Search - The New American Orchestra :: Blade Runner: Orchestral Adaptation Of Music Composed For The Motion Picture By Vangelis

Yes, it is just as good...

Michael H. Moore | World Traveler | 02/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do you know how some times you feel like reaching in and slapping people on the Internet? Well, that is how I feel when I read all the criticism of this CD. You "purists" out there than lambasted this album need to go get a grip on yourselves, it is a damn good soundtrack! For those of us that were around in 1982, it was the only soundtrack available for this great movie and I bought it on cassette (remember those?!?) after seeing Blade Runner. The music mesmerized me, I don't know how but it equaled the impact that the movie had on me. Back then we didn't know that Vangelis was having a hissy fit and wouldn't release his version of these songs for another dozen years. No, we were grateful for the wonderful music that was a part of this magnificent film.OK, I'll admit I was overjoyed when the Vangelis version came out...I actually picked mine copy up in Sarajevo, Bosnia! Yes, it too is a wonderful piece of work, and one I have listened to over and over again. I do like the voice overs from the movie, much like I liked the original (non-director's cut) of the film. I also liked that the Vangelis version had more songs on it. But does that mean I no longer like the New American Orchestra version. Hell no! If you truly loved the music from this great film, then buy both! You will not be disappointed in either. We are actually very fortunate to have both on CD, here are two different but excellent soundtracks for one of the best science fiction movies ever made. They are relatively cheap and I assure you that you will get your money's worth out of both."

There are worse cover versions out there

Edward Turner | 02/27/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"It is set in stone that no matter how good or awful a cover version of a film score is, it will NEVER be as good as the original. The City of Prague Orchestra have produced by far the best cover versions of film scores that I have heard, but at the end of the IT'S JUST NOT THE SAME. This adaptation of Vangelis' score for Blade Runner certainly doesn't sound as bad as the renditions The Power Pack Orchestra, but now that Vangelis' original score has been released, there is no excuse for buying this CD when you can have the real thing. The CD itself isn't that bad. It sounds as good as an Orchestra could ever do copying the electronic melodies of the Greek synth master. The New American Orchestra at least deserve some credit for not producing the "tin" effect that is so common among cover versions, but at the end of the day it is just not as good. It's not as spontaneous, not as beautiful and not as inspiring. Vangelis' music does not lend itself well for other (particularly traditional orchestras) to copy and now the original soundtrack is available I strongly urge to spend your money on that."

Unjustly Condemned

Rodney Meek | Austin, TX | 01/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've had this soundtrack for years, since apparently the "official" Vangelis version was not available until long after the release of the movie. I suppose I've become rather accustomed to the first release, since when I finally got to hear the Vangelis album, I found I preferred the adaptation. Maybe this is a sign that I'm some kinda drooling lowbrow Neanderthal whose tastes are, musically speaking, on the same plane as those of collectors of "Hello Kitty" memorabilia. If so...oh, well.To my way of thinking, the adaptation succeeds at creating a warm, sometimes lush sound environment, one that evokes a posh and elegant-- yet somehow sinister and melancholy--world from a bygone time. The vocal piece is nice, and I thought the piano and saxophone work on other themes was quite excellent.If you're a fan of Vangelis, this won't be your cup of tea. If you're looking for something that is more noir than cyberpunk, you might like this."