In response to: "Is the general opinion here that the recording quality exceeds pre-release expectations?"
While I am no expert, I know that I (and countless others) have been waiting and waiting for decades for a proper (expanded, remastered, etc.) release of the Godfather. This release far exceeded the sound quality I have would have expected (this sounds all the better being a recent release vs. being released 10 or 20 years ago). if you love the movie and even kinda enjoy the score, I would highly suggest picking it up.
Could not agree more, and really hope they do a similar release for Godfather Part II. Perfect year for a deluxe release - as this is the 50th anniversary!!
Just curious: does this release finally put to bed the long standing debate of who played the trumpet solo?
Unfortunately, no performer info is given outside Carlo Savina conducting the Hollywood Studio Symphony, and Al Martino singing "I Have But One Heart." The organist in The Baptism isn't listed, either.
I believe most including myself thought Part II would be part of the BF titles last year and were bitterly disappointed when it did not appear on the slate. This year marks the 50th anniversary, so hopefully it will appear on the slate as part of the BF title.
