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

De: Douglas Adams

Narrado por: Full Cast, Peter Jones, Susan Sheridan, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Stephen Moore

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 andproduction team.

Audio files were replaced in April 2021


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

A Must for Hitchhiker fans

On Wednesday, March 8th, 1978, listeners to BBC Radio 4 first learned about what is perhaps the most remarkable, certainly the most successful book ever to come out of the great publishing corporations of Ursa Minor, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy. Now, at long last, it's available through Audible! Hear how it all started. This came before the books, before the TV series and before the movie. Get it now! Don't think twice! Don't miss any of the adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect and the other characters as they take you with them on a romp through the galaxy you'll never forget! If you think you know it all because you read the books, think again. And, most of all, Don't Panic!

Classic Comedic Genius

If you are a fan of science fiction, or just comedy in general , this is a worthwhile listen. The form of humor in this series of radio shows has a very Monty Python feel, bizarre and perhaps a little random at times; however unlike python's sketch comedy and more akin to their feature films the comedy is tied together into a clever and original story arc. Whether it is proving that there is no life in the universe or finding the meaning of life in the universe, you'll find an interesting and comedic explanation to all your questions.
For those who may have seen the movie the story arc is longer and differs in some large ways, the radio show is also funnier (this is not an opinion it is a fact).
The only thing keeping this audio production from a 5 out of 5 is production quality. The production quality is over all pretty good, especially when one keeps in mind when it was produced. There are, however, a few spots in the recording where I had trouble understand what was being said due to effects placed on vocals.
All in all I would recommend this audio show to anyone who enjoys chuckling at the bizarre.

Mostly Harmless

I first thumbed a ride into Douglas Adams's end of the universe when the first novelization was published back around 1980. I read all five parts of his trilogy as well as the sixth entry by Eoin Colfer, I watched the BBC TV version with relish when it was first shown in the US on PBS, and (like other Adams fans) I struggled through the misguided film adaptation.

But I never heard the original radio show before. This remastered edition is sonically difficult to listen to, as other reviewers have stated, but the material is as fresh as ever. My one caveat, having started with the novels, is that there is so much more in print than there ever was on the radio, especially the hilarious excerpts from the Guide. Of course the novels are 25 hours long in total (not including Colfer) so there is so much more room for all of that.

Still, good stuff for HG2G aficionados, despite the poor sound quality, with a bonus radio doc about the making of the primary phase of the radio series. Hitchhiker's Guide newbies -- I'd recommend the novel as the best entry point but this would not be a bad place to start either.

One of the best

What can I say? A classic all around. Been in my top 10 books for many years. The original radio broadcasts here are great also. A must.

An Absolute Classic

Wonderful from start to finish. Clever, funny and great performances throughout- a true must listen