20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

The music is grand, uplifting, and often epic, especially in undersea and open ocean scenes. An organ is used effectively for the interior of the submarine, and one can almost see Captain Nemo caressing the keys. This is a full-cast recording of Verne's classic. The narrating professor is cleverly articulated with a slight foreign edge to his English. The harpooner is snappily portrayed, and Captain Nemo's voice is adamant and slightly sinister, as the character requires. Only the professor's servant is unconvincing--too young, to this reviewer's taste. Still, this is a vivid reminder of Jules Verne's narrative grandeur. D.R.W. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]