Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds - The New Generation

This is great entertainment for a 6 mile run!

Like many others here, I'm partial to the original, having been listening to it since 1978. The updates of the score are much needed and excellent - the original score was perfection for the late 70s/early80s, and this update brings it into the 21st Century. But Liam Neeson doesn't have the presence of Richard Burton. (I've long thought that Patrick Steward would have been the ideal choice for the narrator - he has a similar richness of voice as the late Mr. Burton.) A particular disappointment is the Maverick Sabre as the Parson, Nathaniel. He lacks the insane passion of the late Phil Lynott in this role - it calls for over-the-top hysterics and Sabre just doesn't deliver. Joss Stone as Beth, on the other hand, is a great piece of casting. I'll give this a few more listens, and will definitely keep it in my library. But for my annual Halloween listen to WOTW, I think I'll be a musical traditionalist and stick with the 1978 release.

Why is track 1 of disk 2 "protected", when the rest of the album isn't. I thought the days of DRMed music on iTunes were over, or at least consistent throughout a entire album.

I like the new idea and all, but the old version seems much more vivid to me. In 'Dead London', the tick tock at the beginning without all the background noise really defines the mood of loneliness. This just doesn't have that feeling to it. I listened to the original album first, and loved it.

This is a really excellent remake of a truly fabulous album. I had to listen to it completely before I decided that I still prefer the original recording though. I preferred Richard Burton's original narration although Liam Neeson is excellent and has quite a bit more detail in this version. As a very long time Moody Blues fan, to me, there's absolutely no one who could possibly sound better than Justin Hayward, who is my favorite singer by far. Gary Barlow is very good, but no one could ever sound better than Justin Hayward to me. Gordy Marshall, who's toured with the Moody Blues for over 20 years stands out on drums. His incredibly tight drumming does enhance this marvelous work. In general, if you liked the first, I'd highly recommend this remake. The music is good enough to enjoy in this slightly newer form and well worth the price of the "album".

I like new, but I'm partial to the original, been listen since 1978. No way to replace Richard Burton, Phil Lynott, and Justin Haywood.

I grew up with the original and imagine I am bias towards that orchestration. This is definately a version for a younger generation as the songs are sped up, orchestration seems a bit choppier and there is definately a new electronica overlay to everything including the new sound effects and vocal performances. That all being said this version is every bit as engaging and entertaining as the original. The storytelling is enhanced and the plot a little easier to understand especially where the original leaned more on orchestral storytelling as compared to this versions more vocal performance leaning. I think part of the originals appeal that is lost is in the hi-fidelity of the records sound and there is simply no way to reproduce that digitally. That shortfall is more than adequately compensated for by a much richer storytelling experience provided here. Overall I think this is a absolutely superb album and definately worth it especially for younger folk who have never heard the original. Both stand on their own strengths and weaknesses and where the original lacked this compensates and vice-versa. Jeff Wayne and all involved are to be credited for making a brilliant new version that is fresh and contemporary while still maintaining the core elements that made the original a favorite for generations now.

This is terrific update to the classic original - the same score with some fantastic new arrangements, and lots of new sounds and features, as well as incredible new ensemble in Liam Neeson and Gary Barlow - this is a wonderful way to reignite the flame in us oldies who loved the original and introduce a whole new generation to Wayne's incredible vision. Incredible! Bravo! - worth every penny!