"The music of Come See The Paradise is key to it's being an exceptional film. With out Edelman's music, it might have been a very different film. The music stayed with me long after the film ended and even now I play it quite often as background music. The music is never overpowering, it accents each scene in the film. Look at Jake leaving the compound after his father in law dies - masterful interposing of people, wide open desolation and music. Lily's theme will stay with you forever.This is an outstanding soundtrack for an movie that highlights a time in our history which is too frequently ignored. A must for any film soundtrack collection."
That theme...
Jason Farcone | Mukilteo, Wa USA | 09/05/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Track 2, titled "Fire in a Brooklyn Theater", is classic. I'm sure anybody and everybody who loves films would easily recognize this piece of brilliant music. No, Edelman isn't the best composer there ever was. But some of his themes are just so incredible that you must give the guy credit. Gettysburg, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Come See the Paradise, and Dragonheart (his best) all have hauntingly beautiful themes. Honestly, I have never heard a piece of music played more in trailers. It carries the same mood in all, but can fit with so many different images. Why, with this mesmerizing theme, do I give this score only 3 stars then? Simple, the cd isn't very good. I love every part of the score, and would give it an easy 4, maybe a 5... If it was strictly at least 30 minutes of score. Unfortunately, as other reviewers have said, there are many songs between the tracks (throughout the whole album). I don't mind songs, but these songs are simply bad. Oh well, can't win them all. If you get this cd, do it because you like the theme... If you don't breakdown with joy when hearing it, don't bother with the album, because there isn't a whole lot else here."
One track saves the entire CD
James Krishna | Sydney, New South Wales Australia | 10/17/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The only reason I got this soundtrack is because of the Track No.2. This specific piece of music is used in numerous film trailors. This piece is so dramatic and powerful. It isn't in the league of Hans Zimmer or Mark Mancina, but this is Randy Edelman's best piece so far. Buy it for this track only."
A beautiful soundtrack for a beautiful film
Paul S. Fish | Jamaica Plain, MA | 09/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Randy Edelman's score for "Come See The Paradise" is one of the most haunting and beautiful ones I've ever heard. "Fire In A Brooklyn Theater" is used in numerous trailers but it originated here. I love the fact that this soundtrack combines Edelman's music, Japanese standards, and 1930s - 1940s American standards. The only complaint I have is that Ronald Yamamoto's version of "Until The Real Thing Comes Along", which is featured heavily in the film, is not on the soundtrack. This is a rare gem."
The greatest trailer piece
Steven Pickles | Great Britain | 05/09/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this for track 2 only. I heard it from several trailers and spent over two years hunting it down even though I didn't even know the composer or where the piece came from. Now I have it's exceeded all my expectations. It's a truly dark emotional piece considering it's length. While the rest of the Cd doesn't live up to the 2nd track it is in my opinion well worth it just for that one piece. Buy it."