The eighth episode of SOUNDTRACK ALLEY here on CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO is a discussion between Erik Woods and Randy Andrews about the film and score to the 1986 James Cameron written and directed science fiction/action classic, ALIENS. It is the sequel to the 1979 science fiction horror film ALIEN. Set in the far future, the film stars Sigourney Weaver as Lieutenant Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of an alien attack on her ship. When communications are lost with a human colony on the moon on which her crew first encountered the alien creatures, Ripley agrees to return to the site with a troop of colonial marines to investigate. The film also stars features Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen, and Carrie Henn in supporting roles.
The original score for the film was composed and conducted by James Horner, performed by The London Symphony Orchestra and recorded by the legendary Eric Tomlinson. The original soundtrack recording was released on Varese Sarabande Records in 1986 and was expanded by the same label in 2001.
On the program you’ll hear Randy and Erik talk about various topics including when they first saw the film, its use of practical special effects, the production design, the sound design, how disrespected the music was in the film, accusations of Horner self-plagiarism, Horner’s ridiculously short composing schedule, writing “Bishop’s Countdown” essentially overnight, the use of “Resolution” in Die Hard, the “Alien Stinger”, a detailed breakdown of six essential cues from the score and much more.
If you are interested in our discussion on Jerry Goldsmith’s score to the first film in the series, ALIEN, then click HERE.
We hope you enjoy the discussion, and the music and if you have any questions about SOUNDTRACK ALLEY please email Randy directly.
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Cinematic Sound Radio Fanfare and Theme by David Coscina | Soundtrack Alley Theme by Alexander Schiebel | Bumper voice artist: Tim Burden
