Customer Reviews

Cinema Paradiso [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Limited Edition]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a shame that, after all these years, they re-released this wonderful soundtrack CD without correcting an annoying problem found on the original release. I'm talking about the "electronic noise" (???) that can be heard on the track "Love Theme". About one-third of the way into that song, if you pay attention, you will hear the "scratching" sound for about a second or two. This really destroys that song. Everytime I listen to that track, as soon as I'm starting to really get into it, my mind keeps anticipating that annoying sound, which in turn, makes it a very unpleasant listening experience. The only difference between this release and the original (1989/1990) release is that this latest release has an extra track (string version of "Cinema Paradiso"). However, this extra track isn't better than the original performance/recording of the song (Track 1). Therefore, if you already own the original release, you don't gain anything by buying this latest release. The reason that I gave this CD three stars is because of the problem with the song "Love Theme" as mentioned above. There really are only three great tracks (songs) on this soundtrack CD: "Cinema Paradiso", "Love Theme" and "First Youth". If you take away the enjoyment of listening to one of these three great songs, it leaves only two for you to enjoy.

The three main themes from "Cinema Paradiso", composed by Ennio and Andrea Morricone are fabulous and extremely touching. I really love them. However, they are repeated throughout this CD, with the sole exception of 'While Thinking About Her Again', 'Cinema On Fire', and 'Four Interludes'.

The main title is best represented on 'Cinema Paradiso' (track 1). 'Love Theme For Nata' is a fantastic nod for the love theme. And the theme for the child Toto is the one that I praise the most, and it's heard on 'Childhood And Manhood', even though it's repeated on 'First Youth'. And I have to say that the bonus track on this CD, which is a version of the theme played by the string section of the orchestra, was definitely unnecessary because it's a repetition of track 1.

It's a shame that such a marvelous work from Ennio Morricone gets lost in so many repetitions. One thing that makes this CD attractive though, as opposed to the original release, is that the sound is better recorded.

I recall the spaghetti westerns of the 60's, working my way through graduate school as a movie projectionist; the soundtracks were clever, promotable and commercial, and young audiences loved them. But there were some engaging moments, too; "My Name is Nobody", and "Fist Full of Dynamite" (aka "Duck You Sucka"). The melodies and orchestrations struck home with me. I became a Morricone disciple. And now,years later, the ultimate. Cinema Paradiso is touching, sentimental, and tugs at the melancholy in each of us. Pay close attention to the "Love Scene" track 6 and 9, written by Andrea Morricone, the son. His technique mirrors that of il maestro. What a gift!
One simply cannot pay proper homage to Morricone in a revue, he must be heard, and contemplated. The tears must be formed while anticipating his scoring, and you must start the inward search for your own meaning.
He has touched my life so vividly, I hope he reaches you, as well.

I was happy to finally receive this product and it was received in good condition although it did take more than three weeks after ordering.