Search - Various Artists :: Great Movie Themes In Dolby Surround: Hollywood Directors - Music From The Films Of Steven Spielberg

Williams and Spielberg - an amazing team

05/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's amazing when one thinks about just how much a part of filmmaking history that Steven Spielberg and John Williams have been over the last 20 some odd years. Listening to this CD will bring back wonderful memories of some of those highlights. And when one thinks of the stuff that Williams has composed for films not done by Spielberg - e.g., Star Wars, Superman - the mind reels . . .The Jaws theme, even after all these years, is still just flat out scary. Both the orchestral and piano versions of the "Schindler's List" theme are beautiful and haunting, each in its own way. The ET "Flying" theme and the "Raiders" march are instantly recognizable classics, and still give me a rush, no matter how often I listen to them. And while I thought at first that the "End Credits" for the Last Crusade might be a bit repetitive, Williams uses it to wonderfully illustrate the full range of emotions and scenes in "The Last Crusade."So, why not five stars? Good as this compilation is, I have a few minor quibbles. First, in my opinion, the "1941 March" and the "Hook" theme, while not bad, do not merit inclusion as Williams classics. Something from "Empire of the Sun" would've been better. And while the piece "Nocturnal Activities" from "Temple of Doom" is very well done, I would've preferred inclusion of the darker, moodier pieces from that film.Still, all in all, this is a very nice collection. I know that there are lots of Williams "best of" type compilations out there, and they inevitable leave off something by Williams that makes them incomplete (e.g., some of the other compilations have "Empire of the Sun" material, but nothing from "Schindler's List"). I suppose if there were a "complete" Williams collection, then people might not buy the movie soundtracks themselves. Still, for those of you like myself who don't have all the individual soundtracks, this is a good place to start. Pop it in the CD player and enjoy."

"not the Originals..still a collectible for film-score-buff"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Silva Screen celebrates the career of one of the most popular directors in cinema history, with this anthology of the music that hits the mark everytime for all the fans of STEVEN SPIELBERG...These indelible musical impressions appear courtesy of the most renowned film scores composers of our time and long time Spielberg friend - JOHN WILLIAMS.Released in several categories, from Action, Adventure, Drama and Sci-Fi sharing moments from powerful classic filming to a lighter side with some of the most familiar and recognizable themes ever written.Absolutely unforgettable scores from "JAWS"(1975)..."CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND"(1977)..."1941"(1979)..."RAIDER'S OF THE LOST ARK"(1981)..."E.T."(1982)..."INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM"(1984)..."INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE"(1989)..."HOOK"(1991)..."JURASSIC PARK"(1993)..."SCHINDLER'S LIST"(1993)...many have sold millions in Soundtracks, but here in this collection they all appear compliments of conductor Paul Bateman and The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra...though different arrangements, possibly not the gusto you've been accustomed to, still very good representation in tribute of two icons.A must have for "film-score-buff" collectors, including music lovers and anyone who enjoys a little nostalgia now and then...thank you James Fitzpatrick(producer), Reynold da Silva(executive producer) and Silva Screen for another chapter in "Great Movie Themes In Dolby Surround" on Silva Treasury.Total Time: 53:55 on 12 Tracks ~ Silva Screen Records STD-5007 ~ (1997)"