Lifeforce
Intrada Special Collection Volume ISC 481

In 1985, composer Henry Mancini was able to return to his roots. The composer, most famous for his light, pop melodies like 'The Pink Panther' and 'Breakfast at Tiffanys,' got his start scoring Universal B sci-fi and horror films in the '50s.

In 1985, composer Henry Mancini was able to return to his roots. The composer, most famous for his light, pop melodies like 'The Pink Panther' and 'Breakfast at Tiffanys,' got his start scoring Universal B sci-fi and horror films in the '50s.

And while Mancini was a star in pop circles, he always yearned to take on more dramatic projects.

Lifeforce, the 1985 Cannon-produced film about space vampires with a unique taste for human souls, afforded him just such an opportunity – one which he embraced wholeheartedly with the power of the London Symphony Orchestra.

It's driving, propulsive main theme (excised from the US print) kicks off what can be best described as a serious, symphonic work that provides a magnificent scope of mystery, terror and thrills, concluding with one of Mancini's most powerful endings.

Mancini was so proud of his theme that he included it in his concert repertoire, feeling compelled to explain what Lifeforce was while looking at the audience and stating, 'You didn't see Lifeforce.'

For this new release, Intrada struck new transfers of the 1/4' Eric Tomlinson film mixes made at Abbey Road Studios and subsequently stored at MGM. Intrada created an all new complete program, retaining some of Mancini's envisioned assemblies. Two of Mancini’s session rolls included a variety of individual instrumental effects created between the player and engineer. Some of these sounds are signatures that Mancini aficionados will recognize from his earlier classic suspense work such as Charade, Experiment in Terror, Arabesque and Wait Until Dark. These premiere on this release in the extras section.

In the film, after a space shuttle goes dark while investigating a mysterious spaceship hiding in the tail of Halley's comet, an investigative unit discovers the sole survivor (Steve Railsback) has protected three human-looking occupants of the spaceship. Once brought down to earth, these seemingly human characters escape, wreaking havoc on London, stealing souls and threatening all of human kind. The hunt is on to stop them before it's too late.

Intrada Special Collection Vol. 481

More info at: Official Web Site Intrada Records

Complete, riveting Henry Mancini horror score on remastered 2-CD set! Tobe Hooper directs wild space vampire tale, Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Patrick Stewart, Mathilda May star, Dan O’Bannon co-writes with Don Jakoby from Colin Wilson novel, Cannon Films (now an MGM property) releases in 1985.

Leading the memorable components: Legendary Henry Mancini’s ferocious and evocative score!
Due a number of post-production editorial changes to film prior to release, Mancini was unable to come back in to rescore affected segments - notably the entire opening - and equally esteemed composer Michael Kamen handled additional scoring duties.

This current 2-CD set is all Mancini. Separate album of Michael Kamen’s score, including premiere of his orchestral sessions is also available from Intrada! Joint U.S. and British team working in space encounter immense spaceship hidden within Hailey’s Comet.
Inside vessel are bats and humanoids. Brought back to earth, the female alien (Mathilda May) emerges a “space vampire”, draining energy from her prey. Particular focus is on Col. Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback).

His encounters with the female vampire (who memorably plays much of her part nude) ultimately lead to spectacular, and bizarre, climax in London cathedral. Henry Mancini is right in the midst of the action! Launching with incredible 12/8 meter rhythm in lower strings, with dynamic French horn and trumpet lines above, Mancini instantly takes command, runs with the ball. Within his score are moments of haunting beauty, quiet mystery, but aggressive climaxes are always nearby.

Ultimately, Mancini reaches finale after much spectacular orchestral fireworks, coming to an incredible finish in what might be his most powerful fortissimo - and bravura - ending of his celebrated career. The orchestra crescendoes, strings and woodwinds swirl, brass and percussion pound with massive chords… wow!
And in an equally magnificent moment of musical excitement, Mancini then jumps into his 12/8 meter action rhythm to launch “The Lifeforce Theme (End Title)”, bringing this final riveting piece to an unyielding rhythmic coda.

Take that, space vampires! 2-CD set includes entire Mancini score plus a few alternates, courtesy MGM, including his “stingers” and myriad brief cues intended for the film makers to utilize throughout the film as musical punctuation.

These include his signature rubber balls dropped on piano strings, glassy bowing effects on the edges of gongs, other ideas both grotesque, ethereal. Original Varese label CD program also appears on CD 2.

Tim Greiving provides informative booklet notes, Kay Marshall designs exciting package. Eric Tomlinson engineers at EMI Abbey Road Studios in December 1984, Henry Mancini composes, conducts the London Symphony Orchestra.

Intrada Special Collection 2-CD set available while quantities and interest remain!