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 Post subject: HC's Review Of JW TWOTW 'Collector's Edition' Set - Part One
PostPosted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:54 am 
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Tripod King

Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:30 am
Posts: 300
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds
Collector's Edition

7 Disc Collector's Package Of Jeff Wayne's Musical Masterpiece!

By Jonathan Smith

PART ONE


To purchase your Collector's Edition, other 'Official' Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds merchandise and to learn more about future projects and the CGI animated feature film by Jeff Wayne, visit them at www.thewaroftheworlds.com
and become part of the growing community of fans to this classic album


THE ALBUM

In June 1978, sci-fi and music fans the world over were introduced to an extraordinary musical masterpiece that rocked the world and some 30 years later is still loved by millions. Based on the 1898 novel by British author H.G.Wells, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds is still largely regarded as the 'definitive' telling of the chilling story of a Martian invasion upon the world during Victorian times. The album captures the powerful essence that H.G.Wells brought over in the novel, a chilling realistic tale of Victorian society bought down to it's knee's as monstrous Fighting Machines armed with deathly Heat Rays set about the English Country side, heading towards the London capitol in the quest to take over the world.

Like the book, Jeff Wayne needed to have a storyteller and this was given to the late great Richard Burton who still haunts and captivates our senses to this day with his presence on the recordings. It is common for many fans of the album to dim the lights, close the doors and play Richard Burton's haunting opening narration that is quickly followed by the sudden burst of orchestral strings - chilling, moving, effective and above all just so right.

Joining the vast array of talented musicians and song writers such as Paul Vigrass and Gary Osbourne, guitar work from such artistes as Jo Partridge, Herbie Flowers and Chris Spedding, drums by Barry Morgan, George Fenton upon Autoharp, Santur and Tar, Ken 'Prof' Freeman on synthesisers, percussion by Barry De Souza, Ray Jones and Ray Cooper, Paul Hart as the piano on 'The Red Weed' and Jeff Wayne on piano and harpsichord, from the outset this was always going to be something special, but that was not the end of it. Joining them were the vocal talents David Essex as 'The Artilleryman', Phil Lynott as 'Parson Nathaniel', Julie Covington as 'Beth' the Parsons wife, Justin Hayward and Chris Thompson.

With the music covered and lyrics now in place, the album needed on more ingredient in the form of the story that was superbly written by Doreen Wayne, a full time writer. Her first novel The Love Strike set in her home town of Hull was followed by the best-seller Love Is A Well Raped Word in 1968. She also wrote for newspapers, magazines and television as well as rewriting the script for the West End musical Two Cities, based upon the Charles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities.

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds follows the tale of the journalist (Richard Burton) after a 'Falling Star' lands upon Horsell Common in Woking, Surrey, during the first disc, named like the books first section 'The Coming Of The Martians'. Quickly we learn it's a cylinder containing an invading army of creatures from Mars. After the cylinder has opened disgorging its alien contents, the creatures set about building vast machines that walk upon three legs. A tremendous battle unfolds on Horsell Common and a single Artilleryman (David Essex) survives to tell the tale of Fighting Machines armed with Heat Rays that wiped the army out. Another falling star is observed, landing London way so the Journalist and his new companion set off, the journalist hopes of reaching London in time to find the love of his life - Carrie. Arriving at Weybridge, they are greeted by the advancing Martian invaders as they set about destroying the towns. The journalist and the Artilleryman are separated as a Martian Fighting Machine is bought down by the guns of the British army, quickly being destroyed by the invaders. Having escaped, the journalist reaches London to find Carrie has fled the capital. As he heads for the docks he see's the mass exodus from London, millions fleeing at the Martians rampage across the city. Upon reaching the coast and seeing the paddle steamer that's taking Carrie to safety, another battle unfolds between man and Martian. The vast Fighting Machines plunge out into the sea as the pride of the Royal Navy awaits, the H.M.S Thunder Child. As the battle commences, Victory cheers turn to horror as the brave Thunder Child is lost to the oceans depths, her hull being pierced by the deathly Martians Heat Rays.

The second chapter on disc two 'The Earth Under The Martians' see's how the world has fallen to the Martians as the planets surface has no been taken over by an unearthly plant, the Red Weed. As the journalist wades through this spongy mass of growth he happens upon the body of a Parson (Phil Lynott). In the distance comes the cries of the Parsons wife (Julie Covington) as they take shelter from an approaching Fighting Machine spraying a poisonous vapour called The Black Smoke, death to all that breaths. The Parson believes the Martians are demons sent to the Earth by the Devil and feels it should be him who must confront them. With a green flash, the house they are taking shelter in collapses as a huge Martian cylinder falls from the sky, burying them under the ruins. Beth is found dead as the Parsons cries of anguish fill the air. The journalist and the Parson fight, the journalist scarred that the Parsons outcries could invite the Martians to them after they witness the Martians feeding upon humans and the arrival of a new machine, a six legged metallic giant with huge claws and a human capturing basket upon it's back. After a fight, the Parson is knocked unconscious by the journalist as a Martians claw comes into the ruins. The Parson body is dragged away and the journalist, scarred, buries himself amongst the coal and wood in the cellar. After many days of imprisonment, the journalist flee's the ruined house and finds no living souls for days. Approaching London again, he stumbles upon a familiar face, the Artilleryman and learns of a new life that seems to be starting, according to the Artilleryman. A new life that will exist - underground. The delusional dreams of the solider unnerve the journalist as he slowly watches man's empire being taken away by these creatures from another world, so after some time he leaves the Artilleryman and heads off towards the great city.

He finds London in ruins, blackened by the Black Dust, empty streets, mankind slain by the Martians, not a living soul to be seen, but the air filled with the haunting cry of a Martian Fighting Machine, calling out to it's companions. As time passes, the journalist, weary, hungry, his mind wondering, follows the Martians cry as desperation take control. He decides his only chance now is to give his life to the Martians. Scrambling to the summit of Primrose Hill, he is greeted by a stupendous site, the great city covered with Fighting Machines and there Martian inhabitants - dead. And so we learn of there demise, these invaders, so intelligent that on Mars there are no diseases, but Earth has plenty and they are overcome by Bacteria. Joyfully, the journalist tells of the triumphant return of human life in the streets again, but grave thoughts fill upper minds as questions arise on another attack from Mars. And as the journalist tells us, 'Maybe the future belongs not to us, but to the Martians'.

And so ends this great story. But no, its doesn't stop there, moving years ahead to almost present times, a landing upon Mars see's lights of some kind, green flares spurting from Mars, trailing a green mist. Each flare is observed leaving the red planet, getting closer and closer, heading towards Earth. What are they?, who are they?, our worst fears have come apparent . . . . .

Since 1978, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds has sold over 13 million copies, stayed in the albums charts for 5 years, seen numerous hit singles including 'The Eve Of The War' and 'Forever Autumn'. The album has won Jeff Wayne two Ivor Novello Awards, the ultimate accolade for writers in the U.K. Released a best selling games for both the P.C and Playstation. In 1985 the album was released on compact disc. Remastered in 1995 to include 4 remixes. Remixed in 2000 and released as 'UllaDubUlla' that contained 7" and 12" mixes and now after almost 30 years, the album is back on top again and this time entering the top 10 album charts with this classic and much loved album, bringing us bang up to date with musical technology, the album has been mixed and placed into SA-CD 5.1 Surround Sound format, giving the listener the 'ultimate' playback experience, putting 'you' into the music. But it does not stop there. Now in production and with an expected release of early 2008, we will see a fully animated and very long awaited movie version of Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds coming to cinema's world wide. Indeed, with all the fascination with this ground breaking album, re-launch and CGI movie - the Earth really does belong to the Martians.


THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION 7 DISC SET CONTENTS

CECD96000

RRP £79.99

Also Available In SA-CD Digipak Double Album Release With Extended Booklet

TWO DISC'S OF THE CLASSIC ALBUM

DPCD96000

RRP £15.99



THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION - BOOK & PACKAGING


Many will remember the glorious 16 page artwork booklet that came with the double album in 1978. The booklet was filled with 7 paintings depicting scenes from the albums story by artists Michael Trim, Geoff Taylor and Peter Goodfellow. For the 'Collector's Edition' these startling paintings have been reproduced in full colour, each one covering a double page in a hard bound book, the size of the original double album - 12 inch x 12 inch. The size of the book not only allows for these painting to shine but also to contain some 80 pages of behind the scene's pictures, The War Of The Worlds collectibles and rarities, books, records, album cast, albums complete story put into track by track category, the making of the album, large and informative biographies section and a stunning detailed insight into the disc's that contain all the rarities. The sumptuous book is lavishly illustrated throughout with much new artwork and many 'never before seen' images.

The front and back cover of the book features the magnificent painting of the 'Thunder Child' battle against the Martian Fighting Machine, lovingly created by Michael Trim. On the inside of both front and back hard covers are the specially designed 'pockets' for the 7 disc's. Conventional compact disc's and DVDs are kept in place with a circular plastic clips or prongs that can give way and snap. The Collector's Edition does not have that, instead it has pockets that keep the disc's securely in place to avoid damaging and slipping. Each disc comes with its own slip sleeve that details the disc contents and each disc is colourfully illustrated.

Disc's One & Two In SA-CD 5.1 Surround Sound

Disc One - The Coming Of The Martians - Running Time: 45.09

The Eve Of The War - Horsell Common And The Heat Ray - The Artilleryman And The Fighting Machine - Forever Autumn - Thunder Child


These disc's contain the complete album, 'The Coming Of The Martians' and 'The Earth Under The Martians', in two formats. The mix of the album for these formats give a playback of a 'stereo' mix and SA-CD mix, both glorious to the ears. Unlike previous releases, both disc's do not contain any extra material in the way of tracks such as remixes. The album appears in its near original format but as the new mix. The mix is stunning revealing sounds 'never' heard before with all sounds taken from the wealthy array of original master tapes. Each track is crystal clear and its this that gives us those sounds never heard until now. The opening narration by Richard Burton comes over as if he is actually there with you, in your room. 'The Eve Of The War' is even more creepier than ever with those familiar haunting strings now containing the rich sounds of the Harpsichord and Ken Freeman's synthesiser along to deep kettle drums. The unmistakable sounds of the Martians Heat Ray is even more chilling, its chords striking the listeners nerves in a way not heard before. After the first part of 'The Eve Of The War' has passed we move onto the narration again from Richard Burton. He tells us of the eruptions on Mars and the approach of the first lot of Martians as Justin Hayward chilling words of "The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, he said". 'Horsell Common And The Heat Ray' opening bass is creepier than ever, cleaned and mixed it presents to us the horror of what is to follow as the Martians emerge from the cylinder, the metal on metal rubbing of the giant screw fills the room. Jo Partridge's guitar playing during the Heat Rays deathly assault upon mankind is haunting yet glorious to listen too. David Essex's entrance in 'The Artilleryman And The Fighting Machine' along to new additional sounds is as memorable as it was made and listened too for the first time and the appearance of the awesome Fighting Machines are strengthened by the wonderfully chilling strings and basses during the attack upon Weybridge as the vast machines sweep upon the town and its victims to the spine tingling sounds of 'ULLA', the Martians cry. As the journalist heads off to London, the beautiful 'Forever Autumn' is as moving as ever with Justin Haywards astounding performance. The opening sequence to 'The Thunder Child' is still awesome to listen too and the battleships demise brings back the sadness.

Disc Two - The Earth Under The Martians - Running Time: 49.34

The Red Weed (Part One) - The Spirit Of Man - The Red Weed (Part Two) - The Artilleryman Returns - Brave New World - Dead London
Epilogue (Part One) - Epilogue (Part Two)(NASA)


'The Earth Under The Martians' on disc two starts off with those same creepy movements of a musical vegetation in 'The Red Weed - Part One', now sounding even better, those atmospheric strings and synth tones still have the ability to send shivers down your spine. Again during 'The Spirit Of Man' we are given a wonderful array of sounds not heard until now and we feel for Beth and the journalist all over again as the Parson battles with his nerves as the Martians approach. The strings and rich and delightful to listen to during 'The Red Weed - Part Two', 'The Artilleryman Returns' and 'Brave New World'. The triumphal sounds of Ken Freeman's military march created upon the synthesiser is a pleasure to listen too and sounds just so right. Upon realising the end of the world is coming, 'Dead London' still has the power to move you along to the chilling piano chords and nightmarish calling sounds of a dying Martian. From a man wondering in his own nightmare, we are taken to a sudden change, the Martians are found - dead, and here the music suddenly bursts into a triumphant score in the 'Epilogue - Part One' as man takes control of the Earth again. As the music fades into 'Epilogue - Part Two', the closing chapter to the story and the album, we hear the voice of NASA. Familiar sounds become clear as the announcer describes to us a mass of green gas, hurtling towards us. Computers buzz in the background as Ken Freeman's synthesisers fill the air, as in the blink of an eye, everything is suddenly stilled.

Disc Three - 'Deconstructing Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds'
The Making Of DVD

Running Time: 92 Minutes - Audio: Stereo - Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - Language: English - Region: 0

Additional Features: Biography Section & Photo Gallery


This is truly a remarkable in-depth look into the making of Jeff Wayne's musical masterpiece that is very rarely seen. Hosted by Jeff Wayne himself, Jeff takes us on a guided tour of his album, stopping off at all the tracks, showing us and telling us how each and every track came to be made and used for the album. We even go into Jeff's own studio, watch him perform some of the sections of score upon his grand piano, watch how tracks are taken apart and learn how certain notes were made and created upon the instruments. From the start of the documentary, Jeff takes us to many locations that inspired him all those years ago such as Primrose Hill in London and Horsell Common in Surrey and we are treated many times to some stunning computer generated images (CGI) footage and rare videos from the late 1970 during the album and singles releases. The documentary is put into sections, starting off with 'The Eve Of The War' going right through to the NASA Epilogue and the aftermath of the album. A stunning visual feast for any music lover and fan of The War Of The Worlds.

Part Two Of This Review Can Be Read Here:

http://www.eveofthewar.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=651


H_C

Forum Moderator to: www.waroftheworldsonline.com - Your Source For The Martian Invasion Since 2002


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PostPosted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:49 pm 
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Martian War Lord

Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2005 10:00 pm
Posts: 2870
Location: Liverpool, UK
Thanks for all that lovely detail. Can't wait to get stuck into it. =D>


Bah bah black sheap April diamond spheres, Rigsby, Rigsby, Eight sided Pears.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:13 pm 
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Martian War Lord

Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 5:02 pm
Posts: 3114
Location: Ridderkerk, the Netherlands
Well, I've got it now, an'd I've got to say two words about it...


ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D =D> =D> =D> :D :D :D


The Tempest is an advanced assault vehicle, which carries two heavy Heat-Rays and a Canister Launcher.
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