Customer Reviews

Battle Beyond the Stars / Humanoids From the Deep

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If I'm not mistaken, BBtS was James Horners' first motion picture soundtrack. Now, soundtracks are supposed to enhance the movie-going experience. However, I can say with certainty the soundtrack was better than the movie itself!

If you're a Horner fan, you'll smile as you recognize motifs and strains of music of BBtS used in later soundtracks, e.g., the Star Trek films. Still, Horner is my favorite composer--the richness and depth of his soundtracks doesn't grow old: I still get the same thrill from listening to Wrath of Khan and sadness listening to Cocoon as I did when I first listened to them. His work is timeless.

Two Roger Corman quickies James Horner scored, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS and HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP were previously available on LP and certain illegitimate releases. Now thanks to sci-fi soundtrack expert label GNPCrescendo, both of these early Horner efforts are preserved - much to James Horner's chagrin - forever. There's a story that says Horner was displeased with the performance of BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, and in many respects he was right.

However, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS/HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP is essential for any Horner fan who wants to pinpoint the nucleus of his compositional ideas -- they're all planted here and would manifest themselves in each score since - KRULL right on through to SNEAKERS, believe it or not. GNP's album is culled from various sources (says so right on the back), including vinyl "masters". The sound quality is a bit uneven - from excellent to good, but never worse. There are a few moments of warble - but no "cracks" or "pops" you'd expect from low-grade LPs. The orchestra flubs are sometimes painful (the brass fanfare in BBTS's "Epilogue/End Title" contains a major mistake). But these foibles add to the character of the BBTS, which is a blast to listen to. HUMANOIDS on the other hand is much more polished in execution but ultimately not as engaging. Together, they form a strong album that fills an important hole in James Horner's discography.

Recommended for fans of James Horner's STAR TREK 2 & 3 scores.

I was shocked to find that these two scores are on CD at long last. The Sound is great (If is was taken from LP's,I couldn't tell) and plugs a big hole in my James Horner Collection.

If you love Horner or big orchetral scores, this CD is something you should pick up.

WARNING! For those planning to order the Crescendo BATTLE BEYOND THE
STARS/HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP CD, the back insert reads: "This CD was
produced from the best available analog AND VINYL masters and
therefore certain limitations from these sources may be evident"
(emphasis mine). BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS is simply ... from the old
1980 Rhino LP. Therefore, pops and snaps are evident, which is exactly
what many people try to avoid by purchasing CDs! The Rhino LP actually
had very powerful dynamics, which sound stifled on the CD. HUMANOIDS
FROM THE DEEP is not taken from an LP, and the sound quality is only
slightly inferior to the Cerberus LP in 1980. The music
for both of these scores is wonderful, so I would recommend looking for the original LPs.