Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds - The New Generation: Alive On Stage [Blu-ray] [2012]

I really enjoyed this Blu Ray, more than I thought I would. I already have the original concert on DVD and often the first remains your favourite. Although the music was the same, the modernised backdrop graphics and light show were updated and slightly extended, with extra bits of dialogue and clips fitted in. I think it worked very well and the performers did a very good job.The 3D hologram of Liam Neeson worked well with the show and was much better than the originals projection of Richard Burton on that hanging egg, the benefits of modern technology.As others have said, the weak point was Marti Pellow, who somehow just looked too plastic to me, but he wasn't on stage very long so he didn't really spoil it for me.I have to pick out Jason Donovan for a special mention. He is not someone I would be a fan of, but in his part as Preacher Nathaniel he knocked it out of the park. The whole fairly long second section with him was excellently acted and sung by both him and the girl Kerry Ellis, but even when Jason went down the aisles among the crowd, he stayed every inch the man in torment.This blu Ray is well worth buying whether you have seen the original or not, and it is performed differently enough to make it a new experience of a modern day classic concert. A very entertaining couple of hours tp sit back and enjoy the best version of War of The Worlds ever produced, even though it was a musical because Spielberg's version with Kevin Costner was one of his few really bad films!Oh and make sure you watch it right till the end after the bows, for the last little surprise ending.

Having grown up with the original War of the Worlds, I must admit to being reluctant to giving this version a try but I must admit to being pleasantly surprised. In this updated version, there is a lot more of the original narrative from the book is included. All the songs are there, some of them tweeked a bit. Jason Donovan as Parson Nathaniel was probably the stand out performance for me. A brilliant portrayal of someone at war with themselves over their belief and the reality he's now faced with. Ricky Wilson is also highly believable as the deranged artilleryman. Now then, on to Marti Pellow. I notice there are plenty of people on here moaning about his performance. In my opinion, anyone who took on both Justin Hayward as well as the most iconic song from the original recording was on a hiding to nothing. No one could hope to replicate that performance. Marti Pellow does fine for me, not great but a fine attempt at the song of the show. Don't let it spoil the rest of the show for you.

My favourite music of all time, with great additional dialogue and new fancy twiddly music bits.Generally great singers however its let down by Marti Pellow who is not a patch on the original singer. Forever Autumn which he sings (my favourite bit) is very poorly sung and hasn’t the voice compared to the original.

My husband loves it

Being a huge fan of the original since its release in 1978 and following the numerous mixes and re-releases over the years, THE NEW GENERATION is aimed towards some of the original fans but mainly for those new to the story and Jeff Wayne's musical masterpiece. Although the original 78 Burton classic can never be matched, THE NEW GENERATION does try. The tour between 2012 into 2013 in which this blu-ray/DVD was filmed and released was a visual feast for the eyes. Like the album of the same name, it did not have the original artists. Sadly Marti "Wet Wet Wet" Pellow let the show down with his low-key singing performance and its shows on screen in all its HD glory. However Jason Donovan stole the show with his stunning performance of the deluded Parson Nathaniel. Recorded in HD, the blu-ray release is fantastic. But a couple of things let the release down. The less interesting are a couple of shots being out of focus camera work and personally I think the music editing is a little off. I noticed sounds removed that were audible at the show I was present at. But the biggest let down with the blu-ray and DVD release are those by Universal and the lack of Special Features. Considering the time given for the release and knowing that the footage and audio was completed by April 2013 for the cinema performances of this production, a lot more could have been put into the release such as behind the scenes, making of, CGI work, etc. Interviews are all good, to a degree, but not enough to satisfy the thirst of fans. This blu-ray release could have and should have been a much better release.

I was lucky enough to be in the audience when this was recorded back in December 2012 at the O2 London.Although we had front row seats, they were at the side of the arena and as such we had a great view of everything but didn't get the effect of Liam Neeson's holographic character so have been eager in anticipation to seeing the show in wonderful full Hd on blu-ray disc.It was worth the near, year long wait to be able to watch it again, and again it was surprising the little things that you miss when you watch something live on stage. So for all those who were unable to get tickets to watch this event this is probably the next best thing, unless you have got tickets to the 2014 performances!

I have the original version on vinyl and dvd,the new version is very good the Liam Neeson hologram is effective and all the actors give a good performance, the orchestra and sound effects are excellent as is the big screen in the background, but I preferred Richard Burton as the narrator I think he just has the edge over Liam, also I preferred the music in the old version, but the the dolby atmos sound blows you away and overall I liked it and I would recommend buying it as it is nice to have in your collection.

Have seen this live and it was amazing to be able to watch it again - my 6 yr old is also obsessed with War of the World's and enjoyed watching it with me