Buy the fsm,as it's the original.The varese is a rerecording and even with goldsmith conduc,it' not quite the same.t

Damjamcar, August 8, 2005; 12:53 AM

Both... The original is always the one to prefer plus the fact that the DeVol score is actually quite good. The varese release has very good sound plus the absolutely fantastic concert arrangement of "German march". Any help there???

johnny.plate, August 8, 2005; 1:10 AM

Another take ...

Don't bother - save your money! I was SO disappointed with this score; how it can be rated as one of the great man's best is beyond me.

The concert version combination with MacArthur is an essential for your collection ... essential and sufficient!

Mitch, August 8, 2005; 2:38 AM

It's a matter of taste. Personally I love this score and suggest the FSM edition with the complete original score as heard in the movie, with a nice booklet with interesting liner notes and yes, also with a "bonus" score Flight of the Phoenix. Also this CD is in print for six years and who knows how many of the 3000 copies are left there. That's another reason why grab it now when it's still available.

42zaphod, August 8, 2005; 3:37 AM

I like most of the Schaffner/Goldsmith collaborations, so I'm definitely going to get this one.

I'm not really an OSR purist, and I haven't seen the film, so I'm looking less for the edition that's most like the original -- obviously the FSM, as it is the original -- but for the edition that offers the best standalone listening experience.

blumenfeldn, August 8, 2005; 3:59 AM

PATTON was my first Soundtrack purchase in 1970. I grew up listening to the LP. When the release from Varese came out, it was different and I had a hard time getting used to listening to it. I was thrilled with the FSM release (but honestly...the LD had the score isolated first).

Ironically, my fondness for the score is still with the original release which happens to be a re-recording (and I'm not a fan of re-recording, but I was ten and didn't know better).

I'd go with the FSM. OST is the way it was in the film. ;)

hammon, August 8, 2005; 5:13 AM

Hello,
I think the FSM cd is the best and you also get the "The Flight of the Phoenix" score by Frank DeVol on the same cd.

Best Regards,
David
Phoenix, AZ

deg63iami, August 10, 2005; 9:37 AM

...If you could get all it would not be such a bad idea. If you love Goldsmith it might give you a wider and deeper appreciation of the man's work for Patton by listening to the various musical approaches available... *Regards*

sushislash, August 13, 2005; 8:51 PM