First Ever Full-cast Dramatization of the Diabolical Classic (Radio Theatre)

This is one of my favorite stories by one of my favorite authors. So glad they created an audio version. Good listening for long road trips. Just a good book period, breaking down the different avenues used to destroy our souls.

This is certainly a very fine production. I was very impressed with the audio theater portrayal of Lewis's masterpiece, and although it wasn't written to be a play, the adaption is most suitable. Very well done.

I am minister and purchased the Dramatized Screwtape Letters to use in an Adult Class for church members. I used it in the course of the lecture hour with the class, playing it near the beginning of the class and unpacking the meaning after. I also have a straight forward reading of Screwtape by an Englishman as well The Screwtape Letters.

For the C.S. Lewis purist, this is not for you. The Screwtape Letters are first of all "letters" and not a book of theatrical scripts. So, I think, if Lewis were alive, he might slightly object to the recasting of this work into a performance and dialogue. It is, I think, meant to be read and reread, like one would read a parable or a proverb, meditating, thinking, pondering and awaiting illumination.

Having said that, this performance is truly and amazingly entertaining and for a teenage audience (whom we also have in class), it is far more effective at engagement and learning. It is funny and the voice of Screwtape is not only recognizable, it also captures the sinister-ness of the the evil being he is.

I personally thinking reading the Letters is best. Listening it being read without the theatrics is next best. But I would also highly recommend this to the store customers. It is superb.

Let me also suggest this resource as well: and The Screwtape Letters Study Guide CD-ROM (CD-ROM). This one is excellent for assigning Screwtape as school lesson assignment.

Getting through this was too much work, just tiring. The long, run-on sentences kept me re-playing it over and over and over. I kept getting lost with all the use of too many words. I only want the point, but listening to Uncle Screwball while trying to understand just what they were saying required too much focus for a book.

Ummm... I LOVE listening to audio books. But for some reason, this one just doesn't
resonate with me. The performances are GREAT, but I guess the whole "story line" is
one that is rather sporadic and kinda long-winded to me.

I apprciate the talent of the folks who are doing the reading... but it's just
not totally suiting my taste; I suppose.

Nevertheless.. I do believe it will become a classic and I am still glad that
I have it.

I have to be honest. When I come across something that takes me by surprise, I don't think I can do it justice. That is the case with Focus on the Family's Radio Theater version of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. The Screwtape Letters were a series of letters that C.S. Lewis wrote about Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood--both workers for the Devil about how to effectively lead people to Hell and away from God. They were originally published separately in a magazine and then compiled as a book.

I think the release of this audiodrama is very timely in our culture today. It brings to life C.S. Lewis' book from 60+ years ago. What amazes me so much about it is how true it remains today--even about our culture! I thought beforehand that there would be some very insightful comments made in it, but I had no idea how many!

I have not read the actual book, but it is on our bookshelf so I picked it up after listening to the audiodrama. It is amazingly true to the book. It is not a drastic abridgement as I had expected. The language they use is true to the book and the way Wormwood and Screwtape talk is also true to the book.

There is one particular point that struck me today that I didn't want to forget to mention. It was when Screwtape tells Wormwood that the best road to (Hell) is a very gradual one--not one marked by huge sins. Huge sins make people aware of their need for God. The gradual road (in my words) is like the frog in a pot that comes to a boil gradually--so he doesn't know he's dying.

What most struck me as I listened was that what Screwtape was really talking about is Cynicism. Cynicism is the Devil's best way to turn us away from the Lord. C.S. Lewis used other words, but essentially, that is what he was talking about.

As far as the dramatization goes, it is best to listen to it in daylight--although at night, it might have more of an impact on you. The actors were excellent! I wasn't concerned about the Behind the Scenes DVD because that has never been something I've really watched on movies. On the packaging, there is a warning that it is for ages 12 and up. I would agree with that and I'm glad they placed that age recommendation on the back. I was careful not to play it around my little ones or within their earshot.

I highly recommend this audio drama! It will give you much to ponder. It is definitely giving me much to ponder today.

Focus on the Family and Tyndale take C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, a series of imaginative and insightful letters from a senior demon, the title character Screwtape, to his novice nephew Wormwood, and add over four hours of audio by an accomplished cast of actors, like Andy Serkis, Gollum from the Lord of the Rings movies as Screwtape, and 10 original songs written for this production all in 5.1 surround sound. The Collectors Edition comes with 4 CDs and 1 DVD in a tri-fold case with original artwork with a slipcover. All 10 original songs are included in their entirety on disc four. Disc 5 includes behind the scenes featurettes.

Anyone familiar with the original book by Lewis will instantly recognize his witty and timely message; nothing is lost in the translation. The actors play their part just right - not too over the top and certainly not blandly. The original score hits just the right creepy note. The benefits of the 5.1 surround sound can not be over-stated.

The packaging is well done and gives the impression of worth even though the set only costs about $27 on the store.com. ($39.99 MSRP.)

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this well done audio dramatization of Lewis' excellent book. So many times the publishers don't put in the effort on audio books and we end up with a lame soundtrack read by a boring voice actor. Not so with The Screwtape Letters. I highly recommend it to you.

I am a HUGE fan of dramatic audio books. Audio books who have a narrator that does different voices are great (Jim Dale reading Harry Potter is an experience everyone needs to experience) but ones that have multiple actors and sound effects is like listening to a movie in your head. And the grand master of dramatic audio is Focus on the Family Radio Drama. They have put so many high quality titles ranging from beloved literary classics to original stories to historical events. I cannot get enough of them. Their production of the Chronicles of Narnia series is one of my absolute favorites. Therefore I was excited to hear that that they would be bringing another CS Lewis classic to audio life.

I'll be honest, I have never actually read the Screwtape Letters before. I've been meaning to but I've never gotten around to it. I had a bare bones idea of what the plot consisted of but I pretty much dove in mostly unaware. Well first off, I was extremely geeked that Screwtape was going to be played by none other than Gollum...er...Andy Serkis . His performance is totally awesome. He really gets into the role and you can just picture everything immediately. The voice cast is extremely talented and the sound effects really bring everything to life. I mean I could really see Screwtape and Wormwood talking or visualize the bombs over London.

Just the story itself is incredible. Seriously I think that everyone needs to read/listen to this book. It totally makes you think about everything you do and think about. Even if you're not a Christian, it's a good read. CS Lewis is simply brilliant the way he came up with this work. The reverse viewpoint of looking at things is just genius. What I thought was interesting is that Wormwood could do nothing to please his uncle.

The bonus DVD is really interesting as well and gives behind the scenes footage of the making of the radio drama. Included on the final disc are also several songs inspired by the book. There are several different genres and it's a nice bonus. Also be sure to listen to the very last track all the way to the end, for a hidden surprise.

All in all this is another outstanding addition to the Focus on the Family Radio Drama line. If the Audie Awards are looking for nominations for next year's awards, please include this one! I would recommend this book for older teens and up. There are some intense scenes that made me even jump several times and the topics included are not really for little ones. If you're looking for a different type of audio book to listen to or even if you've already read the Screwtape Letters, pick this one and give it a listen. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

I have never read C.S. Lewis' book "The Screwtape Letters" (insert gasp) so when I had the chance to receive the dramatization of the book on audio CD I jumped at it. The set comes on 4 CDs with a bonus DVD in 5.1 surround and a beautiful collector's case with slip jacket. This is Focus on the Family's radio theatre version, so as anyone who is familiar with Focus, this is a quality product.

The dramatization is performed by many world class actors and actresses such as, Andy Serkis (Gollum in Lord of the Rings), Geoffrey Palmer (Tomorrow Never Dies), Laura Michelle Kelly (Sweeney Todd) and Eileen Page (The Secret Garden). The vocalization in this drama is incredible and it feels as if one is actually hearing the letters being read by the demons about their "patients". I will say my children found some aspects of it scary and hard to follow - it isn't as easy to keep the voices and characters separate as you would if reading a book or watching a movie. The sound effects are also done so well that I could feel myself actually sitting in the places where the "patients" were - background voices, doors opening and closing and so on.

In the DVD you'll get behind the scenes glimpses at the making of the dramatization, an interview with Andy Serkis who does the voice of Screwtape (AKA senior demon) and other aspects of C.S. Lewis and the making of the incredible recording of "The Screwtape Letters". A well done DVD that can be played in both regular DVD player or in your computer to make it easier to view.

**I was given a copy for my honest review by Tyndale.

I grew up reading this book and loving the insights and wit of C.S. Lewis in his original text of The Screwtape Letters, and so I had high expectations when I purchased this audio dramatization of the letters. I could not be happier with that purchase. The voice actors were all top-notch, and the sound mixing was incredible. Andy Serkis inhabits the demon Screwtape and completely fleshes out the character using only his voice, which is a testament to the man's amazing abilities. I've borrowed this to a few friends and they've enjoyed it immensely, as well. It's good for car trips or long stretches of silence that could be filled with something engaging, but it in no way replaces Lewis' original text. I'd call it an entertaining companion to the satirical novel, and that the "story" of these letters is best enjoyed with the book nearby. Nevertheless, it's an amazing audio drama, and Focus on the Family should be congratulated for producing it.

The Screwtape Letters is true classic. Having never read the book, I found this to be a powerful listening experience. It has really changed the way I think about the demonic realm! While I've been familar with spiritual warfare for awhile now and am aware of some of the ways the devil schemes against us, this book brought my awareness to a whole new level. The book is fictional and should be treated as such, but it's possible that reality isn't too different. It has certainly given me something to think about.

Perhaps the most important thing that can be learned from this book is that the demonic realm has no friends. Those who think Hell will be a party among friends will be sadly disappointed.

In this audio rendition the actors and background music really brought this to life. The only downside was the bonus musical soundtrack. The lyrics were superficial at best, definitely not matching up to the depth and brilliance of C.S. Lewis' work.

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I have always wanted to read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, but I never could keep the storyline straight and often confused Wormwood with his uncle, Screwtape. Focus on the Family produced a very nice audio version and so now, I've "read" it.

If you're not familiar with The Screwtape Letters, let me give you a little info. There are three main characters: Screwtape, Wormwood & "The Patient". Screwtape is portayed as a demon who is fairly high up on the chain of command, yet not high enough to escape punishment himself. Wormwood is his nephew who is working on his "patient" by putting stumbling blocks in his pathway so that he does not please the "enemy" (Christ) but pleases "Our Father below" (Satan). His goal is to prevent his patient from accepting Christ. Apparently it is a bad thing for the demons if they don't fulfill their goal.

This audio version is very good. There are 4 CD's and lasts about 4 hours long. I will say that I would not allow small children to listen to this as the voices can be pretty intense and frightening.

I received this product free in exchange for my honest opinion.

I'm not one to normally listen to audio books. Though there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, I really loved listening to C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia on audio book. What made me, a skeptic, want to pick this one up? Two little words. Andy Serkis. Yes, Andy Serkis of Gollum fame is Screwtape.

What is this one about? Screwtape, a demon, is giving advice to his nephew, Wormwood, (also a demon) on how to influence or tempt his human, John Hamilton. The book was told in thirty-one letters. And each of those has been dramatized for the audio version. Early on, Wormwood's patient becomes a Christian. The rest of the book is focused on those two discussing how to undermine and sabotage this man's faith.

His way of seeing the world, the topsy-turvy perspective where good is bad and bad is good helped me see some of my own weaknesses. I bet every reader can find something to relate to something in this one. And if they won't admit it, is that pride at work?!

What did I love about this one? I loved the drama of it. I know that sounds obvious. But just because it's obvious doesn't make it any less true. I loved the actors--especially Andy Serkis and Bertie Carvel. I thought they did a wonderful job. Their voices were just so perfect for this. I mean it really couldn't get any better.

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The written work is of course one of great popularity in christian literature, but this dramatization, read by such fantastic voices and believable background soundtrack, leads to a retelling with more imagination than most readers can muster in the sit-down time with a paper copy. I have listened to this audio presentation 4 times within the last year (I'm not the type to re-listen to one thing regularly), and it makes it hard, in many ways, to go back to a normal audiobook. I think about how this could be turned into a movie, and not because it could be done any better than this dramatized reading, but because the power and weight of the message may be able to reach such a larger audience if it went to cinema. As a believer one could say I am biased to the wisdom of this book, but I really would have a hard time believing that even the most calloused heart would not be moved by this work and even more so this radio theater presentation.

I bought this audio drama on a whim and am glad I did. Previously I've read the book many times and, unlike some reviewers, believe the audio format actually adds to the experience. In fact I don't see how people could review this product negatively at all. Heck, my 2 year old looks worried when Screwtape puts on his angry voice and my bored 10 year old listens attentively (amazing given his short attention span) - brilliant. The actor who provides Screwtape's voice does a good job (from benevolent to malevolent in a blink) and the ambience (city noises; screams in Hell) is a nice touch. My only gripe would be Wormwood's voice; sounds very much like a mummy's boy trying to act tough. Overall it is definitely worth the time, price and effort.

We have The Screwtape Letters book but I have not read it yet. MH read it and said it was good, so when I saw the chance to review the audio of the book, I jumped at it. I have to say, this is the first time I have ever listened to an audio of a book and I loved it! It seemed to bring the book to life and was easy to follow and interesting. It made me thing of what people probably listened to 'way back when' on their radios. It is very entertaining. The story tells of the demons plans and schemes to make sure his 'patient' stays oblivious of God, and how to use his family and friends to keep him that way. It's an eye opener to things that happen in life that you may not think about and how people can be influenced and manipulated. I would recommend this to everyone, not only for instruction but entertainment.

I had a little trouble reading the original book.... this is beyond what I could have thought possible for the book, VERY well done! Don't deprive yourself .... you will love it!

Description:
Wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis's masterpiece is one of the most engaging accounts of temptation---and triumph over it---ever written. In this audio dramatization, original music and a full cast bring the correspondence of the worldly wise demon Screwtape and his nephew Wormwood to life. Includes 10 new songs inspired by the classic book, four behind-the-scenes video documentary featurettes and a 5.1 surround sound mix. Four CDs, approx. 4 hours total.

This was a very well done audio drama. Andy Serkis is a fabulous character actor and he did not disappoint as Screwtape. It was perfect for listening to on a road trip and is a lot more engaging than reading the book yourself. Now I am excited to hear the other adaptions the AIO team creates.

If there's one thing Monty Python star John Cleese and Focus on the Family agree on, it's that hell is a decidedly British place.

At least, that's what one might assume after hearing their competing audio interpretations of C.S. Lewis' classic book, The Screwtape Letters.

John Cleese's masterful interpretation of Screwtape is full of all the eloquence and humor we've come to expect from the Python master. His off-the-wall demeanor is well suited to the unusual subject matter, and his ability to transition swiftly between the light-hearted and the dour makes for a reading that is both laugh-out-loud funny and truly terrifying at almost the same time.

Focus on the Family's latest Lewisian drama departs somewhat from the original text, providing not merely an audiobook but rather a full-cast dramatization of the work. Andy Serkis of Lord of the Rings fame presents a chilling performance of Screwtape, while Bertie Carvel portrays a properly subservient Wormwood.

It's a beautifully performed drama, with relatively minimal departures from the book. Rather than corresponding, for example, Screwtape and Wormwood plot and pander in person--an adaptation that makes for some impressive sound effects when Screwtape inadvertently transforms himself into a large centipede. These, combined with an original score composed for the production, make for a experience that small children may find too frightening for comfort. Given the subject matter, this is probably just as well.

It's also a beautifully packaged drama; Cleese may give Serkis a run for his money rhetorically, but it would be difficult to match Focus on the Family's choice of artists and typographers. The set of five discs includes a DVD presentation of behind-the-scenes footage of making The Screwtape Letters, and a playlist of original songs composed for the drama and inspired by the text.

It's such a beautiful production, in fact, that one wonders what the point is. Why should one dramatize a perfectly readable book? Much as I enjoyed this audio presentation, I can't help being bothered by the fact that this new interpretation puts a barrier between reader and text that simply isn't necessary. There are definite advantages to audio books, but books read aloud are generally best when presented simply and eloquently, as John Cleese does so well in his Screwtape.

Then again, this is a story about hell in all its fury. Perhaps a little distance is wise after all.

Thank you to Tyndale for providing me with a free copy of this work in exchange for my candid review.

Love, love, love, love!!! Yet another Christmas gift for my husband! He had not read Screwtape Letter yet, and so I purchased this for him. He thoroughly enjoyed the dramatization while road tripping last year, and just listened to it again on our move accross country.
Excellent theatrical performance. Wonderful story. But I'm biased and enjoy C.S Lewis and this genre :)

I listened to it twice. The voices and sounds were excellent. It really was quite diabolical. I could picture the demons perched watching the bombings or in an office discussion the patient John. Andy Serkis (Gollum from LOTR) played Screwtape. The music was surprisingly good. Doug Gresham discussed the book and its history at both the beginning and the end of the story. If you are a C.S. Lewis fan, or even just a Screwtape Letters fan, I think you'll enjoy this one.

My family loved this audio collection! We put it in the DVD player and set the audio on "Small Hall" and listened for several hours at a time. We couldn't put it away! I found myself relating on more than one occasion which is why this story drew me in so completely.

Screwtape certainly made you think seriously about your own prayer life as well as providing an inspiring look inside the enemy's camp. You'll walk away understanding so much more about warfare. Truly a "must-have" for any audio library!

Screwtape Letters is one of the most influential, life-changing books you will ever read. I mean I literally can't tell you how it's changed my life. And this fantastic audio drama by Focus on the Family conveys C.S. Lewis' famous work so well. Featuring a great cast, cinema-quality sound and more than four hours of delightfully disturbing (and often diabolically humorous) entertainment, The Screwtape Letters will open your eyes and ears to the devil's schemes — and to the One who has overcome them.

This radio dramatization was given to me as a birthday present. I am a big fan of Lewis but I have not read any of his works in over 15 years, including the Letters.

All I can say is the the production quality and acting are SIMPLY OUTSTANDING. Especially Screwtape. This dramatization is both funny and entertaining but I have also found it to be deeply thought-provoking and convicting.

Seth

The quality of this recording is outstanding, the acting is superbly done, and the essence of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape's Letters is maintained. I've been listening to it again and again, but it doesn't lose that crisp edge of truth or wit.

This version is what happens when really uptight fearful people pay a group of talented actors to instill that fear in others. The Screwtape Letters, yes, is a warning about the thoughts that enter our heads on a day to day basis, but it is also extremely witty and funny. So when I listen to an interpretation that ignores the language and focuses specifially on "atomosphere" it frustrates me. The original intention is lost. There is more social commentary in Screwtape Letters than genuine terror. Audiobook listeners are all about the intellectual content, not a good scare. The language is too elevated to scare anyone. It sounds ridiculous hearing C.S. Lewis dialogue with Haunted House new age going on in the background. And, I'm sorry, the Wormwood here sounds like a gentle angel, not a demon. I couldn't even finish it. My favorite passages were being rattled off as fast as possible just so that Wormwood could say, "Huh? I don't get it." Really? It's funny you should mention that because we didn't catch it either! That is the extent of the director notes here. Read Screwtape slowly until a part with large vocab words come up while we build the scary music behind you and then increase in speed and we'll pump up the volume so that no will hear the most intelligent passages. Then you say, "Don't you get it, Wormwood?" After that we'll abrupty stop the intense music so that Screwtape can do the whole, "You're a stupid nephew" bit. Repeat until sold at a used bookstore. Just buy the old John Cleese version on cassette tape and pay a company to put it on CD for you.

I'm a voracious reader. I enjoy audio books. I've read Screwtape at least 20 times and have John Cleese's audio version. In the case of this edition, I am forced to ask, What is the point?

Why complicate it with a dramatization, why add drawings, why overlay a tiger's growl over Screwtape's voice? Why reset the scenes and have the tempters talking directly to each other rather than only via the letters? Why show me the sound board and the folk sitting in the recording studio? And songs?

This production adds a layer of interpretation by other people, who sit between Lewis and us as reader/listeners. They re-set the stage, revised the mood, re-interpreted with technology, and offer us their understanding of Screwtape.

Lewis gave us the words, we can bring our own mental world to it, we read and imagine and create. I can tell you from experience that it takes about 7 minutes per chapter to read them aloud - you could probably read them in half the time silently. Maybe double that time if you savor the experience or struggle with the imagery.

If you prefer the additional features to amplify your internal image, this product will do the job nicely.

In my case, an existing "Screwtape universe" is being invaded by conflicting imagery.

First off, the unbelievable voice of the Uncle, these are suppose to be demons right?! I felt like I was in England being taught by an English school teacher. The thought patterns jumps back and forth so fast, takes 1000 words to say what could be said in 10. The idea these characters are demons trying to plot ways to take your soul (manipulate us), is weak at best. It's like every other moment you get a lecture from the Uncle , who himself seems to give advice and then gives all the exceptions to that advice ... I was just listening to the section on Love ... so confusing (many words to say nothing conclusive)!! I can understand advance Physics, Calculus, Thermodynamics, etc. but trying to follow the logic of these CDs seems even harder LOL. Such potential here, I was hoping for something more in line with the pilgrims progress (book). I am only on CD 3 of 5 and ready to hang it up...