The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Primary Phase (Original BBC Radio Series) [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Douglas Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2008

The BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatization!

Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.

Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don't forget to bring a towel!

Presented Fully Dramatized on 3 CDs.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

The Earth is scheduled for demolition on a quiet Thursday afternoon, and Everyman Arthur Dent and his galactic guide, Ford Prefect, are lucky enough to catch a timely ride on a Vogon construction ship. So begins this quirky, intelligent sci-fi series, which first took the world by storm as a phenomenally successful BBC Radio series in 1978. The original full-cast performances and playful script sound positively gleeful and as irreverent as ever with a fresh digital remastering by ace British producer Dirk Maggs, who subtly mixed in new sound effects that were too costly or not available in the 1970s. For the longtime fan this recording will be like listening to an old friend. And for the neophyte looking to sample Douglas Adams's gentle comic genius, this is the perfect place to start. B.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160283511X
• ISBN-13: 978-1602835115
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Books on CD > Literature & Fiction > Drama
  • #10 in Books > Books on CD > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction
  • #11 in Books > Books on CD > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy

More About the Author

Douglas Adams (1952-2001) was the much-loved author of the Hitchhiker's Guides, all of which have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Original BBC series. Must have for any Hitch-Hiker Fan, November 8, 2005

By 

Debra Keais "Debbie Keais" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

This is the original BBC radio series (I know I have an old cassette copy from the early 1908's). The radio series was first, then the book, then the TV series, and now the movie. In my opinion the radio series was the best. It has all of the great lines my friend love to quote. The actors are wonderful. The sound effects make you feel like you are right there with Arthur and Ford exploring the universe. Highly recommend it. Great way to pass the time while you are driving to work.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BBC Radio version is, in my opinion, the best., July 20, 2008

By 

Glenn J. Saylor Jr. (OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

This 3 CD package contains the original six episodes--they call them "fits"--of the BBC Radio series broadcast in 1978. Each fit is approximately 30 minutes long. There are 7-13 tracks per fit, so that you can quickly and easily go forwards or backwards in any episode--as close to hyperdrive as your going to get. The sound quality is excellent.

As the title of my review indicates, my favorite version of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the radio version. The BBC Radio broadcasts were the first medium through which The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy was introduced to the world, with the books, TV series and film coming later. Peter Jones' performance as the Book is outstanding.

That being said, I think it beneficial to read the book (if you haven't already) prior to listening to the CD's, so that you know the basic story line. I say the basic story line, because the book and the radio version differ on occasions.

Listen to these CD's in your car, and you'll arrive at your destination before you really want to--who needs an Improbability Drive.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first and best!, July 12, 2007

By 

K. Schafer (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

Of all the incarnations this story has gone through, I still believe that this original BBC radiophonic production is the best!