HP on Audio: Dale v. Fry Taste Test

[Haggridd]

No: HPFGUIDX 17759

I just received the complete audio version by Steven Fry, and I am 
happily listening to PS as I drive to and from work.  I had
previously heard all of Jim Dale more than once.  I was intrigued by 
the vehemence with which most posters attacked the Dale readings,
from what I had read.  Most, but not all of these pro-Fry, anti-Dale 
persons were from the U.K.  I therefore assume that: one, they are 
knowledgeable of the correct manner in which various British 
dialects are spoken; and two, they were exposed to the Fry version 
before they were exposed, if at all, to the Dale version. Admittedly, 
I have just begun to listen to Steven Fry, but here are some of my 
impressions so far, for what they are worth.

I prefer to listen to the work as originally written by JKR, so Fry 
wins there.  For the reading of exposition, narrative, description, 
etc., I prefer Fry's interpretation.  For dialogue, so far I prefer 
Dale to Fry.  It is not simply a matter of Dale's reading in
different voices, although I do like what he has done with those 
voices.  Fry attempts to use different voices as well, although he is 
inconsistent in his application, and I cannot tell when he is 
switching characters. If he had simply read the book in his own 
reading voice, irrespective of the character speaking, I feel that he 
would have done better. Our own fertile imaginations would have 
supplied all the voice-acting necessary.  However, since he himself 
has chosen to use different voices for different characters, it is 
incumbent upon him to do so in a clear and entertaining manner.  I 
feel that in this he is inferior to Jim Dale.

I know that there are some other issues with Mr. Dale, such as his 
using a particular regional dialect inappropriate to the character 
speaking, in some fans' opinions.  I am an American, and I cannot 
appreciate these fine distinctions when I hear the reading.  I would 
be delighted if anyone could enlighten me with regard to these
specific issues.

As I get further into the canon as read by Fry, I will report again, 
unless the response to this report is overwhelmingly negative.

Haggridd