GOOSEBUMPS: DEEP TROUBLE

Audio drama is the ideal medium for spooky fun. “Lights Out,” “Suspense,” “The Whistler,” “Inner Sanctum”--these were among the most popular dramatic programs on ’40’s radio. The mental exercise that audio gives to the imagination has more positive effects on kids than the mind-numbing boob tube. Perhaps that’s why, when Disney rereleased some of its postwar kids albums on cassette a few years ago, they were sold out within weeks of hitting the shelves. In this instance, even merely serviceable performance does wonders for Stine’s hack writing. Disney has pumped more energy than creativity into the slickly produced title. It’s amiable, briskly paced and safe. Neither parents nor their offspring will find any unpleasant shocks here. When you give it to your kids, tell ’em to shut their eyes and give their minds a listen. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]