The Bad Beginning, A Multi-Voice Recording: A Series of Unfortunate Events #1

Tim Curry's narration is positively brilliant, and the production values of this recording are first rate. All the voices, music and sound effects makes this a tremendous experience!

The Bad Beginning may be, as Lemony Snicket reveals, a miserable tale, but it is a joy to listen to. This full-cast production is of the highest caliber, filled with orchestral music and chilling sound effects. I loved Tim Curry (yes, Dr. Frank N. Furter) as the infamous villain Count Olaf, and was charmed by the witty Baudelaire siblings, who rely on books to help them avoid the Count's treachery.

I had looked at this series in print, but it had not held my attention as an adult. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this production of the book- a very high quality, witty, well thought out performance. All the sound effects were excellent, and alterations in the text made sure that the warnings not to listen/read to such gloomy material came across freshly as jokes.
Aimed at children who are just developing a sense of irony, can be painlessly enjoyed by an adult in the same car.

What a refreshing listen! Engaging and interesting, the characters really came to life for me through the full cast and sound effects. Though it is a sad, depressing tale, it is also very humorous. I would definitely suggest this book if you are looking for an escape from your day. I can guarantee you'll feel better about your own life situations after this one!

I, as an adult, found it interesting. My seven year old son found the bad things that happen to the children disturbing. He especially had problems with the baby being bound and gaged and hung out a window. I am told in book #2 the same baby is threatend with having her toe cut off? An age recommendation would be nice.

I really loved this book. I decided to listen to it between bigger books as sort of a palette cleanser. Tim Curry is Lemony Snicket and a full cast reads the dialog. There are also nice sound effects and music so that it feels like a real radio play.

Unfortunately as I looked to get the other volumes, Audible has not licensed all of the Tim Curry/Full Cast versions of these books. It's disappointing to go from a full production complete with voice acting, sound effects and Tim Curry to Daniel Handler dryly reading his own novels.

So I will not be buying the rest of them until they can get all of the Tim Curry/Full Cast versions.

The quality of the recording is excellent, second to none. I can't see me downloading any more though, as I really didn't like the book. If anyone hasn't come accross it, (as I hadn't), this is a VERY depressing tome. Snicket cleverly paints a beautiful picture of childhood idyl, and then smashes it into a million pieces in one sentence, genuinely shocking the reader. Following on from that, things go from bad to worse for the primary characters, and I found myself feeling very down after listening to it. I shan't say any more as I don't want to give away the ending but be aware this is not a happy ending read.

but it is unfortunate that the other books are not available in this format.
I wish they would...
I really love this series!!!
It is very morbid, but is very funny at the same time.

Tim Curry! Lemony Snicket!
This is as good as it gets!

I had toyed with the idea of picking up these books on occasion at various places. After I heard the interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air (on my 40th birthday no less), I had to give these a try. This not just kidstuff (although they are completely kid appropriate). These are so much FUN!!! My husband and I listen to them over and over and laugh our heads off. Misery loves company -- and I am hooked.