Search - Elmer Bernstein :: The Great Escape (Score)

Magnificent, but Even Better is Coming

AH-1Z | Sacramento, CA USA | 08/31/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a magnificent score. But, you should be aware that master tapes of the complete orignal score were found in the MGM library earlier this year. These were thought to no longer exist. These are to be released (and may have been already in Europe) on a two-CD set with at least 42 cues."

Among the Best Scores

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 08/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Great Escape is among the best and most memorable soundtracks. This CD is the original soundtrack, re-mastered and issued in 2004. The booklet cover is taken from the video game version of the Great Escape (not a bad likeness of Steve McQueen) but inside contains many stills from the movie and cast photographs. The booklet includes the story behind the making of the film, including the obstacles (such as Steve McQueen coming close to quitting) that almost doomed it to failure. There is a nice discussion of Elmer Bernstein's involvement and the writing of the score.



The music Elmer Bernstein wrote fit the film beautifully and is a joy to listen to by itself. The individual tracks are not described in the booklet but have descriptive titles that place the action so that nobody who has seen the film will be lost. The only problem is that the CD is short (32 minutes) on music and some of the cues were not included. Until someone comes up with the entire score (like Turner/Rhino did for North By Northwest) this is the best we have. Anyone who has enjoyed this movie will still want to have this soundtrack.

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The Great Escape Soundtrack

Philip M. Cartmill | 03/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another great Elmer Bernstein score. Brings to memory the different parts of the motion picture. The composer brings life to the narrative of the story. I would endorse the purchase of this soundtrack as I would many of Bernstein's signature movie scores over the years."