Battle Of Britain: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD] [Enhanced, Original recording reissued, Soundtrack]

Ron Goodwin, William Walton, sir William Walton Ron Goodwin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 24, 1969
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Original recording reissued, Soundtrack
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B00000IXSK
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,189 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Battle Of Britain Theme - Ron Goodwin

2. Ace High March - Ron Goodwin

3. The Lull Before The Storm - Ron Goodwin

4. Work And Play - Ron Goodwin

5. Death And Destruction - Ron Goodwin

6. Briefing The Luftwaffe - Ron Goodwin

7. Prelude To Battle - Ron Goodwin

8. Victory Assured - Ron Goodwin

9. Defeat - Ron Goodwin

10. Hitler's Headquarters - Ron Goodwin

11. Return To Base - Ron Goodwin

12. Threat - Ron Goodwin

13. Civilian Tragedy - Ron Goodwin

14. Offensive Build-Up - Ron Goodwin

15. Attack - Ron Goodwin

16. Personal Tradegy - Ron Goodwin

17. Battle In The Air - Ron Goodwin

18. Absent Friends - Ron Goodwin

19. Battle Of Britain Theme-End Title - Ron Goodwin

20. March Introduction & Battle Of Britain March - Sir William Walton

See all 28 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stirring stuff!, January 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Battle Of Britain: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD] (Audio CD)

It's true, the movie contains some of the most spectacular air combat sequences filmed, but it also has some of the worst--mostly due simply to poor editing decisions. A re-edited version of this fine film would go a long way, for sure!

The "Battle of Britain" soundtrack cd has a lot to recommend. The extra score by Sir William Walton is a welcome bonus! There are many tunes by Ron Goodwin that are standouts as well: beside the main theme there's "Ace High March" which seems to weave elements from the best of proud wwII german and allied marches into a truly stirring yet pleasingly catchy melodic line. Goodwin meant this piece as a tribute to the participants on both sides. I like these kind of soundtrack marches and I think this one ranks right up there with the march from "Force Ten From Navarone" and the one from "Patton" in terms of sheer toe-tapping infectiousness. It's that good! From time to time I still hear it played at football games.

But for me, the jewel in the crown is Sir Walton's "Battle in the Air" (used in the film). Not only is this piece superbly matched to the film, but it even stirs the imgination apart from it. It's written from the POV of the british fighter pilots who must intercept the escorted nazi bombers before they reach their targets. In the music you can hear them jockeying for position, trying to get close enough to the bombers without getting jumped from behind. You can hear the confusion of a dog-fight; the close calls and near misses, the insistent machine gun fire, the ceaseless maneuverings, the brief lulls in the tension puctuated by moments of sheer panic and the feeling of needing to have your head mounted on a swivel as enemy and friendly planes "cartwheel through the sky in all directions". It's all here and it all vividly comes together in a tense and adrenaline-charged set-piece that climaxes in kettledrums as a german bomber plunges into the english channel! There are many other good works on this cd but this one is my favorite.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is outstanding music, September 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Battle Of Britain: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD] (Audio CD)

This is one of the most enjoyable CD's in my collection. Ron Goodwin composed fresh themes to weave throughout the soundtrack. As always,Goodwin's music is energetic and stirring. The music from William Walton is a surprising find and is an interesting, well-composed contrast.
This is a must-have CD, truly outstanding!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fiery Film Score, September 14, 2000

By 

Daniel G. Berk (West Bloomfield, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Battle Of Britain: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack [Enhanced CD] (Audio CD)

This is a "blinger" of a film score. It's powerful from start to finish, and easily conveys the emotion that gripped the participants in the Battle of Britain. This is a clear example of how a good score can significantly enhance a film's impact.

The music, however, is so tied to the film that it doesn't stand up on its own as well as other film scores do. But it's enough to make you want to see the film if you have not done so.

As an extra bonus, the theatrical trailer is encoded on the CD and can be played off a CD rom.