Close Encounters Of The Third Kind Soundtrack Collector's Edition CD
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind Collector’s Edition Movie Soundtrack.
1977, Columbia.
John Williams.
Arista, CD, 1998, 07822-19004-2
Rating: 
Despite being known for its enduring five note alien greeting, and the tacky disco version included on the original soundtrack album, ‘Close Encounters’ remains a slow-burner when compared to many of John Williams’ blockbuster scores. In some ways this is a good thing; Williams has been accused of being too populist and obvious. Still, fans of Williams’ work for ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ and ‘Jaws’ may find this harder going, largely because the first segment of the film concerns itself with the suggestion, rather than the reality, of alien life, resulting in a score that rings with dissonance and atonality. While this may work in the film, in a stand-alone score it is an obstacle that may put the more casual listener off. The second half presents more definite findings, including some strong action segments, interpolated with suspense cues. The strongest parts of the score however remain ‘Let There Be Light’, in which Williams builds up to a striking opening statement, similar to that of Bernard Herrmann’s ‘Cape Fear’ and the closing suite, including an end title sequence not used in the film. While there may have been a stronger case for leaving out some of the less effective earlier cues in favour of a more concise experience, this Special Edition at least gives the listener value for money; for those who want the choice cuts however, one of John Williams’ own re-recorded suites from the film would provide the essential elements without the, sometimes unnecessary extras.
Close Encounters Of The third Kind Special Edition Movie Soundtrack.
Review: Tim Mowbray.
Track Listing:
1. Opening : Let There Be Light.
2. Navy Planes.
3. Lost Squadron.
4. Roys First Encounter.
5. Encounter At Crecendo Summit.
6. Chasing U.F.O.s.
7. False Alarm.
8. Barrys Kidnapping.
9. The Cover-Up.
10. Stars And Trucks.
11. Forming The Mountain.
12. T.V. Reveals.
13. Roy And Gillian On The Road.
14. The Mountain.
15. Who Are You People?
16. The Escape.
17. The Escape (Alternate Cue).
18. Trucking.
19. Climbing The Mountain.
20. Outstretch Hands.
21. Lightshow.
22. Barnstorming.
23. The Mothership.
24. Wild Signals.
25. The Returnees.
26. The Visitors / Bye / End Titles : The Special Edition.
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