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Posts posted by Mattris
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Assuming you have all 3 (!) OSTs, you should have everything. If you're planning on making an improved single-disc version of the score, you just have to pick which versions of "Searching For E.T.", "E.T. Is Alive", "Goodbyes", and "End Credits" you want.
Another solution is to edit parts of tracks together to for a better listening experience. I use - and highly recommend - Cool Edit 2000. I like to balance musicality with how it is in the film. Some examples of this in my own E.T. soundtrack:
- both beginnings of "Searching" are included (the alternate blending into the film version, in tempo)
- no obvious edit in the middle of "Alive" ('02 OST), but less space than the '96 OST
- the mixing of "Chase" with "Goodbyes" ('02 OST) is removed. Mine sounds like the '96 OST, but seemlessly edited from the '02 into the '96, then back to the '02.
- I put the alternate of "Ouch" (found on both the '96 and '02 OSTs) after "End Credits". If your unclear of what I mean by this, just watch this part at the end of the film. You'll hear a short section of music that is not in the other releases.
I prefer the film version, as it maintains the emotional drive better. The alternate section can also be found on both Boston Pops CD recordings.
I also renamed most of the track titles, which tell more about what's going on in the movie during the music. (I'll post them in the near future; this post is getting too long!)
My goal was to have as much of the '02 OST as possible, since sounds the best in terms of fidelity. I didn't want to pop in multiple versions of the score in order to hear all the music. (Unfortunately I don't own the original CD.)
I wish I could show everyone what I've done with the score, one of THE MAN's best.
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IT WAS ME!
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I'm already running into problems...
How do I convert the .imc files on TPM CD-ROM disc to .wav?
I saw elvisjones' site but was unable to download the SCUMM program - the site given does not exist anymore. The site that looks like it has it requires a password (I registered and it still doesn't let me download it). Can I get the program anywhere else? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Audio rippers for DVD and CD-ROM are on my "want" list.
Another ways to get music from discs without "ripping":
If your computer has an analog input and a .wav recorder/editor, you can output the audio from your DVD player. Also, if your DVD player has a 6-channel analog output, you can experiment with what audio your getting from what channels and use the best combination, most likely the front and/or back left and right channels (not the center or sub). You'll need the right cords and adapters to do so.
I'm about to start making my own TPM soundtrack. It's a REALLY big task to do right, but I have the sources, the time, the talent, and Cool Edit 2000.
Wish me luck!
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Is it possible that the Indiana Jones DVDs will contain isolated scores? If this path is not taken, I hope they make available the trilogy of COMPLETE scores on DVD-Audio and/or SACD (as well as CD).
If the music industry wanted to boost the popularity and exposure of the new, higher-sound-quality disc formats, they could release the IJ scores on DVD-A or SACD only. The discs, however, could be made to play on our current disc players - but also give the public an incentive to purchase new, superior equipment. The DVD-A's of the full IJ scores could have Dolby Digital/DTS layer in addition to the Advanced Resolution multichannel. If they were released in the SACD format, a CD layer would be provided, of course. (These backwards compatible hybrid discs are a given on all current DVD-As and most SACDs.) For those of us that don't have the player to hear the new formats in their best form, we could look forward to hearing these masterpiece scores in better quality - without having to buy another disc.
I currently have a DVD-Audio player and feel that the Indiana Jones scores should see DVD-A treatment. These discs (unlike SACD) could support video extras including slideshows, behind-the-scenes footage of recording sessions, and interviews. They could put this stuff on the DVD movie disc(s), but DVD-A would do the films' music justice.
To make the long wait for the official, complete releases of the IJ scores worth it, the record labels should do what I described above! I see no reason for them not to. The people who are planning on buying the expanded soundtracks will not be put off by having to shell out a few more bucks for extra good stuff on the discs. Plain CDs are ok, but think about what the future holds for music! Believe me, DVD-A and SACD blow away CD.
As you can see, I'm very passionate about this topic.
As for the Raiders titling issue, I'm indifferent. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three ways to name the movie. I rarely find my self saying the full title of any of the three films. It's either Raiders, Temple of Doom, or Last Crusade. I'll go along with whatever is ultimately decided, but will always know the original IJ film as Raiders of the Lost Ark.
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While technological improvements over time have yeilded greater fidelity of sound, poor microphone placement and mixing have damaged the finished product, which could be SO much better.
I don't like the Shawn Murphy sound. I much prefer the sound of the old Star Wars trilogy to what I've heard so far in Episodes I and II. The sections of the orchestra (and individual instruments, for that matter) felt close and controlled in Episodes IV-VI. Ignoring the musical aspect, the different sound in the new SW films can be attributed to the microphone placement, mixing, and the studio they're recording it in.
In general: Microphones farther away from the instruments will yeild a "distant" sound. Mixing has to do with and volume levels and separation of the instuments (or voices) relative to each other. A bigger room will produce more reverb. Echo is most annoying in action film scores (i.e. Star Wars). Lots of quick, loud, notes run together in a big room. Just listen to the loud tracks in "Williams On Williams" - you'll see what I mean. You just don't record action scores in the Boston Symphony Hall. A small studio makes more sense for clarity purposes.
TPM and AOTC, unfortunately, have the problems described above. The trumpets are too quiet, and the orchestra sounds like a bunch of mush. Of the older JW scores, E.T. represents perfect recording engineering. TESB is also well done, although the percussion is mixed too quiet (except for the timpani). The brass, woodwind, and string balance are perfect in both. To bad a similar approach is not being implemented in the new Star Wars films - which need all the help they can get to make them feel more like the Star Wars we remember.
In case you can't tell, I want to be a sound engineer.
mattmane, who also thinks that COS sounds more like the old Williams sound, with Simon Rhodes as the recording engineer instead of Shawn Murphy
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I have relatives in Chicago, so this would be a great opportunity to FINALLY see John Williams in concert - and with a great orchestra.
Hearing his horn concerto would be a real treat!
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Ricard, if your Over The Moon (concert suite) is from the Spielberg/Williams Collaboration, wasn't it recorded in 1990, not '95 as you have on the back cover?
On a similar topic, I'm currently in the making of my own, improved, single disc, E.T. soundtrack using the '96 and '02 OSTs with the mp3s that were on the site a while back. Unfortunately, I don't own the first E.T. OST CD - although I remember seeing it in a Blockbuster Music but didn't buy it because I wasn't a John Williams fan like I am now. (I was only Elliot's age.)
Missing from the newest E.T. CD (that should have been included, * except):
The Cornfield
Stuffed Animals
Elliot's First Kiss
Searching For E.T. (alternate beginning) *
E.T. Is Alive (with unedited part when Elliot realizes...)
and finally, Goodbyes (with film version of "Ouch")
... all of which will fit on one 80 min. CD / MD and be on my version (made using Cool Edit 2000).
mattmane, who said back in May 2002 that he wouldn't buy the '02 release of the score because it wasn't complete (why wasn't it released so?), but got a hold of it as it came with the DVD box set.
Comparing different version of the tracks listed above, who pefers what?
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I did sign in, but it must have signed me out. That was me.
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Other differences between the film (DVD) version and Varese Sarabande CD release:
On the DVD,
1) the "Swing, Swing, Swing" arrangement the slightly changed.
2) the ferris wheel seqeunce is extended.
3) the end credits have no annoying explosions.
The only problem I have with the DVD's isolated score is that there are chunks of the movie that don't have any music - so you have to sit in silence (of fast forward) until the music comes around again.
Two solutions for listening to the score as the DVD presents it:
1) Mark down the times of the DVD that the music enters after silence, so you don't have to guess.
2) Using analog recording (or digitally ripping it... ?), make you own soundtrack by getting the music onto CD, minidisc, or computer (with a .wav editor before burning the CD-R).
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Forget the CDs. The 1941 DVD has the ENTIRE score isolated in fantastic sound quality - source music included. Plus, you get the movie itself with deleted scenes and great (JW) bonus features all on one side of a single DVD!
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1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
3. Hook
4. The Phantom Menace
5. E.T.
6. Raiders Of The Lost Ark
7. Return Of The Jedi
8. Chamber Of Secrets
9. Jurassic Park
10. Schindler's List
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I agree Beowulf.
De Meij's LOTR is great - it's written perfectly! The themes for each character and situation fit so well. IMO the instrumentation of the band version just sounds more natural than the orchestra's, but I like them both.
My high school symphonic band has performed "Lord of the Rings" twice in recent years. Unfortunately, I played in neither because I wasn't yet in high school the first time (1996), and I was a member of the second band most recently (2001).
They recieved the title of 1996 Texas 4A Honor Band, being named the best high school concert band in the state, with the piece in their progam. They didn't, however, attempt the 3rd movement because it's extremely difficult to pull off.
By the way the high school is Dickinson, and our jr. high won Honor Band the same year!
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Ricard, I forgot to log in. I re-posted this topic, so you can delete this one to avoid confusion.
Thanks.
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I wrote the above post.
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I was a percussionist in high school (Dickinson). I played in the pit during marching season, and was the main xylophone man. I also played an array of instruments including timpani, concert bass drum, and chimes. To be quite honest, I was awesome.
I'm now on the cymbal line in the University of Houston Marching Band.
I'm thinking about trying out for a DCI drum corp for the 2004 season. Anyone hear know about Drum Corp International? If not, check it out - it's awesome!
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A list of DVD isolated scores can be found at:
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Have many JW / Boston Pops albums does everyone have?
I own all of them, except some of the out-of-print Philips.
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I'm only lacking:
the new Harry Potter (I will not listen until I see the movie)
Greatest Hits (don't need)
Witches (I have the DVD)
ROTJ (symp. suite)
ET SE (will be getting the 3-DVD set soon)
expanded Fury (have the original CD)
Jaws re-recording (is it worth it if I have both of the original rec?)
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If you have the right equipment, "ripping" the rear channels of a DVD is VERY easy. No complicated ripping software is needed. I am able to do it with the following:
DVD player with analog 6-channel RCA output
computer with analog 1/8" stereo input OR RCA (red/white) input
Cool Edit 2000 (or Cool Edit Pro 2.0)
RCA to 1/8" stereo cable OR RCA to RCA, depending on your computer's input
All you need to do is connect one end of the RCA cable to the rear channels output of the DVD player and the other end to the the computer. Open Cool Edit. Udjust the recording level of the input using the Volume icon in your system tray. Press the Record button. In pop-up window, set the recording quality. I use 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo, but one of the start-up tips said that recording and editing at higher quality and then converting to CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo) before burning will sound better... anyone?
It will be saved as a .wav file. You can edit it to your heart's content before you burn it to CD. If you have time (and some skill using Cool Edit's in-depth features), you can combine the DVD with the CD. Obviously, you'll first have to rip the CD to the hard drive.
WALLA - your have your very own complete score. It'll do until an official release is available. For those who have the stuff to do this, I hope this helps.
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Just to start something...
IMO, Charles Gerhardt & The National Philharmonic Orchestra's ESB recording is far from extrordinary due to the sub-standard trumpet section. From the first track on the CD, they crack notes. Pitch and matching problems are present throughout the recording. Can anyone else hear this?
I'll admit, some parts of the NPO's performance (strings/woodwinds mostly) sound "better" than the original recording, but my enjoyment of these certain parts is really on a different level than the (classic) original performance. Lacking the burden of having to play to the visual part of the film, Gerhardt and the orchestra were "free" to explore the music with no time constraints, producing a different interpretation. This is the inherent nature of RE-recordings. Being better or more enjoyable is always an opinion in terms of musicallity, but making performance errors is night and day. Making fewer or no errors is better - period.
The mixing/microphone placement on this recording session is inferior to the LSO's. The sucky NPO's trumpeters lucked out: Obviously not ready to record, they were mixed really quiet - something that should not have been evident in the final product.
This is a Star Wars score, and the trumpets - especially - sould be extremely skilled and confident, as they are the loudest and most piercing instruments in the orchestra (aside from the percussion). The fanfaric SW drive from the brass was certainly not present. Just compare these NPO's trumpeters to those of the LSO. The difference is astounding.
More rehersal time could also have imroved the NPO's final product... cheap Varese Saraband... Gerhardt's fault?
As we all know, John Williams' The Empire Strikes Back is a masterpiece in film scoring and musical composition. This is a professional effort from Gerhardt and the NPO, but poor trumpets and sound engineers screwed it up.
TIP --- To those who are looking to buy this CD, only do so if your curious to hear ESB from an ensemble having nothing to do with Williams. Otherwise, stick with the ESB SE.
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B C C# C (from Willow, Enemy At The Gates, The Perfect Storm) :?
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Anyone of you yankees care about the fact that the US team beat the Portugese with 3- 1?
Stefancos- :roll:
It was actually 3-2, but I care! That game was awesome! Most people just don't know enough about soccer to realize what a big upset that was. This is the World Cup! The winners of this tournament can truely call themselves World Champions.
Stefancos, thanks for bringing it up.
Is that Tamara?
in General Discussion
Posted
That was me.