Miz

http://filmconcertslive.com/ Lots of films, all over Europe and the USA.

I have taken Panaka and the Queen's Protectors, edited out the break in the action (a real lull in tempo) at around three-quarters mark, then put onto the end Fighting the Guards and Escape from Naboo. It has taken the best of that material and formed a fairly seamless track (taking advantage of its flow in the film) of the best action music from TPM. I have it on a cycling playlist and like to listen to it when speeding around, dodging traffic, on sunny days!

So those three Imperials (alright, First Order) - Phasma, Kylo and Hux - all survived Starkiller's destruction, all off-screen? That's a little annoying. When the Death Star blew, Tarkin's cool in the preceding shot was a great touch, and Vader's spinning escape smacked of old-school camp. It was a decent set-up for a sequel. Not so in The Force Awakens.

From what I've read it seems like the film's characters get sentimental that the United States postal system and government coming back to life. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed a ton of media that has been US-focused (and I do like a good modern western), but the film has been accused of "mawkish jingoism" by a US critic, and I've seen enough American films to know that American jingoism on film leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I think it might for any other non-American too. The Postman also has 9% on Rotten Tomatoes.

I meant they were a bit rubbish.

I am the same. The cinematography is nothing special (possibly contributing to a 'made-for-TV' feel) but the production values and especially the score are still impressive. The hammy fun of the Smokers aren't for everyone, but as allegory for our own civilization I think they are great! The 'Ulysses Cut' is an extended edition which ramps up that allegory and has more about the mythos and culture of the world. Along with the little character details, I think it improves the film. It's just a shame the extended scenes are not of the same picture quality as the rest of it. I think I'll give The Postman a miss, especially as I'm not American!

I meant critically flopped.

The 2nd and 3rd films flopped because they tried to expand the universe, instead of exploring the concept. The Animatrix gave us a glimpse of the breadth and richness available within the Matrix concept, but it was seen as a little experimental sideshow. Now, I lament the lack of original ideas and concepts in screen entertainment at the moment, but if they create films or a series that explore the many dimensions and dramas of awakening from the Matrix - the catch-all fulcrum which the whole universe thrives on - I think they can do well. And with Don Davis. I love Giacchino, but he won't carry the sound like Davis can.

Any news about a release of his violin concerto?

This might the reason the studios actually talk to each other to thrash out a mutually beneficial arrangement. Anyway, Episode 9 has to come out after Kenobi. This is so that Ewan McGregor can star as a decently-scripted Obi-Wan in a uniquely-toned ultimate franchise-binding film all about the Force; Obi-Wan's coming to terms with his new role in a changed galaxy; his slow-burning shepherding as he watches a young Luke from a distance, carefully drip-feeding ideas about the Force and working to keep him hidden. All the while he practices his own meditation, learns more from Force-ghost Qui-Gon (Neeson, of course), maybe goes off planet to visit Yoda or research how ancient Jedi turned their own back from the dark side, finding it will all be about family, and realising his path to redemption will be through Luke...leading perhaps closely up to Episode IV from this angle. This will all be so that, in Episode 9, Alec Guiness Force-ghost can help Luke through a final hurdle of rebuilding the Jedi order or whatever the spiritual climax will be. Such a film could link the prequels, originals and spin-offs for a satisfying end to the 'four trilogies'... ...but I doubt they'll be that adventurous.

Hohoho! Even at cheapest seats, the four tickets would come to £120. In any case, weekday shows are out of the question for me. I did wrangle to see Jaws on the day after Giacchino, but it would be fairer to her interests to take that time in London to see a musical or some other show.

Finally! Tickets purchased.

I'm a three-hour train ride from London and would see all of these if I could, and if my lady would let me spend the money! But I've waited a decade for a Giacchino concert (and that was before his last decade of music!) so I'll go with that one.

Don't underestimate Speed Racer, or let the tone of the film put anyone off the reach and power of the score.

Anna Karenina is a good standalone. Atonement is alright.

Classic Giacchino stripped-down chord progression only, is it not?

I can't imagine how Marinelli would have scored this film. Surely without as much gusto as Powell. Shame we'll never hear the ideas though.

Does anybody know if Dario Marianelli actually wrote a score for Pan?

DL-ST.net, if y'interested. This Deluxe Edition is a great edition, lots of alternates, good sound quality. I think it's an academy promo that somebody mentioned.

I'm currently relishing the Deluxe Edition of How to Train Your Dragon 2. I'm no audiophile but it seems the recording or mixing is a little different - I can only say that because I'm so familiar with some tracks (take the end Toothless Found, for example). Can anyone confirm this, and the reasons for it?

I'm disappointed it doesn't have five syllables. It feels like something is missing, and the words hardly roll off the tongue. Poor poetry.

Because they also write it? So to improve their writing they discuss theory and method. If you don't want to hear about it, just shut up and enjoy music! I would like to know what major 3rds are, please. Preferably shown on a keyboard!

Clemmensen would demand it.

I always appreciate his depth of analysis, but there were some thematic allusions he didn't mention. He also continues to have an autistic approach to leitmotif.