass. And that's how Arthur began a journey that no Earthman could ever imagine, from the fabled planet Magrathia to the famous Restaurant at the End of the Universe, to any number of strange and fascinating places.
This program is light years better tan the TV series and way better than the Douglas Adams narrated versions of the unabridged books. And it's miles and miles better than the rather horrible movie adaptation from 2005. This is probably where such actors as Simon Jones and Steven Moore became internationally recognized, assuming of course tat tey hadn't already been at that time. So if you haven't already listened to this I would definitely recommend it. I've rarely laughed so hard in my whole life.

The classic radio play

What did you like about this audiobook?

All the memories of youth spent listening to the radio show on cassette. Plus interviews with Adams and the cast.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

The interviews were new to me and brought a new richness to the beloved classic.

Do you have any additional comments?

This collects the first 6 of the 12 episodes found in the US cassette edition. It then adds a set of interviews. Great addition to the collection, and none of the audio problems found on well loved cassettes.

Classic British humor original Radio Play

Unrivaled humor , imagination, tounge in cheek philosophy.
Second only to, equal to or surpassing Monty Python depending on the Anglophile.
It was family tradition of travel entertainment for my crew through decades of vacationing.
This edition differs from my CDs (now gone) only in that the narrator says "Primary Phase" in the intro.
Highly recommend.

fantastic, absurd, witty, insightful

Robots can be difficult to understand w accent combined w voice effects. Overall absolutely worth the time and chock full of fabulously quotable one-liners

A Crazy but original story

Would you try another book from Douglas Adams and/or the narrators?

I am not sure. The Hitchhiker's Guide of the Galaxy (Primary Phase) is the original British radio drama of a now legendary SciFi comedy series. I thought the voice actors did a marvellous job but I am not so sure that Douglas Adams concepts has caught on to me. I like Terry Pratchett's wit and humour a bit more.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't so I cannot compare it with other narrations.

Do you think The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It doesn't need one, but it has quite a few, I believe. It is a radio drama with a sort of instant gratification humour. A sort of a radio sitcom. You can listen to one episode or to many it doesn't really make that much of a difference.

Sound Quality Lacking - Performance Excellent

As a long-time fan of this story, I searched high and low for the complete narration by Douglas Adams on Audible, but it isn't here. In desperation, I decided this would be the next best thing. As others have stated, the sound quality is a bit iffy, but improves with the use of headphones. The cast is excellent, however. You really feel immersed in the story. A worthwhile purchase and listen, even with the poorly balanced audio.

Classic entertainment

This is where the whole thing began. I adore the voice work. The story is amazing. So many talented people came together to make a truly unique radio program.

THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY "HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE"!

Heard this first on public radio in the 1970's and nothing else comes close. If you like the books, this is a MUST!