jon-788-143011 OK a lot of posts here, show that the history of H2G2 is poorly understood, it seems mostly by anyone who first encountered the 2005 film. So, to simplify, this was a radio show, then a book, then another radio series, then the TV series, then two more books, then three more radio series and another book, then a film.So the TV series isn't an adaptation of the books, at most it and the first two radio series are substantially the same material, although it is a bit mixed up and it isn't entirely consistent (though it all was done by the author, so it is legitimate).The radio shows used most of the same cast (except for Ford Prefect) and are the best version of the story (although it is a very long story, 15 hours or so). The TV series is a good rendering of the first two series and the first two books, inevitably it has some omissions.The movie is pretty awful, and best avoided.

pgr-fw One can claim that this was so good for it's time, or otherwise make excuses for it, but as a piece of entertainment this show is pretty weak. I'm not one to gripe about weak special effects, so I won't. That could be overlooked given budgets and production pressures. Quality entertainment doesn't require it.Something that is required in great comedy is a surprise. If you've read the book there's absolutely nothing surprising about the show.At least nothing surprising in a good way. Some say it's "campy" or "corny". I don't think it even rises to that level. A funny face, a gesture, even a raised eyebrow could have made the transition to tape worth the trouble; instead we got mailed in performances. They spoke the lines, they stood in the right spot, but that's about it. Arthur was flat, Trillian played as an airhead, but Ford was the worst. In this series he comes off as a rather affable, friendly fellow, not the deeply misanthropic (or should I say mis-pan-sentient) Ford Prefect that we love from the book. The properly two-headed Zaphod at least gave it a shot, and Marvin had potential.If you're taking a class on the history of low budget television production, this is a good vehicle. If you're looking for an evening or two of entertainment, you'll be better off with, dare I say it, the movie. It at least gave me a reason to keep my eyes open, if only to see where they mangled the original story.

Steffen Hansen (zdephen) This is great... I'ts a bit low budget. But thats great!... I don't know if like the old ford best or the new one... They're both great. The only reason i didn't give this series full stars, is that the last episode made me a little sad... however, this peace is very old and actually follows the book very good. I love old movie styles! they don't use as much computer as now. Zaphod Beeblebrox's 2nd head is very very poor made... He is a genetic engineering between a man and a puppet! but i think it gives you some kind of nostalgic comfort. a lot of the old movies use puppets... and i intend to get them all!! I really liked this series and I think Ill go watching it again now...

Matthew Brench It is a common mistake to compare the mini series to the books, I must point out. The books, too, were really good and artfully written. However, they were not the original version of Douglas Adam's story. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was originally a radio show. The TV mini-series, while appearing cheesy and low-budget, is actually a great joy to fans, because the actors, script, and even most of the sound effects are exactly the same as the original radio show. Hence some of the odd appearance to things, hence Trillian's hair being a different color than the book said... but whatever. Regardless of your favorite medium of the story, it is a great one. Here's to hoping that the 2005 movie will be as good...