by Dave Thompson
Just about the only element of the entire War of the Worlds extravaganza that was not featured in the 2005 box set was the single-disc version released to prolong the life of the original double-album package -- which is a shame, because there are times when you really want to hear the music without the occasionally histrionic dialogue cutting and clattering through it. It is what it says on the packaging, a sweet abbreviation that transforms the full-blown story into a simple soundtrack. The hit take on "Forever Autumn" that presaged the main attraction is here, of course, together with the sweeping symphonics and AOR textures that were Wayne's greatest contribution to H.G. Wells' original fable. For all its good intentions, after all, the full feast can become a little overwrought in places (a late-'60s BBC production is far superior). But the music is impeccable and, from "Eve of the War" to "Brave New World," this highlights package might well be the most listenable incarnation of the entire treat that's out there.