Question about Harry Potter audio

[Haggridd]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., "Richelle Votaw" <rvotaw at i...> wrote:
> I'd like to buy the audio CDs for all four Harry Potter books, but 
I'm not sure which ones to get.  The U.S. versions have Jim Dale 
performing, or there's the UK Stephen Fry.  Is it worth the money to 
order the British versions?  I'm assuming Stephen Fry has a British 
accent, but what about Jim Dale?  I simply can't hear the books read 
aloud without a British accent.  I've never heard him, so I haven't a 
clue, hoping someone out there can help me out.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Richelle

I have listened to both versions, and if you're interested, I have 
reviewed them and compared them about a year ago at HPFGU.

Jim Dale is English, and speaks with a British accent.  He hhas 
adopted different voices for each of the characters.  Stephen Fry 
does not have the vocal range that Dale has.  When Fry attempts to 
read in a character's voice, oftentimes the different characters all 
sound alike.  Jim Dale "acts" the books, while Stephen Fry "reads" 
them.

Most of the native Brits seem to prefer Stephen Fry's reading, 
finding Jim Dale's various voices to be overdone.  On the whole, I 
prefer that of Jim Dale.  I wonder if it depends on which version you 
listened to first.

I hope this helps you in making your choice.

Haggridd