How are the Harry Potter books on CD?

Cafe Society
1

I started reading the HP books several years ago, but got sidetracked and never finished the series. With the final book looming large, I’d like to get caught up. I listen to a lot of books on CD at my weekend job, so this seems like the perfect oportunity. But does it translate well to this format? Is the reader, Jim Dale, any good?

2

My Mum listened to them in the car, and I thought they were good. I didn’t much care for Jim Dale’s voice at first, but he’s a very good at what he does and I hardly noticed later.

It’s kind of funny when he does Hermione and other females, IMO. But I’ve also been horribly spoiled in that aspect by Full Cast Audio. Eh.

I’d recommend them.

3

Yes, Jim Dale is very, very good. He does distinctive voices without any affectation.

I second Clockwork and Candy’s recommendation whole-heartedly.

Regards,
Shodan

4

I’ve listened to several of them and enjoyed the readings very much. Very engrossing and well done.

5

Yeah, I’ve heard a fair few hours of the Dale audiobooks; my wife listened to the whole series during the summer when we were carpooling part way. I agree that it’s very well done in general, and I also agree that Dale’s Hermione takes a little getting used to.

–Cliffy

6

Yeah, but if you think about it, that’s because Hermione’s really annoying. The man’s just doing his job.

I also heartily recommend the audiobooks.

7

I’ve listened to the first 5 books on audio (twice). I think they’re fine. Dale articulates well. I have an acquaintance who swears by the UK audio version but I haven’t heard them.

8

I’ve listened to all the HP audiobooks. I love Jim Dale’s reading. He does an excellent job with the different characters, such that I am never confused about who is speaking at any point. And I think he has a very nice quality to his normal, narrative voice.

9

Jim Dale is brilliant. I really, really enjoyed them and I don’t like listening to books on tape at all. He also acted in several old Disney movies like Hot Lead and Cold Feet and Pete’s Dragon.

10

:eek: Holy smokes! You just blew my mind! Those were two of my favorite movies as a kid, but I had no idea that Jim Dale was that guy! Thanks for clueing me in.