Audio Versions of the Books

[Jocelyn]

No: HPFGUIDX 131200

>Sherry:
>I've only ever heard bit and pieces of the Fry recordings. I've 
>heard the difference described as Fry is a more laid back reader, >doesn't do all the voices that Dale does. Personally, as one who 
>has read audio for years, I usually prefer readers who have a lot 
>of inflection and who use different voices for main characters. 
>With Jim Dale, I always know what character is speaking, even 
>when a book is new and the dialog isn't attributed to any
>particular character. However, I would love to have the Fry 
>recordings, to be able to hear the original UK editions without 
>the silly language changes.


I actually listened to the books (unabridged, of course)before 
reading them.  This next one I will have to set eye to page if I 
want the UK version - the audio isn't due to come out until August.

I actually liked the Jim Dale (U.S.) audio until I heard Stephen 
Fry (U.K.)  I found his characterizations clearer - I could tell 
which character was speaking.  He just does it more subtly.  He 
is less 'theatrical' in his reading.  I think he does characters without seeming to do characters, if that makes any sense.  The Slytherins (Snape (at times), both Malfoys, and Phineas Nigelus 
all sound alike because they all have the patented Slytherin drawl. Their speech patterns are similar, but that is Rowling, not the narrator.) He conveys the 'British-ness' of the series well.  His Scottish burr is quite nice.

Stephen Fry, as Sherry pointed out, uses the British text, which 
is a big plus.  Then again, my husband and I buy the British 
editions of the books also, though, we are American born and bred. 

Jocelyn