Customer Reviews

Conan The Barbarian (Complete 2 CD Rerecording) [Soundtrack]

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I, like many others, am a genuine fan of Poledouris' original score to the film. I grew up on it. I think we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the original recordings just because we now live in a Hi-Def society. It is true that the original had flaws.... some precision problems with the orchestra, tuning issues from time to time. I will even acknowledge those who report that Poledouris himself said that he was unhappy with the final product due to limitations in players and orchestration editing. Here's my take on the new recording...

THE PROS...

Obviously, the quality of sound here is EXCELLENT. The fidelity in which the music was recorded is second to none. Advances in audio engineering, microphones, and production allow us to hear each section of the orchestra with immense clarity.

It is also a gem to finally hear EVERY measure that was composed brought to life in this 2-CD set. Before the release of this recording, the only obtainable recordings of the original unreleased tracks were bootlegs of very poor quality (it would be SOOO nice to have all the original tracks remastered). Tracks such as "Pit Fights", "Discipline of Steel" (here called "Prologue") are now displayed with the same clarity and fidelity as every other track. Even some of the music that seemed during the film to be incidental... it's all here.

The orchestrations of Greg McRitchie also give a new glimpse as to what the original intent of each track was to be. Sometimes, right online with what was recorded for the film, other times, slight variations that add a touch of color never heard before. Click tracks have been the cause of many scores being edited. It is refreshing to have those restraints removed here.

THE CONS...

In many ways, this recording reflects that of a symphony orchestra performing the work of one of the great classical composers. I can listen to a recording of Beethoven's 5th played by Chicago, New York Phil, Cleveland, and St. Louis orchestras, and each rendition will sound different. I'll even say there are noticeable differences in that same work by the SAME orchestra under different conductors. Each interprets the music in a different way. Such is the case here, but because it's a film score, I feel it's a bit of a violation. Raine's tempi are sometimes rushed and hurried, which in my opinion, ruins the dramatic effect of the scene the music was written for (Gift of Fury, for example was almost a BLUR because Raine rushed through this selection). The original interpretation (conducted by the COMPOSER mind you), drew out the emotion of the scene in a way that truly gave it LIFE. The music for the decapitation of Thulsa Doom (newly named "Head Chop") is the same. There is a deliberate accent for each note that, in the original version, was drawn out to convey the gravity of the scene. Raine runs through the entire sequence in the blink of an eye (I almost didn't recognize the music because he conducted those accents so quickly).

Another is the spotlight on thematic materials. Although the tracks contain the original music, in some places, the instruments are balanced in a way that completely dulls the original intent. Lines that were once signature are hardly heard. Other parts that were secondary are now, at times, overbearing. Again, the original interpretation (again, by the COMPOSER CONDUCTING) should have been the blueprint here). A few liberties were taken that just don't equate to the interpretation of the original.

Some instruments could not be reproduced. The "Wheel of Pain" section, for example, used a very convincing scraping metallic effect in the percussion section. On the new recording, it is a HORRIBLE rendition of a gong scrape combined with bowing the edge of the instrument... NOT EVEN CLOSE. If the score is to be re-recorded, research for this effect should have been more thoroughly researched (this is 30 years later, there are numerous resources available to achieve this).

Even though the music is being re-created, the tempi, balance of parts, and expressive interpretation of the original should have been retained. In defense of this new recording, much of it is. It's just that a number of significant sections of this score have been altered creatively, which lessens the original intent of the music and scene it accompanied. Decades have sealed these interpretations in our minds and ears. It does not help the fact that Poledouris had passed away before this project was undertaken. Had he conducted both renditions, it would be easier to accept.

I will even defend, for a moment, the imperfections found in the original recordings. Again, we all grew up on this score. Every detail has stuck in our minds. Even the sprinkling of wrong notes, intonation, and precision have come to define the score. I think of comparisons to the jazz great Miles Davis. Many of his solos are riddled with cracks, wrong notes, and blanks of air pockets. To many who hold him in high regard, that was part of his style. His rawness at times was what gave those phrases LIFE. Many have transcribed his solos and played them with an execution that was polished and perfect in every way... and as a result PALES in comparison to the original solos Miles played. I hold the original recordings of the Conan score in the same regard. In some ways, it works better for me, because the story itself takes place before "civilization" was widespread. The instruments in the original recording sound a little more "raw" at times, which, for me, is appropriate.

All things considered, I am VERY thankful for this release, but it will never replace my desire to play the original recordings. If anything, it is a curious exploration to compare the two side-by-side at times, to hear the differences in the writing. This new set is definitely worth getting, just don't toss your original version. You'll be missing it over time if you do.

Until recently, fans seeking the amazing Conan the Barbarian movie soundtrack had only to chose between the widely available (Milan) edition and the Varese edition that is 18 minutes longer, but out-of-print. Now this newly recorded 2-disc COMPLETE score provides a third option that you should strongly consider. Here are three reasons why this new version is a must-have:

1. It is the complete score, 100 minutes of music, so there is significantly more material than the previous recordings (33 minutes more than Varese, and 51 minutes more than the Milan edition). It also features a few alternate versions of tracks and one track from Conan the Destroyer.

2. It is performed by a larger orchestra (96-piece orchestra and a 100-voice chorus) with more instruments, as Basil Poledouris originally intended.

3. While the Milan and Varese editions sound somewhat dated due to the early 1980s recording quality, this brand new digital recording sounds AMAZING!

To be clear, this new recording is not going to sound exactly like what you heard in the movie. I think this version sounds BETTER! If you really want the exact movie sound, get either the Milan or Varese editions, but get this new version too, or you're going to miss out on great sound and more music.

Currently, the new recording is only available on Amazon through third-party Screen Archives Entertainment. I almost let that deter me, but I'm glad I didn't. Also, don't be deterred by the somewhat low-quality artwork Amazon is showing from the cd's back cover. The sound inside is absolutely first-rate.

Conan the Barbarian, Poledouris, and film score fans prepare to rejoice!

This new release of the amazing score by the late, great master Basil Poledouris, is simply amazing. I've been listening to the Conan score since I was a kid picking up any version that I could find as they became available. When I saw this release I was skeptical, as many re-recorded film scores can be less than impressive.

Well, that is not the case with this release from Prometheus Records. This is a brand new recording of the complete score from the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian. Poledouris crafted his magnum opus with this score (I heard that he worked for an entire year in its creation) and it really shows. The film features so little dialogue that the score actually became another character in the story. While impressive in its initial release there was a lot more music in the film than on the first soundtrack, but the music was so incredible that we just kept listening anyway. In 1992 faithful fans were rewarded with an amazing new release on the Varese Sarabande label; a 16 track CD version that added a whole new level of awesome to the score. But there was always something missing.

Now, finally, the complete score has been released! Included are the much needed tracks Pit Fights, The Tower of Set, and In the Court of King Osric to name a few. Also included are the special treats like the alternate version of Theology/Civilization and a wonderful rendering from Conan the Destroyer "Chamber of Mirrors". I was not aware that this project was in the works but apparently Basil was involved in starting this project some 15 years ago. Sadly, he did not live to see it to completion, but thankfully James Fitzpatrick saw to it that the project was completed. Let me say that the only disappointing thing about this release is the cheezy artwork; it is a shame that they didn't use the amazing art of R. Cassaro on the CD. Ironically, this version that features the worst artwork also features the best version of the Conan score. This doesn't have to replace the original score in your collection. I like to think that it complements it.

I should preface this glowing review: the original recording of the Conan score, the one that was forged in Rome by Basil himself (intentional Father's sword reference), will always hold a special place in my heart. It has always been my favorite music to listen to as long as I can remember. There is unmatched passion and emotion in that recording (that will hopefully get a remastering someday) that cannot be equaled. However this new release is a glorious version of the Conan score that really opens up with modern recording techniques being employed. Listening to it gives me goosebumps and has also brought me to tears. That's how special this music is.

So do whatever you can to get this 2 disc version of the Conan score and you will also see what a great prize this is. I believe that it is very possible that in 100 years or 500 years that this music will be regarded with the same admiration that the music of Beethoven and Mozart is today.

This is, without a doubt, film music to make the original masters proud. Basil Poledouris--then a relative unknown-- pays tribute to them all in this operatic, pounding, complex, haunting epic masterwork. The bouncy string-and-brass intro to "Infidels" recalls Franz Waxman's "Taras Bulba"; the elegant processional in "The Mountain of Power" recalls Dimitri Tiomkin's "Fall of the Roman Empire" as well as many of Miklos Rozsa's Roman scores; and "Riders of Doom," most frequently compared to "O Fortuna," is almost like Jerry Goldsmith's "The Omen" had a very dramatic baby with John Barry's "The Lion in Winter." And for the first time, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra gives an altogether stunning performance. The sound is slightly different than in the original film for a number of reasons, primarily because the original film recordings had a smaller orchestra with fewer unique instruments. The real anvil Poledouris originally intended to use in "The Anvil of Crom" (in my opinion, the greatest piece of opening-credit music in film history) is finally used here, and the orchestra displays a precision and togetherness that is almost completely absent from their recordings of, for example, "El Cid" and "Spartacus." It often sounds better, clearer, and less pitchy than the still-superb soundtrack recordings. This astounding set also includes several bonus cues (there's a recording of "Theology/Civilization" played in a slower tempo, although it sounds better fast) and all the source music. The sequence takes one brief, minor liberty with the order of the cues (combining the two tavern pieces to make them flow better with subsequent cues). And yes, folks, I am usually a purist in my belief that the original soundtrack is better than any re-recording. But I'm happy to confirm there are exceptions to every rule. Look, also, for a complete recording of "Conan the Destroyer."

I've been listening to the original soundtrack for decades and it's always been my favorite. It was amazing hearing it so beautiful re-recorded. Yes, some of it is paced differently and there are variations in some of the songs, but I found it was respectful of the original and refreshing. The Tower of Set alone was worth it.

At first, I was skeptical that this was quality music due to the CD packaging.
However, it contains a very clean and crisp recording from the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.
If you like Conan the Barbarian music, this is the one to get.

I was initially scared off by the price but after receiving my copy and listening I would have easily paid double! This has it all. The best soundtrack score for a film ever just got better! This is the DEFINITIVE version.

I'm really glad I followed the advice to buy this recording over the OST. The sound quality is great and you get additional tracks not included on the OST. This is a re-creation, not a re-interpretation of the original score. The Prague Orchestra sticks as close to the original sound as you could ask for. Magnificent recording of an awesome film score. If you must have the original poster art, buy both recordings!

I have owned the "Original Score" release for 15 years, and it remained at the top of my favorite scores. This new recording shows an epic breadth the original score recording does not provide. While the old score it loud, rocking, and fun, this new recording shows more depth, better acoustics and shows off its true character.

Often in life, change is hard to deal with, and this is a change from we what we have listened to for years. That said, this is a far better presentation, performance, and recording than Mr. Poledouris was able to record at the time.

This will now replace the "Original Score" recording in my collection. Bravo!

"Conan the Barbarian" was always a great soundtrack but this re-recording has made it truly amazing. I was skeptical at first, a "re-recording" sounded like a cheap attempt to profit from a nearly 30 year old film score, but the music sounds fresh and energetic in a way I've never heard it. You can hear the anvil strikes in "Anvil of Crom" and the strings in "Theology/Civilization" are clear and crisp. For lovers of film scores, this is a CD that belongs in your collection!