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Gods & Generals [Limited Edition w/...
Stars:
Robert Duvall, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, Mira Sorvino, Kevin Conway, C. Thomas
Howell, and Frankie Faison
Writer:
Ronald E. Maxwell
Based
On The Novel By: Jeffrey M. Shaara
Director:
Ronald E. Maxwell
Music
Composed By: John Frizzell And Randy Edelman
Featuring
Songs By Bob Dylan and Mary Fahl
Limited
Edition Bonus DVD Extras: Music Videos, Bonus Scenes, and the Theatrical Trailer
Soundtrack
Languages: English Stereo Sound
DVD
Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Pro Logic Surround
Sound, and Dolby Stereo Sound
Subtitles:
N/A
Packaging:
Single Sized Two-CD Jewel Case
Song
Tracks: 19
Sound:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound, and Dolby
Stereo Sound
Year
of Theatrical Release: 2003/CD/DVD Release: 2003
Theatrical
Distributor: Ted Turner Pictures
Soundtrack
Distributor: Sony Classical Music
MPAA
Rating: Unavailable At Time Of Review
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
I
wish more record companies would release soundtrack CDs the way Sony Classical
Music has released the soundtrack for the upcoming theatrical release of “God
And Generals,” the prequel to the acclaimed film “Gettysburg.” Author
Jeffrey M. Shaara wrote the novels that provided the source materials for both
films and Writer and Director Ronald E. Maxwell is back for a second time at the
helm. Stephen Lang, C. Thomas Howell, and Jeff Daniels also reprise their roles
for the prequel while Robert Duvall steps in for Martin Sheen this time as
“General Robert E. Lee.”
I
think “Gettysburg” was one of the best civil war dramatizations ever put on
celluloid and the anticipations and expectations for the prequel “Gods And
Generals” are very high. While I have not yet screened the feature film, which
opens nationwide on Friday, February 21, 2003, to give it a formal review, from
what I have read, listened, and watched on the limited edition bonus DVD that
comes enclosed within the single sized, double disc CD jewel case, I think the
film will be very impressive with great detail being paid to the fine details.
“God And Generals” covers the events leading up to the American Civil War
and through it up to the battle of Gettysburg, which was dramatized in the
original feature film adaptation and is available on DVD-Video now from Warner
Home Video.
Much
if not all of the music for the film is based on authentic 19th
century sheet music that has never before been recorded and made available to
the general public. In fact the bonus scenes included on the DVD highlight a
selection of the music recreated for the film and these scenes included on the
bonus DVD are not in the theatrical cut so it is like getting an advanced peak
at deleted scenes long before the eventual DVD-Video release comes out and even
then who knows if these scenes will be included when “Gods And Generals”
finally makes its home video debut.
The
score by John Frizzell And Randy Edelman is nothing short of breathtaking and
beautiful. I have already listened to the CD a couple of times and find the
music both peaceful and inspiring. The tracks included on the CD are as follows:
1.
Going Home - Mary Fahl – (4:46)
2. Gods & Generals – (3:42)
3. You Must Not Worry For Us – (2:09)
4. Loved I
Not Honor More – (3:13)
5. Lexington Is My Home – (1:23)
6. The School Of The Soldier – (3:58)
7. Go To Their Graves Like Beds –(2:24)
8. My Heart Shall Not Fear – (1:24)
9. These Brave Irishmen – (2:51)
10. To The Stone Wall – (3:41)
11. You'll Thank Me In The Morning – (3:20)
12. The First Crop Of Corn – (3:76)
13. My Home Is Virginia – (4:24)
14. No Photographs – (2:54)
15. VMI Will Be Heard From Today – (2:42)
16. Too Much Sugar – (1:56)
17. Let Us Cross The River – (2:48)
18. The Soldier's Return – (2:02)
19. Cross The Green Mountain - Bob Dylan (8:12)
Lyrics for
“Going Home” and liner notes by the director are within the insert inside
the jewel case. The limited edition bonus DVD features a letterboxed (1.85:1)
music video for the Bob Dylan Song “Cross The Green Mountain” (3:10) and a
letterboxed (2.35:1) music video for Mary Fahl’s “Coming Home” (3:53).
Both music videos feature scenes from the film and are presented with English
Dolby Stereo Sound.
There are six
deleted scenes presented in a letterboxed (2.35:1) aspect ratio with a full
English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Soundtrack. These scenes highlight authentic
music and songs of the era and are detailed as follows:
Kathleen Mavouree – Fanny and Joshua L., Chamberlain, Maine, Spring, 1861 – (3:30)
Song Of The Rebel Irish – Confederate Encampment Virginia, April, 1861 – (2:16)
Steal Away – Confederate Encampment Fredericksburg, VA, December, 1862 – (2:46)
Boys Of The Irish Brigade – Streets Of Fredericksburg, VA, December, 1862 – (1:21)
Lead Us Heavenly Father – Anna Jackson And Joseph Morrison VA, May, 1863 – (1:41)
Upon The Heights Of Alma – Irish Brigade Marye’s Heights Fredericksburg, VA, December, 1862 – (: 41)
The theatrical trailer (1:46) is presented in a letterboxed (2.35:1) aspect ratio with English Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound and wraps up the extra features included on the limited edition bonus DVD included within the “Gods And Generals: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack jewel case.
An excellent soundtrack made better with the bonus DVD extras, “Gods And Generals: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” will debut at retailers on and offline on Tuesday, February 4, 2003 from Sony Classical Music.
© Copyright 2003
By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.
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