NIV Dramatized Audio Bible

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with the NIV AUDIO BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT.]--The New International Version, begun in 1967 and published in its complete form in 1978, is not only one of the most widely popular English translations, but it also is among the most effective at finding the balance between accuracy and accessibility. These audio adaptations come in several flavors: the entire Bible on 64 compact discs or 48 cassettes, or the New Testament only on 16 compact discs or cassettes. All come in attractive carrying cases. Each of the Bible's 66 books is introduced with a short overview, most of which--even for the Old Testament books--take a strong evangelical Christian point of view. The production is nicely done, with subtle musical accompaniment running through-out and a massive cast of performers. Performance quality is mixed. Production editors made special efforts to guarantee consistency of characterization and name pronunciation, but some performances are weaker than others. All in all, an attractive, well-produced, and, considering its sheer size, economical choice. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine