Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of 'The War of the Worlds': TNG

[Worf2DS9]

So all this week, the website for Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of 'The War of the Worlds' was having a countdown to a super-exciting press conference announcement on Friday. I was hoping it would be about the CGI movie that has been in development for ages, but that was not the case (although apparently it is still on the distant horizon).

Instead, it was regarding a new version of Wayne's classic retelling of TWOTW for a "New Generation", utilizing today's production techniques, redeveloped characters, and Liam Neeson in the role of the Journalist. This new TNG version of the production will include a new double album coming next June, as well as the live show tours in the UK following in November.

Here's the full Press Release.

Now, as a fan of the original album since I was a kid, I'm not sure how to feel about this. On the one hand, I don't think any new version will be able to surpass the original 1978 classic. However, since Jeff Wayne himself is behind this, I have to think he knows what he's doing. At the very least, it will be worth a listen when it comes out.

What do other fans of the original recording think about this news?

 

[23skidoo]

The music will make or break it. If it ends up being some hip-hoppified version it'll die a quick death. The live concert that circulated a few years ago (everywhere but in North America, it seems) shows the music passes muster today with little change. I just hope the remixes included with the CD reissues of the original album, most of which were pants, isn't a sign of things to come.

Alex

 

[Cutter John]

The music will make or break it. If it ends up being some hip-hoppified version it'll die a quick death. The live concert that circulated a few years ago (everywhere but in North America, it seems) shows the music passes muster today with little change. I just hope the remixes included with the CD reissues of the original album, most of which were pants, isn't a sign of things to come.

Alex

Came in to say this. If they bring in actual musicians and not just fill it full of people 'to attract the kids', I'll give it a listen.
I actually ordered the dvd of the live show a couple of years back to watch on my pc and you're right, it does hold up very well. The only real weakness was the cgi work, which really needed an update with modern fx.

 

[Marc]

The music will make or break it. If it ends up being some hip-hoppified version it'll die a quick death. The live concert that circulated a few years ago (everywhere but in North America, it seems) shows the music passes muster today with little change. I just hope the remixes included with the CD reissues of the original album, most of which were pants, isn't a sign of things to come.

Alex

Came in to say this. If they bring in actual musicians and not just fill it full of people 'to attract the kids', I'll give it a listen.
I actually ordered the dvd of the live show a couple of years back to watch on my pc and you're right, it does hold up very well. The only real weakness was the cgi work, which really needed an update with modern fx.

I gather that there was revamped version of the stage showed for a second set of your dates which had updated visuals.

Wonder if Jeff Wayne would get some of the original singers and muscisians back again (some of the muscisians on the U.K tour were from the original recording).

 

[davejames]

Used to have this album as a kid, but I think it was more the cover painting I was interested in than anything else (I even have a huge poster of it framed on my wall now).

Don't really see the point in making a newer version.

 

[Guy Gardener]

Used to have this album as a kid, but I think it was more the cover painting I was interested in than anything else (I even have a huge poster of it framed on my wall now).

Don't really see the point in making a newer version.

Why didn't you say that to Tom Cruise when you had the opportunity?

 

[Mysterion]

Used to have this album as a kid, but I think it was more the cover painting I was interested in than anything else (I even have a huge poster of it framed on my wall now).

Don't really see the point in making a newer version.

Why didn't you say that to Tom Cruise when you had the opportunity?

Seconded.

The War of the Worlds movie I want to see would be a period piece set in the time HG Wells wrote it, starring Kenneth Brannaugh as the main character/journalist.

 

[Captaindemotion]

^ Liam Neeson is playing the role this time out, which is fairly close (both from the north of Ireland, both graduates of the Lyric Theatre, Belfast).

 

[Davros]

super-exciting press conference

I am not used to seeing this combination of words.