SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Going through my cd collection today and found my copy of Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds album from 1978. Put it on and boy! I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! Richard Burton's narration is quite, quite brilliant and even Phil Lynott's "Parson" sends a shiver down my spine. I checked out the new 2013 version which features Liam Neeson, but I'm afraid it's not even in the same ball-park - it's not even the same sport!
It's still the most faithful adaption of the story, obviously keeping the original Victorian setting (there's still a great movie version to be made of it, I feel).
Anybody else a fan, or not?

I love that album and much prefer the original cast. A few years ago I saw the live show at the dome in Greenwich, London, which featured original vocalist Justin Hayward, a Richard Burton hologram and a full-size Martian fighting machine!

On a related note, I wish someone would make a movie version of The War of the Worlds that actually followed the book. Keeping the Victorian setting could create a good steampunk vibe.

Absolutely! I always imagined a Victorian version starring Micheal Sheen. Any other casting suggestions?

When I was younger I wanted Charles Dance to play the lead, but I suppose he could play "Ogilvy the Astronomer".

Steph wrote: "On a related note, I wish someone would make a movie version of The War of the Worlds that actually followed the book."

Thera has actually been one. It was released in 2005, Timothy Hines directed it, but it is not terribly good. I'm not going to say Ed Wood bad, but pretty close. On the plus side it does follow the novel closely. When I watched it I kept thinking how great this could have been if Hines had the money needed to make it, but as it stands it's not good.

On the other hand I love Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds and would have liked to see it with a live cast.

I have seen that version too. Very poor with terrible Dick Van Dyke accents. It's a pity that Spielberg didn't make the Victorian version.

Cast suggestions:-

Michael Sheen - The Narrator
Peter Capaldi - The Curate

Any others...?

Hákon wrote: "There has actually been one. It was released in 2005, Timothy Hines directed it, but it is not terribly good..."

I'd never heard of that one. The Wikipedia entry suggests it's as bad as you suggest. The reboot War of the Worlds – The True Story looks worth seeking out. Doing it as a documentary drama with 'period' footage is an interesting approach.

Woking in Surrey has street sculptures inspired by the book, including a 23-foot-high tripod and a 'crashed' Martian pod.

John wrote: "It's a pity that Spielberg didn't make the Victorian version."

I agree, that might have made a good film.

I hadn't heard about War of the Worlds – The True Story before, but I think it would be interesting to find out if Hines managed to remake his film into something better. I think you're right, it is an interesting approach.

I love it. I remember hearing it for the first time when it was first released - I was about 11 & my friends dad had a copy. I still count it as one of the things that first got me interested in Science Fiction (along with Dr Who)... it lead me to read the book & the rest is history.

As for as an authentic film version goes... I've been waiting for that for over 35 years & its always my first answer when asked which book I'd most like to be made into a film.

Failing that, a good 2 or 3 part TV version would do - preferably made by the BBC or another British company - no offence to our American brethren but you'd screw it up and you know it ;-)

I listen to this album all the time. My friends get annoyed when I put it on while driving sometimes :)

Its excellent.

I'm old. my first copy is on vinyl, which is the best way to enjoy the cover art. I love the album, and agree that the original is as close to perfect as one can get. I still listen to it and have turned since folks onto it.

I was stunned when I first heard the album (cassette tape). It is still one of my favourites and I have a copy of the Greenwich performance. "Forever Autumn" always sends shivers down my spine.

I remember this from college where one if my froends had the vinyl LP. I just found the 1978 album on Amazon Prime for free so I've downloaded it to listen to later.

Since reading this post, I've been walking round the house humming/mumbling extracts from WotW. My kids keep giving me funny looks.
A film should definitely be made of it in its proper Victorian England setting. The contrast between that and modern alien invasion movies would be superb. One of the things I liked on the album was the fact that, on the day after the martians 'land', the first thing the MC does is is go down to the station to buy the morning paper. No 24 hour up to the minute news in those days.

With modern film making, there is the potential there to create something really epic. I can just imagine the scene where the 'silent grey ironclad' Thunderchild turns to face down one of the alien fighting machines, guns blazing and smoke stacks billowing.
The song 'Thunderchild' still gives me goosebumps, as does the track near the beginning when the crashed pod begins to open. There's just something about that echoing grinding noise that gives me chills.
If someone could capture the essence of that on film, there's the makings right there of something monumental.

I recall it from my childhood. I loved it.

I forced the kids to listen to it in the car. They enjoyed it too. I think the atmosphere of the piece is amazingly well created. I re-read the book recently as well. Breivity does not always equate to a lack of depth.

Amazing book.