Apollo 13

Soundtrack

MCA Records, 1995

REVIEW BY: Tom Lancing

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 02/26/1999

As long as I can remember I have always been interested in space. As an avid supporter of the space program and a FAA licensed pilot, the movie Apollo 13 grabbed my attention immediately. The story for Apollo 13 was written by James Lovell in his book "Lost Moon". And like everybody says, "The book is better than the movie." This is true for Apollo 13, but the movie is an accurate representation of the book. The soundtrack created for the movie is an incredible mix of songs from the time and a beautifully written score.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

The disk contains hits from Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, The Young Rascals, and a personal favorite.... Norman Greenbaum singing "Spirit In The Sky". Less known tracks are included on the disk, like a version of "Blue Moon" performed by the Mavericks. I have to be honest and tell you that I really do not like it. It just seems too hokey and fake. Hank Williams is also found on the soundtrack with "Honky Tonkin'". I never cared for country, so that one is painful for me to listen to. Sorry!

As for the score, I think it is incredible. James Horner has composed numerous beautiful tracks. I love his use of the strings, combined with kettle drums and chimes. The horns are never too overpowering and often assist in the changing of scenes and mood. He has done his job masterfully.

It was when I put the movie in my VCR for the first time in almost a year and had the surround sound working that convinced me to review the soundtrack. I was almost blown out of my seat. If you have surround sound, you have got to fire it up for the movie. It will definitely have an impact on you.

Apollo 13 also contains voice drops from some of the stars of the movie like Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and even Walter Cronkite. It adds some nice elements to the soundtrack and lets you remember where you are in the movie.

Now, for my only complaint. "Houston we have a problem..." Now, this may seem like I am being picky..... the numbers on the back of the CD case do not line up with the number on your CD player. For example, if you wanted to listen to the song "Blue Moon" the CD case tells you it is number 13. But to your CD player number 13 is actually "Master Alarm". I find the error annoying and troublesome. I have learned to live with it, but for others it my cause some problems. Not everyone is a big nerd like me and has the whole thing memorized.

As a whole, the sound track is an excellent one. My only complaint was a minor one. I recommend this movie and soundtrack to everyone who loves an emotionally exciting experience.

Rating: A-

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© 1999 Tom Lancing and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of MCA Records, and is used for informational purposes only.