A beautifully performed and recorded collection of some of
James Horner's best motion picture underscore work spread over two discs. While he is certainly derivative at times and has a severe tendency to recycle his own material as often as possible, there is no doubt that he can turn in a moving film score -- and easily adapt to romance, action, or grand ideas. The
Enya-esque Titanic score aside (only two sections are included here), this well-chosen double set includes selections from Braveheart, Apollo 13, Star Trek II, Battle Beyond the Stars (its essential thematic predecessor), and even Red Heat and Commando. Also sampled is another favorite
Horner score, The Rocketeer. ~ Steven McDonald