'Patton' soundtrack review

This new two-disc "Patton" is another landmark salvage job by Oakland label Intrada, bringing back the soundtrack of the war classic that won seven Oscars. Although he was nominated but did not win, composer Jerry Goldsmith created a military score that remains one of the most imaginative of its kind, riveting and haunting. Goldsmith uses an echoey refrain for "The Cemetery" that is repeated throughout. Underlying the march and battle themes is a sense that Goldsmith is capturing the inner battles of the general - his strange belief in reincarnation, his religious spirit and his sense of being a gallant warrior destined for history and heroism. And always the grimness and cost of war eat away at us. Disc 1 is the complete original theatrical soundtrack with an "Echoplex Session" bonus. Disc 2 is a rerelease of the original 1970 LP from 20th Century Fox that was recorded by Goldsmith in London after the film's release, filled with experimental variations. Included is Scott's pre-title speech (still shocking and hilarious) and his less dramatic speech over the end credits. A 16-page booklet outlines the turbulent history of the film's making.

PATTON: THE COMPLETE MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

INTRADA

$19.99

This article appeared on page Q - 39 of the San Francisco Chronicle