Mike Oldfield's "The Space Movie Original Soundtrack" to Be Released on CD

Gonzo Multimedia will be releasing a newly restored and (finally) complete edition of Mike Oldfield and Tony Palmer's The Space Movie. For the very first time the original soundtrack featuring all the talk-back between the astronauts and ground control, as well as orchestral versions of music by Mike Oldfield will be released on CD.

This classic film was originally commissioned by London Weekend Television and Virgin Films in 1979 to mark the 10th Anniversary of the first landing on the moon, July 21st 1969. A recent discovery of a print in mint condition has enabled us to issue the film in a sparkling new and complete edition.

Producer Tony Palmer explains:

“The invitation to make the film came out of the clear blue sky from NASA in January 1978. I was invited to Washington and shown the mountain of film NASA had collected from the very beginnings with John Glenn, the first astronaut to orbit the earth in February 1962, until Apollo 17 December 1972. Use whatever I wanted, I was told, plus all the talk-back between ground control in Houston and the various space missions. NASA's extraordinary and spectacular images made me realize I had access to a treasure house beyond imagination.

“From the beginning, I wanted Mike Oldfield to write the music, and the soundtrack which emerged – a combination of hitherto unreleased recordings including the orchestral versions of Oldfield's early masterpieces, Tubular Bells and Hergest Ridge - is remarkable, perfect in every way; evocative, powerful, an inspiring match for the images. And I'm sure it is that, plus of course the astonishing NASA footage and the sound of the astronauts chatting away in space. Virgin Films may have long gone, but together these elements made and make the film what it is - something rather special.”

This version comes complete with Director's Cut Bonus DVD of the movie.

For more information:
https://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/15883/Mike_Oldfield-The_Space_Movie_Original_Soundtrack.html

Release Date: 16th October 2015

An exclusive screening of the 80-minute restored version of The Space Movie will be held at Cinema 2 at The Barbican in London on Sunday 15th November at 6 pm. http://www.barbican.org.uk/film/new-cinemas

Mike Oldfield Announces New Studio Album

Mike Oldfield is set to release Man on the Rocks, his first new album since 2008, on January 27, 2014. Man On The Rocks features bassist Leland Sklar and drummer John Robinson. On vocals is Luke Spiller from young UK band The Struts. This was announced today, on October 11th, the day the BBC will air a documentary outlining the creation of Oldfield's original masterwork, Tubular Bells.

The Man on the Rocks tracklist will be:
01 Sailing
02 Moonshine
03 Man on the Rocks
04 Castaway
05 Minutes
06 Dreaming in the Wind
07 Nuclear
08 Chariots
09 Following the Angels
10 Irene
11 I Give Myself Away
The album was recorded in the Bahamas, where interviews for the new documentary were also conducted.

The documentary, titled ...Plus Tubular Bells will feature old footage and new interviews with Oldfield, his family, friends and co-workers, discussing the ins and outs of the recording of his most famous work.

The documentary, made by Tigerlily Films, will be broadcast on BBC4 on tonight, October 11 at 9pm. It will be followed by a repeat of the Second House 1973 televised performance of the album.

Here are two teasers for ...Plus Tubular Bells. Good viewing. And for those who are able to see it, give me a shout and write down your impressions in the Comments section.