KING KONG

Stefan Rudnicki treats this pulpy novelization of the original Kong film with respect, allowing listeners to appreciate on its own terms the familiar story of the giant ape found on a lost island and brought to its doom in New York City. Rudnicki's deep, craggy voice (a bit like Leonard Nimoy's, but deeper) and seriousness help one past the campy or dated parts. His voice doesn't vary much, but the differing characters come through clearly enough. The fifth disc contains commentaries by science fiction writers, movie people, and those who straddle both worlds. The best inform or enhance one's enjoyment, such as those by Ray Harryhausen and Harlan Ellison. W.M. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]