Reported some time ago now I thought this US-BBC co-produced mini-series might be still languishing in development hell, but after hearing a film/tv extra mate of mine complaining yesterday that he couldn't get a part in it I discover this!:
Wow! this is exciting news, thanks! I noticed many cynical comments about the BBC potentially mucking it up. I assume those commenters are speaking from past experiences. I do hope they stay true to the original.
And, a minor point to be sure, but I prefer the title as "The War of the Worlds", per Wells' book. "War of the Worlds" was that 2005, umm, version.
The miniseries (which, as someone who often used to play on Horsell Common when I was a kid, I am very much looking forward to) will probably retain the title "War of the Worlds", since the "The" is (or certainly was until very recently) owned by Jeff Wayne, who is very precious about it! All other adaptations have had to drop the "The", too.
Thanks for the update. I checked on the miniseries status a few days ago and found nothing. I hope it's released on Blu-ray. I guess this one won't have stealth fighters in it.
Thanks for the update. I checked on the miniseries status a few days ago and found nothing. I hope it's released on Blu-ray. I guess this one won't have stealth fighters in it.
Just as an aside, there is already a version that is set in period London. Just promise me you won't ever watch it?? It is just awful, despite the noble intentions.
I tried to get through it a couple of times. I agree, it had noble intentions, but it was just too much like sitting through a student film, and the CG seemed like what you would call "off-the-shelf software".
But, YES, above all it HAS to be a period piece, so I'm looking forward to this new attempt.
I hope the BBC do a better job than they did with The Day Of The Triffids.
Whilst they have the occasional "off-day", as with Day of the Triffids (it wasn't actually that bad - it just wasn't "Day of the Triffids" - they could have given it a different name and done better), the number of positive and excellent adaptations they have under their belt is absolutely enormous.
Of course, I share your trepidation, though the evidence is good that they will come up with the goods. It is in great hands, I think. The BBC can not ignore Woking!!!!!!!!
No one would have believed, in the early part of the 21st century, When this was announced in 2015, That 4 years later, We would still be none the wiser.
For anyone suffering withdrawal symptoms, I can highly recommend the Big Finish award-winning audio adaptation - absolutely superb "Audio Cinema", even if it does take a liberty or two regarding the source material... https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-martian-invasion-of-earth-1603
I've been really enthusiastic about this thing since it was first mentioned. But it does look as if it's gone a bit pear shaped. I reckon it's taking more than they thought to get it right. Best not to mention these things until they've got most of it in the bag. But of course maybe the plan is to get folks desperate for it? Time is money though, and the longer it takes the more it's going to cost. It must be past the point where they cane ditch it, so.... It's the waiting game.
Got a mate who's done his extra stint and got paid so he's happy.