An annoying and disappointing rendition of a classic (The Time Machine (Audio CD))

Member Name: crazyminx

Product:	The Time Machine (Audio CD)
Date:	26/09/09 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Loads!

I picked this CD as I do like a good story to listen to when I am going on a long journey in the car. I thought it would be hard to go wrong with a classic book like The Time Machine. However I was wrong.

Most of the reviewers on Amazon seem to have really enjoyed the CD but I was not impressed. Firstly they have chosen to do it as a play rather than a narration of the book. This means that they have had to find odd ways of narrating instead, which either involve a ridiculous recording device, or long periods of one character recounting their actions in a stilted manner.

Secondly, the lack of narration and the fact that many of the actors used sound similar means that it is often tricky to figure out who is speaking. I recently listened to News of Paul Temple which was narrated by Anthony Head, and he managed to make all the different characters sound very distinct. You would think that with different actors involved this would be even easier, but sadly it is not and I found myself wishing for Head's array of voices rather than the confusing mess that I found on this CD.

Thirdly, they have taken some odd liberties with the story which simply serve to add confusion to the plot, such as it being told in flashback by an older H G Wells. And fourthly, the indecipherable language used by the childlike people that the traveller meets in the future was really, really annoying.

I was really disappointed with this CD and I would recommend that you either buy the book if you are interested in this story, or buy another CD if you're interested in an audio book.

This CD has an RRP of £10.34 but is available at the moment on Amazon.co.uk for £8.27.

(updated from my review on Amazon.co.uk)

Summary: I don't recommend it