Search - James Horner :: Star Trek III: The Search For Spock - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

...do not grieve!

admkirk | THE TEMPLE OF DOOM! | 06/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Star Trek III: The Search for Spock - This, the second of two Trek soundtracks by James Horner, in many ways, goes the previous score (The Wrath of Khan) one better. While many people prefer the nautical majesty of The Wrath of Khan, I, for one, like this outing better. The orchestration on Khan always seemed a little bit 'thin' to me, and they seem to get a lot fuller sound on this one. The music, with some exception, is a lot more subdued, but, personally, I like that better.The main theme returns from Khan, but is used a lot less in this soundtrack. It is still as good as ever, but it doesn't really belong as much in this movie, which is all about Spock. Its best use is in "Stealing the Enterprise". The sub-theme based on it returns, appearing a lot more. It has always been one of my favorite themes. Its best use is also in "Stealing the Enterprise". Spock's theme is the main theme in this movie. It seems to have a hopeful quality now, generally. My favorite appearance of it, though, is a very wistful version at the very beginning of the score, in "Prologue" during the flashback. The Klingon theme is honestly the worst one in the movie and one of the worst in all the Trek soundtracks. I really can't stand that little squeaky version in "Bird-of-Prey Decloaks". The Courage fanfare is used liberally throughout the score, something a lot of them are missing. It is used best during "Klingons" after the 30-second interlude, just after the space-dock comes into view. It is magnificently understated, and is one of the two best uses in the series (the other is at the end of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country). This is how the fanfare was meant to be used. This and in "Stealing the Enterprise", anyway. Courage's Star Trek TV theme also appears, most notably at the end. It is used very well, but doesn't quite go to the same level as Khan's finale.Overall, this score generally works better as 'pure music' than The Wrath of Khan and, to my thinking, is worth the money more. The downside: that pop version of Spock's theme. ha ha ha ha ha it is SO funny! Actually, it kind of spoils the soundtrack so I never, EVER listen to it anymore.Best Tracks:"Prologue / Main Title" (One of the greatest opening themes ever; very touching)"Klingons" (Not the Klingon theme, after a 30-second silence, the space-dock comes into view, leading to possibly the best track, along with the above one)"Stealing the Enterprise" (Just plain fun! This very long track never gets boring, and at times is the best track)"Returning to Vulcan" (This has an amazing crescendo as the Bird-of-Prey lands on the red planet, then reaches another one. Pure, lovely strings music)"

The best part is missing!

cwillie@utahlinx.com | utah | 05/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Startrek III is my favorite. Jim Horners score is magnificent, and it is climaxed in the scene in which Kirk, with an entire crew of Klingons about to beam aboard and take over the defenceless ship, orders a self destruct. He escapes with crew to the planet below in a last ditch effort to save Spock. The only ones left behind to hear the countdown are the Klingons. The explosion begins, and with it the most stirring,and dramatic of all compositions! The ship explodes,spirals in and burns up in the atmosphere. Capt.Kirk watches from the surface as his ship streaks across the sky in a veritable blaze of glory! Horners orchestra responds with blazing violins! thundering timpany! trumpets! horns! flutes! in a fantastical concoction of musical wizardry the likes of which are rarely allowed to touch the trancendant tenticals of human creativity! The heavens were truly opened to the whispy,wild haired,wide eyed conductor on that day. It stirs such deep emotion in me. It leaves me breathless! I strode out and bought the soundtrack, and am now left with one all encompassing question. WHY is it that they chose to ommit this from the soundtrack! WHY! And so I issue this heartfelt plea: RERELEASE THIS SOUNDTRACK WITH ALL THE TRACKS IN PLACE! somebody do something!"

It Satisfies

jcchollywood | 02/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fabulous score, filled with beautiful passages. It contains what is arguably the best cue from film of all time - 'Stealing the Enterprise', a grand heroic segement that will make your heart swell with emotion. The other great passage is 'Bird of Prey Decloaks', an action cue not completley devoid of feeling. -1 star (should be two) for the puzzling addition of an 80's rock version of the theme and the omision of the escape from Genesis. It'll do though."