1981 BBC Lord of the Rings
I would agree that this is the definitive Lord of the Rings for me, every voice is perfect (with the exception of Arwen). The cuts sit very well with me since I think the Tom Bombadil and the barrow wights are completely unnecessary, other additions and cuts throughout I also think fit very well.
I listen to the whole 13 hours at least once yearly, although I do remember a few minor differences from the cassette version that I got back in the mid 90s.
I would say its largely because of this version that I could never take the movies seriously, with Keith Urban as Eomer being the only good translation to my mind. I only wish they carried on and made a dramatisation of the Hobbit afterwards with some actor cross over, that would have been great.
Also on the music - great. Simple, effective, and epic all at the same time. Theoden's ride to Minas Tirith is personal favourite.
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