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From Amazon.co.uk
The original BBC radio adventures of Arthur Dent (an ape-descendant whose anger at the apparently inexplicable destruction of his home planet Earth, situated in an obscure corner of the outer spiral arm of the galaxy, is expressed in frequent irritation at friendly automatic doors and vending machines) and his travelling companions, Ford Prefect (an itinerant towel-carrying hitch-hiker originally from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse), Zaphod Beeblebrox (the notorious ex-Galactic President and patron of Eccentrica Galumbits, the triple-breasted whore of Eroticon Six) and Marvin the Paranoid Android (who's still suffering from that terrible pain in all the diodes down his left side) proved to be such a success for the BBC that its transition to TV was (almost) inevitable. In 1981 several key members of the radio cast made the move to the small screen. Simon Jones' bewildered Arthur Dent remains the central character, shambling around in his dressing gown (a fact easy to forget on radio); Mark Wing-Davey's Zaphod Beeblebrox is the same as his boastful radio persona, even if the second head utterly fails to convince. Unfortunately, newcomers David Dixon (as Ford Prefect) and the irritating Sandra Dickinson (as Trillian) are no match for their radio predecessors.
The problem here is not so much the low-budget look as the script itself, which is lovingly faithful to the radio series in a way that Douglas Adams' novels aren't. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was a lucid, satirical, occasionally profound, utterly unique comic invention on radio. As such, it has nothing to gain from TV. The script needs no visual elaboration--that's best left to the listener's own imagination. Only the animated renditions of the Guide itself enhance Peter Jones' wonderfully dry narration; otherwise--paradoxically, perhaps--by supplying images the concept is oddly diminished here.
On the DVD: A suitably eclectic not to say eccentric collection of extra features makes this a wholly satisfying two-disc set, neatly packaged in a fold-out slipcase. On the second disc there's an hour-long "making of" documentary from 1992 featuring contributions from the cast and crew, including Douglas Adams; and then there's even more in a 20-minute section entitled "Don't Panic!". A fascinating behind-the-scenes peek at filming as the clock runs out on studio time and a look at the recording of the original radio series complete the first part. Then navigate to the "Outer Planets" to find outtakes, a deleted scene, Zaphod's animatronic second head on Tomorrow's World and Peter Jones's witty and shambolic introduction to the first episode, plus more besides. The series itself is presented in standard 4:3 ratio and Dolby stereo. --Mark Walker
Product Description
All the episodes from the popular BBC adaptation of the Douglas Adams' novel. Unbeknownst to its inhabitants, Earth is to be demolished to make way for an intergalactic highway. Arthur Dent (Simon Jones), an unassuming Englishman, is whisked off the planet to safety by his alien neighbour Ford Prefect (David Dixon), and launched on a dizzying journey through space and time (with only a towel, and a fish to help them), culminating in the discovery of the meaning of life itself. A 'Making of...' documentary included in this box set increases the original certificate from PG to 15.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
65 of 66 people found the following review helpful
By J. N. Smith
Format:DVD
This DVD double pack is a Great buy for all hitch hiker fans. I was impressed with the transfer and happy that the episodes are complete and not joined together like the last Video release some years back. All the episodes are on disc one and on disc two you have all the extras.
There are some extra scenes included that were left out to fit the time slot on TV so the length of each episode will differ.
The extras include over 9 minutes of out-takes plus a documentary or two and even a clip
about the famous Zaphod Beeblebrox's second head.
The menus on both discs are wonderful and well thought out and praise to the BBC for getting this title on the shelves.
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By R. T. Payne
Format:DVD
I have never understood the reasons for producing updated versions of classic films. Here we have the definitive version of the Hitchhikers Guide. Ok the special effects are not up to current standards, the actors were for the most part not well known and many still are not, but it has a script. It is funny, although in a thinking person's kind of way. Marvin still has the capacity to make me grin even after 25 years. Go on watch it!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By R. K. Harvey
Format:DVD
After reading the Hitchhiker's guide to the galazy I couldn't wait to see if the Tv series was any good, and it is. I laughed so much! and even though the special effects are a bit out dated, the costumes are great (especially Marvin!) This dvd comes with some really good extras as well which I also throughly enjoyed watching. If you the like the books watch this.
P.s. Watch this before going to see the film!
P.s. Watch this before going to see the film!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
better than the updated version
love the old one better than the updated version, older movies are sometimes the best, if you ask me. love the classic
Published 7 days ago by Cynthia A Harries
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!
This was bought for my ten year old son, who had just finished reading the books. He loved it! It brought back memories for me and it still makes me laugh.
Published 10 days ago by ZeldaB
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Bought this for my husbands birthday, arrived in plenty of time and he loved it. Watched this first time round when on TV. Would recommend this.
Published 10 days ago by JB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Fantastic, made my feel 12 all over again. Better then the film almost as good as the books. Buy this.
Published 16 days ago by Matt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
I've been trying to get hold of this for ages. The remade version does not compare. (Like the remake of Yes Prime Minister). Read more
Published 23 days ago by Mr Keith G Lockwood
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's all about the journey
I watched, and enjoyed, this series when it first aired on TV and I was curious to revisit it.
What struck me was that HHGTTG is 'all about the journey' rather than 'the... Read more
What struck me was that HHGTTG is 'all about the journey' rather than 'the... Read more
Published 24 days ago by DR
5.0 out of 5 stars
son loved it
bought this dvd for my son aged 12 for christmas as he had already listened to the audio version.he loved the film
Published 1 month ago by jane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great gift
A great gift for the teenager to learn the story and quotes without ploughing through the books. Well presented by the BBC
Published 2 months ago by Maxi
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
As it says on the tin it is a Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy. Lots of fun just press play.
Published 3 months ago by Mrsruthdrewry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic story
I bought this as a gift for my grandson as I watched this originally many years ago. He was very pleased with it and interested in how films were made back then.
Published 3 months ago by Margaret Rea
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