Audio Versions of the Books

[Dina Lerret]

No: HPFGUIDX 131198

On 6/22/05, susanmcgee48176 <Schlobin at aol.com> wrote:
> I also like both versions (Fry; Dale).
> 
> I like to order the UK books because I have been upset and 
> aggravated ever since the U.S. publishers insisted the title 
> of the first book be changed.


As an American, I'm not bothered by either the British or the
Americanization--I'm not some strict purist. {g}  I think, if you 
can *really* appreciate a work in one format and have the ability 
to expand upon this interest (comprehension is key), purity is
irrelevant.  For example, I can appreciate Shakespeare in its 
original format but I also can enjoy the 'modernization' of it as 
well.

Going back to the audiobooks, am I the only one amused when folk
reference 'reading' in relationship to audiobooks? {g}  I think
listening would be more accurate, but anyway, I've heard both 
versions and I like Jim Dale's rendition more than Stephen Fry's, 
which is not saying I'm not bugged by some things in the Dale 
reading.

I'm not one for subtle nuances in voice and I like the aspect of the
reading being a performance versus a narration.  As much as Stephen
Fry 'rawks', I find myself wanting more... "energy" in the readings,
so Jim Dale gets my vote.  Sometimes, I wonder if Jim Dale is being
rated on his reading... or just his reading material.

Dina