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

Content: When a radio radio play based on the novel War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells was broadcast in the United States in 1938, it sounded so realistic to some listeners that they believed they were hearing an authentic account of alien attack. That the often-reported mass panic actually occurred may be a myth. But it is undisputed that the novel, published in 1898, has become an immortal sci-fi classic, not least because of this legendary radio play version. Several film adaptations, a TV series, further radio plays, parodies and homages followed. Probably the most unusual and, with 13 million copies sold, also the most successful adaptation, however, is the concept album by Jeff Wayne, which he released in 1978. On it he retold the story of the book in musical form. The album became cult, the songs The Eve of War and Forever Autumn became international chart hits. That the album's popularity continued unabated was evident when Jeff Wayne sent his project on tour as a big stage musical in 2006.

2012, a new version of the album was then recorded. The part of the narrator was taken over by Liam Neeson and for the vocal parts Wayne was able to win Take That singer Gary Barlow in addition to Joss Stone and Alex care. And Wayne also sent this new generation on a live tour. While Neeson is projected on stage in the form of a hologram, the musical parts here were taken over by former teen star Jason Donovan, Mart Pellow of the band Wet Wet Wet or even Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs. The result is a fascinating show that mixes elements of musical, rock concert and video installation into a gripping whole.

The musical version of The War of the Worlds is a real show event. This starts with the successful hologram of Liam Neeson, is continued by the film sequences and the more classic musical interludes and finally culminates in a great performance of the three-legged alien destroyers, who also look really threatening on stage. Even if the live feeling is a bit lost, as with so many live DVDs, the sound, light and special effects and of course the great music provide real goosebump moments in the home cinema again and again. Especially when the familiar melody from The Eve of War booms out of the speakers, as a viewer you just can't help but be completely swept away.

Technically, musically and of course in terms of content, Jeff Wayne's musical version of: The War of the Worlds - The New Generation a real treat. If you like extraordinary musical events that mix rock and sci-fi in a great way, and if you appreciate the original by H.G. Wells, you should definitely get this live show at home. Worth seeing!

Image + Sound: The technical realization of the live recording is on a consistently good level. The picture is very clean and pleases with a coherent color scheme as well as very good overall sharpness. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix sounds very lively, with songs boasting rich bass, spatial effects and clearly mixed vocals. Good!

Extras: As a bonus, the DVD has an interview with Jeff Wayne and Liam Neeson (approx. 3:01 min.), a one-on-one with Wayne (approx. 15:15 min.), and an interview with Marti Pellow (approx. 11:37 min.) to offer. It's not really much, but it's really interesting in parts. Worth seeing!

Conclusion:With his concept album for the cult novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, Jeff Wayne created a small masterpiece in 1978, which he elaborated into a spectacular stage musical in 2006. In 2012 a new version of the album was released, which was also transformed into a magnificent live spectacle. This is now available on DVD, which not only allows the greats of the musical to be experienced, but also transports the live feeling well into the home cinema. Technically the DVD leaves a very good impression and the bonus material is clear, but worth seeing. Not only for fans of the original album absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp