THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Fans of the original book and the 1980s’ film will enjoy this retelling of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, but only as a nostalgic curiosity. This version is even shorter than Goldman's fictitious abridgment of S. Morgenstern's "original," and it comes off more like a synopsis than a real fairy tale. Reiner, director of the film, is no narrator, but he gives it a good try. He sounds more like a mildly hurried father reading this book to his children, a quality that, while charming, fails to make a strong listening experience. Listeners familiar with the story will still laugh at all the right points, as Reiner's appreciation for the text does come across, despite the lackluster reading. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 08]