Customer Reviews

Born Free: Original Motion Picture Score (2000 Re-recording of 1966 Film)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This re-recording of John Barry's original score from the movie Born Free falls well short of the original soundtrack. Its been many years since I last heard the original on LP but one thing became clear after listening to this newest effort. The re-recording comes across as being bland and sterile compared to the original and the choice of drums used as an accompaniment in some of the songs just doesn't work at all while in the original the drums blended perfectly with the orchestra as well as the culture. On the good side the new version does include some additional material not in the original. Overall this re-recording is a mildly enjoyable album despite its failings but hopefully someone in the powers that be will remaster the original soundtrack which I consider to be the very best work of John Barry not to mention among the finest movie soundtracks past or present.

My earlier review neglected to note that this is not the original soundtrack but a rerecording of the music from the movie. The original score is breathtaking and the rerecording faithful, but there is something missing from the rerecording, and that is more than the Matt Monroe vocal. I still await reissue of the original soundtrack.

What a disappointment, receiving my eagerly awaited Born Free "Original Score" and seeing the 1999 re-recording date on the back - and indeed, this is a rather passionless, soulless thing. Musicians simply going through the motions. And no Matt Munro! Somebody deserves a punch in the mouth for this.

I was disappointed in the re-do of Barry's classic soundtrack. Yes, the songs are the same but the arrangements just aren't up to the standard of Barry's original. Also missing is the Matt Monroe vocal of Born Free. Too bad!

This is not the original soundtrack recording from the movie Born Free. It is a new recording of John Barry's music, by Frederic Talgorn conducting the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Unfortunately, none of the exhuberance of the original soundtrack performances make it into Mr. Talgorn's conducting. In the main title, the drums are subdued and the final statement of the main motif (BORN FREE!) just sort of lolls out the speakers, nothing like the stirring rendition in the movie. "Elsa at Play" sounds more like sleepy elephants at play. And "Reunion/Born Free (end title) utterly failed to bring tears to my eyes--there is no tension, no resolution, it's just another lazy afternoon in the sun. I really can't imagine ever playing this CD again.

In a recent discussion, some friends and I got to talking about the film, Born Free.

That made me want to get the music.

I ordered this, and it was delivered in a very timely fashion.

The music is beautiful. However, it does not have the vocal of the main title. I would suggest owning both versions, the original 1966 with the vocal, and the2000 re-recording. Both are beautiful. But, I was disappointed when I played this version and there was no vocal. I quickly ordered the 1966 version. The 2000 version is a beautiful recording in itself, even without the vocal.

John Barry's score with the main theme is heard immediately and was so popular, to be recorded by almost every artist at the time it was composed. Barry's score for this film gained him an Academy Award and Golden Globe for both the score and song. Varese Sarabande presents this edition after previously releasing - "Body Heat" (Barry) - "Out Of Africa" (Barry) - "Somewhere In Time" (Barry), continuing with outstanding performances of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The melody and theme is once again the stand out of this Barry score. Highly recommend this installment to complete the ever growing collection of outstanding film music - John Barry - "Born Free"!

Total Time: 53:33 on 17 Tracks/Varese Sarabande - 302 066 084 2 (2000)

Finally one of the greatest motion picture soundtracks makes its CD release! My LP and tape of the LP are wearing thin. This music affected me deeply when I first saw the movie back in 1966 and remains among my very favorite melodies. Hurrah for this long awaited release!

Whoops! I just submitted a review to Born Free and then realized that mis-spelled Matt Munro's name in the review. Could you please change it from Monroe to Munro? Thanks