Hollywood Sound (1995) Reviews

For many years, Hollywood movie music has been looked down upon and ignored by critics as a valid and important form of musical expression. This documentary persuasively argues on behalf of movie music as it follows the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as they re-record popular themes, synchronized precisely to the original film clips. As they play, viewers are treated to passages from such famous films as Gone with the Wind, Bride of Frankenstein and The Adventures of Robin Hood. In between playing, conductor John Mauceri discusses the films that inspired him as a boy. He also provides insight into the ways that movie music enhances the subtle and overt themes of the feature. Insight and background into the music's creation from the composers such as Erich Korngold, David Raskin, and Alfred provides a fascinating counterpoint to the performances. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi