My compliments to whoever made this suite of Sylvester Levay music from this barely remembered sci-fi TV series that my brother and I watched first-run in 1985—the show sounded so cool, and was so dull! Great theme!
I remember the episode where the central family's teens introduced the planet to pop music... it tickled me that their constant pursuer (a pre-Wiseguy/Breaking Bad Jonathan Banks) liked this new sound...! Which was a nice touch.
This is a day for cheesy tv and film getting a look in. I vaguely remember this on our UK ITV late night showings, and noticing how poor it was. At least I remember it unlike Prisoners of the Lost Dimension. Old Sam Groom seemed to be in a few low budget things. Police Surgeon was the main thing I remember him for.
I remember the episode where the central family's teens introduced the planet to pop music... it tickled me that their constant pursuer (a pre-Wiseguy/Breaking Bad Jonathan Banks) liked this new sound...! Which was a nice touch.
As I recall, they play covers of some pretty huge songs by the Beatles, Stones, Bowie, et al. Which means they'll never be able to afford to clear the rights for video or streaming!
As I recall, they play covers of some pretty huge songs by the Beatles, Stones, Bowie, et al. Which means they'll never be able to afford to clear the rights for video or streaming!
Lukas Yeah they did... and they delved into writing their own material.... Which I assume Levay came up with.. I can't imagine Shout! Factory is inundated for requests to release this show...
This is a day for cheesy tv and film getting a look in. I vaguely remember this on our UK ITV late night showings, and noticing how poor it was. At least I remember it unlike Prisoners of the Lost Dimension. Old Sam Groom seemed to be in a few low budget things. Police Surgeon was the main thing I remember him for.
I watched it while living in Barbados. (I hear London-area ITV passed on it.)
What a coincidence, I started watching this show on youtube a week ago, in my mission to see everything Levay scored. I stlll have only seen two episodes.
I'm not 100 % sure that the music in that suite is really by Levay, other than the opening and ending. It doesn't really sound like him. But I'll watch all episodes. I could even email Levay about it if he cares to answer.
Looking forward to the Thomas Newman episode too.
The final episode was scored by a guy called Jim Roberts, the only thing he ever did.
As I recall, they play covers of some pretty huge songs by the Beatles, Stones, Bowie, et al. Which means they'll never be able to afford to clear the rights for video or streaming!
Lukas Yeah they did... and they delved into writing their own material.... Which I assume Levay came up with.. I can't imagine Shout! Factory is inundated for requests to release this show...
So I just finished watching this series. The music from the final episode was great, scored by Jim Roberts, the only thing he ever did. I really wonder who that guy was. Very Tangerine Dream-like, just check the scene from 26:00 to 33:30 here:
I just got a reply from Levay where he writes this:
"Yes, it is my music from the TV Series „Otherworld“.
But someone, who put this Suite together, did a poor job; it doesn’t sound good, and the cuts are mediocre.
I discovered, that there are quite a lot of spots of „Otherworld“ online.
My original recordings sounds clean and great, they must have made copies from somewhere…
I would have been happy if the sound would be great of these spots."
Thanks for sharing this. I love Sylvester's theme to Otherworld and would love a clean copy. If you're in contact with him again, any chance if you could ask if he can make his original recordings available online? I'd have no hesitation in paying for a copy.
Speaking of Sylvester Levay ... Today I watched the film Creator (1985) again (Composer - Sylvester Levay). Very beautiful and touching score! I really want to have it! I would buy this score if it ever comes out.
The rights to the film and soundtrack appear to be owned by Universal. I think there might be a chance for an official release. If, of course, some label is interested ...
I just got a reply from Levay where he writes this:
"Yes, it is my music from the TV Series „Otherworld“.
But someone, who put this Suite together, did a poor job; it doesn’t sound good, and the cuts are mediocre.
I discovered, that there are quite a lot of spots of „Otherworld“ online.
My original recordings sounds clean and great, they must have made copies from somewhere…
I would have been happy if the sound would be great of these spots."
Thanks for sharing this. I love Sylvester's theme to Otherworld and would love a clean copy. If you're in contact with him again, any chance if you could ask if he can make his original recordings available online? I'd have no hesitation in paying for a copy.
Towards the end of my interview with him he speaks a bit about releasing his scores:
