Since 2019 saw another film addition, I'm looking back at each score in the series.
The Terminator (1984)
Music by Brad Fiedel
One of the defining features is the fully synthesized score written and performed by Fiedel. It lies right between cool futuristic sounds and cheesy 80s synth scores. The score does use some painstakingly layered electronic textures, effects and driving metallic ostinatos. The Terminator theme continues to be the musical identity for the series. (Just listen to: The Terminator Theme, Escape from Police Station, Love Scene, Tunnel Chase)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Music by Brad Fiedel
For this massive blockbuster, Fiedel was able to musically expand on his last score.
The music tech sounds more polished and Fiedel was able to play in a much bigger sandbox - creating it on two syntheziser workstations. The music contains much of the menace and dark mood with repetitive rhythms for the large action scenes. The result is extremely effective within the film adding to the film's spectacular sound design. (Just listen to: Sarah's Dream, T1000 Terminated, It's Over (Good-Bye))
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Music by Marco Beltrami
Fiedel's main theme and synth sound were replaced with Beltrami's orchestral action writing. Beltrami recreates the T2 atmosphere with strong rhythmic writing but new melodic material. Notable bits include the growling TX theme, new John Connor theme and the emotional finale music. (Just listen to: Hearse Rent a Car, Graveyard Shootout, Terminator Tangle, T3)
Terminator Salvation (2009)
Music by Danny Elfman
Elfman continued the larger orchestral scoring while still maintaining the metallic percussion, extended orchestral techniques and synths. Fiedel's themes aren't heard anywhere in the film. A strong John Connor theme and militaristic motifs appear alongside several Elfman-isms. The more human moments have some prominent acoustic guitar writing. (Just listen to: Opening, Farewell, Final Confrontation, Salvation)
Terminator Genisys (2015)
Music by Lorne Balfe
Check out the others in the SPOTLIGHT ON.... series!
Music by Marco Beltrami
Fiedel's main theme and synth sound were replaced with Beltrami's orchestral action writing. Beltrami recreates the T2 atmosphere with strong rhythmic writing but new melodic material. Notable bits include the growling TX theme, new John Connor theme and the emotional finale music. (Just listen to: Hearse Rent a Car, Graveyard Shootout, Terminator Tangle, T3)
Terminator Salvation (2009)
Music by Danny Elfman
Elfman continued the larger orchestral scoring while still maintaining the metallic percussion, extended orchestral techniques and synths. Fiedel's themes aren't heard anywhere in the film. A strong John Connor theme and militaristic motifs appear alongside several Elfman-isms. The more human moments have some prominent acoustic guitar writing. (Just listen to: Opening, Farewell, Final Confrontation, Salvation)
Terminator Genisys (2015)
Music by Lorne Balfe
Balfe did bring some new ideas (along with references to Fiedel's theme) to the score. An amalgamation of Zimmer-style writing - the booming brass, string ostinatos and electronic manipulation sound familiar. The quiet moments stand out more than the repetitive action cues. (Just listen to: Bus Ride, Sarah Kicks Ass, John Connor, It's Really Me)
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Music by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)
A new composer for a new Terminator iteration, Holkenborg added a Spanish guitar motif for Dani and slurring electronics for villain REV-9. Much of the score is kitchen sink Junkie XL writing, exploding with percussion, electronica and sound design. The last cues are the best of the album and incorporate Fiedel's material. (Just listen to: My Name is Dani, For John, Epilogue, Dark Fate)
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Music by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)
A new composer for a new Terminator iteration, Holkenborg added a Spanish guitar motif for Dani and slurring electronics for villain REV-9. Much of the score is kitchen sink Junkie XL writing, exploding with percussion, electronica and sound design. The last cues are the best of the album and incorporate Fiedel's material. (Just listen to: My Name is Dani, For John, Epilogue, Dark Fate)
Check out the others in the SPOTLIGHT ON.... series!
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