For any fan of Korean horror films, this is the perennial soundtrack to own. Rarely do soundtracks (as they are simply audio) have the ability to instill in a listener the same heighened emotions as the film they serve. Such is not the case with this CD; in fact, it's almost the reverse.
Playing this soundtrack and listening to the music, from the sharp orchestrated jabs of horror to the gentle melodies that accompany the dream sequences of the sisters (sitting on the dock at the lake, for example) just shred your heart strings in new directions. I can safely say that when I really want to feel the emotional power of A Tale of Two Sisters, I don't watch the movie, I play this CD. In fact, some tracks draw you in so deeply it's almost as if you are right there in the scene; on that dock with the two girls while the dainty melody casts away every care in the world.
The CD comes with 16 tracks and another 7 tracks from the film THREE. The Korean version comes inside a sturdy glosssy slipcase. There is a 16-page (that includes the cover) jewelcase booklet with lyrics and 5 images. The Japanese version of the CD has a slighty different jewel case booklet, but the CD does not come with a matching slipcase. Possibly still available at Asiandb.com
The WIG
If you are a fan of this dark, moody, atmospheric film then put on the headphones, lie back in the dark and let this platter take you back to all the emotions and creepiness you felt when you saw the film.
The ear mark of a great soundtrack score is listening to the CD and being able to say, "Oh yeah, I remember this part", and this is the WIG OST from track 1 to 17. From the deep churning cello work to the lively spirited orchestration to the sad melodies tug that tug at the heart strings, the WIG soundtrack will be a sure winner for Korean horror buffs!
The CD sports 17 tracks and 3 bonus tracks for a total of 53:28 minutes of WIG ambience. The bonus tracks from the film include the dance track used in the hip-hop club. The CD packaging is simply gorgeous, designed inside and out with the painted glass style art used in the film. You get a gothic looking 20-page full color photo booklet with Korean lyrics. No OBI. Available online at AsianDB.com
Cinderella
The 17-track Cinderella album is a sad and moody soundtrack in which mastery compositions of piano, violin, and light orchestration deliver a satsifying selection of film-used scores sure to satsify fans of the film. Of course, almost half the listed tracks are vocal, and range from a nostalgic jazz ballad to rock to dance club hip-hop. Whether some of these tracks were specifically written for the film, as was the case with those in Bunshinsaba, one cannot say. But nevertheless, pop, rock, and soul have long become soundtrack additions in horror films worldwide. And those here are of a fine quality regardless.
Not withstanding the rock and pop, the better vocal tracks are the ballads, if for no other reason than they blend with the overall landscape of the film. Vocal tracks like the teary eyed I'll Be Missing You, So Sorry, and track #13 (no English title) add nicely to the overall themes of dispair, isolation, and rebirth all of which resonate from the music.
Alas, if you are looking for the shock & slash horror riffs of a scary soundtrack, this one is not really for you even though there are track of eerieness. Only track #10, however, delivers the real scary goods with its tinkling piano key theme peppered with thrills of slashing music inserts all over a haunting background theme.
But make no mistake about it, the Cinderella OST is good purchase for fans of the film. It comes with 17 tracks and 12-page lyric booklet with art style sepia-toned shots of the female surgeon's office. No OBI.
Voice
Fans of horror, fans of eerie romance, and fans of haunting gothic choral will rejoice with this all encompassing soundtrack CD that will stir the emotional spirit with one track and then send you grasping frantically for the light switch in the next. If you loved the movie, the soundtrack is to die passionately for.
There is total of 20 tracks (CD lists 19 ??) on this CD and each one with a signature all its own. You have instrument play ranging from haunting synthesizer music scapes to sweeping piano pieces to brooding cello themes to emotional violin solos.
Possibly the most memorable tracks are the choral vocal tracks. The first is the ancient sacred religious blessing entitled O Sacrum Convivium, which gets a tearful vocal rendition on this OST and also a cello version. Then there is Romance d'amour, a Spanish love song which is wonderfully vocalised in a rich gothic sound. A piano version is also offered on a later track.
Finally there is the choir piano ballad Green Sleeves on track 20 (which is mistaken as track 19 on the packaging. The real track 19 is a song not listed). Green Sleeves sounds a lot like a Christmas ballad you'd hear your church choir performing. But do not let that sway you. Set within the gothic element of the film - not to mention the blood-splash designed packing of the CD - this track is another gem and a perfect wrap to a OST that runs the whole spectrum of soulful horror themes.
Simply put, if you loved the movie then this OST will is a vital purchase.
More to Come!
