Yes and many times. A good example is Francis Lai's LA BELLE HISTOIRE.

The first time I thought, what the hell ..?

Now I love it.

42zaphod, April 21, 2006; 3:09 AM

For me it was Stanley Kubrick's LOLITA (Nelson Riddle). When I bought the MGM album, I thought it was a bit too "cute". Years later, when I bought the Rhino CD, I really went nuts over it, as I now do the film (my favorite Kubrick film).

Coincidentally, I think I overrated Kubrick's EYES WIDE SHUT soundtrack CD (various artists). Probably because I was so bored by the film that my attention kept drifting toward the music. It's also my choice for the worst major Kubrick film.

filmfactsman, April 21, 2006; 6:28 AM

I got Silvestris IDENTITY before I saw the film - and didn't like it. After hearing it in context of the film, though, I totally changed my mind over it.
As for part two of your question, this happens quite frequently. Sometimes because certain parts of a score are not included on the official release, sometimes because the music alone, without the pictures, sounds "different". One such score is Heil & Klimek's ONE HOUR PHOTO.
On the other hand, I didn't like Elfmans music for PLANET OF THE APES, probably because the film was so bad; but for pure listening, the score is brilliant.


thb8, April 21, 2006; 6:17 PM