STAR WARS: EPISODE ONE, The Phantom Menace

This first installment in the STAR WARS saga is a mixture of action sequences and scenes that layer on the story's mythic elements. Revealing the origins of some familiar characters, the story is set before the war between the Rebellion and the evil Empire. It's a sheer delight. This fine production features clips from John Williams's stirring music and some familiar sound effects. (A futuristic chariot race, in particular, is brilliantly staged.) Narration is by actor Michael Cumpsty, whose range of voices and accents is astonishing. Even listeners so unfamiliar that the name Darth Vader doesn't ring a bell will be enthralled by his performance. Few audiobooks manage to be as exciting as a big-screen movie; this one comes darn close. D.L.P. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]