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Cultural vandalism......Appalling.....Perhaps Tadlow will go for a rerecord?
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Posted: |
Apr 15, 2017 - 8:59 PM
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By: |
SchiffyM
(Member)
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It's certainly a shame, but I guess I don't think it's terribly surprising. When a film is finished, not all elements can be kept forever. Is it a cultural travesty if the set plans are destroyed? The sets themselves? The costumes? Sure, some of these things survive, from some films, and score recordings seem to have a better track record than many other elements. But the film was finished (and exists), the soundtrack was released (and exists), and in 1979, the idea that that soundtrack might be revisited and expanded later on was a farfetched notion.
Could somebody have made a copy? Sure, but how do you find that particular needle in a haystack? Let's arbitrarily say the person who kept a recording was 40 at the time. Now he would be 78, if he's around at all. And does he remember where he kept that tape? And did he keep it well preserved? Or was it a hissy cassette anyway?
Some studios are better hoarders than others. But some things slip through all studios. Keeping all elements in good condition is expensive, and not always worth it. Of course, sometimes things of real value are lost, too. It's a shame, but inevitable.
James Fitzpatrick reported in another thread "I have it today on very good authority that if there is an new recording or re-release of DRACULA then nothing will be done without John Williams' being involved himself. So that certainly means no new recording unless conducted by John." So I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for a new recording any time soon.
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Yeah... that doesn't make much sense... perhaps the original multitracks that the sessions were recorded to were erased but still... there must be some other copies that went back to US to Universal for the actual film mix...
Final dub for the movie was done in England at Twickenham Studios. And if I remember correctly from what was posted on this topic several pages away, what's left at Universal today are not very good mono mix-downs. 
I don't know how various studios over the years keep/file their elements, but DRACULA was one the last Mirisch Company production (if not the last?) released by Universal Pictures. So technically, am I right in assuming this production wasn't 100% bankrolled by Universal? Had it been the case, maybe the music elements would have transferred or archived in the US. Who knows? A wild supposition I guess...
Mirisch Company has a rather spotty track record re their archives and inventory (i.e. most of their U.A. released productions...)
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These things happen. People are busy with projects and don't bother, or think of preserving stuff when it is brand new. When the movie is finished and another one is waiting. Who will go back and make back-up copies. You don't have time or you don't really care.
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I don't like Mondays and I REALLY don't like this Monday.
How could this happen to a John Williams score? As another user posted, in the height of his Jaws/Star Wars/Superman success? It's preposterous to think that those tapes would be erased. But I guess there's no argument.
Still, wouldn't there have been some new mixing tapes for the process of marrying the score to the actual film? And if so, wouldn't they have had back ups? That's standard QA process. Perhaps the original stereo masters were taped over, but surely there must have been other copies produced.
And I wasn't calling you guys Shirley...
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Posted: |
Oct 19, 2017 - 9:48 AM
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By: |
CCW1970
(Member)
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I would LOVE to record DRACULA ... and getting tired of some sources saying tapes have been found..or at least telling me that to delay any new recording! My patience to wearing out ...does anyone on this board know for certain one way or the other?
We'd love for you to record Williams' Dracula too, James. I own a copy of the Varese CD but I don't listen to it because of the poor sound quality. You did such a stellar job on Conan (to name but one) that I'd pick your rerecord even if the original tracks got a reissue.
It's my understanding from Mr. Fitzpatrick that he has tried several times and would love to do it-- but if any re-recording is to be done of this title, it will be conducted by John Williams, or it is not happening.
What's possible after his eventual demise, I do not know. Short story long: I don't see the maestro willing to leap at doing this re-recording himself. I don't know his reasons why, but that's what I'm told.
The weird thing is, I've seen Williams include "Night Journeys," "To Scarborough," the Love Theme, and "Storm and Main Titles" in various concerts over the past 20+ years. So, it's not like he has any dislike of his work. Hmmm.
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