Will we ever see a proper and complete release of this score on CD?
I have had the so-called definitive version for years but it wasn't until quite recently that I discovered that a lot of the music on that CD is different to what can be heard in the film. I'm not just talking about different mixes here but what sounds like completely different versions/takes. Moreover, some of the music on the CD isn't even heard in the movie and vice versa.
I'd love to have a remastered version of this score with the same versions/mixes as heard in the film.
The takes on the album are the takes in the film. Like always, Cameron did a hack 'n slash job with the music. It's even easier with electronic scores, so it sounds like different takes on the album, but the CD is what Fiedel intended.
The only two things that seem to be genuinely missing from the CD are: 1. The metallic sounds during the main title and, 2. The rising phrase that leads into the chase part of "Garage Chase".
James Cameron's hack 'n slash (if that is what it is) is a wonderful thing in this case. Perhaps what ended up in the film was something approved by Fiedel. Perhaps the archival tapes that sourced the Edel release were actually a work in progress. Unlike Aliens or the Abyss where it was clearly a music editor chopping stuff up and moving it around, The Terminator tracks had elements mixed out and refined (and sweetened in the case of the Main title "clangs" and garage chords) Dropping the percussion from the precinct escape was a very wise decision, IMO.
A recording of the film mixes is almost paramount on my want list. The Edel was far from definitive. Or "definite" if you prefer
Oh, and I forgot the big statement when the T-800 crashes through the door in "Factory Chase". That's not there either.
But if you're curious about the assembly of the album, I queried Ford Thaxton on the subject a few years back and got a quick response. I think the thread is called "Question for Mr. Thaxton about TERMINATOR: Definitive" or some such variant. The search function isn't working for me.
As to the mixing up and down of elements, that's what I meant regarding electronic scores being easier to manipulate. There are no instruments bleeding over onto other instruments' tracks so you can mess around much more. The percussion from "Escape From Police Station" actually is in the movie if I remember right. It's just mixed really low. That's the one cue Fiedel discusses in the documentary on the DVD.
I agree with many changes, but the re-use of "Tunnel Chase" and the use of elements from cues to create new ones is silly. Why not have a piece written? Much like Ridley Scott's egregious score butchering. (Legend much?)
Try listening to Factory Chase on the original LP/CD vs the later Definite edition. Two very different mixes indeed. I believe the original album is faithful to the film mixes.
Try listening to Factory Chase on the original LP/CD vs the later Definite edition. Two very different mixes indeed. I believe the original album is faithful to the film mixes.
Agreed.
The "Definite" (sic) edition most certainly does not contain the same mixes as the original LP/CD or the film!
As for missing parts on the 'definitive' CD; how about the ominous brass chords (Emulator)heard in the first part of the Police station cue? I really miss that part on the CD, it sounds way better in the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFxaCa-hr8o. Also, the faced-paced sequencer line (Oberheim OB-Xa driven by DSX sequencer)in the final part (Escape) is much more up front than on the CD. I also noticed that the bass tracks in some of the film cues have been slowed down considerably. Whoever is responsible for the film mixes did a really good job I think.
The percussion from "Escape From Police Station" actually is in the movie if I remember right. It's just mixed really low. That's the one cue Fiedel discusses in the documentary on the DVD.
Yeah, that's another reason I want the original mono mix on blu ray. The original mix had it dialed down to where it was imperceptible. The 5.1 mix brought it back.
The takes on the album are the takes in the film. Like always, Cameron did a hack 'n slash job with the music. It's even easier with electronic scores, so it sounds like different takes on the album, but the CD is what Fiedel intended.
The only two things that seem to be genuinely missing from the CD are: 1. The metallic sounds during the main title and, 2. The rising phrase that leads into the chase part of "Garage Chase".
I can assure you that the mixes on the 'definitive' CD are NOT what Fiedel intended, the CD was done with no input from him. As a matter of fact, Brad was not happy with the results and the fact that they did not consult him as they originally promised.
I can assure you that the mixes on the 'definitive' CD are NOT what Fiedel intended, the CD was done with no input from him. As a matter of fact, Brad was not happy with the results and the fact that they did not consult him as they originally promised.
That's very interesting. I distinctly remember Ford stating - as he always does - that the 'definitive' edition represented Fiedel' intended mixes. Presumably 'definite' was spelled wrong on purpose too!
I'm guessing, from Fiedel's hints, that a new CD will be appearing this year.
Yeah, that's another reason I want the original mono mix on blu ray. The original mix had it dialed down to where it was imperceptible. The 5.1 mix brought it back.
A lot of the music cues in the film sound different on the 5.1 mix than the mono — not to mention the redone foley and effects. I'm glad I still have my laserdisc.
Hate that 5.1 mix. They even left out the sliding blade metallic sound effect over the main titles. Unforgivable.
The 5.1 mix is worthless. I refuse to buy it on Bluray for that very reason.
I can assure you that the mixes on the 'definitive' CD are NOT what Fiedel intended, the CD was done with no input from him. As a matter of fact, Brad was not happy with the results and the fact that they did not consult him as they originally promised.
I've never heard this before. Is there an interview where I can read his side of the story?
Hate that 5.1 mix. They even left out the sliding blade metallic sound effect over the main titles. Unforgivable.
The thing I hate the most about the 5.1 mix is the replacement of those meaty 70s/80s sound effects for the magnum and shotgun blasts. God, I love those noises. The remix has none of the impact of the original. Same with the gun effects in JAWS.
Hate that 5.1 mix. They even left out the sliding blade metallic sound effect over the main titles. Unforgivable.
The 5.1 mix is worthless. I refuse to buy it on Bluray for that very reason.
I can assure you that the mixes on the 'definitive' CD are NOT what Fiedel intended, the CD was done with no input from him. As a matter of fact, Brad was not happy with the results and the fact that they did not consult him as they originally promised.
I've never heard this before. Is there an interview where I can read his side of the story?
That's what Brad Fiedel told me recently so I'm sure it's true. When I asked him about it, he told me that he'd already mention this in several interviews.
