PRINCE CASPIAN

Being a childless sexagenarian, this reviewer cannot judge what children for whom this production is intended will make of this dramatization of the C.S. Lewis fantasy, but he can say that it possesses many virtues. Faithfully rendering the second volume in The Chronicles of Narnia, it boasts a deft script delivered by a superb cast (headlined by Paul Scofield and David Suchet), well directed over a rich, vivid background of sound and original music. The child actors are particularly effective. What could, at three hours, easily prove precious and tedious instead packs plenty of character, suspense, excitement, humor, and even beauty. Above all, it conveys the strong impression that all hands contributed no small portion of love and commitment to the project, a quality that makes it particularly endearing. Y.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]