Blade and Blade II Scores Getting Deluxe Edition Vinyl Releases for First Time Ever

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The movies “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” could be seen as trailblazers, demonstrating a strong interest in Marvel characters on the big screen, which eventually led to the surge of superhero films we see today, forming the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it was 1998’s “Blade,” starring Wesley Snipes, that laid the groundwork for these movies to thrive. The “Blade” film established a devoted fanbase, leading to the production of “Blade II” in 2002. Not only were the films dark and gripping due to their violent mythology and stellar performances, but their scores also played a significant role in their success. Both the scores for “Blade” and “Blade II” will soon be available on vinyl, with pre-orders open before they hit stores on May 16th.

According to a recent announcement, Varèse Sarabande and Craft Recordings are set to release deluxe versions of the soundtracks for “Blade” and “Blade II”. These scores, composed by Mark Isham and Marco Beltrami, are making their debut on vinyl. The soundtracks, highly acclaimed as distinctive additions to the film library, will be issued in several exclusive color variants. The release date is set for May 16th, with pre-orders available now. The “Bloodbath” red vinyl edition will be exclusively available at Barnes & Noble, while a limited run of 500 copies will feature the “Blood Splatter” clear and black translucent vinyl on the Varèse Sarabande store. Both versions come in 2-LP gatefold packages adorned with new artwork by renowned illustrator Micha Huigen.

Isham shared that “Blade” was an intriguing movie experience for him, as it featured two distinct musical factions. Wesley Snipes, being part of the hip-hop scene, believed the music should reflect the urban aspect of the narrative. On the other hand, the young English director, who was into electronica, acid jazz, and similar genres, felt that Blade’s world was more aligned with those styles. The score also played a significant role, making it a complex task to harmonize all these musical elements with the storyline, which Isham discussed extensively with director Stephen Norrington and the music department of the studio.

Isham explained, “I aimed to instill Blade with an air of heroism, but also a menacing quality that would make you quiver in fear if you saw him on a dark street. However, his character had a more emotional aspect as well because there’s a part of him that remains vulnerable and sensitive about the possibility of connections deeper than the intense relationships vampires usually have with each other.

Besides showcasing the thrilling atmosphere of the Marvel Universe, Blade II is particularly significant as it offered Guillermo del Toro a chance to shine in filmmaking.

Beltrami expresses that the partnership on “Blade II” was an extension of our previous work on “Mimic.” He notes it was a creative process, but felt somewhat secretive, like not wanting your parents to know. “Blade II” provided me with greater freedom to explore musically, utilizing the full orchestra and producing a lot of sound and commotion. Making noise is always enjoyable.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my perspective on how Marco Beltrami spoke about the music composition for “Blade II”. He mentioned that Guillermo del Toro desired an Eastern flair in the score, a style not yet popular at the time. Since I hadn’t studied traditional Japanese music, I borrowed instruments and incorporated them into my work in a very westernized manner. We also attempted Tibetan throat singing, but the performer we found, who went by ‘the lowest of the low’, wasn’t quite able to produce the overtones we desired. It sounded more like someone with an upset stomach than a singer! Nevertheless, he contributed to the unique soundscape that Buck Sanders was already crafting.

Before they’re released on May 16th, you can now pre-order the ratings for both “Blade” and “Blade II”.

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2025-03-27 01:42