“SpaceCamp” stands out as one of the most ill-timed movie
releases in history. Opening to empty theaters on June 6, 1986 in the wake of
the Challenger tragedy, it was filled with good intentions. The movie almost
plays like a public relations piece, desperate to inject an Apollo-like
romanticism into a shuttle program that never did generate even a fraction of the
wide-spread enthusiasm once held for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
Despite the presence of the always electrifying Kate Capshaw
and a shuttle full of talented young actors, (including Tate Donavan, Lea
Thompson, and Kelly Preston), the movie plays like a mediocre ABC After School
Special, (and was actually produced by ABC Films). The film vanished from
theaters in a week and has rarely been seen since.
It seems almost inconceivable today that such a minor movie such
as this would be lucky enough to get John Williams for a composer. But not only
did the producers mange to snag the maestro, they got him during a major
William’s drought. This was the composer’s only film score during the period of
1985-86.
One of the casualties of the film flopping so badly was the
lack of a widely released commercial soundtrack. I remember running to record
stores (they still existed at that time) desperately trying to find the John
Williams music. But there was none to be had for reasons I am still not clear
about. So along with the movie, William’s score disappeared, never to be heard
again for over two decades save for an impossible to find Japanese 1000 CD
limited edition printing. Thankfully, in 2010 Intrada Records came to the
rescue with a beautifully engineered, pristine edition containing nearly fifty
minutes of this masterful score.
To put it simply, “SpaceCamp” is another masterpiece from John
Williams.
This is a soaring, magical, musical tapestry of wonder and
imagination brimming with color, and adventure, and heartfelt emotion. From the
opening notes of “Main Title”, this score takes us to another world and sends
the listener into a wondrous journey of imagination. Forget about the tepid
wanna-be After School Special this music was attached to. John Williams was
scoring something else here. Some movie that was never made, but I’d give
anything to see. This could be the lost soundtrack from a sequel
to “Close Encounters” or “E.T.”
There is no filler music on this soundtrack. Always the impeccable
craftsman, John Williams makes every note count. He does more than compose
great music. He tells us a story. And he always entertains us. Here, he even
gives us a super cool 80s style pop arrangement of the wonderful main theme in
track 2, "Training Montage". Track 6, “In Orbit”, is an emotional powerhouse that will bring tears
to anyone’s eyes who has a beating pulse. This is John Williams at his most
moving and spiritual.
Bottom line: “SpaceCamp” is a pure joy. This is vintage John
Williams at the peak of his post “E.T.” 80s blockbuster style and an absolute
must own for anyone who appreciates great music packed with colorful adventure
and soaring emotion.
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