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 best of the series!

This is a fun way to revisit the book in an abbreviated amount of time. Nothing compares to the book, but many of the most memorable comical scenes are here in the original radio show. A must for the die-hard Douglas Adams fan!

Still great after all these years.

This remix of the original series has had a lot of flack for some reason which I don’t understand. It is still the same series and I only noticed a couple of background effects that had changed. Other than that it’s still as great as it ever was with the bonus of the making of feature as an added extra.

…..Welcome to the Loonie Bin…..

The books I read years ago and wanted to revisit the series. Unbeknownst to me as it turns out, the Hitchhiker’s Guide first appeared in the form of a radio play and so this does not sound like an adaptation. It is clear that this is the original version. It is fresh and brand new.

My one criticism is not with the material but with the sound effects. I found the various echoes and reverbs to be an obstruction to understanding the material. At times, the listener has to put up with sound effects that are as loud as the dialog. This becomes more of a deterrent to understanding, not an enhancement.

The full cast performance is wonderful and strikes precisely the right tone for the material.

The BBC radio program!!

I’m SO excited to hat the audiobook for Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is in fact the BBC Radio dramatization!!!

Radio moves along much quicker.

Multiple actors reading makes for better listening, not that the single reader recordings aren’t great but this is a little better.

A radio show

This is what you would call, a relican good time! If you enjoy Douglas Adams you will enjoy this. The theatrical performance aspects are wonderful, but sometimes the sound effects overwhelm the dialogue.

Still, a great lesson.
This recording includes added features. They describe how this got made and include interviews with Douglas Adams, himself. Priceless!

Epic and funny

This tells an epic take with more than the usual wry bit if British humor, however, don't panic! Americans can enjoy it too.

a truly out of this world listening experience!

if you want to get someone to love radio, THIS is what you get them to listen.

A Beloved Classic

I first heard H2G2 over 35 years ago and hearing it again was like spending time with a cherished old friend. Still the definitive version if you ask me.

My only complaint would be that all six episodes are lumped together under one "audio chapter" if it were rather than split up under six.

It's the series... BEFORE the series!

I have been DYING to hear the original Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for the LONGEST time, as I am a HUGE fan of the TV miniseries... I was NOT disappointed in the slightest! :) If you are a fan of Sci-Fi and have a 'funny bone', CHECK THIS OUT! :D