2003 Hobit (Jan Vondráček)

The Hobbit

Release Date: 2003.09.30
Readers: Jan Vondráček
Language: Czech
Translator: František Vrba
Organisation: © 2003 Supraphon a.s.
ISBN: 099925532048
Duration: 3 hours 54 minutes (5 hours and 54 minutes)
Unabridged: No
Country: Czech Republic
Licenced: Yes
Formats: Cassette, CD, MP3-CD, Digital

Jan Vondráček (born 16 August 1966 in Prague) is a successful Czech actor and voic artist. He is highly regarded for his “vocal disguises,” where he gives distinct, recognizable voices to every character—from the various dwarves to Smaug. Vondráček’s reading is often described as “dramatic and exciting,” bordering on a one-man radio play because he also sings the poems and songs found in the book and it features an original musical score and songs by Martin Kratochvíl.. It bridges the gap between a standard audiobook and the atmospheric Český rozhlas 2 radio drama.

The original 2003 box set includes a booklet that credits the director Olga Walló and includes a tracklist that details the songs Vondráček performed.

The 2003 Supraphon release was a 3-CD set with a total runtime of approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. The 2013 Tympanum/Supraphon re-release is shown as 5 hours and 54 minutes. This version includes more of the musical interludes by Martin Kratochvíl and slightly less aggressive editing, but it is still an abridged reading.