The War Of The Worlds

One major piece of advice, if you can afford it, do order the "Collectors Edition", comes with superb book, the new mix, and a couple of other cds with remixes, and outtakes, there is even a version of Richard Burton`s speech without music, which reads like a talking book. Adding to that, a DVD about the history of the album this represents excellent value for money. A must buy!


ULLAH!...indeed!   July 8, 2005
B. Rutter (UK)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I remember this album when I was a kid back in '78 I believe. It captured my imagination then and still does.
Obviously it has been re-released to capitalise on the new movie, however it is not a cheap shot.
This SACD 5.1 re-master and re-mix is one of the best SACD's I've heard.
Many people may not like the rather Prog-Rock music, but to those who do this album has it all.
The 5.1 sound is jaw dropping. I have never heard the music so sharp and clearly defined. Vocals stand out, guitar parts that were once hidden deep in the stereo mix now have more intensity (listen to The Heat-Ray). The synths sound as if they are plugged straight into your amp and whirl around the room. There is a lot of dramatic use of panning, front to back, left to right etc and whilst this would ruin most music in TWotW it is all part of the drama. At times the music thunders through your speakers at others it is soft and rolling (The Red Weed). Maybe my only complaint is that at times the change between soft and loud is quite abrupt. However it adds to the overall effect.
If you own an SACD player and have like this wonderfully eccentric Concept album them you must buy this. Worth every penny!!


Outstanding   June 25, 2005
B Loughrey (Dublin Ireland)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I bought this album when I was 17 on double cassette and that was before the arrival of CD's and I am still playing it. Rushing out to the shops to get this new version on CD and hope to be playing it again for another 20 years. Definetly a desert island album !!!!!!!!!!


Shamelessly remarketed, but still excellent   June 16, 2005
Simon Keefe (Cardiff, UK)
59 out of 62 found this review helpful

Apparently, according to the advertising lingo, this is "the perfect gift for Fathers' Day!", which makes me feel intolerably old, but at least it stopped an advert for the bloody Crazy Frog from appearing.

Well, perhaps it is the perfect gift for that non-event of the year, but it is also the perfect gift for any occasion, for anyone that doesn't own this is missing out on something wonderful. Even if they have it on a dusty old vinyl, it should be re-bought just to make them listen to it again.

Superb, in every way, and yes, it has dated a little, but in exactly the right way. It's impossible not to adore the beautiful tones of Burton's voice, the haunting riff of "oooolaaaah!", and the sweeping songs provided by The Moody Blues. And, even better, this version doesn't include the awful 80's "remixes" of some of the tracks (although Ben Liebrand's version of the Eve of the War wouldn't have gone amiss).

Every person that was alive during the seventies should own this, and pass the message on to those that weren't.

Superb stuff.


Best Album Ever   July 17, 2005
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

I was bought this album as a douple LP back when it was first released and I was captivated from the first moment I heard it. Richard Burton, David Essex and Phil Lynott provide the amazing vocals of the men caught up in the martian attack, while Jo Partridge and Jeff Wayne himself add their talents on guitar and keyboards. The album has a sound of haunting melodies and striking narratives which astounds the listener every time it is played. The songs of Forever Autumn and Thunderchild are masterpieces on their own and will leave you humming them for days afterwards. This work of musical genius is outstanding and despite the fact that my vinyl copy is still in great condition, I had to buy the CD edition for no other reason than it is deserves to be back in the top of the charts nearly 27 years after it was first released. Go and buy it today, you will not be disappointed!