H2G2 is a masterpiece. For those unfamiliar with the story, the earth is a big supercomputer constructed to determine the meaning to life the universe and everything. It inadvertently gets blown-up to make way for a intergalactic bypass just milliseconds before it finally computes the answer. We follow our hapless hero on his journey to that discovery and the answer itself!

The theatrical sets are decidely low budget but the writing is of the highest calibre. I have to admit to enjoying the books much more than the DVD. However, the characterization and delivery of Marvin the paranoid android is hillarious.

Now i love HGttG. Ive seen the original tv broadcast and the DVD does an excellent job at recreating it. However the fact that one is completely unable to watch it without having to put up with either subtitles (why do you need english subtitles for an english show anyway) or production notes (most of which are complety pointless, 'this was shot on such and such date') it completely destroys the film as the screen is so taken over with this garbage that you can hardly ever see the actual show.

I would gladly give this 5 stars if the made it so that you can actually see the show.

A bit of advice since I own pretty much all formats of The Hitchhickers Guide To The Galaxy if you want the BBC radio 4 series you should probably not go around buying DVDs. But some of us are from Washington so i can see how that would be confusing.

This is a review of the DVD set itself, as I assuming most of you already know the story and have possibly seen the TV show. This is a digitally remastered DVD with a stereo soundtrack and clear crisp visuals.

It's actually a two DVD set. The TV series, which is on the first DVD, is as near to a flawless reproduction as is currently possible. Watch it with the lights off to enjoy all the visuals and matte painting special effects that were available in 1981 with a shoestring budget. Additionally, this is a "must buy" just for the second DVD alone. Outtakes and deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, The Making of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, BBC Omnibus Tribute to Douglas Adams, and much more.

BBC Video has stepped up and hit a homerun with this DVD set. Be sure to watch it with and recommend it to your friends. "Share and enjoy!"

The video is based on the TV series, which is based on the books and the radio play. The radio play is hilariously satirical and very creative. The TV series was on PBS years ago and pops up every so often. Great story. The characters in the TV series don't quite measure up to the radio play but are good anyway. The story does measure up and the cheesy special effects only add to the fun. It's a Monty Python-esque view of space and travel in general with great commentary on our society and its peculiarities. The Hitchhiker's Guide is all you need to travel the universe and is essential when your planet is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass. The Guide is many things: a primer on Vogon poetry, a guide to using the Babel fish, and a calming influence with it's friendly "don't panic" on the cover. The best character in the show may be Marvin the paranoid robot but Arthur Dent, Ford, Trillian and Zaphod are just right for fans of the books and play. The restaurant at the end of the universe is the place to be seen. All this and mice make the world go 'round. Zany and original. A definite find! It really can't be fully explained within the limits of a short review. Now if someone will only put out the radio show on CD!