Superman: The Movie (1998 Re-recording)

 (10 customer reviews)

I thoroughly enjoyed this 2-CD set. The music needs no introduction anywhere in the world. The audio quality of this 1998 recording surpasses what could be captured in 1978 when the original recording was made. The liner notes are a pleasure to read.I'd also like to correct an error made by a previous reviewer: the total running length of this set is 82 minutes 10 seconds, which *cannot* be accomodated on a single CD. The producers originally planned a single CD release, but when it turned out that the music as recorded ran a few minutes too long, the decision was made to create a 2-CD set. In hindsight, it's unfortunate that they didn't know from the start that there would be room for extra pieces, but even so the selections included make a full and satisfying experience. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra was definitely up to the task. It's terrific.

John Williams' excellent score for "Superman" was a landmark in film music. With the help of soundtracks such as "Jaws", "Star Wars", and "E.T.", Williams is known as the composer who brought orchestral music back into style. During the 70's, music was taking a path directly away from the orchestral style of music, and I would say if it weren't for John Williams, orchestral film music would no longer exist. (We really ought to give John Williams a lot of credit for the favor he did for those who still stick with the true form of music) Every word that describes highly entertaining and inspiring music will fit "Superman." This particular release of "Superman" was performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and was conducted by John Debney. (I think this release conducted my John Debney is excellent. After hearing his score for "Cutthroat Island", I think that anything under his name is worth getting) I would...Read more

The power and majesty of the John Williams music for Superman: The Movie is above reproach. It transcends its genre and proves that film scoring deserves to be taken seriously as modern, post-romantic classical music. The original recording, released in 1978, demonstrated that much. Thankfully, this new recording of the score by John Debney and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra loses none of this greatness in the translation; in fact, in some ways, it intensifies it. Although not all the music from the original recording made it into this release, everything that makes this score a mandatory part of every film music enthusiast's collection is still in there, and the 20 bit digital sound only enhances the experience. They went back to William's original sketches for this release, so there are occasional slight differences in the music's arrangements and orchestration. But for anyone familiar with the original recording, the new approach gives the feeling of...Read more