The Chronicles of Narnia Collector's Edition (Radio Theatre) Audio CD – Unabridged, October 1, 2014

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!

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!

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!

Beautiful tin and the map will be cherished.I had this audio book series as a kid and the packaging and discs were all so incredibly intricate. I was disappointed when I found out they didn’t do them the same but my disappointment has vanished. Wonderfully done!For anyone that sees this that doesn’t know these are not your standard audio book. It is true radio theater with intro’s and outro’s done by C.S. Lewis’ step son. There is a beautiful score, the narrator is fantastic and the actors do a wonderful job. I was able to play them like a movie in my mind over and over when I was little. I actually completely wore the disks out and have been wanting a replacement for years.

My kids loved listening to this set, it's great passing time for the whole family. We loved the dramatization!