Arriving on a new two-disc special edition DVD with restored picture and sound it also includes, for the first time, Sir William Waltons original score, which was composed and then not used in its entirety on the final film
until now.
Sir William Walton composed the original music for the 1969 classic production but it is thought that the brevity of his score was a determining factor in its rejection by the studios. Instead, the studios commissioned the composer Ron Goodwin to write a new score for the film. The only piece of Waltons score used in its entirety in the film was the famous Battle in the Air sequence.
The recording of the original Walton score was then lost for many years until the assistant music editor Timothy Gee, one of the last surviving crew members, decided to track it down. He has subsequently told us how disappointed the director; cast and crew were that the film would not be seen with the Walton score.
Miraculously the score, made up from three reels, was recovered in recording engineer Eric Tomlinsons damp garage where it had been stored until 1990.
Gee then worked closely with MGM to restore Waltons soundtrack to its original glory in time for the Special Edition releases, and now for the very first time it can be watched and enjoyed with Waltons stirring score.
This very special release should bring pleasure to admirers of the work of Goodwin and Walton and quality film music in general.
The 2-disc Special Edition DVD release includes the following extras:
Recollections of an R.A.F Squadron Leader featurette
Authenticity in the Air featurette
Battle For The Battle Of Britain documentary
Images From The Sky animated photo gallery
Audio Commentary by director Guy Hamilton, Bernard Williams and Paul Annet
Original Theatrical Trailer
William Walton Score in 5.1 DTS
Hope this helps!