- The Good: Scifi, humor, all-around madness… in stereo!
- The Bad: Poor audio quality in parts
- The Literary: BBC Radiophonic Workshop created the distinctive sound design
The original second-book radio series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 is re-mastered and re-released here in six episodes. Also included is an interview with the author himself, Douglas Adams, as he reflects on the genesis and success of the series.
If you haven’t read any of Hitchhiker’s, don’t start here. Either listen to the Primary Phase or pick up the books themselves, which are based on the radio broadcasts. These stories are known for their devout attachment to absurd humor. Some people have religion; some have The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
What’s special about listening to these radio broadcasts after so many years of familiarity with the books is how different they are. The Secondary Phase really starts to diverge in the plot details. The sound effects and voice overs are incredibly fun and bring an entirely new layer to the experience, though perhaps the mastering could be updated again.
The authentic interview with Adams reveals his curious and reflective mind. Recommended with a good cup of tea in honor of Arthur not being able to get a good one.