Customer Reviews

Poltergeist II: The Deluxe Edition

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While the movie itself was nothing special, the score Jerry Goldsmith composed to accompany it certainly was. Because the movie was far less visceral and far more ethereal than its predecessor, Goldsmith's music has a softer touch that alternates between comforting and chilling. Gone is the ragged orchestal writhing of the first score, with Carol Anne's Theme being the only returning melody, everything else is brand new - the three major themes being the Native American invoking one for the shaman Taylor (heard almost immediately in The Power), the warm, comforting lushness of the family love (most heartwrenchingly presented in Late Call), and the malevolent hymnalesque theme for Henry Kane (introduced in The Mall with unnerving power). Goldsmith also uses some choral touches (ala The Omen) to very good effect. Why this more complete version was not released earlier is beyond me, for the scope of the score is breathtaking and the previous release did it an injustice. The liner notes also point out that the music is groundbreaking in another way was well. While Goldsmith had regularly used synthesizers in this orchestra long before it became fashionable to do so, his score for Poltergeist II: The Other Side was the first time the instruments took center/equal amounts of sonic stage - and they worked beautifully doing so. This disc is yet another solid example of Jerry Goldsmith being the legendary composer his fans proclaim him to be. Highly recommended.

From the beautiful opening scene at Spider Rock to the nearly disastrous finally, the score not only stayed loyal to the score in the original masterpiece but in many ways surpassed it. The main theme (Carol-Anne's theme) was again utilized and even twisted to sound uber scary in some tense moments. The creepy Henry Cain theme was truly disturbing. My favorite parts were the opening credits music followed by the first night when the terrifying clouds huddle over the house packing severe lightening/thunder (still gives me the chills). The piece from the score where Diane is holding Henry Cain's picture and telling Tangina of Henry Cains evil doings is so heartbreaking. I can not wait to buy this Soundtrack! The Movie combined with the music make it a true horror classic!

altogether surprising that Jerry Goldsmith's music for it is by far the best element
of that project. But to be fair, much as I revere Goldsmith's abilities as a composer I must say I don't think he was all that inspired. The music here is no match for his undisputed masterpiece of the original score but he does veer away from much of the original material and composed new themes while still using fragments of motifs as well as Carol Ann's theme from the first film.
Goldsmith's best material is that for the evil character of Kane with music that is very reminiscent of his work for ""The Omen" films in his use of orchestra and choir. But I do think his melding of electronics and orchestra is not as satisfying as he did a year before with "Legend" or afterwards with "Total Recall" but I still
find this score to be a solid but somewhat unsatisfying work in parts but gloriously
constructed in others.
This Varese album does contain more music from the previous two Intrada incarnations so that is one good reason for purchasing this disc. Even when he is not at his best Goldsmith can conjure up some amazing musical soundscapes.

The product arrived in a timely manner and as advertized