Great Story, but...

This story is definitely worth a credit, don't get me wrong. I probably shouldn't be complaining since others clearly noted that this is an abridged version. If you know the stories well though, it is kind of sad when they leave out things like the first joke. I also have heard dramatized versions that had an amazing rendition of Puddleglum's acting drunk before the giant king and queen. This version left that out entirely. And yes it is dramatized, which I found myself noticing over and over again. They would have one of the characters tell what was happening as it happened, instead of just having a narrator tell the story. And some of the voices just weren't that inspiring. If I had it to do over again, I might just go home and read the book. Or maybe I'd buy all the individual ones unabridged. Basically I've heard better dramatizations of this story. Nevertheless, it is a great story, and I highly recommend it.

15 people found this helpful

Should say "abridged"

I love the chronicles of Narnia so I was happy to see a complete collection in one purchase. I didn't realize it was going to be so different from the books. All the actors were great, especially the kids but we miss all the great narration by CS Lewis which is what I love about Narnia. I wish the description had indicated (more than just the word "dramatized") that it was so different from the books. Prince Caspian was completely changed. I still loved it but I'll have to spend more on the actual audio books.

120 people found this helpful

Abridged but Great Performance

What did you love best about The Complete Chronicles of Narnia?

I enjoyed the full cast of characters and the sound effects that complemented the scenes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Complete Chronicles of Narnia?

The most memorable moments for me are from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" because that story was the one I'd heard most as a child and so it stuck with me more than the others.

Which scene was your favorite?

(Spoilers) My favorite scene was at the end of The Silver Chair when Aslan and Caspian return to our world with Eustace and Jill and frighten away the bullies.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh at quite a few parts throughout the book.

Any additional comments?

If you haven't read any of the books and really want to, you might want to get a full unabridged copy. If you like full-cast dramatizations or you have already read the full books I do recommend this. You get all the books for one credit, which is a great deal in my opinion. Sometimes the sound effects were loud enough to drown the words but it was well-performed in general and was well worth it.

23 people found this helpful

I love these books and they have come alive!

Where does The Complete Chronicles of Narnia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

These have been some of my favorite books since the age of 12 -many years ago in the bronze age! When I saw the ratings on this audible book and that it was ALL the books, I was hooked. What a gift. The cast is wonderful and they bring the characters to life! I have been listening to it before I go to sleep. If I fall asleep before my sleep timer kicks in--not a problem as I know them so well, I can pick right up in the car the next morning. If you love Narnia, buy this! You won't regret it.

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING!

Which character – as performed by Maurice Denham and Full Cast – was your favorite?

Lucy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

These are old friends, so it's hard to pick a moment. But I do remember Eustace remarking to Lucy and Edmond that he hated that holidays were over. Lucy remarked about what a let down it was to leave Narnia. Eustace said the main problem was that he had to go back to school. You could hear the dread and distress. Then the laughter as the 3 agreed that Eustace's parents would be worried about the bad influence the Pensie kids were.

10 people found this helpful

Just read the books

Would you try another book from C. S. Lewis and/or Maurice Denham and Full Cast ?

From C. S. Lewis, yes, I would read anything by him. I did not care for Maurice Denham and the full cast dramatization.

What three words best describe Maurice Denham and Full Cast ’s voice?

Annoying.

Was The Complete Chronicles of Narnia worth the listening time?

No it was not worth the listening time.

Any additional comments?

I LOVE the Chronicles of Narnia. I have read 5 of the books multiple times, and I thought this would be such a fun series to listen to. I was hesitant to go with the dramatization because I prefer just a solid narrating, but I thought with the BBC name and the good reviews that it would be worth it. I listened to Magician's Nephew and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but I just can't bring myself to listen anymore. The narrating is just so-so, the voices and sounds are absolutely obnoxious, and the way it was edited is just downright disappointing. I would MUCH prefer a good unabridged narrated version. If dramatization is your thing, go for it. If you're not into dramatization or could go either way, I'd say don't get it. I am disappointed and will be returning/exchanging it for something better. These books are beautiful, and this dramatization just does not do them justice.

4 people found this helpful

I agree with others, it should say abridged.

What would have made The Complete Chronicles of Narnia better?

I agree with others, it should say abridged. I would not have wasted a credit on this had I known.

18 people found this helpful

well done!

the only problem I had was sometimes while characters were whispering or moving further away it made it hard to hear without assisting the volume.

3 people found this helpful

Truly a timeless classic

It was really awesome hearing and in turn visualize my favorite childhood books and stories of Narnia come to life with the Narrator and the actors acting out the scenes, you can visualize it 100%. They brought the books to life really well. I enjoyed and love it all the way thro.

7 people found this helpful

Twice as good the second time around

This is the second will listen that I have done. It was even better the second time around I look forward to many hours of pleasure the third time.

14 people found this helpful

Absolutely amazing

10/10 would recommend to people ages 9+ I really like the lion, witch , and the wardrobe, price caspian, and the last battle.

1 person found this helpful