Intrada Soundtrack Forum

I'm not sure why you're wasting your time with the variations. Seems like you decided a month ago that you're not gonna like them whatever they are. Why not stick to what you know? You'll be happier.

_________________
Karl Morton IV

"Enjoy every sandwich."
-- Warren Zevon

I suppose it would be a novelty to have someone bash something they'd actually experienced for a change. I look forward to your scathing, negative comments. I guess.

_________________
Karl Morton IV

"Enjoy every sandwich."
-- Warren Zevon

Well, we got an early start on things this morning (decided to listen to what
we think will be the worst of the set first) and have completed the first Love
Theme Variations CD and I have 2 words "BORDERLINE MUZAK!"
Being a trumpet player myself, I found Isham's version about 8 minutes too
long, clocking in at 11:09!! One other cue was interesting, but one time through
was enough. I believe I have heard the Bill Evans before. Yes, I said we were
going to skim through them, but we broke out the chess board and are playing
a game and I have to say they are throwing off my game.

We are taking a break from variations and listening to the 1 CD of the score and it is great,
but still not outstanding enough for the price.

Will continue to post here as we work through the set.

As one who never cared for Spartacus the score, it's not a big deal to me at all. But I can understand the frustrations at it being an all-or-nothing proposition. If I wanted this, being unemployed right now it'd be out of the question. Even at my last job I'd have to think before plunking down over $100 for one score, no matter the pedigree. So I can feel for those who can't splurge.

But, it's Townson's baby and he wanted to do a lavish set to celebrate his, and many other's favorite score. It'll sell out this year at some point. And I seriously doubt they'll issue a smaller set of just the score - the backlash would be tremendous.

So it's great for those who can afford it. It was meant to be special, not just for Spartacus , but for Varese, a landmark event.

I just wonder where the hell Townson buys his jeans for $100.00. That was likely a toss-away comment but, it may indicate how out of touch he is with the general audience

Well, it took a chunk of the day, but we got through the
whole set, even viewing the documentary and book!
Well, I had it right the first time without even listening
to it or looking at it. I downloaded discs 2-4 onto my
MP3 player, which were the only ones I wanted.
The second variations CD had 2 good cues, but
overall just too much of the same theme!!
Very disappointed. I wanted to be proven wrong, but no!
The book was a lot better than most Varese releases, but
too long to get through and might be worth going through
when we have more time at a later date and the documentary
was good for one viewing. It was interesting to see today's
composers being as much of fan boys as we are.

But, it all boils down to being too expensive!
Being back to school time, I will make sure I skip over the
$100 jeans for my son and get the $10 ones!
If there was a set with the first 3-4 CDs, I would have bought it
in a heart beat (at a reasonable price below $50) , but when all
the extra was included, it is just too elaborate set for the average
film score listener to get into. This set will set on his shelf until he
sells it and he said he would probably not ever go through the entire
set again.

Who will?

How much you like or dislike the Spartacus score is a matter of taste, of course, but for we Alex North fans, the presentation of the score as heard on discs two and three is like a new form of nirvana. It is for the most part rather crisp, any dodgy moments are fleeting.

The score properly sequenced and in such good sound is as much a revelation as a score this familiar can be. North's musical sensibilities keeps the themes varied and interesting despite the voluminous running time, and as is mentioned in the hefty book, his orchestrations were always crystal clear, which is a quality emphasized by the increased clarity of this set.

As far as the pricetag is concerned, I've mentioned that I think it is a shame that a more modestly priced edition of the first four discs couldn't have been made available. That said, if both were made available, I would argue that the price of the set accurately reflects what one gets with it. The problem is that not everybody would want the rest of it.

I can't condone pirating the music, though.

I love Alex North's scores, I have most of what has been released of his,
but not all. I love Spartacus, just not the way this has been released.
It is terrible that it was not released so that everyone could afford it.
I am glad that those of you who really wanted this score got it and are
willing to pay the price for it. I just can not justify the price for one
score and a lot of extra filler. I just bought both of Intrada's releases
today, Predator being the big one, since I have been wanting it since
I missed out of the Varese release and there again, I was not willing to
pay outrageous prices to get a score, so waiting paid off in regards to
Predator. So, in 3 years when the full score of Spartacus is re-released
as a 3 CD stereo set (without a book), I might be up for it.

For the record, rumors of a complete stereo DAT of the score were just that, rumors; the film restoration used stereophonic music-and-effects tracks. Should a more modestly priced edition of this score be released (which I sincerely doubt), it stands to reason that it would be from the same source material as this, unless someone out there is sitting on a stereo protection copy.

Hey, guys -

Can anyone who has received their set check the Patrick Doyle rendition of the love theme at around three minutes in and see if they hear a *snick* where there shouldn't be one? I'm trying to find out if it's just my copy or if they're all like that - since nobody else has mentioned anything I'm kinda figuring it's just me. I'd blow this off, but I really like Doyle's playing.

And if those so inclined could refrain from further endless diatribes about how they REFUSE to buy the set because of the love theme variations, that'd be just great. We all know how you feel by now.

Thanks in advance,

Karl

_________________
Karl Morton IV

"Enjoy every sandwich."
-- Warren Zevon

Wow, out of all of those CDs you have still found a *snick*?
This is such the greatest presentation, how could there be anything wrong?
Sorry, can't help you, but I have to say of all things to complain about with the set?

_________________
Karl Morton IV

"Enjoy every sandwich."
-- Warren Zevon

Well, I did it! I bought the SPARTACUS Box Set after I said I would not buy it!!!
I made my yearly trip to Columbus, OH for my Ohio State Alumni game and hit
High Street next to campus. When I attended OSU, there were 9 different
records stores in a 7 block distance, they are down to 3 now. Well, one of the
used record stores had the box set, used in mint condition for $29.00 today!!!!
So, I bought it! I don't know what the guy who sold it the the store was thinking,
but he obvious wasn't thinking!! I was able to pick up 14 other score CDs, most
of them were in mint condition and the most expensive single CD was 3.00 with
the cheapest one being FREE. One store was running a buy 2 get one Free!!
I guess I need to start making this more than a once a year trip!! Now to figure
out what to put in the case where the 2 interpretation CDs are!

I'd wager he was thinking "man, I can't believe I got away with stealing that"