Big Finish!

[dbskyler]

So I decided to take advantage of the Big Finish sale today (downloads for $5 each -- yes, I mean five U.S. dollars! -- on sale until midnight UK time). After last year's disastrous attempt (you can read the saga here), I was braced for a mind-numbing experience, but it turned out to be really easy! Well, comparatively easy, at any rate. For some reason, searching for the audio I wanted didn't work this time, but it was actually possible to navigate to it from the home page without trouble, so that was a nice change. The fact that I was already registered -- and had saved my login and password to a file on my computer, because I certainly didn't remember either -- really helped, as all I had to do this time was log in, click on what I wanted and give my credit card. They didn't even ask me for "Verified by Visa" this time (although I was prepared since I've since had to get a code).

The only issue at all is that the first download is taking a while, but that's probably due to heavy traffic on the site. Not an issue since the purchases have been made at the sale price, and I can come back and download the rest later.

Yep, I said "the rest" -- I went for it and purchased three stories: Marian Conspiracy, Doctor Who and the Pirates, and Storm Warning. That way I get one of Six and Evelyn, one of Eight, and of course the G&S story was mandatory. :D

Now the only trouble is what I'll do if I fall in love with Big Finish. They have an awful lot of audios!

And hey, one question for the Big Finish veterans out there -- I've belatedly noticed that I seem to have a choice in download formats -- MP3 or "audiobook download." What's the difference? Does it matter? My first download, currently in progress, is for the default MP3 format, so I hope I can listen to it! I normally have no trouble with MP3s, so I don't see why it would be a problem, but is that a good format, or is "audiobook" (whatever that is) generally better?

Comments

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

I always download the mp3 format and don't have any problems with it. I think the audiobook format is for those who have devices that don't play mp3s.

And yay for you buying three!! I love Storm Warning - I literally just re-listened to it last night since there was no new telly Who here in the UK. And The Marian Conspiracy is another great intro to a new companion (like Storm Warning).

Pirates isn't my favouritest one ever - but then I'm *not* a G&S fan - but it was worth it to hear Colin singing "I'm the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer" 'cos that NEVER gets old!

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

The mp3 format is working -- thanks for the response!

Marian Conspiracy is good so far. It's funny, but I find myself picturing expressions on Colin Baker's face when I listen to it. Not sure if I'll have the same response to Eight in Storm Warning, though, as I don't know Paul McGann's acting nearly as well.

Not only am I a huge G&S fan, but "Pirates of Penzance" is my favorite G&S operetta, so I have a feeling I am going to really enjoy the Pirates one. Forget the plot; I'll probably love it for the music alone.

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

*giggles* I confess I sometimes imagine the actors sometimes struggling to keep a straight face...

Oh well, if you're a huge fan of Pirates of Penzance, you'll adore it.

[thisbluespirit]

Yay!

I don't know about the formats - I've only ever actually bought the CDs. I'm quite sure I'd delete an audio file in my tidiness, once I'd listened to it.

Yay, nice choices - and PIrates is one of my very favourites, along with The One Doctor, and Chimes of Midnight. It's just so... clever and funny, and really makes use of its format - it would be difficult to transfer this into a TV or book version.. And it has a musical episode. It's like The Unicorn and The Wasp, in that, there turns out to be a genuine reason for the silliness, and a moving one, too. And Evelyn makes chocolate cake. I really don't think there's much more you could ask for.

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

I almost threw in One Doctor as well, but decided that three audios was enough for my first purchase. If I like these audios then I'll probably get it, and Chimes of Midnight, too (especially if I like Storm Warning and want more of Charley).

Really looking forward to listening to Pirates! The only trouble is, I'll probably want to sing along with the actual words from "Pirates of Penzance"!

I am the very model of a modern Major-General, I've information vegetable, animal and mineral . . .

[thisbluespirit]

I think you're very sensible. I didn't know what to try with BF audios, but took the Top 10 from Doctor Who Magazine's 2003 'I Love DW' special! It was a good move - they'd only got up to Neverland by that time, though. And once you've listened to those, you'll have an idea which teams you prefer and you can concentrate on them, because, it's an expense - can't get round it, can you - so I found that the best thing to do.

:lol: You'll need to restrain yourself, because the Gallifreyan version is v entertaining.