Import version for the out of print soundtrack to the 1983 film with music by Jerry Goldsmith. 2000.
CD Reviews
The quintessential Goldsmith score
scifiman5 | San Mateo, Ca United States | 07/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some might say Goldsmith's best is Star Trek, some might say Patton, some might say Chinatown, and some might even say The Omen or Poltergeist or Alien. Some people that value originality over merit might even choose Planet of the Apes (I forgot, I'm not supposed to insult that 'classic'). But for me, while a few other scores will come close, I must say without a doubt that Under Fire is the quintessential Goldsmith score. For years this soundtrack was only available as a Japanese import priced at over [$$$]. Now Under Fire is back for the public to enjoy, at a fraction of that price.And though I credit Bill Conti as having at least a little talent, and I won't even go into how much I admire John Williams and Return of the Jedi, I would have to say that this score takes the cake as the best score of 1983. This is one of the few scores that I can listen to multiple times all the way through without becoming even the slightest bored. Under Fire, the movie, wasn't all that bad, in fact it was rather good, but Jerry Goldsmith's score is without a doubt far beyond it. Under Fire stands along The Empire Strikes Back, E.T., Out of Africa, Agnes of God, Hoosiers, and Glory as the very best of the 80's. Buy this before it goes out of print. You WILL NOT regret it. This score stands as a testament to the magnificent genius that Jerry Goldsmith has displayed in small bits throughout his long prolific career (which we all hope will continue till his very last hour). ..."
Among Jerry Goldsmith's best works.
William J. Finn | Sarasota Florida | 03/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music has a long history. Written for Roger Spottiswoode's 1983 film, it was a unique challenge for the composer. The film was set in Central America, but Goldsmith was asked to use the sound of Andes flutes in his orchestra - to which he complied. The guitar of then newly rising jazz virtuoso Pat Metheny was also added to the mix. Adding some of his own synth touches as well, Goldsmith created what is arguably one of the finest film scores of his long career.To top it all off, the original LP was considered to be one of that years's audiophile quality releases. But it has never been released on CD in the USA. There was an older reissue from Japan, and now this one from Germany. Still, in the pricy area, this is a must-have CD for any real Goldsmith afficianado. Some of the music on the album was not in the film. The Baja Fuego for instance, but the album is just so compelling on it's own, that you really do not need to see this movie. A tradmark of all great film soundtracks.Pat Metheny was ill the day of the recording sessions and came in a day or two later to add his own parts, according to some sources. You just would not know that after listening to this CD. All in all, a brilliant, transparent recording of this classic film score. Orchestra, guitar, Andes flutes and synths, all in perfect synchronicity. Absolutely recommended."
Bajo El Fuego Del Maestro Goldsmith
Luis M. Ramos | Caracas, Venezuela | 12/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Under Fire" may not take place in Venezuela, but I feel so impressed by how Jerry Goldsmith created what I consider to be one of his greatest works. In order to convey that Latino feeling -at times, Mexican -, Goldsmith used castanets and a guitar, played by the gifted Pat Metheny.
'Bajo Fuego' is the main theme of this album, and you can notice how the guitar and other Latino instruments are played in a somewhat relentless rhythm, with a quiet bridge. This theme is repeated to good effect in 'Sandino'. The love theme is so beautiful and touching. And, in my opinion, Goldsmith wrote one of his best themes ever for this movie: the theme for Rafael is a great epic piece that arouses the Latin spirit that is in me, especially when it's heard in the end credit track 'Nicaragua'.
Listening to "Under Fire" makes me feel proud of being a Latino, and it also makes me sad because this is one of my favorite Jerry Goldsmith scores, and he is no longer with us. Muchas gracias por su música, Maestro Goldsmith."
An Integral Goldsmith Score
Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 08/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Composer Jerry Goldsmith's 1983 score for "Under Fire" was an immediate classic and should have won the Academy Award. After languishing in obscurity for several years, the original soundtrack finally is available on compact disc. Though not among Goldsmith's best-known compositions, "Under Fire" is a superb recording that demands repeated listenings."
Still Playing the Album Straight For Over a Month
Thomas A. Florio | Milton, New Jersey USA | 06/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Deceptively average at first listening since the main theme is repeated on several tracks (though in varied ways), this score grows on you quickly to the point that the music will be playing in your head continuously. It is perhaps the only score I have listened straight through, for an extended period. I revisited the movie and found some of the cues ommitted from the album but this does not take away from the power of this score. In fact, the selections make the album a superior listening experience. And while I do miss the cue where Nick Nolte's car crashes and he is pursued by the government soldiers, the substituted concert arrangement of "Bajo Fuego" holds its own as a complete piece of music, rather than a section of a score (I do miss the short harpsicord passage from the movie, though). I also found my listening pleasure greatly increased after viewing the movie, especially the music segueing from Activity in the Rebel Camp to the staging of Rafael's photograph, and the cue where this photgraph is used to rouse the civilian population. I made a cassette of the album and have been listening to it in my car non-stop since I bought it here on Amazon. I found myself rewinding side one of the 90 minute tape so often that I erased the music I originaly recorded on side two and replaced it with highlights from the album plus The City of Prague Philharmonic's 15-minute "Under Fire" Suite from "The Essential Jerry Goldsmith Film Music Collection" album...something else to put on your "to buy" list."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1