The Lord of the Rings: "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", "The Return of the King" (BBC Radio Collection)

This production of Lord of the Rings is no exception. Whilst I do enjoy Peter Jackson's films, there are of course areas where I feel he has it completely wrong (almost inevitable given the length and depth of the books): compressing distances and times, over-enthusiastic editing of the "slower movements" and expansion of the action, insertion of some (stupefyingly silly) plot lines (which detracted from the story rather than adding to it) and a general "dumbing down" of Tolkein's masterpiece. Whilst the BBC has edited certain sections (the main omission being the Old Forest/Tom Bombadil), they have been more faithful to the overall feel of Tolkein's world and the themes running through the books, and they certainly haven't fallen into the traps which snared Jackson: namely, underestimating your audience and catering for the lowest common denominator.

This production provides superb acting (the casting was inspired), ground-breaking sound effects and a directorial pacing which drives the narrative at an engaging rate whilst allowing the story and characters to breathe. I first heard it during its second airing when I was around 10 years old, having recently read the books. This edition is of course slightly different from the original broadcast, with each episode shorn of it's "top and tail" necessary for broadcast, but with added narration from Ian Holme. Whilst I am not convinced that his addition enhances the production, it does not detract, and the lack of the half-hourly cast list certainly improves the listening experience.

On balance I feel this is the better version to listen to than the original production, although it would benefit from the original boxing/maps rather than the less atttractive generic packaging that it comes in now. Perhaps the BBC will revert to the old style- here's hoping!

I would certainly recommend this, both to those who have only seen the films, and to those who have "only" read the books.

Oh, and by the way. Peter Jackson DID hear this before he made the films. I only wish he's taken a little more notice. The pictures are always better on the radio.