Collateral

First complete release of James Newton Howard soundtrack for Michael Mann thriller Collateral.

First complete release of terse, gritty James Newton Howard soundtrack for Michael Mann thriller starring Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo. Cruise heads into dark territory as cold-blooded hit man using cab services of Foxx to make his deadly rounds. Foxx becomes wary adversary, Pinkett Smith the pawn, Ruffalo the cop in pursuit, with exciting Metro train climax bringing all to boiling point. Howard scores with interesting architecture that follows story arc: initial cues are brief, low key ideas with low strings, synth pulses underneath. As story progresses, cues increase in density with additional strings and percussion figures no longer underneath but filling cues within. As climax nears, Howard quickens pace with thicker orchestral colors, more prominent percussion rhythms. Finally, Howard scores climactic showdown with riveting action music. Here, exciting, aggressive French horns get the spotlight with thundering percussion right up front with them. 'Vincent Hops Train' is dynamic action highlight! Original 2004 release on UMG's Hip-O label featured 12 tracks by various artists plus just 4 brief subdued selections from Howard's score, included here courtesy UMG. Intrada now focuses solely on Howard's score, totaling nearly 53 minutes, including music not in the finished film plus two additional alternates. Graphic packaging features flipper-style booklet cover: choose Tom Cruise as hit man or Jamie Foxx as cab driver. Presented from digital two-track stereo master elements courtesy Paramount Pictures. James Newton Howard composes, Pete Anthony & Bruce Fowler conduct. Intrada Special Collection CD available while quantities and interest remain!