THE COMPLETE SCORE ON RHINO RECORDS -RELEASED 15th FEBRUARY 2000 - FAN REVIEWS

Monkey Magic 8th Apr 2000

As I write this, the music is playing in the background. Having gotten fed up with waiting for jungle.com, to deliver I bought my copy from HMV for slightly more than on Jungle, I managed to obtain a discount ;-). As soon as I obtained it I rushed to play it. The whole album is perfect, the music really jumps out at the listener, just like the Star Wars Special Edition albums. The first track on the album 'Prelude and Main Title March', listening to it made me feel as if I was watching the film right infront of me. It seems strange to be hearing the music without the child's voice reading over it and the whooshing sound of the opening credits. The ‘Planet Krypton’ track, I found surprisingly different in some places in particular the part, where the council pronounces it judgement on the accused. I found the music to go on for a touch longer than its film version. The next two tracks destruction of Krypton and Starship escapes, I felt had touches of the Biblical epics about them music wise. The next few tracks up to the ‘Helicopter Rescue’ were all equally as good as each other. However the track the ‘Helicopter Rescue, I think is played BEAUTIFULLY and BRILLIANTLY. It really gives the sequence its sense of urgency and danger, as Lois dangles out of the helicopter.

On Disc 2, The Superman march that was played on Soundtrack Cinema, it sounded slightly different to the version presented on the album. On Soundtrack cinema, I don’t recall there being a few seconds pause during the hybrid opening of the ‘concert version and the Prelude’. During this track the main title to Superman 4 can be heard. The Flying sequence without Lois’s words over them, the track sounds refreshingly different. However I still prefer the version with Lois’s words in them. Although the booklet says that Superman’s music cannot be mistaken for Star Wars, I disagree slightly with that statement. The reason being that parts of the track ‘Superdam and finding Lois’ sound distinctly like the track ‘The Battle of Yavin’ from A New Hope.

Where the bonus tracks are concerned they were interesting but, I didn’t like the 70’s funk music version of ‘Can You Read My Mind’. John Williams made the right decision in having the track scored using the LSO, and not the music of that time. By going for the orchestra decision, it gives the sequence a timeless quality about it. The booklet, accompanying the score, I found to be interesting. I liked the pictures inside, and the costumes on the back of the booklet were a nice touch. The actual linear notes inside the booklet, I found lighter to read than the ones of the ‘Star Wars trilogy special edition’, which in comparison seem a bit heavy. Just a shame that the booklet is too big in length to fit inside the CD case. Overall a very enjoyable listening experience, I would recommend all soundtrack enthusiasts to purchase it. The music sounds even clearer than it does on my Warner Superman cassette OST, really punching the listener in the face. A job well done, and a soundtrack well worth the wait, despite its inital delay.

Ahem 20th Mar 2000

Before I begin, I'd just like to say that I'm not a music expert- I can't tell Thorne's music from William's......However, I do have opinions about the poetic, emotional impact that music has on me. Here goes....

I am no great fan of John Williams. He had his period of excellence during the late 70s and early eighties, but his work nowadays, with the exception of his Schindler's list score, has become all so familiar. Slush-fests such as Saving Private Ryan and the run-of-the-mill mundanity of Lost World have nailed the coffin of a once innovative composer. His work is now nothing more than a mainstream cinematic convention. His work on Star Wars, I felt, let the listener feel the presence of a vast orchestra, as you always hear the enormity of an army of woodwinds, brass and string instruments all booming simultaneously. On Indy Jones and Close Encounters you also felt this- but on Superman, a very unique style
takes action., almost to the point of feeling minimalist.
The music could have been a chance for Williams to exploit flag-waving, Glenn Miller style patriotism by numbers, as he recently managed to do on Ryan, but instead he wisely decides to avoid false, sentimental Americana. This music is not used to celebrate the history of an American legend, but rather to celebrate that of a KRYPTONIAN legend. The opening fanfare and the whole Krypton opening features the archaic sound of a flat trumpet. Indeed, this I feel is a well suited audio-metaphor for an archaic character, who takes centre stage in a film falling somewhere between grand,
American classic and David Lean epic. The music is more reminiscent of the work of Max Steiner or the earlier compositions of Bernard Hermann, and without shame could have easily been composed and performed in the late 40s. I never feel, as I did in Star Wars, that I am knowingly listening to a 90 piece orchestra, the music feels like a couple of instruments creating one UNIQUE sound. It is almost minimalist. Like John Barry's art direction of the Planet Krypton, William's score has that UNIQUE style that has never been attempted or copied before or after.

My favourite piece of music is 50 seconds into 'Fortress of Solitude' (the visual accompanying this portion of the track, is young Clark standing before the site-to-be of the fortress, shown from a God's eye POV). The epic subtlety reminds me of the great works of Muir Matheson in the late 40s.It's a perfect lump-in-throat moment.
For 'The big rescue', I had previously heard this music ONLY on the video release, and the sound was tinny, subdued, and belonging in a cliff-hanger serial from the 1930s Pathe theatres. In a word, it sounded cheesy. Like the film print itself, the music is designed to be heard in a crisp state, removed of all hiss and dirt, or else the ENTIRE score is affected for the worse. The score NOW sounds how it did in the cinemas- supportive of the visuals, mature and
original.
All in all, the unique score is something of a paradox- everyone remembers it, but nobody copies it. This music is an education in the legend himself- and I have trouble ENJOYING it. I never feel relaxed as maybe I would hearing Goldsmith's Supergirl score, or Ken Thorne's light-hearted, idiosyncratic rendition of the source material in 2 and 3. But that is the genius- because nobody can surpass this music, and maybe that's why Courage and Thorne both had so much to interpret themselves, they didn't have time to compose new themes on 2, 3 and 4- And that alone presents the
biggest hurdle for John Peters to jump- how are you gonna rid everyone's minds of this tune, when you reinvent the legend? Are you telling me it can be REPLACED?

Not that I'm giving anything away here- but the pictures in the booklet of Baby lifting the Kent's truck, and Ma and Clark standing in the cornfield, are how those scenes will look on the DVD, restored to their clean picture quality as seen in 78- 'Kudos to Rhino' is how my friends put it!

Rafael Serra 6th Mar 2000

Hey, I have being a Fan of your site for a long time, I think around three years, or so.
I am from Puerto Rico and just bought the New and Complete Superman the Movie Sountrack, and I have to say is excellent. Super. Fantastic. After so many years, the music we have all being waiting for is here.

I am just a little mad because If I had known about this I wouldn't have rushed to buy the Varese Superman release last year, which was good, I have to admit that it was a good anthology, but it lacked of John Williams musical touch.

Now, after hearing the music the way John Williams conducted it, I have to say God Bless Soundtracks!

The Opening theme is incredibly strong, even stronger than the Concert Version of the original Soundtrack, and the alternate version from the Varese release. The entire Krypton sequence is complete, in order, and with all the bits and splashs of the film.

The Helicopter Rescue, which I still don't know why wasn't included in the original soundtrack since it is the most important scene of the movie, sounds a lot more perfect and strong than the arrange version from Versase.

And the real finale!

I can't find the words to express the feeling. For you guys who haven't bought it yet, do it. I know it is kind of expensive. It cost me $30, but the experience is worth it.

Those of you who remember the original Soundtrack of Return of the Jedi, and have heard the Special Edition Soundtrack know what I mean. This is a whole new composition, done the way it was suppose to be.

Yesman 28th Feb

After waiting patiently for years for some of these cues, the statement that the best things to those who wait rang true this week when finally, the remastered complete Superman the movie soundtrack finally arrived.
First of all, I was surprised at how great the slip cover was. I heard a few people were disappointed that it looks so similar to the Varese album but here the 'S' symbol literally shines at you. A nice touch. The right decision was made.
Prelude and main title march was exactly how I wanted to hear it. At last the proper, definitive film version. So much better than the opening with the fanfare. Upon hearing this cue (as with the film) I know I am in for a good ride. it is dynamic, exciting and simply brilliant. A Film score at it's best. Then we come to Planet Krypton. The extended stuff here is great. I can almost hear Jor-El pronounces judgement on the 'Krypton 3' and Zod's subsequent outburst. The Dome opening has a ring of finality to it closing Zod's chapter and another closing motif is heard as the phantom zone disappears from our view.
Destruction of Krypton. My favourite Krypton piece starts with the elders warning Jor-El not to spread the word about his theory. There is extra music between the 2 shots of Krypton's sun and my ears pricked up at hearing this new cue. The music sounds strangely unfamiliar and yet welcoming. I must of heard this countless times really but to listen to it without sound effects or dialogue reminds me of why I love soundtracks so much. My favourite part in this cue is when Jor-El and Lara are discussing their baby son's fate. 'He won't be one of them'. 'He will be fast, virtually invulnerable'. A religious moment as the last prophecy of Krypton can be observed and the music perfectly illustrates this theme. You can hear another note of finality when the speech is over and the rumblings begin. The planet is now doomed. The rest of the cue can be heard in the extended version when we see an executioner on his way to kill Jor-EL. The music ends as Kal-El's spaceship crashes through the ceiling.
Star Ship escapes is a track I have waited all these years to hear and it begins with an incredible Superman fanfare so we know he is on his way to Earth and will safely survive his ordeal. Another quick Superman motif can be heard (as in the extended version) when the ship flies past the camera. it is a joy to hear the rest of the track without all the explosions and screams that drowned out the music in the film. The track ends on a defiant note of finality as Krypton finally explodes.
The Trip to Earth is a cute little theme that is heard on Kal-El's journey. Great instrumental work here and listen for the bass as Kal-El nears to own galaxy, maybe signifying his already growing strength, the superman motif can be heard near the end.
Growing Up starts with the Kent's miraculous discovery, then another even more miraculous discovery as he lifts the truck!! Then it cuts to teenage Clark kicking then football the racing the train. The tempo here is superb, much faster than the Varsese album and worthy of the wait. A very exciting part can be heard when he jumps over the track, you can almost feel his adrenaline pumping, releasing his frustration that he is forbidden (yet) to show his real might to his friends.

The Death of Jonathon Kent is one of my favourites. very sentimental and sad as Jon collapses and dies after giving Clark a talk he will never forget. The theme carries on to the funeral. A wonderful transcending moment lies in the horn solo as the camera scans the hills over yonder. The Smallville theme is heard as a stunned Clark admits that there was nothing he could do inspite of his tremendous powers. The cue finishes with a more rousing note of finality than before. Another chapter in young Clark's life is over. I absolutely love this track.
Leaving Home opens with a Krypton motif as young Clark is called to the barn where the crystal awaits him. It is time to move on to the next chapter in his life. Then we see him standing in the cornfield at dawn and the music heard here is sensational. There is sadness felt as him and now his mother have their last chat together. The Smallville motif (which made a welcome return in Superman IV) is heard throughout this track.

The Fortress of Solitude opens with an air of mystery signifying the fact that Clark is unsure of what awaits him of his journey. A lovely theme is heard as he arrives at the spot where the Fortress will be built, and you can instantly recognise the music where he throws the crystal - this time signifying that John Williams is a genius! Very powerful music is heard as the fortress builds itself, slowly getting louder till the end where the explosions are heard in the film. One look at the final construction and the Krypton theme is unmistakable. Once inside, he looks around at the beautiful interior then he spots the crystals and the music easily reflects the beauty of it all as well as portraying the wonder and awe that Clark must be feeling. As he inserts the crystal in the control panel, Jor-El appears and introduces himself. Clark learns about himself, the music is slightly and purposely unsettling as a confused Clark listens. The music then continues into a dream like state as Clark is taken on his 12 years journey through time and space, this part is my favourite of the track. It ends with one final note of finality as Clark's journey to manhood is over. In the best scene yet, we see Clark, as the man himself who we have waited to see from the beginning, as SUPERMAN. The Superman fanfare is heard and it's an incredible and uplifting moment as he flies majestically towards the camera only to turn at the last moment. A scene that will live in our minds forever and a taster of what's to come.

Welcome to Metropolis sees Lois and Clark held at gunpoint. There is a slight dark comic theme heard as we know there is no danger but we are intrigued to see how it will all end up. Lois Kicks the man who has bent down to pick up her purse and the man fires, Clark catches the bullet and pretends to faint, promptly scaring the mugger into running away. Lois is not impressed with Clark as he 'comes to', the love theme is introduced here as Lois is shown caring for Clark then she retrieves her purse and in a wonderful directorial touch, Clark opens his palm and shows the bullet to the audience and smiles! This bit along with a light Superman theme is a beautiful touch.

Lex Luthor's Lair is a much more colourful piece than the concert arrangement of 'march of the villains'. A few people have moaned at the way Luthor is portrayed in this film complaining that he is a little to light, but whatever your feelings, there is no denying that this music suits him and his 2 assistants perfectly. It is comic and dark at the same time.

The Big Rescue is a favourite of many because of the sheer excitement of the track. It starts as the helicopter at the top of the planet goes out of control and the series of mishaps that ensure sees Lois hanging off the top of the Daily Planet building by a safety harness of all things. The music perfectly fits a disaster movie (which Superman itself turns into at towards the end). This track introduces Superman to the world. It is dynamic and brilliant. Worthy of repeated listening. As Clark runs across the road and rips his shirt open there is no mistaking this terrific cue. The love theme is heard (followed by a beautiful harp piece) as he catches the falling Lois (the love theme was stronger in the Varase version which I enjoyed too) and the dynamic Superman theme is heard as he catches the helicopter. As he lands, the love theme is played lightly which is perfect for the scene and the fanfare is played as he flies off. What a great track!

Super Crime Fighter has no pause from where the previous track left off (as in the film) and is heard as Superman stops the burglar from climbing up the wall of the skyscraper, this track is a first showcase of the superman themes. the track then has some previously unheard music as the car chase ensures. It's a delight to finally be able to hear this music as it has been previously unavailable and inaudible in the film as the sound effects completely drown it out.

Super Rescues starts off with the secondary and quieter theme as Superman flies to rescue a cat in a tree and ends nicely as he flies off, then the action picks up in the sky as Air force one is struck by lightning, A great Superman theme is heard here and a lovely use by harp. A dramatic piece.
Luthor's Luau is a surprise. No one really expected this track to be on the CD. It feels refreshing and serves as a 'break'. It's amusing when one thinks of the scene (especially the extended version where Luthor calls Otis a myth and Miss Teschmacher gets her photo taken). It is an entertaining piece none the less.

The Planet krypton alternate is interesting as Krypton's theme is heard in another, higher, key.

Main Title March is a great rendition, my favourite rendition in fact. It sounds like the final credits to Superman IV. Most enjoyable.

Coming next week: CD2

George Rochester 28th Feb

It was early in the morning. I got up to the sound of the radio, I think it was Michael Jackson in BAD screaming his ass off. I dressed in some 2 minutes, brushed in 15 seconds, and wore my shoes and ran to my chevy. I quickly drove around, people didn't know what I was talkin about, some said they didn't get em yet. After 30 minutes of driving, I found one more store. I went in, tired, and asked them about the CD. The man behind the counter smiled, obviously wondering what a 37 year old man wanted with a Superman CD, although it could've been for my daughter or son. He showed me to an aisle, and left. There I found it, shimmering, the same cd I'd seen in all the websites, I grabbed it, when I touched it, I knew it was going to be mine. I paid for it, and smiled while walking back to my truck. I brung my walkman, so i slipped it in there, and put on the head phones. da da dadada...It was beautiful, so light, so lively. I knew that this was it. I was now an official holder of such a beautiful item. I tapped my finger on the steering wheel, I hummed, I whistled, I laughed. It was great. It was like being in wonderland. At the red light, i looked down at my CD case, reflecting the sunlight, shimmering with beauty, I now understood what it meant! It was a warning, that Superman was comin back to town!

TOM KIRBY 22nd Feb

First thing that I noticed from the first note, was the incredible energy contained in the music! The tempo and speed of the music was so different than what I remember. It was wonderfully surprising to hear so much energy in the music, particularly in my new favorite piece, the boat getaway scene in "Super Crime Fighter". I mean, if that doesn't set
your heart to racing...! But the slower pieces were done great too. My favorite, and the piece I've personally wanted to hear for years was "Death of Jonathan Kent". What an understated and moving piece! Without seeing the movie or knowing what it was about, this piece would still move you, especially as the bells tolled. The second thing that was
amazing to me, and a debt of thanks should go to Rhino for this, was the absolute clarity and sound on the collection. I was heaing and identifying instruments that I had never paid attention to before. Especially in "Lois and Clark". It was really strange not hearing Margot Kidder recite "Can You Read My Mind" at the same time, but the tradeoff was really worth it. It is a lovely symphonic piece. A couple of other random thoughts: I never really cared about the Krypton music before. Did the new pieces ever change that! It was eerie and well, otherworldy. The triumphant music heard at the beginning of "Starship escapes" was another favorite I'd always wanted to hear. And does anything really need to be said about "The Big Rescue"?? Kinda gets me mad that Warner's had this all along and never released it! The wait
was maddening but well worth it! Thanks to all the hard working folks at Rhino who recognized good music and respected the wishes of the fans!
Keep up the good work! This site definitely ranks as one of my "must check" throughout the week.

ALEGOL1983 21st Feb

Straight to the point, this is fantastic, absolutely brilliant, and definetly worth the wait. I, along with others have waited patiently for a over a year, for this 'definitive' release of the Superman soundtrack, and definitive it certainly is.
Rhino, and particuarly Nick Redman and Micheal Matessino, have done a great job with this CD. The sound is crisp, and dynamic, although there are a few occasions when it seems to crackle somewhat (notably during one quiet passage during 'The Big Rescue'), but this is the only fault with the CD, and it will not detract from your listening pleasure. The packaging is great, with a nice slipcase and an even nicer booklet, with some very good pictures inside.
The music is, well, as fantastic as it ever was. Most notable among the 'new' tracks are 'Star Ship Escapes', almost a totally new experience seeing as most of it could not be heard in the film, 'The Big Rescue', a brilliant action cue, which sounds much better than the Varese rerecording did, and of course 'Sonic Greeting', which completely obliterates the Varese version. Other notable tracks include the 'End Title March', finally available on CD, and 'The Flying Sequence', now much more appreciated as it is without Kidder's vocal track.
A job well done, and worth all of the (rather overpriced) £35 that I spent on it. GET IT, and get it now, you won't be dissapointed.

BILL WILLIAMS 21st Feb

Once in a lifetime an album will come along and make such an impact upon people that it stays upon them forever. For me it was the "Superman" soundtrack album by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra, a perfect album that stood on its own merits away from the movie. It is a perfect blend of grand epic adventure, science fiction, romance, action, nostalgia, a longing for good's continuing triumph over evil. Produced during what is considered Williams' golden period (from 1977 to 1983) with his many scores for the LSO, the score to "Superman" has since become synonymous with the comics character, the movie, and its star Christopher Reeve.

For years the complete score lay untouched and unreleased, the only releases being the 78-minute double LP and cassette, a 72-minute single-CD release, and Varese Sarabande's 80-minute re-recording (with over 20 minutes of previously unreleased selections). Now the complete score can finally be heard in Warner Archives and Rhino Records' 2-CD set, fully expanding and remastering the film music like never before.
Album producers Mike Matessino and Nick Redman, who have worked on remastering the "Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" scores in years past, have lovingly given "Superman" the treatment it rightfully deserves, expanding the score to 150 minutes over two CDs, bringing forth elements not heard before in all of the previous releases.

More than just an expansion of the complete score as heard in the film and expanded television versions, there are many hidden gems to be heard in this new CD release. From the opening Prelude and Main Title March, to The Big Rescue, long requested by film music fans, you know that you're on a journey into something really special. The sound clarity is like never before, even better than on the initial CD release from Warner Bros. There are no less than 12 new cues and 14 cues with previously unreleased portions making their world premiere on this CD.
And while the sound clarity for a 22-year-old score is a little loud and rough in some spots, it's perfect in all the right places, especially in the bold and brassy Superman march.

For me the highlights of the CD come in the new selection Starship Escapes, which is both sad and intense in its presentation, and in the alternate version of the Superman March that begins CD 2. This original version of the march has a quality all its own, not only serving as the template for the Theme From Superman (for you completists, the original march that we are familiar with is included as a bonus track) but also as the basis for the theme from Superman IV. Even in its raw form the Superman March conveys action, excitement, and fun. No wonder that this particular score consistently ranks as one of the top ten film scores of all time and one of the very few scores John Williams himself has not been able to top (along with his Star Wars and Schindler's List scores).

Some of the cues are humorous and fun to listen to. The bonus cue of Luthor's Luau, one of the rare source music cues from the score, nicely fits within any Hawaiian setting or pig roast. And the inclusion of the "pop" versions of "Can You Read My Mind" both with and without Margot Kidder's vocal are laughable and cheesy, relfecting the 70's in all too familiar form. Mercifully for us John Williams removed this cue and replaced it with the grander and more elegant Love Theme, giving both the score and the film further timeless quality and beauty.

Even the liner notes booklet that accompanies the CD are filled with clear concise notes from Mike Matessino that describe the history of the character, the filmed incarnations, and the score history and breakdown, reflecting the fun mood of bringing a comic book to life. And with a priceless quote from Christopher Reeve and rare photographs accompanying the booklet, some never before seen by the public at large, this CD has it all and more.

The Rhino Records release of Superman is a perfect way to enjoy your next reading of a Superman comic book or to relive the memories and fun of movie, while preserving the classic John Williams score for future generations to come. Many thanks are in order to Mike Matessino and Nick Redman for giving this fan and many Superman, John Williams, and film score fans a true gift of love. If you buy only one film score CD this year, this is THE must own-CD to get!

Ranking: Five stars (on a scale of 1-5)

SHAWN WATSON 21st Feb

I am very pleased and impressed with this soundtrack. All the tracks do not sound 100 percent accurate when compared to the music in the film, but knowing that all the sources used to make the film's music were not available, I think that Nick Redman and Michael Matessino did an incredible job. On disc two, I really enjoyed hearing the Superman March (Alternate)for the first time. Now I know why I liked the opening credit music to SUPERMAN IV so much because THIS IS IT!!! Did the composers for the second, third, and fourth movies write ANY original music themselves?
Finally, although I'm glad both were included for historic reasons, I really had to keep myself from laughing or cringing too hard when I listened to the disco version bonus tracks of Can You Read My Mind.

MAVCON75 16th Feb

Well, I got the Soundtrack on the 14th, yes you heard me, THE 14TH, from Reel.com. Don't ask how I got it early cause I don't know how either, but as I will tell you, it was certainly the first of many surprises with the CD. Now I've been reading some reviews from the site already and everyone seems to either have a favorite already from some of the new selections or went right to a particular song to hear how it sounds for the first time out of a theater. Well....the first one i HAD to listen to to make me believe how accurate this soundtrack was, I went immediately to the End Credits and Finale. For those of you who have listened to the Varese re-recording and past versions of the finale....and then have listened to the Finale in the movie...you'll know what I'm talking about. I was VERY glad to hear that slight change in the music right after the mini-love theme portion with the lone symbol crash followed by a deeper version of the Superman theme. Just this part alone made me realize how good this soundtrack is, and I listened to the rest of it and was impressed with every single second of this masterpiece. Honestly, the only...and I mean only thing I think they should've included on the soundtrack instead of two alternate versions of the Love Theme (the Jazz versions) maybe they should've included one version of the love theme, and tried to include the version of "Can You Read My Mind" Performed by Maureen McGovern. For those that have never heard it (and that's a good bet cause it's not on the radio often and the CD versions are hard to come across) it's basically a piano version of the love song, but sung by an actual singer as a love song. It would've made this collection complete.

UCFKEVIN 16th Feb

I'm not a morning person. I love sleeping in. I usually wake up at around 1pm, no matter what. Not today. I woke up at 9:45, got ready, and began my crusade. I drove to five different places. The first four didn't have it (the moron at Best Buy didn't even know what I was talking about "Soundtrack? As in songs?") But I finally found it at the last place. I go up to the counter, the guy says, "Did you know this was coming out? We just got it like 2 hours ago and it's our only copy." I nodded and said, "Yup, been waiting all my life for this thing." So I paid, hauled ass out to my car and popped it in the CD player. The Prologue/Main Credits made my eyes well up with tears. It was beautiful, hearing it outside of the movie for the first time. Honestly, the Krypton music never did anything for me, but they sounded excellent. Loved hearing the new stuff. Welcome to Metropolis is one of my favorite new tracks now. I love how the Superman theme keeps on starting and stopping at the end. Just perfect. Then we get Helicopter Rescue. I was a little disappointed to hear it was the same version that Ford Thaxton played on his show. I had hoped it was the film version, but hey, I'll take what I can get. I kinda wish Ford didn't play this on his show so it would be a completely new experience, but oh well. Once again, this track made my ears well up, I think I may have cried a little bit too. I'm not ashamed! Hearing his First Night in order was EXCELLENT! That's one of the main things I was looking forward to on the release. Williams does a great unused action cue on the police chase scene. A big surprise to me, however, was the Flying Sequence. Since I've listened to the original WB release all my life, I got HUGE CHILLS when Can You Read My Mind started up without Margot Kidder but with strong strings going. Another one of my favorite new tracks is the Misguided Missiles one. It's very creepy and suspenseful, just absolute perfection. And finally, we get all the music to the Missile Chasing and earthquakes in order! Yet again, chills. I was a little hesitant to hear the new End Credits since, again, I've grown up with the original, but the change is great. I laughed quite hard upon hearing the Hippie version of Can You Read My Mind, I dunno if they could have put something else on the CD instead of those two tracks, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. To sum up, this is the greatest soundtrack ever made, hell, greatest piece of music ever made. I could seriously die happy having heard this entire Superman score on CD. Beautiful quality (despite the treble static being a bit apparent in some tracks) and I was amazed to hear new instruments and pieces that I never heard on the original soundtrack! Kudos to Rhino and Sharp Line Arts for making this happen. You've made my millenium.

TRENT 16th Feb

I am a frequent visitor of your site, and just wanted to let you know that I picked up the complete score CD today. Lucky thing, too, my Media Play store had ONE Copy that they ordered for their store, and I snatched it up this morning when the store opened! Anyways, it has been taking me a while to get to listen to it-as I write this, it is now 7:50 PM EST, and I am listening to the "Fortress of Solitude" cue-boy, it and the rest I've heard so far is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! This thing is so complete, I love it! I got goosebumps upon hearing "Starship Escapes" for the first time on CD. I've heard it many times in the movie, but to hear it on this CD is a total revelation. This album is the best! Can't wait to hear "The Big Rescue" and all the other great cues.

JIM BARG 16th Feb

I rediscovered Superman two years ago, mainly because of the soundtrack, so it was no surprise to me that I ran out and bought the CD today. After all, this is the CD that I'd held out for - no buying the original Warner release for $7 in a used CD store, no buying the Varese CD - I wasn't paying for a Superman CD until they came out with the complete 2CD set. So I'd set myself up for some serious disappointment.
Let's see... as I write this, I'm listening to the alternate march that begins disc 2 for what seems like the 10th time, and still getting goosebumps during the segue into the love theme... what does that tell you? While it's great to hear some of the best tracks from the original CD in remastered glory (and without vocals), the unreleased tracks are reason enough to drop $30 on the CD - especially the alternate marches, "The Terrace", and the lovely "Lois and Clark". Even the two disco versions of "Can You Read My Mind" are tolerable, in a kitschy '70s kind of way. In short, if you like Superman, John Williams, and film music in general, you won't be disappointed, go grab it... it's worth every penny.

DEISEL 15th Feb

I got it!!! And it was worth the trouble...

I managed to track down a copy of the CD at a local Tower Records located about 30 miles away from me. SuperGeek that I am, I managed to drag my wife out to Tower at 11:30 PM, and waited in the store until the clerks started stocking the new releases for tomorrow. And there, in its beautifully packaged presentation, was the music I have been waiting for over twenty years to own: complete and remastered in all its original glory. All I will say is that it exceeds even my highest expectations. The music is beautifully pieced together, and the sound is approaching audiophile standards. Perhaps the biggest shock was hearing notes, phrases, and instruments which had long been buried in the movie's actual soundtrack and on the original Warner Bros vinyl and CD release. Listening to these discs is like a breath of fresh air. There is literally new life given to this 20 year old recording.
No, the sound quality is not "perfect" as far as high-bit digital standards go, but it is as close to perfection as one can get to the original master.

Make no mistake about it folks...this is one high class release. It is a fitting tribute to the legend that which is SUPERMAN. Nick Redman and Michael Matessino...you done good!!! My deepest appreciationis extended to you both.

STEVE QuiJedi 15th Feb

Well, I went by my Tower Records tonight (they sell the new CDs at midnight for those who really want a new CD) and am finally listening to the complete Superman. When people complained that the Varese two CD didn't do the score justice I thought they were being picky. They were right. When that first Prelude comes up, you know you're listening to the REAL THING! Absolutly beautifully mastered. Right now Im only on the first CD as I write this, but it sounds amazing and can be turned up quite nicely for full effect. Minor complaints: the booklet, though wonderfully written, does not fit inside the crystal box and has to be kept in the paper box. Not a major thing but these things can get lost you know. Also, the Superman logo on the CD is the comic book yellow and red design as opposed to the silver movie edition. And the picture of Chris and the american flag...well, I don't like it. I guess the film to me was more about Superman and less about "truth justice and the american way".

Minor stuff aside, this is a CD that will be wonderfully worn out from constant play. With this CD release, the DVD cannot be far behind. Let us hope.

HIPHATS Superman Web Central 15th Feb

Well, sometimes when you have been used to something for 22 years and suddenly when you hear it again in a new form it can be a very different experience. That's how it was for me when I heard the new Warner Archives/Rhino Movie Music release of "Superman: The Movie--Original Motion Picture Soundtrack".
I did not know where to begin when I popped the 2-CD set open. But the first one I chose to hear was "Super Dam". After listening to it for the first time outside of its theatrical and television showings, I got total goosebumps. Then I went to "Star Ship Escapes", and then fumbled through the rest of the high points of the album before I could bring myself to hearing it all the way through.
The sound on this new CD is crisp and digital, as if it were recorded just yesterday. When compared to the previous Warner CD (which had a kind-of-warm sound), this is one soundtrack that was worth all the agonizing wait for me.
It is, of course, without its faults...the placement of the non-vocal version of the "Can You Read My Mind" section of "The Flying Sequence" in the context of the score (which can be easily rectified by re-programming your CD player), and some of the edit points on a couple of tracks were clearly evident (which shows just how hard it was for Rhino and the gang to piece this "humpty dumpty" back together again), but that did not distract from my enjoyment of the CD.

The new Rhino release is miles ahead of the previous Warner CD (or even 1998's Varese Sarabande re-recording). This is truly a soundtrack masterpiece. It belongs on any soundtrack "Hall Of Fame" alongside Rhino's previous re-issue of the "Wizard Of Oz" soundtrack, the "Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition", "Close Encounters", and Goldsmith's "Legend" soundtrack.
So listen to the CD...and don't get hit by Kryptonite along the way!!!

Rating: ***** (out of 5 stars)