Sony Legacy / Columbia

Conducted by Jerry Goldsmith

Orchestrated by Arthur Morton

Original Release Produced by Jerry Goldsmith and Bruce Botnick

Reissue Produced by Didier C. Deutsch, Darcy M. Proper, and Ford A. Thaxton

Release Date: 1998/1999

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     After years of unfair hinting and broken promises, it is finally here. And was it worth the wait? If you're a Star Trek or Goldsmith fan the answer is yes. This is the score that started it all and that is generally considered to be one of Jerry Goldsmith's finest. After Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Goldsmith went on to score Star Trek V, Star Trek: First Contact, and Star Trek: Insurrection. While each of his succeeding scores borrow the themes and elements set forth from this venture, most agree that he has yet to top his original. This score is also the first time Goldsmith utilizes an instrument known as "The Blaster Beam," which he used to create the moody and otherworldly sounds for Vejur. In addition to serving him and other composers in subsequent scores, it would again return to the Trek arena for First Contact and Insurrection.

     The best thing about this score is the abundant and clever use of its main theme. The main theme would be revisited in all of Goldsmith's Trek scores and in The Next Generation television series. While the theme has been performed better in other places (most notably in the last few seconds on the first track on the Insurrection score) The Motion Picture utilizes it to its fullest quality. The Vejur motifs are especially creepy and mysterious, with "The Blaster Beam" be used with full force. Ilia's theme is lush and romantic. The music that underscores most of the first part of the movie, is exhilarating with heavy doses of that wonderful main theme. Be sure to also check out the end titles for the right way to bookend the key theme with the main theme.

     While the movie itself was boring, the music has an enchanting quality of its own that makes it anything but. In addition, the 20th Anniversary release is stuffed with all the music you could want and has some pretty good linear notes as well. Admittedly, the second CD will be of most interest to the Star Trek fans and some may be turned off by the more expensive price that its presence commands. Still, this score is a must have, and no self-respecting soundtrack fan deserves to be without a copy. *****

 

1 - Ilia's Theme (3:01)

2 - Main Title (1:23)

3 - Klingon Battle (5:27)

4 - Total Logic (3:44)

5 - Floating Office (1:03)

6 - The Enterprise (5:59)

7 - Leaving Drydock (3:29)

8 - Spock's Arrival (1:58)

9 - The Cloud (4:58)

 

 

 

10 - Vejur Flyover (4:57)

11 - The Force Field (5:03)

12 - Games (3:41)

13 - Spock Walk (4:19)

14 - Inner Workings (3:01)

15 - Vejur Speaks (3:50)

16 - The Meld (3:09)

17 - A Good Start (2:26)

18 - End Title (3:16)