The reason I asked is because at least the score promos I am aware of and the ones of particular interest and of constant reference in this forum as far as I understand have extended film music or the complete score than the usual commercial cd soundtrack releases readily available.

Again, I'm thinking of the ones given out to Academy members for evaluation. I wonder, is the sound quality okay?

Also, is this an American thing? As far as I know, I never heard of European or Japanese promotional cd film music soundtracks.

conjuctionjuction, December 9, 2006; 7:01 PM

Hello Conjunctionjunction!

I think you can find promotional releases in whatever country where movies are made. Every composer (specially the newcomers) use to release their music (sometimes compilations of several of their works) in order to be known by the movie industry. Sometimes they release a limited quantity of CD-Rs with poor presentation, but sometimes the composers get the money to release a proper promotional CD (a real pressed CD).

For example, in this site you will be able to find some promotional spanish CDs that I've posted. Some of them are:
- La Leyenda del Unicornio http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackdetail.php?movieid=78452
- En Brazos de la Mujer Madura http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackdetail.php?movieid=78461
- Valentín (and a compilation of other works by Juan Carlos Cuello) http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackdetail.php?movieid=78463
- La Rosa de Piedra http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackdetail.php?movieid=54636

In the same way that this happens in Spain, I suppose that you can find authentic promotional releases in France, Italy, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, etc.

I found my Spanish promotional CDs by chance, while looking in used CDs stores. Usually paying for them very low prices (less than 5 Euros and so).

Best regards,
Angel

angeldibujo, December 9, 2006; 8:20 PM