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Kritzerland is proud to present a new limited edition soundtrack release – a classic score from the Golden Age and the score’s first standalone release:
WHITE WITCH DOCTOR
Music Composed and Conducted by Bernard Herrmann
White Witch Doctor, based on the 1950 novel by Louise A. Stinetorf, was a Technicolor adventure film filled with action and romance, and two stars, Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward who were not only wonderful actors, but who exuded sex appeal. Director Henry Hathaway shot the film both on location and the Fox backlot – the beautiful photography was by ace cameraman Leon Shamroy. But what really sets the film apart from other African-set films of that era (and there were a lot of them) is the incredible score by Bernard Herrmann.
By 1953, Herrmann was already a Fox regular and both Alfred Newman and Zanuck were huge fans of his. For White Witch Doctor he delivered one of his greatest scores, yet not one that is known much these days. The film begins with the kind of main title that just propels you into the movie – pervasive percussion and drums over exciting strings and brass, clanging bells, and winds run amok – no one did this kind of main title better than Herrmann. Much of the score is breathtakingly beautiful with Herrmann’s amazing orchestral textures and colors. It also includes several appearances by the weird and ominous-sounding instrument the serpent to underscore suspenseful moments – an instrument he would also make great use of several years later for Journey to the Center of the Earth. Every cue is infused with Herrmann’s unique and brilliant harmonic character – in fact, much of the score plays like a preview of scores he would do for Hitchcock and the fantasy films that came later. There was no one who did it like Herrmann and this is one of his all-time great scores.
White Witch Doctor’s first release on CD was part of the big Bernard Herrmann at Fox box on Varese Sarabande. That set was a quick sellout and many fans missed out on its myriad pleasures, White Witch Doctor being among the best of them. It’s presented in that wonderful Fox push-pull stereo and the score sounds absolutely splendid.
White Witch Doctor is limited to 1000 copies only and is priced at $19.98, plus shipping. CDs will ship by the second week of July. However, never fear – on average we usually ship two to four weeks ahead of the official ship date. To place an order, see the cover, or hear audio samples, just visit www.kritzerland.com.
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Fantastic, can't wait to get it! Bruce, having contributed to the indiegogo to get the next 3 releases do I just automatically get sent this? Still listening to 'Beyond the 12 mile reef' numerous times a week, very grateful for it's release.
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Fantastic, can't wait to get it! Bruce, having contributed to the indiegogo to get the next 3 releases do I just automatically get sent this? Still listening to 'Beyond the 12 mile reef' numerous times a week, very grateful for it's release.
See JB Fan's response above. IF it's still available when the campaign closes, which is when the perks begin (not before), then it's fair game. If it's sold out by then, not.
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Thanks Bruce and JB Fan, understood. Just ordered it, great release!
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Three words! Fan-Freaking-Tastic!
I already own the Herrmann box, but I'll still be getting this baby for the awesome artwork. Wish a full size poster was available.
Kudos Bruce!
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I'd never heard a note of the score before. Sounds quite good.
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Moving very quickly.
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Uh-oh!
Yavar
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Any improvement in sound over the Varese Box Herrmann set??
As stated in the other thread - it's the same because it was superb to begin with - Mike did a great job and there was no real damage to fix.
When we feel we can improve, as we did with The Day the Earth Stood Still, then we will for sure.
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