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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatised) cover art

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatised)

By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones,Simon Jones,Geoffrey McGivern,Mark Wing-Davey,Susan Sheridan,Stephen Moore,full cast
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Summary

A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.

The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.

Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and everything.

Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.

A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams's Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.  

Audio files were replaced in April 2021.

©2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatised)

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    5 out of 5 stars

Abridged version.

I was disappointed to find that this is an edited version of the recording. Some of what was in the original broadcast is not in this edition. I haven't performed a detailed analysis. I just found that one of my favourite bits was missing. In this version, Marvin no longer hums Pink Floyd in Episode 3. I did not realise that this was what was meant by it being a remastered version. I expected improved sound quality or some such.

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53 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

funny, adventurous and youthful

Much has been said about radio 4 in the reviews, which might actually discourage some people from buying this. I'm a teenager who doesn't listen to radio 4 and this is the greatest and funniest audiobook i've ever had the pleasure of listening to. This book was made for young people so if you are one I can't recommend it highly enough!

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38 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The original and best

This is where it all began: a Radio 4 comedy show.

Everything else is a remake. The TV version looses some of the wordy humour, the book version looses some of the energy & the film version looses the point.

A wonderful cast, a humorous delight and a nice little documentary as a bonus.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic , but...........

This is one of the best comedy series you will ever hear. A game changer. Elements of it are now part of everyday life. writing is mindblowingly good . Performances are overall outstanding. Peter Jones is superb as The Book, although he freely admitted not understanding a word of it. As a series, and this is by far the best one, a must . ......

However Audibles version is very poor. The sound quality and over compression are unforgivable in this day and age. Why have the super cleaned up remastered version. Then provide a tinny sounding mono download. I think everyone who has bought this should be untitled to a fresh high quality download. it is a shame a series like this should be handled this way.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Everyone should download this

I had the first two phases on CD so was glad of the opportunity to upgrade at a fair price, as a member of Audible. This audiobook is one of the best works the BBC has published, hilariously witty and amusing. I would recommend to anyone who listens to Radio 4.

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20 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dreadful download... Find the CD or tape

Any additional comments?

I've seen the play, listened to the radio series, got the tapes and the CDs but the quality of this download is beyond dire: compressed and in 'mono'. The original radio series, etc had stereophonics that were stunningly immersive. I'm just plain stunned by this... AVOID

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Near Flawless

Fantastic - a true muse of fire, crammed with so many ideas and such comedic brilliance that it is practically bursting at the seams.
All the others seem lame in comparison (which they aren't), like Charlie Chaplin's WW1 films - an ariadne's thread for all his other ideas.

If you haven't listened to the Primary Phase, don't just watch the film or read the book - it is essential that you try it on audiobook download, as it was ground breaking in its time, and still flawless in the present.

All in all, this is an essential audiobook, which has had profound effects on popular culture and is a Bible for anyone seeking to make headway (while avoiding cliche) in sci-fi, comedy or any pop culture field. Listen and be enriched!

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14 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great series, shame about the sound quality

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

This is a great piece of radio, but the sound quality of this download is terrible. All in mono and badly compressed.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Indispensable

This audiobook (well, original BBC comedy) is what I play at 3.00 am when I can't sleep, or when I am stuck in a traffic jam, have an enormous mound of washing up to do, or pretty much any time I really need a chuckle. Then I make up my own brand of Vogon style poetry and imagine that whoever or whatever has annoyed me is screaming in agony strapped to a Vogon poetry appreciation chair. It is a necessary part of my life. You need it too. Buy it.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Douglas Adams was such a great writer

I listened to the original when it was first broadcast on the radio, and have been pining for a repeat ever since - books, TV and film were only partly adequate replacements. As an added bonus, this 'special edition' recording contains not only the six broadcast episodes, also a fascinating hour-long documentary about how the first two radio series came about. I shall be downloading the Secondary Phase very soon.

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7 people found this helpful