In the early 1980s, Public Broadcasting here in the USA aired this BBC mini-series based on the Douglas Adams books (more books came out later, after the series). I loved it and I think it was mostly because I was a teenager. I tried watching it again, decades later, and found I hated it. In fact, I couldn't even get through the DVDs and gave up about halfway through the shows. Much of it is because the special effects were significantly WORSE than the 1970s version of "Dr. Who"--especially Zaphod's horribly animated extra head. Much of it was because I no longer found it funny. And, much of it may be because my tastes have changed. While I still love sci-fi, back then I'd watch ANYTHING....but today I am a bit more discerning. Regardless, I really wanted to like this series but couldn't get through it--though I tried.

Considering the budget, actually ignoring the budget, this is far better than the sorry 21st century makeover movie. It just seems to sum up perfectly the HHGttG Universe. Simon Jones does make an absolutely memorable Arthur, and Peter Jones as the narrator captures the spirit of the book, although to be fair Stephen Fry doesn't do that bad a job in the film. This is one of those very few occaisons when the episodic format does not detract from the enjoyment and pleasure of watching the whole entity. I remember watching a TV programme on making HHGttG, (QED I think it was), and being amazed at how simply the special effects were done. Nowadays the quality could easily be surpassed on the average home computer. That shows how much technology has progressed, but also reinforces my sentiment contained within the first 42 words. Watch & Enjoy

OK, I LOVE every book I have ever read from Douglas Adams, which happens to include all (was it 5?) books in the Hitchhiker "trilogy". This movie was great, it really was.From the horribly made second head to the distainable acting from Trillion, its a wonder I like this movie so much, but I did. (movie,...actually it was a couple of episodes). I did however like Arthor Dent, the mean who played him was perfect for the role. I also like the fact that much of the movie was line for line from his book. (one version of it anyway).The only thing I did not care for is the movie was both the first and second book combined. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see an entire series, but at least name them one by one.In all, I thought the movie was fantastic. Besides who doesn't love a clinically depressed robot?? "life,...dont talk to me about life.."

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...