RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN

Exciting Lalo Schifrin fantasy score gets world premiere CD release! Walt Disney Productions presents, Bette Davis, Christopher Lee star, Kim Richards & Ike Eisenmann return as extraterrestrial brother and sister, John Hough directs. Davis and Lee conspire to harness children’s magical abilities with nefarious plot in action-filled second film in Disney’s Witch Mountain franchise. (Escape To Witch Mountain is 1st, Race To Witch Mountain is 3rd.) Lalo Schifrin focuses on action and suspense of family-oriented tale, anchoring with mysterioso motif underlining Tony’s and Tia’s extraordinary gifts, with evil material underscoring central storyline of Lee, Davis kidnapping Tony and going through various schemes to control his abilities while Tia uses hers to counter every move in bold rescue attempt. Emphasis is on action as Schifrin scores rousing set-pieces for urban gang pursuits, bus chases, stagecoach romps and one intrepid goat. Bookending all is soaring major-key title theme for French horn, highlighted by swirling violins that propel melody forward. Inner-city setting allows Schifrin to write music with urban flavor, melding his signature orchestral action motifs with rhythmic Dirty Harry-flavor overtones. Film was presented in mono and no album was originally issued at time of release so there is no evidence multi-track or two-track stereo mixes were made prior to this Intrada premiere. Happily, Disney maintained the 2” 24-track session masters in beautiful condition in their vaults, allowing Intrada to premiere entire score in vibrant, detailed stereo audio. In addition to channels for customary strings, brass and woodwinds, Schifrin included an array of both traditional percussion (snare drum, tympani) as well as a large rhythm section featuring drum kit, guitar, electric guitar, vibraphone, bells, piano, electric piano, harp and synthesizer, all recorded on their own channels and heard now in all their stereophonic splendor. Extra treat for fans: Inclusion of Disney’s 1978 opening logo that originally premiered with the picture, celebrating Mickey Mouse’s birthday, composed by Buddy Baker and mastered in vivid stereo from the original 8-channel session elements. In the best of two listening worlds, Intrada includes one CD of the entire 73-minute score in chronological sequence and a 2nd “bonus” CD of thematic highlights and stronger set-pieces fashioned for those desiring an “album” presentation playing for 49-minutes. Produced, mixed and mastered by Douglass Fake, executive duties handled by Roger Feigelson, liner notes authored by Daniel Schweiger, package designed by Kay Marshall. Lalo Schifrin composes, conducts. Intrada Special Collection 2-CD release available while quantities and interest remain!