Pamela N. from FOUNTAIN HLS, AZ Reviewed on 2/8/2011...
Love the music. OPne of Vangelis' best
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Don R. from DENVER, CO Reviewed on 8/11/2009...
This is an excellent CD by Vangelis. Among the top 5 in my opinion. Great electronin music with a symphonic flare.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
"Antarctica" is at Least Equal to "Chariots of Fire"
David Thomson | Houston, TX USA | 03/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music from "Chariots of Fire" is world famous. Unfortunately, few people are aware of "Antarctica," a composition at least equally fantastic. A previous community reviewer says the 1983 movie is mediocre. Was this film a documentary or work of fiction? I can't seem to find any information whatsoever. Thus, it's a safe bet that Koreyoshi Kurahara's movie was not worthy of such incredibly beautiful music. I probably listen to this sound track at least ten hours each month. Vangelis has created a masterpiece that readily conveys the austere coldness of Antarctica's vast and silent wilderness. Tracks 3, 5. & 7 are especially magnificent. One readily imagines heroes facing overwhelming obstacles and dangers.The Academy Award voting members disgrace themselves when ignoring work deserving of honor merely because the overall movie failed. This is a scandal that should not be tolerated, but it is probably best not to hold one's breath waiting for change. Nonetheless, the disgraceful behavior of the Hollywood elite does not prevent the reader from purchasing a copy. You will most assuredly find "Antarctica" a worthy addition to your film score collection."
A Mystical Voyage To A Vast And Haunting Land Of Ice And Sno
Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 01/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vangelis' soundtrack to Koreyoshi Kurahara's seldom seen and all but forgotten '84 film 'Antarctica' is one of the true undiscovered classics of the last twenty years. Possibly second only to his highly acclaimed 'Chariots of Fire' masterpiece, 'Antarctica eludes to a less emotional, more remote musical experience.
Vangelis' ethereal soundtrack masterfully transports the listener to a barren, yet exquistely beautiful soundscape that superbly captures the sense of isolation and loneliness of this vast, frozen continent. The pieces are haunting, mystical, yet surprisingly peaceful instead of disquieting. Without a doubt this is one of my all-time favorite CD's."
An Unappreciated Musical Gem
Steve Cauley | Port Isabel, Texas | 12/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is probably one of Vangelis' least known and least appreciated musical sountracks. How many people have even heard of this movie? Yet it perfectly captures the "sound" of the icy continent of Antarctica. I haven't seen the movie, but like any good score, just listening to the music paints a picture in my mind. Although the music is completely electronic (the synthesizer was still a bit of a novelity at the time), it isn't too techno sounding. It is very reminiscent of Chariots of Fire, only more ethereal. I highly recommend it to round out the perfect collection of instrumental music."
An evocative journey into the beauty of a frozen wasteland
T. L. Rylands | Atlanta, GA | 01/29/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This soundtrack to the little known Japanese documentary about sled dogs left behind to fend for themselves is one of my favorite CDs. I have the vinyl album as well from when it first came out. The movie was shown on HBO at obscure times, and someone taped it for me. It's true that the movie itself lacks a great deal, but you'll never forget Vangelis' haunting music. As a composer, Vangelis has clearly grown and expanded since he did this. But you can tell even here that his ear for melodic beauty and simplicity is ever present. Either you have it or you don't, and Vangelis has it in spades. The music evokes the contrasts of this frozen wasteland: bitter cold, icy landscapes, moments of intense beauty amid the stark isolation. If you're a fan of Vangelis' much more famous Chariots of Fire (as I was as a teen), you'll like this even more. I never tire of listening to it."
Vangelis at his best...again
madwolf@home.com | USA | 08/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vangelis has produced a huge body of work. Some of it to this day still exceeds quality and production...this being one of them.Written for a documentary film, this music truly fills the void in any gaps that the film may have had. In short, it perfectly fits the white icy world which the film may or may not have intended.The opening track sounds a bit ominous as we can almost envision a swirling snowstorm in the Antarctic. The rest is just pure gravy.
Truly a masterpiece, this is one piece of work that every Vangelis fan should enjoy. Originally only issued in Japan (a copy which I procured through pain staking efforts) this gem is now widely available and I suggest to any listerner to get this while it's out there. You will not be disappointed."