SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 8:47 Min.
From the closing moments and end credits of 1982’ Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan movie soundtrack, composer James Horner performs the tune with an unidentified orchestra. Before shifting into the closing credits, as heard in the film, star Leonard Nimoy provides the Original Series opening “Space … The Final Frontier” voiceover that his co-star, William Shatner, had previously delivered.
REVIEW:
Long overshadowed by John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores, James Horner’s own work from The Wrath of Khan is undeniably stellar.
Instead of mimicking Williams’ epic style, Horner opts for a more nautical though modern sound (i.e. occasional synthesizers) that echoes the Original Series’ theme at the right moments. More so, the low-key vibe Horner imbues this track makes wonderful use of poignant tinges to make the film’s storyline seem even more timeless. It’s a welcome deviation from composer Jerry Goldsmith’s excessively grandiose take on 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Still, what makes this original track frankly perfect is Leonard Nimoy’s brief presence. With his familiar voice slightly filtered to sound raspier, Nimoy’s contribution conveys a ghostly effect – appropriately, given the film’s somber yet still optimistic ending. More so, the teamwork between Horner and Nimoy ensures that “Epilogue/End Credits” saves the best for the last on arguably the franchise’s greatest soundtrack. Highly recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
