Posted By: Neil Shurley on July 26, 2010 - 10:00 PM
Remember when TV shows had theme songs? You know, real, recognizable, hummable, identifiable theme songs?
These days, we're lucky to get a credit sequence at all, let alone an original standalone theme.
Well, for the upcoming "re-imagining" of Hawaii Five-0, CBS is targeting the classic theme song as a lynch pin in its overall marketing strategy. Yes, the Morton Stevens tune is being treated like a product -- and CBS plans to blanket the world with it.
It's an interesting strategy - hoping young viewers who've probably never even heard of Jack Lord will tune into this CSI-like show simply because of the cool theme. If it works, could we see a renaissance of actual theme songs on TV?
Probably not. But a boy can dream, can't he?
Now, in advance of the tune appearing on cellphones and commercials everywhere, let's reacquaint ourselves with this classic.
First up, the full-length tune as it appeared in the opening pilot episode and subsequent soundtrack album.
While the longer version of the tune is great to hear, the more recognizable edited-down version contains the enduringly iconic image of the camera bearing down on the hotel to reveal Jack Lord in all his coiffed glory.
The Ventures scored a hit with their version of the theme.
Brian Setzer Orchestra anyone?
Here's a version from a failed 1998 pilot for a remake starring Gary Busey.
Not too long ago, a preview of the new reboot made the rounds, featuring a not-well-received electronic version of the theme.
But wiser heads prevailed, and we were given this.
Bonus: here's the old CBS Special Presentation logo. The music was edited down from the track Call to Danger from the soundtrack LP.
And speaking of the soundtrack LP, if you haven't seen this thread on the forums, you might want to take a look.