Star Trek: Generations

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It was only fair that the Star Trek producers went for Dennis McCarthy as composer on the new generation films' first major theatrical release. After all, who knew the crew better than Dennis McCarthy, the composer that scored hundreds of Television features of The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine. And in a way, he delivered a very good main theme but the lack of something extra is really disappointing. I'm not a big Star Trek musical lover, and any film should have something that holds its together and mostly apart from the others. And apart from that main theme, I find much lacking in the score of Generations. But still be fair because the score works very good in the movie and has good musical ideas if even the most powerful energetic action suspense tracks. The thing is, they lack the substance a Jerry Goldsmith or James Horner can add to the score. This means, whatever the standards, Generations remains a solid score but not containing the excellence the other scores possess.

The theme, which captured my attention really good during the movie and with the performance on the Space and Beyond compilation is excellent. It is heroic and simply a breeze to listen to. This also appears not overdone in repetition and gives the score its own suite (no famous Star Trek begin like on the most of the other scores) a chance to fully astound you. 'Star Trek Generations Overture' is a perfect opener and 'Main Title' uses the famous Star Trek theme with bravura when the bottle finally crashes onto the new Enterprise B. This scene is excellent and the music of McCarthy equally so in context. The main reason of the movie's story, The Nexus receives also during the first track the attention with the female choir that gives it an extra set of mystical magic. It receives its finest moment during the first track, its longest performance during the 7 minute 'The Nexus / A Christmas Hug' which meanders much but doesn't really add spice to the screen. For the rest we have the good begin action suspense track in 'The Enterprise B * / Kirk Saves the Day' and mostly this style repeats itself. With power but not with thematic fun nor intelligence. The suspense tracks are then also a bit forgettable the more they continue to show themselves. Frankly, from track 7, we have heard it and apart from the main theme performance in 'Jumping the Ravine', there is nothing special to remember of the score.

Yes, you heard me. Even the track 'Kirk's Death' is forgettable because during the movie you might not notice it (its subtlety while you gracefully say goodbye to the legendary captain Kirk) but on CD, this track is missing much emotion. It isn't the end I though the Captain would receive and that is a shame for the real trekkies out there. Now, Generations also has more to show itself. Like the extensive liner notes and the photos of the crew and recording, also sound effects enter the stage, remember the score lasts for 44 minutes only. Cool for those who have stereo or Dolby surround but I think for most people this is an expandable extra. So Generations is not superb, not great but it still holds its ground and frankly it never actually disappoints. Not during the movie and not on disc. Of course, ask me what Star Trek score I would listen to the most and it will definitely not be the one of McCarthy. An enjoyable experience on the occasions and the theme is worth the price for Trekkies, but is this what other regular buyers should have? I don't think so! If you have doubt, you can always rent the movie and see what you think of it then.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Star Trek Generations Overture * (4.14) Excellent Track

2. Main Title * (2.52) Excellent Track

3. The Enterprise B * / Kirk Saves The Day (3.13)

4. Deck 15 * (1.39)

5. Time Is Running Out (1.11)

6. Prisoner Exchange (2.57)

7. Outgunned (3.20)

8. Out Of Control / The Crash (2.05)

9. Coming To Rest (0.57)

10. The Nexus / A Christmas Hug (7.07)

11. Jumping The Ravine (1.37)

12. Two Captains * (1.32)

13. The Final Fight (6.15)

14. Kirk's Death * (2.45)

15. To Live Forever * (2.40)

16. - 38. Sound Effects from Star Trek Generations

* Contains Theme from Star Trek - The TV Series

Total Length: 60.45

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