King Kong: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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CD Details
Composer: Max SteinerConductor: Max Steiner
Edition: Music CD
Format: Soundtrack
CD Release Date: 1999-09-14
Music Label: Rhino / Wea
Soundtracks:
- The Story Of King Kong: The Adventure Begins
- The Story Of King Kong: Aboard Ship
- The Story Of King Kong: Arrival At Skull Island
- The Story Of King Kong: The Ship At Night
- The Story Of King Kong: A Bride For Kong
- The Story Of King Kong: The Log Sequence
- The Story Of King Kong: Denham's Escape
- The Story Of King Kong: Kong Attacks The Village
- The Story Of King Kong: Kong In New York
- The Story Of King Kong: Kong Escapes
- The Story Of King Kong: Death Of King Kong
- King Kong Music Suite: Main Title
- King Kong Music Suite: A Boat In The Fog
- King Kong Music Suite: The Forgotten Island I
- King Kong Music Suite: The Forgotten Island II
- King Kong Music Suite: Jungle Dance
- King Kong Music Suite: The Sailors
- King Kong Music Suite: The Bronte
- King Kong Music Suite: Stolen Love/Humorous Ape
- King Kong Music Suite: The Aeroplane/Finale
Music reviews of King Kong: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Music Review: Rhino or Marco Polo Version
Rating: 5 Stars
I accidentally came across Max Steiner's original soundtrack for King Kong while searching for the James Newton Howard release to Peter Jackson's film. I say accidentally because I been an avid collector and listener of movie soundtracks/scores for years, however inexplicably this one flew under my radar. Quite simply, this score is a 5-star classic and should be in anyone's collection; end of musical review.
However while searching, Amazon offered their usual "twofer" deal and I was a little confused about which recording to purchase, the Rhino or the Marco Polo version. Although earlier reviews touched on the issue, I thought I would concentrate upon that point. Since I could get both recordings for under $20, a little more than the price of one new CD down at the Borders, I went for the "twofer" and have been happy with the decision (no I don't work for Amazon, although would gladly accept any royalties sent my way!).
Each recording brings something different to the table. The first two-thirds of the Rhino version contains movie dialogue with some musical excerpts in the background, while the remaining third contains the 24-minute King Kong Music Suite, all from the original movie (73-minutes total). The CD comes in a cardboard package with a wonderful 36-page booklet containing a wealth of information about the movie and its music. It's not in a jewel box, so you have to be a little careful, but it is a very nice presentation, more of a little book rather than a CD. Yes, the CD may be a tad difficult to remove from the case, however I think quite a few of us will simply remove it once, rip it to the computer then download to the iPod. The Marco Polo version comes in a standard jewel case, this time with, you guessed it, a marvelous 38-page booklet describing the movie and its music. The Polo version is a 72-minute, 1996 recording of the original score, no dialogue.
Where the versions differ most is the sound; the Rhino version apparently originates from the source material, so although remarkably crisp and clean, it sounds like it was recorded in 1933. The updated Polo version could have been used in the current movie. So which version is better? Neither really, it depends upon the experience for which you are looking. I enjoy listening to the Rhino version on a rainy day when my attention span is not up to watching the King Kong DVD. Simply close your eyes, listen to the dialogue, and the movie plays in your imagination. On the other hand, the updated Polo version sonically illustrates what a masterpiece Steiner's score really is. The choice is yours!
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