Battle of Britain [SOUNDTRACK]

Ron Goodwin (Artist), William Walton (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 8, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B00028HBUW
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,152 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Great War-Film Scores, June 11, 2004

By	G M. Stathis (cedar city, utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ron Goodwin is one of the most underrated film composers of his time. Single-handedly he made music for war films into something of an art form with "Where Eagles Dare," "Operation Crossbow," and especially "The Battle of Britain." His stirring main theme will always call to mind the soaring beauty of British Spitfires and Hurricanes, and the few courageous pilots who held the breach against the Nazi scourge in the summer of 1940. But equally worthy of note is his wonderful German march. Indeed, it ranks as one of the best in the genre. There was a controversy with the film that involved the music. Originally, Sir William Walton was to do the score and in fact he produced some very interesting music. In the end it was not quite what director Guy Hamilton and producer Harry Saltzman had in mind, however, and Goodwin was brought in. The current version of the film includes elements of both scores, oddly enough. Most of Goodwin's music is still there, but two elements of Walton's score are also evident ("Battle in the Air" and the "Finale"). The recent release by Varese is an updated version of the RKO CD of 1999 with new notes, artwork and updated sound. It is remarkable in that it includes both Goodwin's score (including his own "End Title" which is arguably the better ending)and the music written by Walton, as did the earlier version. This is a rare treat for film buffs. The new release is very nicely packaged with notable production values and a reasonable price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crank this up in your car CD player!, May 3, 2005

By	T. Brown (Perth Western Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I remember watching this film at the flicks in 1970. How quaint it is now to see real aeroplanes! Wonderful film and a superb soundtrack, especially the foot tapping "Aces High" and the one William Walton composition retained for the film "Battle in the Air" The stirring "Battle of Britain March" brings it to a great conclusion.

5.0 out of 5 stars Battle of Britain Soundtrack CD Review, November 2, 2008

By	Manny M. Agah - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A fine score. Ron Goodwin has composed several fine scores for war films including this one.