Battle Beyond the Stars / Humanoids from the Deep

There was a time that I had the bootleg of James Horner's much beloved Battle Beyond the Stars in my possession. Now that is luckily history. The sad thing about that bootleg was that is was a downloaded version of the internet, and ironically 2 tracks weren't fully complete when I downloaded them ("Cowboy and the Jackers" and "Love Theme"). Realizing now that these two tracks insert even more magic to the whole score makes this specific CD release a dream come true for any lover of good old fantasy music. And for the fun, we receive Humanoids from the Deep along with it, an equally early entry in Horner's horror list of movie scores.

Now let's talk a little bit about Battle first. Why do people enjoy the earlier scores of James Horner so much more than the latter ones? Why are the newer releases more controversial than those he composed in the early days? Well, those early releases were also controversial but people simply didn't mind because they were so good to listen to. Horner in classic outer space resulted in some of the best efforts of his entire career, Apollo 13, Aliens, Star Trek II and III, Krull and this Battle Beyond the Stars. Of course the score is equally controversial than the other ones but I as many persons will instantly say: "Who Cares", even if it takes you to other titles such as Krull, Star Trek II and let's not forget Star Trek: The Motion Picture of Jerry Goldsmith.

What distinguishes Battle Beyond the Stars from the others or what makes this one just so special is noticeable in several moments. It has the pace of Krull, the magic and style of Star Trek II and the use of some well known sounds of The Motion Picture. But as said before we don't care as listener because Horner still delivers the goods in full fashion with an excellent main theme, love theme and some rousing adventurous music.

Worth remembering are "Main Title" and "Epilogue and End Titles" for their main theme performance, "Malmori Rear Guard" for its resemblance to Goldsmith's The Motion Picture and "The Battle Begins", "Cowboy and the Jackers", "The Maze Battle", "Shad's Pursuit", "Cowboy's Attack", "Love Theme", "Heading for Sador" and "Destruction of Hammerhead" simply because they are fun cues.

I'm pretty sure that at the end of the score, the 62 players of the orchestra were about to faint because the rhythm is downright amazing. Especially at the end of the last track the notes sound out of tone or misplayed, which is basically the only thing I can think of that is bad of Battle Beyond the Stars, namely the performance of the orchestra which Horner no doubt already mentioned by now. Strangely enough they offer a personality of their own that makes it unique.

Well if Battle was reaching the limits of Star Wars and Star Trek in picture as sound, then what the hell is Humanoids from the Deep trying to recreate? Call it Aliens floating around in a pool of water while the one big boob after the other emerges on the screen. Corman's production was known for its Bimbos, Boobs and Beasts formula (recording to the liner notes) and while it wasn't good, Horner at least was again on board on a movie that people no doubt would see.

Surely this isn't as good as Battle. Horror efforts are always better at accompanying the movie itself. And while there are some moments to remember, it doesn't hold its ground overall. Especially the main theme is deeply influenced by Jerry Goldsmith's Alien, this in "Main Title", "Unwelcome Visitor" and "End Title". Unbelievable really, a young composer will take any opportunity he gets in movie scoring and will create what the producer and director want of sound, Corman wanted Alien influences. Now Horner is hated for using his influences of other scores, namely his. Small world. Furthermore, there are similarities between Battle and Humanoids while others will mention Aliens as well (where the horror sound would truly flourish later on).

It is a horror soundtrack with its usual quieter parts ("Jerry and Peggy"), but it remains the clang of the orchestra that needs the most attention. And even if Horner is inventive in the instrumentation (bells and the blaster beam), it is still the weaker score of the entire soundtrack.

Of course, getting two early scores of Horner, with the main portion being Battle Beyond the Stars, no fan will be sorrowful for the inclusion of the Humanoids from the Deep selection. In fact, they will especially thank GNP Crescendo for its welcome release and for the wonderful presentation of the booklet. With 76 minutes you receive everything a die hard fan wants. Because Horner like this you just don't hear anymore today.

Battle Beyond the Stars: ****
Humanoids from the Deep: **1/2

Tracklisting

Battle Beyond the Stars
1. Main Title (2.00) Excellent track
2. Malmori Rear Guard (3.52)
3. The Battle Begins (4.33) Excellent track
4. Nanelia and Shad (1.27)
5. Cowboy and the Jackers (3.36) Excellent track
6. Nanelia's Capture (1.29)
7. The Maze Battle (3.11)
8. Shad's Pursuit (3.23)
9. Cowboy's Attack (1.45)
10. Love Theme (3.52)
11. The Hunter (1.40)
12. Gelt's Death (1.30)
13. Nanelia (1.32)
14. Heading for Sador (0.59)
15. Destruction of Hammerhead (2.36)
16. Epilogue and End Title (5.03) Excellent track

Total Length: 42.28

Humanoids from the Deep
17. Main Title (2.27)
18. The Buck - O (3.45)
19. Unwelcome Visitor (2.02)
20. Night Swim (1.47)
21. Jerry and Peggy (0.57)
22. Trip Upriver (1.58)
23. The Humanoids Attack (2.54)
24. Jerry's Death (2.04)
25. Search for Clues (1.56)
26. Strange Catch (1.07)
27. The Grotto (3.22)
28. Night Prowlers (2.08)
29. Final Confrontation (3.04)
30. Aftermath and New Birth (2.22)
31. End Title (2.12)

Total Length: 34.06