Film Music Of Jerry Goldsmith, The [Hybrid SACD] - Jerry Goldsmith

Advantages: Very eerie, atmospheric. Original use of instruments.
Disadvantages: Have to have seen the film to appreciate fully.

...This has to be possibly the scariest music ever composed for a film, fittingly because Alien is one of the scariest films. Jerry Goldsmith proves his versatility yet again as the score is full of surprises and original use common instruments. His use of the echoing trumpet is a perfect accompaniment to the mounting tension aboard the Nostromo and on the alien planet. It becomes almost non-musical at times and more based on clever use of orchestral instruments played or recorded in a different manner. The title theme is immensely powerful and sums up the sheer loneliness of deep space. As perfect for the film as Vangelis' score for Blade Runner, also directed by Ridley Scott.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A Goldsmith classic, absolutely brilliant
Disadvantages: Main theme maybe too familiar

...When Star Wars exploded into the Hollywood scene in 1977, it sparked off a great interest in sci-fi and fantasy films. Many attempted to make another "Star Wars" success by making large scale sci-fi movies and TV shows like Battlestar Galactica, Moonraker and Star Trek. When it was decided to make a feature length film out of the cult-series of the late-1960's, Star Trek - The Motion Picture of 1979 was hoped to spark off the same kind of interest and fan-response of Star Wars. After all Star Trek had been growing in popularity through syndicated re-runs and the audience was certainly there. The budget given to the film was enormous, the special effects were first class at the time, the film was helmed by the legendary director Robert Wise, and the music was provided by one of the leading composers in Hollywood, Jerry Goldsmith who had... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Jerry Goldsmith shows that he is a talented composer!
Disadvantages: Not enough music onthe CD

...Jerry Goldsmith has written some great music over the years, and this is amongst my favourites. It covers a wide range of styles from the dramatic and loud action cues, (which are quite reminiscent of Star Trek Next Generation) to the much quieter moments in the film, and though there are a few weak spots, it is generally an excellent soundtrack. My only real complaint is the length of recording - not much more than 30 minutes. Apparently, this has something to do with the cost of paying the orchestra, though there is much more music in the film, which must have been recorded at some point. Sadly, some excellent pieces have been omitted from the CD.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful