 |
Title |
| Destroy All Monsters |
| International Title |
| Destroy All Monsters |
| Music By: Akira Ifukube |
| Record Label: ADV
Music |
| |
 |
| Running Time: 39:49 |
Discs: 1 |
| Release: October 2003 |
CD Number: CD-004 |
|
| Comments |
 |
Anthony
Romero |
 |
|
|
Released by A.D.V. Films in 2003, this CD contains the near full soundtrack to Destroy All Monsters. In reality, its pretty much a US reissue of the Toshiba EMI / Futureland release of the same score in the 1990's (TYCY-5353). This includes track order and what's included, meaning both discs have pretty much the same experience for Akira Ifukube's good but somehow still a little middling score for this entry in the Godzilla series.
At this point in his career, Ifukube had already established a track record for reusing themes across films, which lets be fair is somewhat of a necessary evil when working the tight schedule he did. This movie is no exception, bringing back popular themes such as the one done for Rodan and King Ghidorah. The problem here is that while the compositions are similar, they are slower and more brooding, lacking the energy that they had in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) and Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965). In fact the whole score is a little on the slow side, which is surprising given the subject matter. A few themes do stand out, though, and while this isn't a highlight of the great composer's career it is an enjoyable score. So to highlight the good material, the new SY-3 theme, seen in tracks such as "SY-3 Sally" does feel at a home among Ifukube's other marches. Some other cues, such as the theme for Monster Land and his work on the short track "Ruins" also stand out positively.
In terms of this release in particular, it lacks the breadth of added content seen in the Perfect Collection release (G-009) that added an extra ten minutes to the run time, but casual fans who don't mind missing out on some subtle outtakes or alternate edits should be fine with this CD. Unfortunately, this disc went out of print fairly quickly and has become pretty rare to find today. It was later re-released as a two pack with the Destroy All Monsters DVD for the 50th Anniversary of Godzilla, although without the jewel case or packaging.
Overall, this particular Ifukube score, much like the movie itself, is a far cry from the cream of the crop. The score itself mostly lives in the shadow of some of the earlier, and better musical soundtracks in the series by the composer. It treads that middle of the road path of not really excelling, but being a decent overall listening experience.
Rating:  |
|
| Tracks |
- Toho Mark (Main Title)
- Title Credits
- Monster Land
- Moon Base I
- Unusual Change in Monster Land
- Moon Base II
- SY-3
- The Unmanned Underground Center
- The Kilaak Aliens I
- Monster Land Escape
- Unknown Metal
- Discovery of the Monster Control
- Rodan Come Flying
- Gigantic Monsters Attack Tokyo
- Missile Operation to Protect a Capital
- Ruins
- Godzilla, Anguirus vs. Defense Squad
- Rodan's Pursuit
- Kilaak Aliens II
- Moon Base and SY-3
- SY-3 Sally
- A Plunging Exploration Car
- Kilaak's Entity
- Break the Remote Control
- Monsters on the Earth Gather
- A Decisive Battle in Fuji I
- A Decisive Battle in Fuji II
- Destruction of the Underground Dome
- Fire Dragon Pursuit
- Ending
|
|
