OK this is getting silly. No “War Of The Worlds” movies since the 50′s (ID4 does *not* count) and now we Wells fan’s get 4 coming along at once. Films include:
- Steven Speilberg and Tom Cruise’s version, set in modern day america, looks like they have taken huge liberties with the script, think of it more as an updated George Pal film. [Website]
- Pendragon Picture’s version, set in the same period as the book. Supposed to be a true re-telling of the story, accurate to the book. [Website]
- Jeff Wayne’s version, a CGI musical based film, set around his award winning album. [Website]
- Asylum’s version, set in modern day america but from the few stills I have seen seems to be holding more to the original text.[Website]
and finally, the newcomer…
As to which one you will prefer, that depends on your point of view. Whilst I was looking forward to the Pendragon one which is set in the period of the book, the trailer they released quickly changed my mind :/ There is no trailer for the Jeff Wayne version yet as it is not due out until 2007. The Asylum one, which at least has a few people starring in it who’s name I recognise, has no trailer as yet but the production photos look interesting. Although the Tripod now seems to have six legs instead of three.. The asylum version is going straight to DVD, as is the Pendragon version (although Pendragon are still stating “theatrical release” on their website). The Speilberg version’s two teaser trailers confirm the films divergence from the main story and it looks like a typical Hollywood Popcorn Munching Effects Spectical.
The main winner this year will obviously be the Speilberg / Cruise version. I don’t think anyone is doubting that, but for us wells (and mainly the war of the worlds fans) we still hold out to see a version that closely resembles the book. Whereas I have lost faith in pendragon pictures ability to produce anything that I want to see, I will end up buying it anyway. The asylum one looks interesting and that too will have to be purchased.
After all this however, the one version I am most looking forward to is the Jeff Wayne version. The album has held a special place in my heart for a long time and seeing it come to life on the screen (instead of in my imaginanation) will be something to behold.
