War of the Worlds
71The first time I saw War of the Worlds, the classic 1953 version, it
was the second half of a drive-in double feature that my parents had
taken me too when I was maybe 7 or 8. I have no idea what the first
movie was because War of the Worlds blew that right out of my mind. I
was completely gripped by it and pretty much have been ever since.
Being
a very impressionable kid, that movie was just the kind of thing to get
into my brain and really bother me. Right outside my bedroom window
the streetlight looked exactly like the head of one on of the Martian's
machines to me and it was years before I could sleep with the curtain
open. If I couldn't see the Martian, hey, it couldn't see me!
But it was the start of a bit of an obsession, one shared by millions. H.G. Wells' classic story has been adapted often. There's the Orson Welles' radio play, the original George Pal movie, the Spielberg movie, at least two other movies I've seen as well, and then there was a tv series and a progressive rock musical album (and three different video games based upon the album).
My favorite version of War of the Worlds is in fact the progressive rock album, the Jeff Wayne Musical of War of the Worlds, featuring Richard Burton doing the narration. It is a fantastic piece of progressive rock and I think one of the best concept albums ever conceived. I listen to it a LOT. :)
War of the Worlds on DVD
 | A Collector's Edition of the 1953 original movie that was produced by George Pal and directed by Byron Haskin. Starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson Amazon Price: $34.25 List Price: $12.98 |
 | The Steven Spielberg version starring Tom Cruise. It was a better movie than I was expecting, considering my Tom Cruise loathing. But this movie is incredibly grim and then has a ridiculously implausible and sappy ending that is quite typical of Steven Spielberg. Amazon Price: $3.50 List Price: $12.98 |
 | Released the same year as the Spielberg blockbuster (and it actually started production before that movie), this is a remarkably odd little movie filmed on an extremely low budget by a company called Pendragon Pictures. The first film adaption actually set in the 19th century and in the UK (like Wells' book). It hews closer to the book than anything else to date, however I only recommend it if you like bad movies (mst3k appropriate) or are obsessed with WOTW. Worth grabbing it if is cheap though. Amazon Price: $36.82 List Price: $14.98 |
 | This is actually worse than the Pendragon Pictures version of the film. That movie has some redeeming values in that it is quirky and has some interesting cinematography and visual effects. This movie starting C Thomas Howell and Jake Busey, however, is just BAD. I didn't even finish watching it. Just so bad. Amazon Price: $2.79 List Price: $7.98 |
 | If you are a fan of War of the Worlds, this 1988 sf tv series should be on your MUST LIST. While it certainly doesn't match the production values of contemporary scifi series, this is a great little tv show that ran for two seasons. It's story is based on the premise that the aliens did not die (as shown in the George Pal movie), but in fact have been asleep all this time. Now humanity must be convinced to fight the aliens before its too late. Amazon Price: $11.75 List Price: $29.98 |
Clip from War of Worlds 1988 tv series pilot
The Book!
 | Get the book that started it all. Would it surprise you to know that the original story is actually set in Britain? Heh. Someday someone will make a big budget movie that is actually set in Britain and hopefully it won't suck. Until then, I will listen to Jeff Wayne's album. Amazon Price: $3.06 List Price: $7.00 |
The Eve of the War
Chris Thompson sings Thunderchild
Jeff Wayne's Musical
This is the opening number of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds Musical. I just love Richard Burton's narration. It's so chilling. And the opening music sets the stage for what's to come.
Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues plays the singing voice of the narrator (The Journalist) and other famous cast members on the album are Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy, David Essex and Julie Covington and Chris Thompson.
There has been talk for years of adapting Jeff Wayne's musical version of War of the Worlds into an animated movie and there is tons of concept art for it online, but I have no idea if or when we will ever actually see a completed film.
In the meantime, however, Jeff Wayne produced a live performance of the album which he has toured with, joined by some original cast members, including Justin Hayward. You can find tour dates for the show on the official website.
Included here is a clip of the song Thunderchild performed at the live stage show by Chris Thompson (the voice of humanity) and Justin Hayward's performance of Forever Autumn during the 2006 tour. (Actually, if you want to watch them in the correct order, watch Forever Autumn first, then Thunderchild.)
 | For some crazy reason, Amazon has this classified under "Disco", when it is clearly Prog Rock. But never mind that, just buy it already. Amazon Price: $89.78 List Price: $24.98 |
Justin Hayward sings Forever Autumn
![War of the Worlds [Region 2]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D8N945XCL._SL75_.jpg) | This DVD of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds Live on Stage is only available in PAL format so you will need a multi-region DVD player to play it in the US. Amazon Price: $10.36 |
The 1938 Radio Broadcast of War of the Worlds
War on Wiki
- Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of War of the Worlds, featuring Richard Burton as the narrator - The War of the Worlds (1953 film)
The original classic. - The War of the Worlds (radio)
The radio play that terrified a nation. Now in the public domain. Click the youtube video to listen to it. - The War of the Worlds - Original Novel
About the original HG Wells work. - Read The War of the Worlds by HG Wells
Since the original book by HG Wells is now in the public domain, you can read the complete text of the story on this website.
