CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Unabridged 7 Audio CD Set)

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: J.K. Rowling

Release Date October 07, 2002
The story is well known and you would think that nothing compares to the magic of Harry Potter. Then you discover the wonder of Steven Fry. His unique voice is adapted for every charater perfectly, you always know who is speaking. Steven Fry and Harry Potter really is a magical combination!!!

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

.

Lord of the Rings: Complete Trilogy

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date December 15, 2003
I purchased these CDs individually as and when they were originally released. I have to say that the Fellowship of the Ring is my favourite, by the way. However, I also bought the extremely deluxe 4 disc (or in the case of ROTK, 5 disc) sets when the 'complete' scores were released (also worth buying, despite their price). One thing the 'complete' scores don't have is the first track from FOTR - "The Prophecy" (though parts of it exist in the 'complete' score). If you're a soundtrack enthusiast, then small variations or alternate takes presented here in the 'limited' 1-disc releases will interest you. In The Two Towers, for example, you here different mixes and end of cues not heard in the 'complete' scores, the same stands for Return of the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

.

The Lord of the Rings: "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", "The Return of the King" (BBC Radio Collection)

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: J.R.R. Tolkien

Release Date October 07, 2002
There's no getting away from the fact this is pricey but it's worth it!
It's VERY atmospheric with really strong performances from an all British cast. It's NOT an audio book ! There is a central narrator, but every character has it's own individual performance/actor, there are some fantastic (& never cheesy!) Sound FX and subtle uses of suitably grand, orchestral pieces. I certainly can't imagine much better on the Radio back in 1981 - the WHOLE tale fom start to finish!
The beauty of this is that you can indulge your imagination. Definiteley one for a hot bath & the lights out! It's inevitable that comparisons will be made with the Movie trilogy & it is impossible to prevent Peter Jackson's wonderful images occasionally seeping into ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

.

The Lord of the Rings

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Original London Production

Release Date February 04, 2008
Having seen twice and loved the Lord of the Rings stage show in London buying the soundtrack was the next step.
And I am not disappointed.
This is a superb souvenir and an essential addition to the Lord of the Rings collection for all fans.
The set consists of 2 discs. The first is a cd of the music from the show. The second disc is a DVD with the musical soundtrack and images from the production and rehearsals.
The sturdy card case is in a book form with the story synopsis, lyrics and credits and photo of the show itself.
A must have item.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The Complete Recordings

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date November 20, 2007
I have always considered Miklos Rozsa's score to Ben-Hur to be the greatest film score ever composed. The sheer depth of that music, the quantity of themes Dr. Rozsa composed for that one movie (around 10 or 12 different themes) and the magnificent orchestrations he wrote made that score unique. Considering the quality of film scores that are composed today - good, usually adequate, but nothing truly 'great' - I never thought I would come across anything to match this wonder written 50 years ago.

I'm so glad to say I was wrong.

This score will surely go down as one of the great film scores of all time. I wont go on and on about it, as other reviewers have written fabulous reviews here that sum up my feelings. I only want to make 3 comments.

Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5 - Unabridged 24 Audio CD Set - Childrens Edition): Child Edition

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: J.K. Rowling

Release Date September 22, 2003
What's all the fuss about? Watch the films instead: that's enough. Only just OK for a quick skim through if there's nothing better on the shelf or in your bag: so much of this book is unnecessary and should've been consigned to any decent editor's bin.

But, one of the most profitable franchises in history, so what do I know? However, look at any chart - what does everyone else know?

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

.

The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date November 20, 2001
This soundtrack is certainly a popular one today but in my opinion, highly overrated. When I saw the movie, I thought that the hobbit music was a standout but remembered little else and the same is true for the CD. It excels in atmosphere and size but (apart from the hobbit music) has very little character; something that I feel is essential in a soundtrack of this sort. If you're hoping to hear the 'Ring Theme' (which is repeated over and over in the first film), it appears only once on the CD and the Nazgul music is a little dominating and repetitive for just one disc (even though the choir does send a nice shiver down the spine). The best thing about this soundtrack is the fact it has given Howard Shore's profile a much-needed push and I hope he can return to top-notch work like ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

.

Blade Runner Trilogy 25th Anniversary

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Vangelis

Release Date December 10, 2007
I always considered Vangelis' work for the "Blade Runner" soundtrack to be one of the most accomplished, and definitive pieces he ever did for the universe of film. The music featured here is so evocative, its impact is so profound that it makes my mind travel through the most beautiful visions and landscapes. I would dare using Rutger Hauer's Batty final speech here: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe! Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion... I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate... All those moments will be lost in time... like tears... in rain..." Except that those moments won't be lost in time for me, because they will forever be imprinted in my memories as some of the single most dazzling and wonderful that I have ever experienced when listening ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

.

Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date November 24, 2003
A fantastic OST - easily up there with the likes of Gladiator, Revenge Of The Sith and Conan The Barbarian!
Very majestic music, epic and sweeping; my favourite piece is the terrifying Minas Morgul, but there is music here to suit every taste, and crucially, just as in the movie, it sits together perfectly.
A great one for soundtrack collectors, and Classical people if they can put aside pretensions as Howard Shore is one of the finest of his type.
My background is in Heavy Rock/Metal, but I've always been into powerful, orchestral stuff such as The Ring Cycle and The Planets - this sits alongside, and I'd recommend any Metal fan to branch out into this world as the 2 genres compliment one another. There are a number of excellent bands such as Therion, Nightwish and Summoning who play Symphonic ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

.

Star Wars Trilogy Box Set [Deluxe Remastered Version]

CD-Charts > Music > Science Fiction
by: John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra

Release Date September 20, 2004
This set is so basic I felt a bit ripped off. Inside the card box are the three DVD cases with bland looking covers, and inside were bare looking discs - it looks and feels like a cheap fake - but its the genuine article. I fell asleep during the "extras" disc.