Dark Crystal VHS/LD/DVD question (1 Viewer)

Bryan Tuck · May 2, 2003

This may sound like a really goofy question, but it's something I've been wondering. On the Columbia Tristar DVD of The Dark Crystal, during the end credits, there are two very noticeable edits in the music. Obviously, this happens all the time, but I seem to recall on the Disney VHS version (and probably the LD), the full end credits suite ran exactly as it did on the original LP. Did the credits run at different speeds or something?

Like I said, kind of nit-picky, but I was just curious. Does anyone know?

Steve_Ch · May 2, 2003

Don't know the answer, but I think there is a Superbit version of Dark Crystal now, so you may need to compare one more

.

DaViD Boulet · May 2, 2003

Bryan,

I'll check my DVD copy if I can remember and see.

BTW, I not only have the Dark Crystal soundtrack on LP...but I have it on *CD* too

Definitely gets some serious play-time from my music collection!

JulianK · May 2, 2003

BTW, I not only have the Dark Crystal soundtrack on LP...but I have it on *CD* too

I hope that's the brand new, authorised 2-disc version you're talking about, David, and not the naughty b**tleg!!

Click to expand...

Sean Campbell · May 2, 2003

I hope that's the brand new, authorised 2-disc version you're talking about, David, and not the naughty b**tleg!!

Anyone know where I can get a copy of that 2 disc set? I've wanted that soundtrack for years

Click to expand...

JulianK · May 2, 2003

I've ordered my copy from soundtracks specialist Screen Archives Entertainment.

You'd better hurry - there are only 5000!

Randy A Salas · May 2, 2003

Here's a partial answer to Bryan's original question.

In its review of the new two-disc CD, soundtrack retailer Intrada (my preference for soundtrack needs) has this to say:

"Disc 2 offers complete score (71:33) as heard in film, allows deeper examination of orchestral colors, textures. Note: second disc has oddly balanced stereo spread, exhibits somewhat abrupt edits as heard on alternate music-only tracks of DVD."

Mark_TS · May 3, 2003

WOW!...I hope it IS authorised-I dont normally buy boots...

I have the WB/HUM! LP with insert and textured cover...

I also have the very first Image LD, a 2 disc SE set, which Jim Henson was involved in the production of...

It has been the same on all Video Disc incarnations-(ive owned 'em all)

Disney, when they had it, actually cut the first few bars of the OPENING music so they wouldnt have to show the Universal logo, which Columbia wisely put back in place.

1. Image 2-disc LD +VHS from HBO (1990)
2. Disney/Henson LD + VHS(1995)
3. Columbia DVD (1999)+VHS
4. Columbia SUPERBITª DVD (2003)
5. Columbia HDª Version (????)

Sean Campbell · May 3, 2003

I've ordered my copy from soundtracks specialist Screen Archives Entertainment.

Many thanks! I just put an order in

Click to expand...

DaViD Boulet · May 4, 2003

OH MY GOSH...
YES I was talking about the crappy b******* disc. Just ordered the real deal...hope the sound quality is much improved! Can't wait!!!!!!!!

dave

Matt Naglieri · May 4, 2003

hope the sound quality is much improved! Can't wait!!!!!!!!

From what I have heard the original LP program (disc 1) is worth the price of the set alone and the expanded NOT complete score (disc 2) is the same as heard on the dvd's isolated score complete with edits and fades.

This of course is due to Trevor Jones lack of cooperation and refusal to provide those involved in the project with the original master tapes (the score as written for the film with no edits) which he has in his posession.

Click to expand...

Randy A Salas · May 4, 2003

Trivia bit: The Dark Crystal score was composed by Trevor Jones, but it was orchestrated by Peter Knight, who gained some fame as the orchestrator for the landmark Moody Blues album that combined an orchestra and rock band, 1967's Days of Future Passed (hit songs: Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon). If you listen carefully to the strings on The Dark Crystal, you can hear bits that are strongly reminiscent of the Moodies album's instrumental passages. The score bears a strong flavor of Knight's previous work.

DaViD Boulet · May 5, 2003

The Dark Crystal score was composed by Trevor Jones, but it was orchestrated by Peter Knight, who gained some fame as the orchestrator for the landmark Moody Blues album that combined an orchestra and rock band, 1967's Days of Future Passed (hit songs: Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon).

Randy, thanks for sharing that. YES I can hear exactly what you're talking about...that same "dark" character to the sound and arranging...

Click to expand...

Randy A Salas · May 5, 2003

Then I bought an "unofficial" CD which is void of surface noise (must have used a source other than the LP mother...maybe a master tape?)

At the time, a person familiar with that CD told me the source was the commercially released cassette tape with noise reduction.

Click to expand...

Matt Naglieri · May 5, 2003

tell me more. sounds interesting. Was there some sort of falling out between Jones and the Henson folks? Who is the party responsible for this new CD release? Please share any info you can...I'd love to know more.

Well I don't know much but it seemed as though Jones was interested in releasing the score on his own label but that never happened. The company involved (Numenorean Music) apparently offered Jones complete control over the project but he supposedly made many excuses like I have the tapes I will get them too you soon, I'm too busy to do anything now or I don't have them. While Jones does not own the music it seems he refused to hand it over and the only option would be to take him to court which was not worth it to the Henson company.

As a last resort it was decided to release what was available to them which is the original album and the edited music track from the film.

You can read a review of the cd here Soundtrack.net

Click to expand...

DaViD Boulet · May 5, 2003

Thanks for the info Matt.

I sent several letters to Henson company over the years requesting that this soundtrack be released on CD. I even got a response telling me to "hold onto my LP copies" as they had no plans to release the CD. Maybe in some small way I'm partly responsible for what we all have now to enjoy

Matt Naglieri · May 5, 2003

Just want to mention to anyone interested in ordering. Screen Archives has it available for $25. I have used them many times and it has been a 100% pleasent experience when dealing with the company. You can't get much better then this when ordering cd's online.

Bryan Tuck · May 6, 2003

Thanks for the responses. My 2-disc set just came in yesterday, and on the "complete film score" disc, the music for the end credits is completely intact as it was on the Disney tape/LD. I'm still confused; not a huge deal, but I was just wondering.

As for the CDs, it's unfortunate that Jones chose not to participate, but it's still a great release. The first disc sounds terrific, and the second disc does have the edits and fade-outs and -ins at the end of cues, but I haven't noticed any of the fades during cues that are present on the DVD isolated score. And even without the digital masters, the sound is just fine. Glad to finally have an official CD of this.

Matt Naglieri · May 6, 2003

Thanks for the responses. My 2-disc set just came in yesterday, and on the "complete film score" disc

It's not complete even though it says it is. It is still missing about 5 minutes. It is sadly a very common practice to label something as "complete" when it is not.

Click to expand...

Home Theater

Entertainment & Streaming Content

Physical Media

Home Theater Equipment and Hardware

Other Diversions

Bargains and Classifieds

Home Theater Forum

Archives

Dark Crystal VHS/LD/DVD question (1 Viewer)

Screenwriter

Supporting Actor

Supporting Actor

Second Unit

Supporting Actor

Screenwriter

Screenwriter

Second Unit

Second Unit

Screenwriter

Screenwriter

Second Unit

Second Unit

Screenwriter

Second Unit

Similar threads

Users who are viewing this thread

Sign up for our newsletter

and receive essential news, curated deals, and much more

Forum statistics