Escape from New York: New Expanded Edition [Original Film Soundtrack] [Soundtrack]

Alan Howarth (Composer), John Carpenter (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Alan Howarth, John Carpenter
• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Silva America
• ASIN: B0009JPVLU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,195 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't Sell Your Original Version Just Yet!, August 12, 2000

By 

Mr. "alan5973" (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Escape From New York (1981 Film) (Audio CD)

Being a huge fan of the music of John Carpenter I was very excited when I saw this disc, having already purchased the original version years ago. Having said that I must tell you that this new remastered version may seem great to some but for others, you may find yourself somewhat irritated. I decided to listen to the original album and following each track, listen to the remastered version to see what the differences were. The sound quality is much better, yes, on the newer version but it seems to me that some sounds have changed and have been remixed. Take the Main Title for example. After the drumbeat intro and the first backing sounds we should hear the synth playing the Main Title Theme. In the newer version, it has been changed to a piano, quite possibly an electric one. Other sounds seem to be added to this track that were not there before which begs the question: Is this a Remastered CD or a Remix CD? Also, anyone hoping for the complete version of the Main Title will be very disappointed to learn that it is not included(the extended end credits version would run longer). I made a copy off of my lazerdisc, connecting the opening and end credits together to have this version, since it is only available by another composer(Daniel Caine) who pays homage to Mr. Carpenter (see: Halloween The Best Of John Carpenter). Another major note is that the track, President At The Train has been shortened from 2:55 to 2:28, deleting the last 27 seconds off of the track, which for me is the best part (the shrieking noise as a body jumps in front of Plissken and what follow are lost). The best part is the inclusion of 6 previously unreleased tracks, although The Bank Robbery, which was used for the original opening sequence that was later deleted, was available on Promotional Copies of Big Trouble In Little China. For this reason as well as the sound quality, this disc is worth getting. But in my opinion, not all the tracks came out very well. Arrival At The Library(1:06), which has been switched, speaker wise (the sounds from the left on the original version are now switched to the right on the newer version) and 69th Street Bridge(2:43) both sound a little muddled as if they couldn't decide what the main instrument would be throughout the piece. I don't know why Track 28, Snake Shake, says below it, End Credits, since it was not used in the End Credits of the film but it is a nice bonus just the same. The dialogue added is a nice touch but does interfere at times with the beginnings or endings of the tracks before or after them. Please understand my rating is not aimed at the music(I love Mr. Carpenter's work and own every score he has done from Dark Star to the present), it is for the technical aspect, which, to me, seems flawed, that my rating is centered towards. When I go see a movie and I hear the music for the film and like it I want to go and buy the soundtrack (or score) with the idea that it will sound exactly the same. When it doesn't sound the same it is a huge disappointment. As I said, for most people, it may make little difference. But to purists, like myself, it matters a great deal.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "re-issue has more impact and driving force ~ Escape from New York", October 26, 2005

By 

J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Escape from New York: New Expanded Edition [Original Film Soundtrack] (Audio CD)

Silva Screen Records brings forth their latest release in cult-sci-fi score for you the listener and fan of John Carpenter's - "Escape From New York" [New Expanded Edtion], original film soundtrack music composed and performed by John Carpenter in association with Alan Howarth...Carpenter has composed most of the music for his films and this one is no exception. The majority of the score is electronic, which serves very well for the film content.

The film was brilliant starring Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes, Season Hubley, Harry Dean Stanton as "Brain" and Adrienne Barbeau as "Maggie"...the score follows the lead with originality and vision. Those of you who enjoyed the film, will certainly want to have this in your vast collection of film music.

Total Time: 57:31 on 28 Tracks ~ Silva Screen Records ~ SIL-CD 3016 (10/04/2005)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "cult-sci score for the fans & listeners", July 17, 2000

By 

J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Escape From New York (1981 Film) (Audio CD)

Silva Screen Records brings forth their latest release in cult-sci score for you the listener and fan of John Carpenter - "Escape From New York". Carpenter has composed most of the music for his films and this one is no exception. The majority of the score is electronic, which serves very well for the film content.

The film was brilliant and the score follows the lead with originality and vision. Those of you who enjoyed the film, will certainly want to have this in your vast collection of film music.

Total Time: 57:33 on 28 Tracks/ Silva Screen Records - SSD 1110 (2000)