Search - Lalo Schifrin :: Amityville Horror (Score) - O.S.T.

An impressive 're-creation' of the original

Scottie Gee | CA, USA | 11/06/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The above description for this new release as being the 'original recording remastered' is incorrect. This recording was in fact 're-recorded' earlier this year in Prague, (capital and largest city of the Czech Republic) by the original composer and conductor, Mr. Lalo Schifrin. For whatever reasons, the original recording of this academy award nominated score (owned by Universal) from the 1979 blockbuster film could not be licensed. Therefore, Mr. Schifrin (who still owns the rights to his original composition) gathered together his league of orchestra musicians, and re-recorded it for it's debut commercial release on CD. This re-creation of the score is (in several significant passages) almost indistinguishable from the original, which in itself is a pretty remarkable accomplishment. One noticeable difference right from the first track on, is the slower tempo in which the music is played. (although the pitch is right on key) I must say that this slower tempo gives the overall composition a much more 'creepier' feel to it than the original. All of the elements that made it so brilliant to begin with, (i.e. child's vocal, crystal glasses, powerful orchestra hits) can be found in this effort as well. In fact, this release of the score is much more complete than the 1979 issued soundtrack, which offered a 'Disco' version of the title theme, along with another unfamiliar track, in place of several portions that appeared in the actual film. So, while this may not be the original recording, it is however, the complete original score from the film.For those of you who are fans of this score, horror film scores, or just of Mr. Schifrin's amazing repertoire in general, then this is definitely one for your collection."

Not the original score---and not as effective

Daniel W. Kelly | Long Island, NY United States | 04/15/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"As reviewers pointed out, this is not the original. I didn't know that when buying it, but upon hearing the first track, I knew I'd been duped. It is glaringly obvious that it was rerecorded, particularly on the opening theme---the creepiest melody in the entire score---that haunting little girl voice is completely mixed down and doesn't have the same quality as the original. And the entire sound quality of this CD is poor---VERY muffled. I'm so glad I still have my original crisp, clear vinyl copy of this soundtrack---which sounds better recorded onto CD than this miserable re-recorded reissue."

Quite Good, if you have the right Perspective.

DavidMatthewCollins | Kyle, Texas United States | 10/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok many people complain about this recording not being the original soundtrack. Granted it is not, having said that there are many times that if one did not have the original playing during the contemporary recording, one could not tell the difference.





Being an artist, and into new forms of stimulation, I found Lalo Schifrin's score to be quite amazing from a assortment of different sounds, point of view. Even in daylight the music has quite affect over the senses. This score is quite a treat, but be warned there are times when it is extremely loud and difficult to follow the basic melody structure. With that said, I was reluctant to get into this recording but as time went on it became a cd that I play quite often. This recording captures the feel of the movie and in my estimation the feeling inside the book. If you seek music that gives the world a certain glow, mystery and etheral quality this I suggest you buy this cd.

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