Alien | ||
 | Composer: Jerry Goldsmith Label: Intrada Release Date: 2007-11-20 Producer: Mike Matessino and Nick Redman Conductor: Lionel Newman Performer: National Philharmonic Orchestra Buy this soundtrack:   | |
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More Soundtracks by Jerry Goldsmith
Reviewed by - Grade: One of the most important sci fi/horror scores gets the deluxe treatment.As much as I love Goldsmith, I have to say I never really "got" Alien. Sure, in the film it was very effective, but I was never impressed with the CD. Maybe it was the sound quality or the strange sequencing, but the experience was jarring and not a very good listen. Thank you, Intrada! Not only have you restored Alien, adding dozens of extra cues, you have also made it clear to me why this is considered a masterpiece. From the sweeping strings of the early passages to the innovative and avant garde instrumentation that represents the Alien itself, this score grabs you from the first track and doesn't let go until the CD ends. My favorite parts are generally in the beginning of the score. The Main Title is one of the best representations of space I've heard, representing both its grandious majesty as well as its dark and cold loneliness. Other winning cues are The Landing and The Passage. The music representing the human crew of the Nostromo features more traditional Western music and instrumentation. When the Alien shows up, the ballgame changes, with strange chord progressions and odd instrument choices (Ram's horn any one?) creating a perfect otherworldly sound for the vicious guest that is killing our heroes. These passages are more difficult to listen to, admittedly. But while I found them a bit annoying in the original CD release, I now find them more fascinating. Maybe its because I am older and can appreciate the artistry more or maybe the sequencing work and restoration from the Intrada folks really makes that much of a difference. Either way, my eyes were opened. Maybe it isn't Goldsmith's masterpiece, or even one of his top five masterpieces, but it is a damn good CD. I definitely recommend it. More Movie Soundtracks
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