Question about Harry Potter audio

[Petra Pan]

--- "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

Jim Dale was born in Rothwell, Northants,
England, UK according to

http://us.imdb.com/Name?Dale,+Jim+(I)

and worked quite a bit in the UK, so you can be
assured that he reads with a genuine British
accent and therefore you should find the US
versions acceptable in that respect.  Lots of
libraries have the audiobooks in their
collections, as do audiobook rental services. 
You could check them out before committing your
money.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see any US library
systems or retail outlets carry the UK versions
so it'll be hard for you to sample both versions
at the same time (hmm...I guess I should be
volunteering to lend you my babies at this point,
eh?).  The last time I did research on this, I
got some info at 

http://www.covertocover.co.uk/ (publisher)
http://www.amazon.co.uk

Though I listen to BOTH versions (over and over
again), my preference is Stephen Fry despite the
fact that I heard Dale's versions first.  I find
Fry's reading arguably more nuanced and Dale's
reading of Hermione saying "Harry-y-y-y-y-y-y!"
somewhat whiney...not to mention the fact that
his version of her name is a tri-syllabic
corruption (though admittedly, this may be more
realistic in terms of linguistics).  Of course,
these are teeny nit-picks - I would never have
considered these as "flaws" in Dale's
interpretation if I hadn't found its alternative
superior.

Interpretation aside, the production value of the
UK version is also slightly higher.  On all of my
Dale tapes, you can discern fluctuations in
Dale's voice that I'm guessing come from his
voice being rejuvenated by rest breaks.  My Fry
tapes also include some sound effects as well as
"headers" and "footers" at the beginnings and
ends of each side of tapes; announcing the tape
number and chapter at the beginnings and advising
you that it's time to go to the next side at the
ends.  You should also know that the UK tapes
come in different packaging, one style aimed at
adults and one at children...just as the books
are.

Somewhat inexplicably, the UK version of GoF is
more than just a few minutes LONGER - it's almost
an hour longer.  I don't think that there is
significant difference between the texts...just
between the readers' pace and use of dramatic
pauses.  Some day if I win the lottery, Ill have
the time to double-check that.

Should you decided to get the UK editions, could
you let me know if you find a good price?  Though
I just can't justify spending the extra money
(seeing that one pound is $1.56 today), my audio
tapes are near tatters and I'm thinking of buying
replacements.  Okay, Im TRYING to justify buying
replacements since CDs would also be more
convenient.

Which is to say, whether you invest in the more
expensive UK version or go with the nevertheless
terrific US version, I agree that you should buy
the CD's and not the electro-magnetic tapes! 
Especially since people will insist on borrowing
them...and wear them out.

You can't go wrong with EITHER Dale OR Fry...I
only wish they've done audiobooks of some of my
other favorite tomes.

Petra
a
n  :)


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