The other day, a short man with a thick neck came to my door, making me an offer I couldn't refuse. "Sign here, mac," he said.

God, I hate it when the UPS delivery guy shows up during Rosie O'Donnell.

This time, though, he came bearing a special package, containing The Godfather Trilogy: 30th Anniversary, a disc compiling some of the most memorable music from the triad of films into one 52-minute package. It does, though, leave me with an interesting dilemma: What would happen to me if I dared to give such a disc a bad review? Would I wake up with the head of the lead singer of Motley Crue next to me in bed? Would someone cut the brakes on my Saturn? Or, worst of all - would I be subject to a bombardment of flame mail?

Fortunately, I needn't have worried. This collection featuring renditions performed by The City Of Prague Philharmonic (Paul Bateman, conductor) is performed well and solidly constructed. While it's very much aimed for those who are familiar with the movies, even someone who has never seen even the original Godfather (like me) can appreciate the high quality of the compositions of Nino Rota, Carmine Coppola and Pietro Mascagni.

One question, though - why isn't more music from The Godfather - Part II featured? Of all three films, this one draws the short straw, with only four selections culled from its soundtrack. The music proves to be just as interesting as its brothers, and I would have had no problem with the producers of this disc expanding it to include more selections from this film.

If you've never seen the films, chances are you might not be able to place the specific music with its corresponding action. But the fact is the music is so much a part of the culture these days that it transcends the films the tracks come from, and can be enjoyed by everyone. You don't have to have seen The Godfather to appreciate "Love Theme From The Godfather," arguably the most recognizable piece of music from the trilogy.

Interestingly enough, while The Godfather - Part III endured some of the roughest reviews from film critics, its music proves to be the strongest of the group, followed a close second by the original Godfather. The two selections "Marcia Religiosa" and "Marcia Festa" following so close together symbolizes two sets of emotions at almost opposite poles, yet the transition between the two selections is nearly flawless.

All of this said, if you've loved The Godfather trilogy of films, then The Godfather Trilogy: 30th Anniversary is the kind of disc you'll want to keep at the ready. The diehard fan might find some holes with the track selection, and they might not be ready to slap the cement shoes on the original soundtracks and send them to sleep with the fishes. But all in all, these 17 songs do hit at the heart of the three films, capturing the magic of all three scores.

Rating: A-

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