Audio Books

[Guest]

[Morningangel-Iola]

What do you reckon to the audio books? I love them I just wish I could afford OoTp but its rather long therefore rather pricey.

Also I have heard the American version is read by Jim Dale, why? I have read many Americans on Amazon saying they prefure Stephen Fry. I don't get it if you are going to have someone different for the American version why not someone American or have the same as the British one  

[Roz]

First off - they are worth every penny - I think we've discussed this before so if you find that old thread you may get more answers.

They had to have them re-read - partly because they are a different nation and probably dislike foreign things and also because the books were slightly re-written for Scholastic in the States - eg Mum to Mom (although I think JK Rowling had objections to Mrs Weasley being a Mom) and jumper to sweater etc etc - just localised differences.

[Morrisap]

I've never heard of this Stephen Fry person.  I must check him out.  I really like Jim Dale though.  I listen to my HP tapes over and over in my car on the commute every morning and evening to and from work.
It does seem weird that there are two people reading the books.  It makes it seem that Americans don't deserve the real deal!
I'm going to Ireland in May, would I be able to pick up British versions of the HP books?

[ferdinand_the_yak]

I have never understood why American readers got a different version - sure the slang is different, but thats what makes it so interesting - you learn something new! I mean, I had no idea about quite a few things in the books (the food being a major one) and as a result of interrogating my British friends (a la Mr Weasley ) I have picked up alot of interesting information!

What WAS the official explanation for the US versions?

[Roz]

Yeah - here's one

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1855496801/theyakshack-20/102-2146366-1255335?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=2025&link%5Fcode=xm2

Well I haven't heard the Jim Dale version but when you hear Fry as Hagrid etc you'll be in awe - all the actors stole Stephen Fry's portrayals

[Morningangel-Iola]

Well Stephen fry's voice is on some of the games, well I think most not sure if thats global or not. If anyone doesn't know who he is and saw the BAFTAs he was the presenter.

Why did we get Jim Dale on the DVDs he annoys me a bit.

[Morrisap]

I guess because I haven't heard the other guy, I love Jim Dale.  He makes me laugh.  I love his McGonagal (msp!)  I really like his Ron too.  I dunno, I think he is great!