The original release of the Nemesis soundtrack also came out in some sort of short-lived high-def audio format, but I'm having trouble remembering the specifics.
Ah, here we are. It was the
Super-Audio CD format. It appears it was a 5.1 sound mix. As far as I can recall, though, it was the only Trek soundtrack to get that treatment. At least it was a Goldsmith, though not his best.
I’d forgotten about this release. Looks like it fetches to premium a penny for my taste now. Those interested in the release can find more details about it here:
https://www.sa-cd.net/showreviews/698
As a fan of surround music, I’d buy any of these soundtracks in surround. That said, I find it very unlikely. I’m not remotely expert enough to go into huge detail or explain tidily but live orchestral recordings aren’t quite “assembled” in the a similar way The Beatles, R.E.M. or other “pop acts” with 5.1 or ATMOS releases. Acts like that can create surround after the fact because various bits of the music are often recorded separately or placed on separate tracks that are mixed later. That gives more options (particularly when talking 8+ tracks).
Modern orchestras are sometimes miked for surround but back in the day it would depend on how the microphones were set up for the performance. I’d bet that TMP is the most likely candidate in terms of how it was recorded but. Maybe it could be finessed but I doubt it. Even if possible, I’d bet punch-ins and other edits would stick out. I’m pretty sure none of the other TOS films could be done but I’m guessing. Maybe some of the TNG. The Kelvin films are most likely to have enough tracks and some isolated stems for certain bits and pieces that they could do something. Of course, this would all be for a small slice of a small market. LotR has some massive 5.1 releases but those scores have a larger market. Maybe
@Indysolo can offer some insights.
While not Jerry Goldsmith or James Horner,
Deutsche Gramophone released some guy named Leonard Bernstein conducting the complete symphonies of some dude named Ludwig something not long ago. It’s a great set and it’s all hi res stereo (which TMP could be released as) AND 5.1. These recordings were not made with modern surround in mind but this video is a cool window for plebes like me to see how the sausage is made surround. No, it’s not “discrete” like many would want ideally but it can be impressive. It’s certainly more engrossing than wonky AVR algorithms.
As long as I’m prattling on, there are some excellent 3.0 surround mixes on RCA going back to the 50s. In fact, Sinatra, Nat King Cole and some other Capitol artists even did studio albums in that format. Those have mostly been folded down to stereo, but select titles can be found on boutique labels.
No, it’s not for everyone. Yeah, some of it is gimmicky but lots of it is subtle and when played through a properly setup system (even a modest one) in a decent room it *can* really add to the musical experience.
Anyone interested in surround music (3.0, quad, 5.1, ATMOS) can find a vibrant community, polls and a solid list of rankings at quadraphonicquad.com
Okay. LLAP, folks.
