The NeverEnding Story 2: The Next Chapter

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

In the '80, it was The NeverEnding Story which set the fantasy alight, especially for younger kids. How many times I imagined to sit on Falkor's back and scare those kids into the dumpster or to make simply any wish you want? Jeez. Too bad it's fantasy but still its there to be loved. I never saw the second movie but there were differences between the first and second. And speaking from a music's perspective, it was a big one. The more synthetic and '80 tone of Klaus Doldinger and Giorgio Moroder worked marvelously in the first and it presented some very respected themes. The second had a score by Robert Folk and he immediately presented his version with a more orchestral tone. Needless to say, it should be better then the first alone in the fantasy epic tone. And it is, to a certain degree. The bad or weaker point of this score is that the performance of orchestra and choir could be better (don't think this is Battle beyond the Stars however) and that the sound quality lacks any epic quality the soundtrack possesses. On the other hand I know this, perform this score today with The London Symphony Orchestra and The London Voices choir, in the sound quality scores have today and you've got a fantasy epic which blows you out of your seat. That alone because of the quality of Folk's score, not super mind blowing but stunning in its ability to set your mind into fantasy control. The NeverEnding Story 2 possesses then also qualities I adore, no matter how the score could have been if it was differently performed. Its especially the choir which sounds somewhat flat because it can't keep the tone right or the recording doesn't do it any justice; their inclusion nonetheless is lovely.

The soundtrack has a bit more songs and this is where Giorgio Moroder steps back on the boat. Tracks 2 an 3 are normal and not very impressive (somewhat tacky even for the time) but 'The NeverEnding Story' is a reprise of the original song, though not as strong or enjoyable. The score by Folk is much better, 'Searching for Fantasia' opens with orchestra and choir, stating the main theme with wondrous effect, even though you immediately spot the choir hitting not the epic tone they should have brought. 'Falkor's Quest' brings some orchestral swashbuckling attention with the main theme, chorally supported. The effect is either way you see it excellent. Signs of Beastmaster 2, and with that I mean the adventurous spirit returns in 'Flight of the Dragon', it is presented in the same melodic action style and is equally enjoyable. On the other end, 'The Giants' Attack' is the complete opposite with a non melodic bombardment of that action material of Beastmaster 2 (the one I remembered killing that score) and some darker stuff is heard in 14. But besides that, the effect remains overtly pleasant. 'Silver Mountains' brings back the choral supported main theme, the enthusiasm of the begin of 'Morning in Fantasia' is cool and the pure epic fantasy collision of strings, brass and choir in 'The Childlike Empress' makes it the highlight of the score. There is also some room for softer material and the flute performances in 'Silver Lake' are very lovely. Even there is time for the song / score's main theme of the NeverEnding Story franchise, closing the score in Moroder's sole score cue, 'The NeverEnding Story'. Basically, this is a fantasy children's score with more benefits on the adult level since Folk throws in difficult compositions with stunning fanfares. And if orchestra, choir and recording were simply at the level of the best scores presented today, The NeverEnding Story 2: The Next Chapter would have been a brilliant score. Nonetheless, I enjoy it for what it brings and I know it does ample on that department alone.

Score: ***1/2
Songs: ***

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Searching For Fantasia (2.19) Excellent Track

2. Dreams We Dream: Joe Milner * (4.23)

3. Heaven's Just A Heartbeat: Joe Milner * (4.11)

4. The NeverEnding Story: Joe Milner * (3.29)

5. Dreams we Dream (Instrumental) (4.28)

6. Bastian's Dream (2.05)

7. Falkor's Quest (2.33) Excellent Track

8. Flight Of The Dragon (3.32)

9. Silver Mountains (1.29)

10. Morning In Fantasia (1.08)

11. The Childlike Empress (2.15) Excellent Track

12. The Giants' Attack (2.11)

13. Silver Lake (2.55)

14. Xayide's Castle (1.26)

15. Atreyu's Return To The Great Plains (3.10)

16. Bastian's Lost Memories (1.03)

17. Silver City (2.07)

18. The NeverEnding Story (Reprise) (0.53)

* Composed by Giorgio Moroder

Total Length: 45.54

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Robert Folk ===