The Chronicles of Narnia Collector's Edition (Radio Theatre)

I bought the Audio CDs and they are truly AMAZING. I did a lot of research before; the Narnia series have been converted to audiobooks before but this one, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, is the BEST dramatized version. It is a dramatized version with a full cast of voice actors. As you listen to the audiobooks, it really sounds like you are listening to the movies. The voice actors, the music, the ambience, and all the sounds bring it roaring to life in a super impressive way. All 7 books are included in the dramatized audiobooks, about 2-3 CDs per book in sleeves, and all of it contained in a tin box with a map of Narnia too. The beginning of the CDs start with a short introduction by C.S. Lewis' step-son, Douglas Lewis. The book they wrote with "1" on the case is the Magician's Nephew, so the intention is for you to listen to that one first. C.S. Lewis technically wrote that book almost last to answer fans' questions about the beginning of Narnia, but it is prequel that takes place before all the others so it will make more sense to listen to it first. (Some people claim that C.S. Lewis didn't make the "revisions" for that book to be read first but that doesn't make sense since it chronically really is the first on a timeline. Besides, C.S. Lewis' own son Douglas who hosts the audiobooks says it is really the first book to be read. You can listen to them in any order you like though.) These audiobooks are truly enjoyable and a fantastic bargain, everyone I've shared samples with have also been very impressed. Honestly, "amazing" is the best word to describe them!

My 8 and 6 years old would listen to it non-stop if i let them. The first three days we listened to the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian 3-4 times each. I thought the CDs were stuck at some points, then i realized that’s when the new track starts 😂 FYI this is not a simple read aloud. It is a “radio play”, with a host of actors, music, and other sounds. Wonderfully enjoyable even as an adult!!

This is a beautiful Narnia set either to keep or give as a gift to a Narnia fan! The presentation is nice and it comes with a map - great designs/theme from inside to outside of the tin box. Each audiobook has its own tri-folding envelopes for the CD’s, typically three per audiobook. Radio Theatre of course, did a phenomenal job on all books. I ripped the CD’s and listened to them on my MP3 and have not had any issues, the sound quality is great. I’d definitely buy this again!

Fun collection, the kids really enjoy the story and so do I!

We absolutely love the Chronicles of Narnia stories by C.S. Lewis, and this collection of a radio theatre production is excellent. We originally got them to be able to listen on our 23hr road trip to visit family several states away and all of us in the vehicle were engaged - from the adults down to the younger kids. And even now, two years later, our kids still reach for them to listen to. It’s a great option for families who want to find screen-free alternatives to entertaining their kids, and we loved it so much we’ve gifted a copy to friends/family.

This is a really fantastic set. I grew up reading the series, so when I was looking for audio books to help keep my commute manageable, I was excited for a chance to relive old favorites. I'm not done yet, but I'm really enjoying these versions. The box is very nice, and the cases are simple but pretty and protective. The CDs are separated by book and the books are in chronological order, not the order they were written, so if you want to listen in a different order, I recommend re-sorting before a long trip instead of while driving. I realized I only remember The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and some little parts of the others are vaguely familiar, so it's almost like hearing them the first time. Because of that, I can't comment much on if it was abridged, but everything I remember from that book is included, besides words like "he said, she replied, he roared" because they're not necessary with the various voice actors. The introductions by C.S. Lewis's stepson are short but informative, and the music and voices were chosen well. Sometimes the volume is inconsistent or it's hard to hear the voices over music, but overall it's well balanced and I can leave the volume as I set it at the beginning. I usually listen to the radio in the morning and books on the way home, which is about an hour and a half, so I'm getting through these pretty quickly. I go through about a CD a day, so each book takes 2-3 days to listen to. Sometimes I sit in my car after I park just to hear a little more, or break my pattern and listen in the morning. I'm worried I'll be spoiled by Radio Theater and get bored of the other audio books I have lined up, because this is so enjoyable!

These stories are great, captivating and full of depth! My 16 year old loves them, couldn’t stop listening and breezed through them.

I grew up listening to the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre version of Narnia and was so happy to find it for my own kids (ages 7-infant). This a dramatized version so it is not word for wors true to the books but it is very close and no major changes. Each audio book is also introduced by Douglas Gresham as the host who was C. S. Lewis' stepson. He does a wonderful job of connecting the listener with some of the inside thoughts of the writer. The quality of this set is also wonderful. 7 beautiful cd sets (each book on 2-3 cds) and a map of Narnia's world all packaged in a sturdy metal tin for safe storage. We have already listened to each one many times and look forward to hours more of being lost in that land of magic!

Compared to The BBC Radio 4 audiobooks this collectors Edition of The Chronicles of Narnia presented by BBC Focus on The Family Radio is by far more engaging! The BBC Radio 4 Version which is more common to come by has no thrilling background music and only one/two voices for all characters. This however is the complete opposite. It is by far more inspiring, uplifting and makes each story worthwhile to listen over and over again. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested or a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia!

Wonderfully captivating storytelling. So great for road trips!

I'm struggling to find words to describe how good this audiobook is. It's like playing a perfect movie adaptation in your head. I could bet there has never been a better performance of the Narnia stories. And I doubt there ever will be. Get it for your children or yourself and get immersed in the wonderful world of Narnia.

Radio theater is far better than a movie

Love this set, the tin it comes in and my child loves listening to it as she goes to sleep.