The
Classics at the Movies series from Naxos tries to get adventurous with the
Adventure volume, featuring classic material like
John Williams' theme music from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and
Danny Elfman's memorable, vaguely gothic theme from Batman. But while Sibelius' "Finlandia" is certainly stirring, it's association with Die Hard 2 isn't all that memorable. For that matter, the 1990
Bruce Willis film wasn't that memorable either. It's difficult to believe that Naxos couldn't dredge up anything more adventurous than Goldfinger, True Lies ("The Blue Danube"? Come on...), or more James Bond material in the form of Mozart's "Molto Allegro," which was evidently featured in The Living Daylights. Still,
Classics at the Movies: Adventure is an enjoyable collection of symphonic pieces, even if it doesn't necessarily live up to its title. ~ Johnny Loftus