THE LORD OF THE RINGS

With masterful talent, energy, and clarity, this 1981 BBC full-cast dramatization faithfully follows Tolkien's influential and timeless saga of hobbits, elves, orcs, and wizards. The original musical score, sound effects, and acting are stellar throughout, but special mention has to be made of the humorous and compelling scenes between Frodo (Ian Holm), Sam (William Nighly), and Gullum (Peter Woodthorpe) as they battle the Dark Lord, and themselves, in the quest to cast the "precious" Ring into the Cracks of Doom. The production, which includes all three books that make up the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, predates the Academy Award-winning films by 20 years, and remains a high watermark for both fantasy literature and audio production. Not to be missed. B.P. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]