Which version of LOTR scores to buy?

[Bellosh 3,398]

I'm finally looking into getting into the scores of these three movies.

Should I be going straight for the "Complete Recordings" or the OSTs.

I was looking at Amazon, and I don't really mind the prices of the "Complete..." but I didn't know what was the smarter buy.

Also..."The Ring Goes South," I assume that track is on the "Complete Recordings" but I didn't see it on the tracklisting on Amazon...if it is, all the better I guess.

*was going to post this in the Quick Question thread, but saw this thread on the first page.

Thanks for any help!

[Wojo 2,453]

Most of the track names on the OST's go out the window on the Complete Recordings because they are integrated into longer, more cohesive tracks than those on the OST's, which are often edited as a hodgepodge from all over the place.

If you're looking for just three discs' worth, get the OST's. If you can afford them and are attracted to the idea of a ten-disc set, the Complete Recordings are worth the investment. Those of us who started with the OST's did so...because that's all that existed at the time.

The OST's do offer music and takes that are different on the CR, but I wouldn't know how to tell you to edit the CR's with the OST's to make a Complete-r Complete Recordings set.

Because I haven't touched the OST's since buying the CR, I had to hop onto YouTube to find (a badly hissy copy of) "The Ring Goes South." This is edited from the longer track "Gilraen's Memorial" that appears in the CR, which accompanies the Company's departure from Imladris. As the first big "money shot" of the saga, when the entire Fellowship appears walking over a ridge, it had to be there.

[Bellosh 3,398]

Most of the track names on the OST's go out the window on the Complete Recordings because they are integrated into longer, more cohesive tracks than those on the OST's, which are often edited as a hodgepodge from all over the place.

If you're looking for just three discs' worth, get the OST's. If you can afford them and are attracted to the idea of a ten-disc set, the Complete Recordings are worth the investment. Those of us who started with the OST's did so...because that's all that existed at the time.

The OST's do offer music and takes that are different on the CR, but I wouldn't know how to tell you to edit the CR's with the OST's to make a Complete-r Complete Recordings set.

Because I haven't touched the OST's since buying the CR, I had to hop onto YouTube to find (a badly hissy copy of) "The Ring Goes South." This is edited from the longer track "Gilraen's Memorial" that appears in the CR, which accompanies the Company's departure from Imladris. As the first big "money shot" of the saga, when the entire Fellowship appears walking over a ridge, it had to be there.

Awesome, thanks, Wojo!

My fear was that I would end up wanting more and thus spending more money. I'll most likely get the Complete Recordings.

And yeah, I knew "The Ring Goes South" was on the CR I just didn't know what track it was apart of. I figured their were a bunch of tracks that were just edited down. I should've said that in my post.

But man, I've put off getting "into" these for soo long, the time has finally come...

[Richard Penna 3,674]

(oops, Wojo already replied...)

Depends whether you want the entire scores basically.

The OSTs are wonderfully constructed and flow very well, but they miss a lot of good material. The CRs flow a little less well (any score has inevitable dead spots) but they have everything Shore recorded for the films and, for FotR, slightly better sound quality (the mix for the FotR OST was a bit muddy).

[Charlie Brigden 7]

Perhaps also because we got the OSTs first, some tracks on those are preferable to the CRs amongst some of us. For instance, my preferred edit of the FOTR score will always begin with 'The Prophecy'.

Perhaps if CD quality is not desired, buy the CRs and download any preferable tracks from iTunes etc.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Richard Penna 3,674]

It's mainly RotK. It's such a long score that a few bits don't do much for me (but I'm talking 20 second stretches in an otherwise great cue). The inserts in the opening track make it a bit less smooth compared to the OST counterpart, for example.

[John Crichton 4]

Whenever I listen to LotR it does not feel like 10 discs at all. The whole thing flows so well, it's just a joy start to finish.

[Demondm810 399]

The complete Recordings are fantastic. The horns in the cue "Give Up The Halfling" are unbelieveble.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Marian Schedenig 8,176]

I like to get out the ROTK OST album occasionally, mostly for the superior Lighting of the Beacons.

[Charlie Brigden 7]

I prefer the OST version of the final part of the ROTK end credits.

[Jay 37,317]

On 10/12/2010 at 5:19 PM, BloodBoal said:

Agreed concerning A Storm Is Coming and Roots and Beginnings. And agreed that some tracks drag on a little (such as Shelob's Lair). But for a four hours score, ROTK has relatively few dead spots.

 

I find that FOTR has almost no dead spots (mainly just the Gilraen's Memorial part of the Gilraen's Memorial track, and the Wood Elves music), TTT has slightly more (all the Arwen/Evanstar stuff), and ROTK has the most (for me personally, anyway).

 

I also feel the same way about the films: FOTR is perfectly edited and paced... TTT is mostly well made until the few parts that drag.... and ROTK is bloated, with too many scenes not edited as sharply, and too many sequences that didn't need to be in there.

 

I still LOVE all 3 films and scores.... just have preferences from within the greatness

[Bellosh 3,398]

Well I've got all the complete recordings, (kidneys still intact ) and I must say, the Fellowship of the Ring is in my top 5 albums of all time so far. It's perfect. I have only listened to the "juicy" tracks of TTT or ROTK, and they are fantastic, but right now, I'm trying to get a full grip on FOTR. Every time I do try to move on to the other two, I go right back for FOTR. But alas, I will at some point get on to TTT and when I do, I assure it will be just as amazing.

Also, 3.16 in 'Khazad-Dum' has currently edged out the part in Raider's 'The German Sub/To the Nazi Hideout' for my favorite BOMBASTIC use of a main theme. I never thought I would utter (or type) those words.

I can't see myself listening to anything other than these cds for a few months.

[Jay 37,317]

I think FOTR is the best of the three as well. If I've listened to it 100 times, I've listened to TTT 70 times and ROTK 30 times

[Faleel 5,340]

TTT has the best war music, ROTK has alot of good atmospheric tracks, FOTR is just awesome, overall i have to say LOTR has alot of good "mourning/sad" music

[Bellosh 3,398]

I think FOTR is the best of the three as well. If I've listened to it 100 times, I've listened to TTT 70 times and ROTK 30 times

This reminded me of that trash scene in Clerks 2.

[Jay 37,317]

What was that scene again?

[Bellosh 3,398]

The customer and the kid going back and forth on how many times they've seen the movies. "3 for Fellowship, 2 for Towers....5 for Return."

Randall bashing the LOTR films. Tasteless stuff from Kevin Smith (not sure if you've seen his stand up bid on it) The innocents on the Death Star was genious, though. (trying not to derail this thread.)

[Luke Skywalker 1,793]

Also, 3.16 in 'Khazad-Dum' has currently edged out the part in Raider's 'The German Sub/To the Nazi Hideout' for my favorite BOMBASTIC use of a main theme. I never thought I would utter (or type) those words.

i prefer the three hunters.

anyway all big statement's of the felloship theme are too similar for my tastes. I would have prefered more diverse orchestrations.

but that is just me, i know.

[Bellosh 3,398]

Also, 3.16 in 'Khazad-Dum' has currently edged out the part in Raider's 'The German Sub/To the Nazi Hideout' for my favorite BOMBASTIC use of a main theme. I never thought I would utter (or type) those words.

i prefer the three hunters.

anyway all big statement's of the felloship theme are too similar for my tastes. I would have prefered more diverse orchestrations.

but that is just me, i know.

More towards the reason why I love it so much is that it's the first time in the film that they are "separated" and when Aragorn and Frodo join back with them, the combination of that statement and the shot of them running down the ruins while everything crumbles just amazes me. It's just so damn heroic sounding.

The statement at the end of 'Balin's Tomb" with the emphasis on the strings is also nice rendition. But I do agree to an extent as to what you said.

[Jay 37,317]

Yea, the huge bombastic statement as they run down the stairs with everything crumbling is outstanding. And to think that whole sequence wasn't even in the script!

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Charlie Brigden 7]

I'll say 'For Frodo', thanks.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Faleel 5,340]

are you talking about the Fellowship theme statement that is basicly lifted from The Grace of Undomiel?

though my favourite statement would have to be either Journey to Rivendell or Death of Haldir

[Incanus 5,713]

I'll say 'For Frodo', thanks.

Yeap, it does not get any grander than that. A spine tingling moment.

[Luke Skywalker 1,793]

Mmmm is a great variation, but IMO, the true version of the theme is unchoral.

I mean, like the military force theme in boys into battle is cool, but the 'real' version is binary sunset.

[Quintus 5,399]

Mine would have to be "to the bridge of Khazad-Dûm", followed by "For Frodo".

The statement which ends the Council of Elrond ain't too shabby either.

[Faleel 5,340]

i just remembered my favourite version would have to be in concerning hobbits

[Red 75]

I've always loved the fellowship theme's statement at Boromir's death. It works just as well in the somber, reflective note as it does in the bombast.

[Quintus 5,399]

i just remembered my favourite version would have to be in concerning hobbits

You mean the Sam and Frodo/Shire theme?

[Faleel 5,340]

no its the fellowship theme, when bilbo is narrating about hobbits i cant remember the true track name but its right after the fade from the map

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[crocodile 7,988]

The iconic statement from Balin's Tomb. I also like the version from The Breaking of the Fellowship, The Three Hunters and For Frodo.

Karol