The new King Kong film is getting major press now, and for many that will be their "Kong." They're missing a lot if they're not familiar with the original, and this Blackstone audio read by the incomparable Stefan Rudnicki is a superb introduction as well as being first-rate entertainment. Film buffs will particularly enjoy it.
Rudnicki, a Grammy Award and Audie Award winner, presents the 1933 screenplay in his deep, rich voice, artfully moving from character to character. Of all voice performances it would be easy to go over the top with this one as to our ears the original dialogue is a bit "stagey." But, Rudnicki will have none of that - he's too much of a pro. Instead he delivers the story with assurance and control.
Special bonuses on this audio are the remarks of Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Orson Scott Cord, Harlan Ellison, and others. It's interesting to hear how seeing the original film has affected them and their oeuvres.
Give a listen to this one!
- Gail Cooke |