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Title: Journey to the Center of the Earth (Alien Voices) by Nat Segaloff, John De Lancie, Leonard Nimoy, Jules Verne, John De Lancie ISBN: 0-671-57556-2 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Pub. Date: June, 1997 Format: Audio CD Volumes: 2 List Price(USD): $20.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.4 (82 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: If Enough Suspension of Disbelief, Excellent Adventure Novel
Comment: This is a high-adventure novel. A German scientist puts together an expedition to follow successfully in the tracks of a previous, attempt to reach the center of the Earth. In Verne's time, it was not known that the Earth had a molten core, and the nature of the core, while believed by many to be molten, was debated. The expedition encounters many unexpected creatures, land-forms, plants, and obstacles. The pace of the writing is very fast, in general, with a few digressions to explain scientific debates. The science in the novel is actually superior to the science of the film, as the dinosaurs of the book are more believable than those of the film. Definitely a fun read!
By the way, I read the novel and watched the film at about the same time, and now realize that the film was only very loosely based on the Jules Verne novel. The premise remains intact: a scientist leads a small team in an attempt to retrace an earlier expedition to the Earth's center. However, the movie added several characters and plot-lines, rearranged many aspects of the "world" found within the Earth, and inserted a solid dose of comic relief not found in the novel. The film discarded an ongoing discussion of scientific theory between two characters (played by Mason and Boone in the film), possibly because their debate is now a moot point. If this film, as is, came out today, it would be blasted as being totally unfaithful to the novel. I wonder if that occurred when the film was released. Either way, it is still an interesting and entertaining film. However, please do not expect the film and the novel to be very similar.
Rating: 4
Summary: Jules Verns greatest book
Comment: Adventure, suspense, bravery, sea monsters, underground caverns, unbearable heat these are just a few of the wonderful subjects this book has to offer. The story begins when Professor Hardwigg finds a very old book with a piece of parchment in it. On the parchment was a form of writing in some secret code. When the Professor and his nephew, Harry, discovered its meaning they were both shocked to find out it was the instructions for a journey no man thought possible, the journey to the center of the earth! Almost immediately they went on the journey picking up a man by the name of Hans to be there guide. There were many hard times in this adventure. For example, the Professor thought that they would find water in an abundance only to find that there was none till Hans made the discovery by drilling through a wall. Who knows how they will ever survive. I would give this book a very strong four out of five stars because of its ability to keep you wondering what is next.
Rating: 3
Summary: Journey To The Video Store Instead
Comment: In nearly all cases where a book is turned into a movie, I much prefer the book. This is one case where the screenplay is superior to the original story.
Almost everyone has seen the movie (now out on DVD) starring James Mason and Pat Boone as the intrepid explorers, so the comparison is inevitable.
I had just finished Jordan Stump's new translation of Verne's 'Mysterious Island' (Publisher: Modern Library; December 10, 2002) and was thoroughly delighted, so I was eager to read another of Verne's works.
While the book starts out in good form, it really starts to drag a bit and getting to the actual point of the descent into the interior of the earth takes too long. Once there, we have only the Professor, (Hardwigg, in my copy's translation); Harry (Alec/Pat Boone in the movie) and Hans. No academic scoundrel (Professor Goetaborg) to race them to Iceland; no evil Count Saknussem to dog their steps and wreak havoc; no Mrs. Carla Goetaborg to keep the crusty Professor in line; and no "Gertude" to add comic relief. Instead, we are treated to a rather, well, unexciting account of what is of course a very imaginative journey.
Frankly, without the additional characters and plot elements provided in the screenplay, it gets a bit boring down there. Which is, of course, why the screenwriters livened up the story to include, especially, the evil Count Saknussem. It needed that element of a diabolical plotter out to thwart the expedition to increase the tension and mystery.
If you want the best of Verne, read the aforementioned new translation of 'Mysterious Island'. You will not be disappointed
In the present case, buy the wonderful DVD instead and grab the popcorn.
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Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne ISBN: 0812550927 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: October, 1995 List Price(USD): $3.99 |
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Title: The Time Machine by H. G. Wells ISBN: 0812505042 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: December, 1995 List Price(USD): $3.99 |
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Title: The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov ISBN: 0451524918 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: December, 1986 List Price(USD): $6.95 |
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Title: Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne ISBN: 059043053X Publisher: Scholastic Pub. Date: April, 1996 List Price(USD): $4.50 |
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Title: The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells ISBN: 0812505158 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: February, 1993 List Price(USD): $3.99 |
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