The question must be begged: What
self-respecting sci-fi fan has never seen this film? Well, me for instance.
No, that's too strong. It would be safe to say that I had never watched the
whole movie from start to finish until last fall. Mostly, I had just missed
the opening ten to fifteen minutes, and some in the middle and near the end,
but I am now officially integrated into the saga of the Apes since I have
seen all the rest.
In addition to that first question, who could
forget Goldsmith's eerie and non-conventional score to the film? It is one
of the scores that really adds to the visuals, but how is it as an isolated
listening experience? The previous release on Intrada was skimpy at best,
but thankfully, Varese Sarabande has a release that can frankly be
considered the ultimate Planet of the Apes album. In addition to
pretty much the entire score, there is also a quite lengthy suite from
Goldsmith's score to Escape from the Planet of the Apes. This
release features some very informative track-by-track linear notes by Jeff
Bond and overall fairly decent sound quality. There is some analogue hiss
that is slightly annoying at times, but this is a decently mastered CD.
While Goldsmith may have went avant garde for
his film, he didn't toss everything out the window. There are some themes in
the score, you just have to listen very closely for them. Of course,
we all have come to know and love the mixing bowl percussion elements (which
Goldsmith also featured in The Challenge),
the ram's horn (which is used to absolutely astounding effect), as well as
the Brazilian instrument that he uses to simulate the grunting of apes: the
cuika. All of these elements combine to great a piece of work that is simultaneously
interesting as well as other-worldly. Some of the tracks are just downright
spooky, most notably the opening and ending tracks (such as The Searchers
and The Revelation Part II). The suite from Escape from Planet of
the Apes is a bit more conventional in composition (say that three times
fast), and while it is definitely 70s style, it doesn't really get into the
funky 70s style. The opening title is really great and the music is pretty
light until the middle where things turn towards a darker end. Goldsmith's
use of motifs and themes from his first score is a real treat.
This is generally considered to be one of
Goldsmith's best despite it's entirely unconventional approach. I happen to
agree, but this is really not something you listen to for mere enjoyment or relaxation.
I would recommend that you sample a few portions first before buying. Major
Goldsmith fans should really jump out immediately and get this one.
It is the best presentation of this score that you can buy. *****
