Music from the Transformers Trilogy by London Music Works - Review

Reinterpricons!
Review by Richard Buxton

The music of the TRANSFORMERS trilogy is probably not what one might expect to be given a re-recording and compilation treatment, especially seeing as the final part of MICHAEL BAY’S trilogy is merely months old. Yet here is LONDON MUSIC WORKS own interpretation of JABLONSKY’S music for the trilogy.

MUSIC FROM THE TRANSFORMERS TRILOGY consists 17 tracks in total, and those who have followed JABLONSKY’S work in the series will immediately notice that the tracks chosen are certainly the highlights of the three films’ musical offering. This is perhaps the greatest incentive for anyone deliberating over whether to purchase the album. The compilation stands as a useful overview of the music across the three films, enabling listeners to hear the high points and providing assistance in generating an overall opinion of JABLONSKY’S work should one be needed before taking the plunge into the trilogy’s individual soundtracks. Therefore it comes as no surprise that this album is perhaps unsuitable for those who have already experienced the previous three score albums in great detail. As pleasant as the recordings on the album are, they offer very little beyond JABLONSKY’S original recordings and are subsequently a concrete recommendation only for the most devout of Transformers music fans.

One of the pitfalls of re-recordings in film music is the failure to live up to the original. The recent release of HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY is an example of the reinterpreting of a strongly established original musical journey that brings with it legions of dedicated fans. Such was the strength and iconic nature of the HALO score; it was always going to be difficult to live up to the original. This is not the case for MUSIC FROM THE TRANSFORMERS TRILOGY however. There are distinctive differences that are immediately noticeable, but the orchestral performances on offer are consistently sufficient in resurrecting vivid mental images of the Autobot’s clashes with the Decepticons.

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Soundtrack) by Steve Jablonsky (Review)

Less Than Meets the Ear
Review by Richard Buxton

Third time lucky for MICHAEL BAY and his not-so disguised robots? Box-office figures say yes, critics suggest other however, not that the series was in need of any luck. With DARK OF THE MOON comes the end of MICHAEL BAY’S role as director, rounding out a heavily divisive trilogy of a series that will undoubtedly be extended into the future for as long as Paramount can squeeze a few extra bucks out of it. Needless to say, DARK OF THE MOON’S predecessor REVENGE OF THE FALLEN was far from a classic, and is arguably the embodiment of Hollywood’s innovation and originality famine that shows no signs of ending. As long as the money keeps flowing, things are unlikely to change, leaving audiences with a choice of either seeking out pastures new or embracing the likes of the TRANSFORMERS movies in the hope that they can offer a satisfying distraction.

DARK OF THE MOON, like REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, is a strikingly lengthy distraction running at 154 minutes long and one that largely consists of inconsequential filler that drags the film by the scruff of the neck towards the next, admittedly visually stunning, action sequence. There is certainly a lot of opportunity for STEVE JABLONSKY to finally let loose here, and ever so occasionally he does to great effect. Yet this effect is frequently diminished by an overall lack of coherence thematically and structurally.

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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Video Game Music by Julien-K

We all know the sequel to TRANSFORMERS is coming this Summer, but did you know that there is follow-up game tie-in as well? The game, TRANSFORMERS, did not get a very warm reception, but that hasn't stopped Activision from announcing that the TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN video game is coming as well. Along with the big, blockbusting film, we'll get the game sometime in June.

Now, STEVE JABLONSKY's score for TRANSFORMERS has become one of the most collectible scores in the last couple of years and remains popular among the Remote Controllers. It would stand to reason that utilizing his music for the game might be a good option. Seeing that he has experience in the world of video game scoring (Command & Conquer, Gears of War 2) too, it would also seem feasible to have him write some a couple of pieces specifically for game too. Instead that honor goes to the electronica/industrial group, JULIEN-K, who had a song featured in the TRANSFORMERS movie.

We'll see (or hear) how this all works out. You can find out more about the group here at Plugin Music, but you can check out the teaser trailer for the game below.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Teaser

If you don't want to wait for its release during the SUPER BOWL today, that take a gander at what MICHAEL BAY and company have in store for us this year. All I can say is, "Oh My!" And I mean that in a good way. STEVE JABLONSKY will have come through again to match the insanity of these visuals! Make sure you pre-order your soundtrack now...so you too can capitalize on its scarcity 6 months later. ;)

Music from Transformers introduces the Lakers at NBA Finals Game 4

What was that music used during the introduction of the LOS ANGELES LAKERS before the start of Game 4 of the NBA Finals? That was none other than STEVE JABLONSKY'S score from last year's TRANSFORMERS. The cue used was "Autobots," so guess who that makes the BOSTON CELTICS.

If the Lakers have any shot at winning this...they better also adopt the Witwicky motto, "No Sacrifice, No Victory!"


If you are dying for it, you can get the soundtrack here!


or Download the Album from AmazonMp3

Transformers (Score) by Steven Jablonsky

“Transformers” Rolls Out!
Review by Steve Townsley

I was thinking of titling this piece “Jablonsky Lights Our Darkest Hour”, but the heavy-handed esoteric reference combined with the implications on the state of film entertainment seemed a little too much (especially when it refers to a Michael Bay film.) But even that trumped my other title, “Film Score is the Right of All Sentient Beings”….even if it feels true, from time to time.

Well, as a giant-robot loving kid, growing up, you never thought it would happen, but here it is: “TRANSFORMERS” – the live-action movie. And was it everything you dreamed it would be? Hmm…well, maybe not *entirely*, but HOLY FREAKIN’ COW, it was pretty cool regardless. Ok, so our human hero is “Sam” and not “Spike”, his girlfriend is “Mikaela” and not “Carly”…and it’s now the “All-Spark”, and not “The Matrix” (lest we wonder why Laurence Fishburne doesn’t put in an appearance.)

The animated version killed Optimus Prime, and it’s a little hard to not get nostalgic when listening to Vince DiCola’s “Death of Optimus Prime” on the 1985 soundtrack album. The 2007 version brought him back to life, though, and that’s evident from the first knock-out track. The goosebumps will rise when you hear the power anthem for “Autobots” building. Chilling, also, is the almost anti-demonic choir of “Decepticons”, which is appropriate in its relentless ominous pulse!

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Two TRANSFORMERS sequels in the works?

EVEN MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE?

According to a story posted by DIGITALSPY back in May 2007, there may be two sequels coming for the new TRANSFORMERS franchise. Perhaps by the release of the sequels Steve Jablonsky's score from the FIRST movie will actually be made available.

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"Studio bosses have given early approval for two sequels to the Transformers remake due out in July.Director Michael Bay has also told how his version of the 1980s cartoon classic is heavy on the special effects and has cost some £50 million. "

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