Search - Bruce Broughton :: Harry and the Hendersons

When composer Bruce Broughton was offered the assignment to score the 1987 Universal/Amblin production HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS, he had already delivered several major scores for some big screen tales: SILVERADO, YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES, and THE BOY WHO COULD FLY. This along with several episodes of Spielberg's AMAZING STORIES was solidifying Broughton as a key player in the Hollywood composing scene. For the film, director William Dear suggested a gentle, humanistisc approach to the music, emphasizing the kind and displaced soul of Bigfoot (Harry). Harry is removed from his forest home by the Henderson's after they hit him with their car and bring him to their suburban home where nothing but mayhem follows. As Dear comments, "I wanted the music to take you on this fantasy ride, to be scary at times, and then light and lyrical like a film from the 1940s. It was important for the score to bring out the 'heart' in Harry.&" Broughton delivered on that vision -- a symphonic score rich with emotional themes and enchantment, but also featuring plenty of big, adventurous music for the outdoor adventures -- the kind of writing Brought excels at. While Broughton's music matched what the filmmakers wanted, their vision on the placement of music did not. Director Dear felt there was too much of it and only about half of Broughton's score ended up in the film. Additionally, many cues were tracked into different places within the film. And while Broughton did compose an end title, the Joe Cocker song "Love Lives On" appears instead -- although it had the advantage of being based on Broughton's melody. With this release, not only does HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS make its premiere on CD, but it is greatly expanded from the original LP program, featuring over 40 minutes of music not heard on the original, truncated LP. Presented here in digitally remastered, crisp stereo sound is Broughton's score as originally intended. And like Harry himself, finally understood. This release is limited to 3000 units.