2CD SET INCLUDING THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

Graeme Revell

Orchestrated by Tim Simonec

Edited by John Winget and Ashley Revell

Produced by Graeme Revell and Ford A. Thaxton

Moody horror score not as effective on disc

Graeme Revell is a composer whose music often seems to function better in the film than on the album. Whether you see this as a problem or not depends on your point of view: of course, every film score is composed (or, at least, should be composed) first and foremost for the film, and if it also functions musically by itself then that is an added bonus and a good album could ensue. But on the other hand, if it does not function musically by itself then in all honesty the composer must realise this and so shouldn't really look to release an album.

In the case of Pitch Black - which certainly falls into the category of a score that is far more effective with the film than without it - then this isn't strictly true. While the real motives behind this album are open to debate, officially it is a promotional disc designed to get Revell more work. In that regard, it is difficult to criticise it because of the music not working in the movie, because I am sure that certain directors and producers would listen to the album and think that Revell would be perfect for their movie. The music is moody, atmospheric and effective - just not very interesting to hear when it's not in its intended context.

Review copyright (c) 2001 James Southall

Rating ***

Total Time: 55:18 + 34:14

Tracklisting: Yes

       CD I - 25 Cues

       CD II - 15 Cues