BLOODSPORT

Label: Perseverance PRD 020
Date: 1987
Tracks: 22
Time = 60:42

Original soundtrack from fact-based martial arts movie that helped turn Jean-Claude Van Damm into international star, directed by Newt Arnold. Paul Hertzog scores for synthesizers with rhythm from drum machine, then weaves live percussion, Chinese harp into fabric. Majority of score is lean, surprisingly restrained. Melody for "Morning After" is quite pretty. Action courtesy emphasis on rhythm over melody does play role but Hertzog avoids over-the-top electronic scoring, generally sticks with effective understatement. That said, four vocal selections pinpoint project still comfortably remains part of pop eighties scene. Lovingly-produced CD includes enjoyable notes by composer, nice stills of various artists involved in project. Crisp audio mastering by Chas Ferry another asset. Paul Hertzog performs.

1. "Steal the Night" performed by Michael Bishop 2. Kumite 3. Captain 4. Flashback Montage: Flashback / Martial Science / Father and Son / Training / Tree and Sword 5. In Hong Kong 6. The Walled City 7. Dim Mak 8. Police 9. First Day: Ceremony / First Fight / Good, Bad, Ugly / Dux vs. Arab 10. "Fight to Survive" performed by Stan Bush 11. Morning After 12. Second Day 13. Samoan Balls 14. Jackson Falls 15. "On My Own - Alone" performed by Stan Bush 16. "Here for the Final?" / "Inspector, No!" 17. Paco vs. Dux 18. Chong Li Kills 19. Preparation 20. Finals: Finals / Powder / Triumph 21. "Fight to Survive" (End Title) 22. Bonus Track: "Steal the Night" instrumental version