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2 BG Mx Docs Coming Soon!

Posted by Bear McCreary on April 22nd, 2009

I have exciting news!  NBC Universal recently announced the “Battlestar Galactica” Season 4.5 DVD and Complete Series Blu Ray releases.  These will include TWO documentaries about my work: “The Evolution of a Cue” and “The Musicians Behind Daybreak.”  

These two docs were directed and co-produced by Matthew Gilna, who did our last film, “Inside the Secrets of the Behind the Making of the Music of Battlestar Galactica: Revealed.”  I know many fans who enjoyed that movie, but were disappointed that it didn’t actually reveal anything about how my music team and I work.  :)  You will all be pleased to know that both of these films are serious documentaries and run a combined 60 minutes! 

“The Evolution of a Cue” (DVD and BluRay) will walk you through my entire process of scoring, from the editor’s temp score, through sketching, writing, recording and the final mix.  “The Musicians Behind Daybreak” (BluRay only) features interviews with each principle musician and goes into further detail of the Daybreak score, including several music videos like this one that went up on Hulu recently: 

I realized when I watched the final cut of both documentaries last week that they are surprisingly honest and forthcoming about this crazy job of mine. I’m very proud of the work that Matthew and I did, because there’s no bullshit filler in these documentaries.  You’re not going to watch clips from the show you’ve seen before, or hear interviews repeated in both films.  The films also avoid covering information that is already in this blog, so they’ll make informative companion pieces to the Season 4 entries I wrote.  I think if you read this blog and check out the docs, you will all be EXPERTS in the “Battlestar Galactica” score!  And you’ll finally get to see more of the various personalities on my music team.

Also, I will post a “Caprica” entry soon.  And keep your eyes pinned here for an announcement in the (very) near future.  We are close to releasing concert details for a new set of “Music of Battlestar Galactica” concerts.  I can’t say anything yet, but these shows are going to be even bigger and better than last year’s concerts.

 So Say We All!

-Bear

 

PS: If any of you didn’t see it, here’s SciFi’s “The Last Frakkin’ Special.”  I made an appearance in there, even playing accordion!  

Posted by Bear McCreary on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm.

36 Responses to This Blog Entry:

That looks fantastic Bear! I’d love to see those documentaries. The clip was awesome. I wish you were doing one for Terminator work also, but I’ll look forward to seeing these from BG. They sound great!

Left by Gary on April 22nd, 2009

Can’t wait to hear more about Caprica! The music is awesome and sticks in your head.

Left by capricatimes on April 22nd, 2009

I was just saying earlier today how I missed reading this, and here you are updating! :D I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more about Caprica.

Left by dark-hearted rose on April 22nd, 2009

[...] composer Bear McCreary’s blog he mentions that he’ll be posting about Caprica [...]

Left by Caprica DVD Soundtrack Preorder | The Caprica Times on April 22nd, 2009

Yeah, not viewable to us outside the US, because the US is the only country that uses the internet.

This is why Hulu sucks.

I guess I’ll have to buy a region 1 DVD for my hacked region free player in order to watch any sneak peaks or full documentaries.

Why? Because they won’t put the documentaries in any non-US release, that’s why. Because we outside the US are willing to pay the same or more for less content in our DVDs.

I’d like to comment on the Caprica score, but I don’t want to spoil anything. Just that there’s a squee moment there towards the end. ;)

Left by plainsong on April 22nd, 2009

Great news, Bear. I’m really looking forward to having the whole show on Blu-Ray. I was at teh last concert last year, and I thought the mock-umentary was hilarious. The “One-Year-Later” gag was really funny. I’m excited about these new docs. It must be pretty rare for music from a television show to receive this kind of recognition and thoughtful exposition in documentary form, especially for a home video release. It is well deserved, indeed.

I’ll be first in line for tickets to next year’s concerts. I hope the show is in a bigger venue, with a bigger stage. Though I enjoy the Roxy (my brother played there once or twice), I would love to see and hear an even bigger ensemble.

Left by Jonny Boy on April 22nd, 2009

This is good news Bear! Now theres more special features than your normal deleted scenes, David Eick’s blog…and what other. Cannot wait for the Caprica post later on.

Left by RuthlessGravity on April 23rd, 2009

It’s no fun being a Bear McCreary fan when you live outside the US. :(

Can’t find a date for a R2/PAL release of the Caprica DVD either, or a legal download.

Left by Tommy on April 23rd, 2009

fantastic news all around!! I found your blog a little late in the game so I’m thrilled there’s still a chance to make it to a concert!!

Left by madjeepgirl on April 23rd, 2009

Awesome. I don’t have a blu-ray player yet, so I hope that the second documentary will be put up online somewhere. Can’t wait for either. As a musician, I find anything relating to the actual playing fascinating.

I’m also eagerly awaiting a blog about Caprica. I’ve already watched it twice, once with commentary and once without. Beautiful work.

Left by sm482 on April 23rd, 2009

*roar* *roar* Where’s that bear? *roar* *roar*

I was literally laughing out loud when Edward was doing that! :’) You’re right though, I was disappointed about the featurette when I watched it earlier this week. Funny, but no real information.

Too bad I will be missing out on the bluray feature, but nice to see a growing interest in the music.

Now anxiously awaiting the Caprica cd; I’ve noticed that Amazon has put June 16 as the release date. Keep up the good work!

Left by Rian on April 23rd, 2009

HOT DAMN !!!!
New behind the scenes AND new Music of BSG news !

Throw in the fact that its sunny today here in soggy Seattle, and that makes this a GREAT day !!

dave
CFPrez
http://bearmccrearyfans.yuku.com

Left by daveCFPrez on April 23rd, 2009

I must echo CFPrez’s sentiments regarding both this volley of news and the Seattle sun…is all good.

Now then, we up here in SeaTown are really, really hoping for some BSG concert love. Remember…I have said I’d drop a Benjamin Franklin to see that and I entirely mean it!

Left by Brian on April 23rd, 2009

All I ask Bear is: please come to Phoenix! Now, that said, something slightly off-topic:
Did anyone notice the shape on the tower of the Graystone HQ? It’s the exact same shape as the Cylon symbol found on the Original Series Raiders.
Coincidence? You be the judge.

Left by Macker on April 23rd, 2009

Exciting news indeed! I’ll definitely be picking up the blu-ray set. The extra doc makes it even more worth it. Thanks for posting Bear! This gives me yet another thing to look forward to.
BTW, loved the Caprica score. Looking forward to your entry for it!

Left by MattH on April 23rd, 2009

A bit off topic, but…
Bear, do you know if “The Plan” will be included in the “Complete Series” release? I don’t see how they could call it the complete series without it, but I thought you might know since you were scoring it. Will it be ready?

Left by MattH on April 23rd, 2009

Oh, wow. That thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. One more opportunity for Sci-fi to make money?

Left by sm482 on April 23rd, 2009

Gary… “I wish you were doing one for Terminator work also, but I’ll look forward to seeing these from BG.”

The T:SCC Season 2 DVD set will include a doc, or at least a portion of a doc, about my collaboration with Shirley Manson.

Also, TV Guide’s INFANITY did a segment on my T:SCC score last fall which is worth checking out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZUSXpIIoYY

dark-hearted rose… “I was just saying earlier today how I missed reading this, and here you are updating!”

Oh, I’m going to keep updating this bad boy, don’t worry.

plainsong… “Yeah, not viewable to us outside the US, because the US is the only country that uses the internet. This is why Hulu sucks.”

I discovered this when I was in Germany. Yeah, that really does suck. Ironic too because it’s the legalities of legal downloads forcing the rest of the world to look for other sources of content.

“Why? Because they won’t put the documentaries in any non-US release, that’s why.”

If I understand correctly, the docs are going on all region DVDs. I might be wrong on that, but that was the last info I heard on the subject.

Jonny Boy… “It must be pretty rare for music from a television show to receive this kind of recognition and thoughtful exposition in documentary form, especially for a home video release.”

Absolutely it’s rare. Why do you think I had to go and produce the documentaries myself?? :) After all, “The Last Frakkin’ Special” was the FIRST official Sci Fi Channel documentary or bonus feature to even MENTION the score. Like they always say, if you want something done right…

sm482… “Awesome. I don’t have a blu-ray player yet, so I hope that the second documentary will be put up online somewhere.”

Seriously. Get a BluRay and a HiDef TV. It’s awesome. Same goes for you, Rian. :)

Macker… “Did anyone notice the shape on the tower of the Graystone HQ? It’s the exact same shape as the Cylon symbol found on the Original Series Raiders.”

That’s news to me. Still, the VFX department is filled with so many hardcore old-school BG fans that it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that were deliberate.

MattH… “Bear, do you know if “The Plan” will be included in the “Complete Series” release? I don’t see how they could call it the complete series without it, but I thought you might know since you were scoring it. Will it be ready?”

I can assure you 100% that NO it will not be done in time. Hell, we barely got the FINALE done in time for the DVD set. “The Plan” comes out later this year, so yes… technically “The Complete Series” may be an oversimplification… still, I don’t think of “The Plan” as being a necessary part of the story. Just like “Razor,” I think it will be exciting, but clearly the story is over with “Daybreak.”

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on April 23rd, 2009

Bear -

Thanks for the HULU links and for continue to work on those wonderful concerts.

I know you are doing more CDs, concerts and sheet music.

Have you considered taking everything you have blogged on BSG music and creating a companion music book?

Because of the easy way you teach us in your blog about how your music is created (with visual, video and written cues), this would be something die hard fans, music schools, musicians, etc. could learn from.

I wish you continued prosperity and success.

jacki

Left by TVDIVA on April 23rd, 2009

Wow, I had though I’d seen some other OFFICAL mention of the score in some other doc before “The Last Frakkin’ Special”. Boy, talk about NBC/U being a little late to the party. Well, I’m glad you are finally getting your well-deserved official recognition.

I was wondering, in the “Daybreak” post, you said that the ‘Earth’ theme was written for the Caprica flashbacks and then you decided to use it as the Earth theme, the idea being that it represents a home for the characters, whether it be the Colonies or Earth. Have you thought at all about incorporating that theme in “Caprica”? Its a really beautiful melody. Probably one of my favorites, and it came in the last episode! Crazy skills, man.

Left by Jonny Boy on April 23rd, 2009

Ohhhh great.. Hulu.

Ugh.

Left by heirware on April 24th, 2009

plainsong…

Ok, so I found out some answers from NBC Universal about the international DVDs. The short answer is yes, the documentaries will be included, but not necessarily on every release.

Apparently, each international territory is responsible for building their own discs. They usually use everything or as much as possible depending on space (sometimes they have several different languages that can impact space).

So, with any luck, these docs will be included on all international releases.

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on April 26th, 2009

Hey Bear!
Huge fan of your music can’t wait to play the video game you’ve got coming out for 360. If you have plans for a concert, please please please come to the US east coast. NYC or Boston! Hearing your music live would just complete my life :)
-j

Left by javaman9999 on April 29th, 2009

Hey Bear,

You’ve certainly made a dent in the ensemble of composers… you’re the fresh and powerful energy we’ve been waiting for! Your organic and rough, with the occasional soft symphony that sweeps through our souls, clearly paves the way to a new and exciting evolution in how we bring out the most essential emotions when we watch a film.

I certainly hope to work with you, I know you’d add a depth and all the nuances that is required to communicate with the audience through the melodies guiding the story.

On a bit of a side track here, forgive me for that, but I must ask this… Caprica, I’ve seen it and I loved it… However… Why in the frakkin’ blue skies didn’t it get released on Blu-Ray too?

Also the extras are so scares on it, one would think it’s because someone’s keeping a secret.

Anyway, I’m clearly going to buy the amazing BSG Blu-Ray collection, it’s simply stunning and to hear that your work has gotten so much attention on the discs, really warms my heart… After all… it’s about time people pay attention to those who brings out the soul in our movies.

Bear, I thank you for the amazing work you’ve done… you’ve not only inspired me to create new stories and develop them into reality but you’ve made me realize just how meaningful it is to listen to the elements you’ve so carefully orchestrated in such magnificent glory.

I could say “DUDE YOU ROCK!” (I’ll save that for the day I’ll give you that T-shirt instead if I’m lucky enough to bring you onboard one of my future projects)

Keep up the wonderful work and thank you for keeping us inspired and having that silly smile on our faces when we get that brand new idea which was sparked by your music…

I wish you and your wonderful family the very best and I cannot wait to hear more from your awesome scores.

-Stephen Routsis

Left by Stephen Routsis on May 6th, 2009

Stephen Routsis… “Why in the frakkin’ blue skies didn’t [Caprica] get released on Blu-Ray too?”

Good question, and I don’t actually know.

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on May 7th, 2009

Bear,

Thank you for replying

Last night at the hour of the wolf, I popped in my Planet of the Apes Blu-Ray to check out how it looked compared to my DVD, so I decided to listen to the audio commentary done by Jerry Goldsmith… Ahhh the joy of listening to his words of wisdom and how he explains how he formed those legendary pieces in the Planet of the Apes score. It was just delightful.

What I’d love to have is your audio commentary on the Blu-Ray discs on Caprica or BSG. The reason why I mentioned Blu-Ray is that having done some tests with the Disc, I realized what an amazing thing it would be IF, someone smart enough would actually release a Blu-Ray disc with the composer being able to fully take advantage of the capabilities this new format offers.

I’ve suggested it to the company I work for, but as you know, everything is about what can be done for a few bucks and not really willing to push the envelope on special features.

What I suggested was simple, have the composer, give a good old commentary on the process of his work during the film with notes popping up on the screen and early alternative themes considered for the film but ultimately changed or a piano version only of the first cue for the film. You name it, it’s open for so many great ideas. But as always it has to be a battle just to ask for a commentary.

Looking at your amazing blog, I know you can do such an awesome job on an audio commentary on both BSG and the upcoming game you’ve been apart of.

I’m pleased to hear there’s a documentary on the upcoming BSG blu-ray, but your input on an episode would be great.

Have a great week Bear!

PS. STILL looking for LaLa Land to announce Caprica so we can order it!

Left by Stephen Routsis on May 7th, 2009

Stephen Routsis… “What I’d love to have is your audio commentary on the Blu-Ray discs on Caprica or BSG. ”

Not a bad idea. For BG4.0 an 4.5 I’ve been in such a mad dash to finish the documentaries with Matthew that I never got a chance to record a commentary. It would be fun, but to be perfectly honest, the blog goes into more detail than a commentary EVER could. All it would be is a distilled version of the information I write here. Still, commentaries are probably more fun but I must admit I doubt you’d learn anything new. :)

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on May 17th, 2009

Bear,

Thank you for your reply. I see what you mean, but the tests we’ve done on Blu-Ray knowing it’s capabilities, were quite interesting. I got the idea a few weeks back that if we had a chance to see the composer play the original notes on a smaller screen while the film was playing, then have the notes appear on the screen (like on a piece of paper when we write scripts and you write your music), somehow making it more organic. Then for that one TV movie Razor or an episode from the series an in depth commentary with you about maybe your feelings towards the end result and how we the fans just LOVED it ;) can be express with maybe Raya making a special guest appearance (with a chance to promote her wonderful amazing voice too). In addition, it would be a breath of fresh air to most as often what special features they offer on DVDs and especially Blu-Ray seems to be a bit of a mess. (Don’t you just hate it when the so called special feature on a DVD is about 2 minutes and 34 seconds!? Then you have to go through the menus again, clicking your way through the pages which load like a turtle on an uphill climb).

I guess, what I would love is just to see composers like you who’s done an absolutely amazing job on this blog to get people to visit your page, to get to know your amazing work and to start a trend in the business showing just how big a part music actually is on the silver screen. It’s lovely to see the composer talk in the studio, but remember your first introduction to us when you played a piece of Caprica? THAT’S what brings us closer to you, because it feels more real… like the process is happening right before our eyes, the raw energy that goes into creating a massive epic piece. Ahh, that was great by the way, thank you for sharing that with us!

Anyway, it’s the hour of the wolf and I’m feeling creative again… ;)

On a different note, have you tried the game called BRAID? I found it the other day online for the Mac and it’s got the most pleasant music on it. I talked to Jami Sieber and told her just how wonderful her music was. You see that’s how I found the game, I heard they used her piece in it which I had to hear for my self.

Alright, again thank you for taking the time to reply. I wish you all a great weekend and oh BOY!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE BLU-RAY BSG to be released!!!!! MUST HAVE!

PS. This message just never ends… sorry, I saw Linda Hamilton today, she looks really fit and it was great seeing her in person. I HAD NO IDEA SHE HAD A TWIN!!!!!!???!?! Sadly I can’t say the same about Tony Curtis O_o

Left by Stephen Routsis on May 23rd, 2009

Stephen… “I guess, what I would love is just to see composers like you who’s done an absolutely amazing job on this blog to get people to visit your page, to get to know your amazing work and to start a trend in the business showing just how big a part music actually is on the silver screen.”

That would be a very cool trend. I must confess I never intended this blog to ever do anything like that, but nevertheless, it would be a wonderful thing if music in film and tv got a little more attention.

“On a different note, have you tried the game called BRAID? I found it the other day online for the Mac and it’s got the most pleasant music on it.”

No, I haven’t. I’ll keep an eye out for it. As for Linda Hamilton having a twin, yeah, isn’t that crazy?? That’s how they shot that scene at the end of T2 with the T-1000 impersonating her. It’s funny because they certainly didn’t cast her in T1 with that in mind, it just worked out perfectly.

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on May 26th, 2009

Just received my Region 2 version of the Final Season, and am gutted by a relatively small set of DVD extras, and certainly ZERO on Bear. I love his/your music – it’s certainly how Galactica lives on in my life, and it would have been excellent to have seen the process in action.

Left by Mathmosman on May 29th, 2009

Mathmosman… “Just received my Region 2 version of the Final Season, and am gutted by a relatively small set of DVD extras, and certainly ZERO on Bear.”

You must be talking about the first half of Season 4, but you can’t possibly be talking about the end of the series, because it hasn’t come out yet. As for the 4.0 DVDs, I had a doc on the North American release, but I don’t think it was included in international. Hopefully, my doc will be included on the international Season 4.5 release as well. Only time will tell. I think it comes out in July…

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on May 29th, 2009

Bear – having just looked at the covers again, it does detail “Evolution of a Cue”… It would appear that my DVD player wouldn’t move to that spot on the main menu (whereas my PC player will!).

It is the final part of the series. I’d pre-ordered it from a UK website, and it was here when I arrived home this evening (I also write from the UK). I have it playing now.

Excited for the forthcoming CD from you – you’ve done some absolutely fantastic work my friend; I only hope we get to see some of it performed live in the UK at some point!

Left by Mathmosman on May 29th, 2009

Mathmosman…

Frak Me! Really?? I had no idea it came out in the UK already. Well, I’m glad that my doc is on there… at least SORT OF… :) Thanks for the heads up!

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on May 29th, 2009

Hey Bear,

The final season of BSG came out this Monday. I had mine since about Wednesday last week because I was doing a review of it. I’m glad to finally have it but as Mathmosman says, the UK release is Frakin’ thin on the extras compared to the US editions I also have. In fact some extras are not even ON the UK versions. If you remember there is a special contract between Sci Fi USA and SKY UK, they showed season 1 in the UK before they showed it in the US. I won’t go into why they did that, but party because of this the releases of the DVDs were in fact handled quite poorly. When the seasons were broken up into first and second half of a season, it often came out sooner in the UK than US. This also meant that a lot of the extra materials were not ready for the US release and so it never made it onto the UK release. Extended cuts and webisodes to name a few of the missing links between the US and UK versions.

In addition, the UK releases are handled by two distributers. This creates even MORE confusion for loyal BSG fans.

The ‘GOOD’ releases are done by UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK. The other is handled by PLAYBACK. The difference is that PLAYBACK is a “bare boned” release. It has practically no extras on it in order to save on packaging etc. You see they are currently selling season 1 – 4 (except the last half of season 4) for only $51!!! So as you can see 25 discs had to be cramped into this box set and so quite a bit was left out. I can compare them to the US releases I have and the US releases are way better.

Your documentary works on my PS3 and Pioneer DVD player, so it may be a faulty disc. Much like the UK release of Star Trek (motion picture set) Blu-Ray, one of the discs had a worse than Klingon garbled text going on in the menu. It was faulty. Though it was corrected before it became a “TREKIES KILL INNOCENT HEAD OF DVD DISTRIBUTION AT PARAMOUNT STUDIOS!! QUA’ PLAH!!”.

Honestly I’m still upset about the lack of BD release of Caprica. And by the way Bear, Caprica is no where to be found in the UK. Only whispers in the hall way at Universal Pictures Uk, have muttered something about a release set for Sept!!

Finally, what the HECK is wrong with Hollywood these days? What’s with all the reboots!?!?!? DIE HARD: year one? ALIEN REBOOT? Back To the Future Remake? AVATAR the LAST AIR BENDER (ok, I threw that in cause I’m not happy about M. Night “So gonna kick your ass” Shayamalan for frakking up my beloved Avatar series.

In other words, Ladies and Gentlemen… our childhood is being rebranded in a cheap, shallow and overly retarded versions of the movies we grew up with. SHAME ON THEM! What’s wrong with these films as they are? Haven’t they heard of just RE-RELEASING them at the cinemas again? I’d totally go watch Back to the Future… you see I was too young to see it at the cinema when it was released. So why not do that, the film’s already done, cash in on that if you have to! Clean up the film, add 7.1 THX sound, put some lame trailers on with High School musical 17 and sell it like that. Don’t waste $98 million bucks on a remake that will ruin it all!

Ok, I’m done with my rant… sorry I’m just not happy that they can’t come up with original ideas, and that they keep poking at the movies I grew up with. Blade Runner is as good to day as it was when it first came out. I love it! Loved watching it at the cinema when they rereleased it.

Sorry, didn’t meant to vent like this, it’s just too much when they keep doing this. Now, back to the original topic.

Other than what I mentioned before the captain of my brainship took a wrong turn in the debate nebula, the BSG series is as good as it’s going to get in modern TV. It’s a fantastic story with an amazing music to guide the emotions to all the right destinations.

Thanks Bear…

Now all I want is my Caprica CD, which STILL isn’t up on LaLa Lands website. I should call them, but I’ve just not had time lately with the editing and reshoots. ;(

Take it easy Bear and I wish you an easy week!

Left by Stephen Routsis on June 2nd, 2009

Den of Geek just reviewed the Season 4.5 DVD release in the UK, saying “Disc four also contains an unrated version of A Disquiet Follows My Soul along with a look behind the creation of Battlestar’s incredible soundtrack with composer Bear McCreary which I found really interesting; it’s the stand-out extra in the set.”

Check it out here…

Pretty cool!

Left by Bear McCreary on June 3rd, 2009

Stephen Routsis… “Finally, what the HECK is wrong with Hollywood these days? What’s with all the reboots!?!?!? DIE HARD: year one? ALIEN REBOOT? Back To the Future Remake?”

Couldn’t agree more. I was fortunate to grow up on wonderful, original cinematic adventures. But, the next generation just has remakes of the same stories. In another decade or so we will starting getting remakes of the reboots of the prequels and then where will we be?

-Bear

Left by Bear McCreary on June 4th, 2009

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