The Ivory Tower - scenes with the original score by Doldinger

[stargroove4]

0:14 Hitler's new recruits...

[USSSkipjack]

I think that Doldingers soundtrack is much, much better than Moroders. Moroders does not fit at all, compared to this one!

[Liaram66]

It is weird, that I am Hungarian,which country is in Middle-Europe, much closer to Germany than the USA is, and despite this, in the Hungarian version of Neverending Story, not this is the theme music of the ivory tower, but Giorgio Moroder's version, which I really don't mind, because I think that's much more beautiful, and that fits to the scenes of the ivory tower much better than this.

[juxtn]

Listening to the little kid speaking in german, makes him sound like a hitler youth.

[81Mace81]

I had no idea this film had such a German influence, but just to throw into the mix - lets not forget the voicing is in English, so the original sound/soundtrack is English (American)

[Scamander]

@81Mace81 The film IS German. Besides, it's only the voice track which is original, not the whole audio track. And even that depends on your point of view. Some names differ from the German ORIGINAL novel, because they were translated/ changed when the book were published in the US. Also- do you know why it's so hard to understand the name Bastian gives to the childlike Empress? It's because the actor had to pronounce it in a way that the original German word would fit the movement of his mouth.

[stargroove4]

@Scamander Hello!! Is there anyway you could tell me what the name was in it's German form? I could never understand the name!

[ranftj]

@stargroove4 … it's "Mondenkind" (Mondkind)

[stargroove4]

@ranftj Wow!! Thank you so very much!!

[VWVVWVVWV]

Viel hübscher!

[koppsr]

aaaah, finally, the real version of ivory tower^^ that is what i m talking about^^ soooo beautiful^^

[alexcamargo]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I never knew there was another version of the soundtrack, until recently. This music is vastly superior than the Moroder pop version.

[brachikamoko]

wow! all i can say. magic!

[mastarr1]

R.I.P. Bernd Eichinger !!!

[Chi181]

whats the name of the song wants to know it.

Its just too beautiful i still love the movie.

[Knightmessenger]

@Chi181 from the German Soundtrack (Die unendliche Geschichte), the music is found on Der Elfenbeinturm and Flug Zum Elfenbeinturm, tracks 4 & 14.

[Chi181]

@Knightmessenger

Thanks:)

[Kawayoporu]

some scenes cut out in the movie, just like what they did to the anime Jungle Emperor. I dislike that they changed the theme of that tower and a few other like the Swap of Sadness and it's blue and dark in the English version and lighter in the German version and disliked that the scenes were cut out. I don't like it when they ruined those movies or just like what they messad up all the anime TV shows with music changes and names. Die unendliche Geschichte translates to The Neverending Story.

[Kawayoporu]

I check or watch the German version of the movie yesterday, the part where they show the Ivory Tower and something's not right with the theme song I remembered, then I went back to see the English dub and I'm right, so in the English dub has a different theme for the tower and I was like oh so that's why and that's kind of weird that they changed that part in English just like some other few songs are changed or

[1993CorvetteUSA]

haven't seen the original score version before, but with the US Moroder theme, to me it seems to make the Ivory Tower scene more majestical. Would be interesting to see the entire movie with the original score though.

[Eragarev]

Screw the italian's version. This rocks much harder.

[aandrgarrett]

I like both versions of this tune :-) They should make a soundtrack with both versions on it, this and the opening theme. The part where you first see the Ivory Tower with the landscape and the sky is absolutely beautiful IMO :-)

The Neverending Story is and always will be a classic in my book! They don't make movies like they used too, that's for sure!

[MercuriusWarrior]

beautiful :D

[klaytonrocks]

This version's more beautiful, while Moroder's version had a more "powerful" feeling to it.

[izzyjane1218]

I never got why they had to change the score for the American release. Didn't the producers think Americans could appreciate this kind of orchestrated music so they had to put that awful synth-heavy score? No offense to people who liked the Giorgio Moroder version but this music is beautiful.

[pointblizzy]

WoW...Why does it sound so Awesome??

[NCHoldsworth]

lovely theme. 

[1986abc]

Ich bewundere Giorgio Moroder (englische Version) als Komponisten, aber hier war Klaus Doldinger einfach besser!

[jmm1233]

Why didn't they keep this tune , it's epic

[veladarney]

So, the US version of this movie got a different soundtrack? Really, I dunno with you folks. Why do you have to take a really great soundtrack and replace it with something else? I would understand, kinda, if the Doldinger soundtrack was awful - but it isn't. I listened to the Moroder theme, too and while it's kinda ok, I think it spoils the whole feel of that scene. Nothing against Moroder but HIS soundtrack for this scene sounds like your average 80s synthie kitsch.

[Onkono25]

I love this version. I also know the u.s version, but it lacks from emotion and deepness.

Especially in this scene you need something more magical and mysterious.

Only my opinion:))))))))

[eMKayJR]

this one doesn't get to me like the second theme. I like this one, it's great but the US one is so...mystical, full of mystery. You see the Ivory Tower, the tune plays and u feel so small, so tiny compared to greatness of the Empress's tower :)

[hivelocity100]

I'd pay an unusually high amount of money for such a soudtrack...

[ranftj]

@hivelocity100 You can get it at iTunes ... search for "Unendliche Geschichte"

[ranftj]

@hivelocity100 You can get it at iTunes ... search for "Unendliche Geschichte"

[lukaspukas1]

YES!

[pie453]

This honestly made me cry a little bit the first time I heard it. It is such a beautiful piece, in fact the most beautiful I have ever heard.

[loverafer]

What a Pussy...LOL...Just Kidding...I love this piece too...:D

[transfixedtornado]

it came across as american ultracheese when it came out, but compared to a lot of movies today, it is so fantastic and charming... crazy how the perspective changes.

[pdm28cin]

This version is pretty awesome as well. The german dialoge is rather gnarley. Go 80's filmaker!

[silverbulletgirl29]

I sure hope there's a German version of Legend. I haven't collected the 2 Jerry Goldsmith cds but I do have the old Tangerine Dream one. And they are remastering the Tangerine Dream version come 2010 Jan. 11th. Unfortunately, the beautiful theme with Jack & Lily kissing in the forest when they hold all the animals is not on the cd except a very small piece heard. What a pity! Now all they need to do is remaster The Neverending Story American cd w/ the missing themes heard only in the movie.

[Knightmessenger]

Where did you hear about a re-release of the Tangerine Dream cd?

There's basically 3 released versions of Legend, the version shown in the US, the version shown in the rest of the world and the Director's cut.

I don't recall there being 2 Goldsmith cd's, I have the one from 2002 with the same cover art as the ultimate edition dvd and it's complete.

[silverbulletgirl29]

I heard about the re-release of the Tangerine Dream cd of Legend on Amazon. You can see for yourself. There will be a very limited number of these discs, only 3,000 copies available probably like most rare cds. Many composers are going back and re-releasing their old soundtracks b/c of the high demand for them. Ex: Wait Until Dark, The Fugitive (1994) w/previously unreleased score. buysoundtrax has many rare soundtracks.

[silverbulletgirl29]

You see there are 2 cds of Legend music done by Jerry Goldsmith: (1)with artwork on the cover where the red bull is holding a crystal ball w/Jack & Lilly in it and (2)the other disc showing the unicorn(s) on a blue background. The 1st disc was blue with unicorn/s on it for the artwork. I really want to see a release of The Neverending Story soundtrack with the Ivory Tower music in it but with no 'beat' in the background, not to mention the extra/missing score from the movie.

[Knightmessenger]

I'm pretty sure the one with Darkness holding Jack and Lily in a crystal is just an updated and more complete edition of the earlier one (unicorns on blue background).

As for the Tangerine Dream score, Varese Sarabande has no plans to rerelease it anytime soon. I have seen an ebay auction for a supposed European 20th anniversary edition but I suspect it's not an official release.

Why would the soundtrack only used for America be released in Europe, it doesn't make sense.

[somethinglacking1]

@Knightmessenger

I've got the 20th Anniversay Tangerine Dream Legend soundtrack, it's official, and it's got every single track from the film this time as well as many others not used in the film, including the prologue. Well worth it if you want the complete score, not the hlaf-assed album they released before. Check ebay, it's where i got mine from. Highly reccomended. I now have 3 albums (Golsmith and the 2 TD ones) and 3 versions of the movie (DC, US theatrical and European one(different)

[silverbulletgirl29]

I highly recommend BOTH soundtracks. The sad thing is that in the American version, you won't find "Flight to the Ivory Tower", "The Swamps Of Sadness" -where Artex sinks, "Ivory Tower Reprise" or even the background music where the Rock Biter is crying and waiting for the Nothing to take him away. You'll only hear these pieces and other tidbits in the American movie version. It is a blessing to have this theme heard hear than nothing at all. The 2 soundtracks together are a gem.

[Cunhambebe]

The people who say that the american version is superior thant this one, the real German version, do not understand anything at all of music. The american version sucks. Giorgio Moroder's version is garbage if compared with this masterpiece. Congrats to Klaus Doldinger, a true musician! That'd be the same thing to compare coca-cola and champagne. The German version is pure and crystal clear champagne. Cheers!

[intelligentignorance]

Orchestrated music has more feeling and emotion (IMHO) than the synthesized versions, but the impact of what we have seen as children causes us to reject that which isn't what we know. American children grew up with the alternate soundtrack, myself included, but even as a kid, I preferred the parts of the movie that I know now used the original music. But this scene just seems odd without the original music somehow.

[TServo2049]

I like them both. The Moroder theme always brings back memories of watching the film as a kid.

However, I HATE the version on the American soundtrack album.

[jimmymortis]

If only the orchestra music was FASTER.

[jimmymortis]

Well, i think it is save to say that while you might be more right or more wrong you certainly DON'T have a crystal clear way of stating your opinions. This could have been reduced to half of what you wrote. You go on to bash something without actually providing valid reasons as to WHY the american one sucks over the german one. "Don't understand anything about music" that's just a baseless statement. It was just a drawn out out rant and therefore invalid to the point of inconsequence.

[tynzer]

i think they are both great versions.. this one now im older i can appreciate for its beauty and grace....

but it was moroders version.. that made my imagination explode as a kid... when you heared those first chords you just knew it was something so special...

i still remember the feeling now... heh... but yeah.. just one of the best fantasy movies ever....

[lavenderblossom]

I love this theme too...But the American one is just so ....Mystical and magical...Both are great...But I prefer the other ^_^

[suckboy]

Same here. This is nice, but the American theme for the Ivory Tower is better. It gives me goosebumps. This one... not so much.

[gorn9146]

This is good but, I like the American version better.

[retzallocco]

i'll say both german AND american, no matter what language. i read it was a joint production between warner bros. and a bavaria studio, so it must be one of those multinational movies like 'lord of the rings' (a U.S./new zealand production). and again, who cares?

[Geenflauwekul]

No you are wrong. The movie is Swahili.

Who cares where it's made. It's the best movie ever.

[cell718]

I DON"T CARE WHERE THE MOVIE CAME FROM I STILL LOVE.

And if they make a new one I better be good.

[jmm1233]

should have had vangelis do this tune

[gushmikae]

It's not an american or english movie just because it's made IN english. Saying that this movie is american just because they speak english is kinda like saying "Letters from Iwo Jima" is japanese or "Apocalypto" is Maya indian. European movies are often made in english, to make them more marketable in USA. That doesn't make them american.

[Scaash]

SO True. What would end the argument "maybe" Find the company that did the filming and claims the ownership of it then that makes it what country it comes from. But I agree with you on this point

[cdowell1976]

This may be the original theme music in Germany but for damned sure not in the U.S.! If it was made in the U.S. then this is NOT the original theme! If it was made in Germany then ok, I'll buy that.

[ranftj]

It was made in Germany Bavaria-Movie-Studios in Munich

[Atolis2008]

@ranftj. Recorded by composer DOLDINGER and the Bavarian Symphony Orchettra and Choir. A masterpiece, that makes tears in my eyes. Beautiful, dearly, eternily. DOLDINGER was the better composer, by the way he released unreleased tracks and also NES tracks with his band PASSPORT. He stays my hero....

[meininki]

It was made in Germany, as ranftj said, AND released three months before the English version.

[schneggilein89]

ummm....the book is german, so the geman film actually IS the original version! it may be dubbed by german actors but the author was german.....and it was made in germany. and klaus doldingers music score was the very FIRST,, so thats also the original music. giorgio moroders music came later. but who cares ^^

[izzyjane1218]

@cdowell1976 Yes. This is the original version. This was the music the first time I ever saw and fell in love with this film, except the dialogue was in English.

[Knightmessenger]

@izzyjane1218 Wait, did you say you saw a version completely scored by Doldinger but in english?

[izzyjane1218]

@Knightmessenger Yes. I saw it with the Doldinger score music but with English dialogue. I was in Hong Kong but most of our movies then came from the U.K. so I guess it was the U.K. release?

[Knightmessenger]

@izzyjane1218 I assumed the UK release was identical to the American one, partly rescored by Moroder.

I wonder what version you saw, you wouldn't know if it had any of the extra scenes or different editing found in the German version. (for example, after Artax sinks into the swamp, there's a shot of bubbles rising to the surface.)

[jane1975]

I would say the movie was a German/American Production, both themes are beautiful and both composers worked on it in both versions the second film one was rubbish-I cannot watch the horse dying moment its too sad for me:'-(

[gushmikae]

This is not a European version, it was only used in the german speaking version. I think both versions are beautiful, and although I can agree that this version could be called the original, since it is a german movie, I prefer the Ivory Tower to have a unique theme (Moroders, that is). But if you like this version I've uploaded it!

[beavazilla]

its so beautiful, so BEAUTIFUL!!! i can't understand why the US version has an other theme, i think the us version of this song does not express the same as the original one in FAR

[clowntju]

tears.. <3 love it

[Knightmessenger]

The first part looks seems to be from a better source, is this off a widescreen VHS?

[Nachtglanz20]

I just watched the english version and missed this song (as I grew up with the german version)... it underlines the beauty of the Ivory Tower much more than the american one in my opinion...

[hbsler]

this is the _original_ version!...but there´s was a special version in the united states.....i prefer the original version!

[LegendaryBadass]

This isn't bad but the Moroder version used in the US release is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

[beavazilla]

why is there a difference between the US and the original Version?

[LegendaryBadass]

There is no "original", it's a US funded film and many of the actors don't speak German.

The thing is that test audience can sometimes influence post production decisions. It must had been decided that the European crowds would react kinder to the traditional music. While in the US, everything Moroder was touching, turned to gold.

[krull88]

..maybe you`r right, but imo, Doldingers Music fits a lot better to the movie.

[beavazilla]

mh.. this sounds to be right, but i think the doldinger version fits much better, what do you think?

[LegendaryBadass]

I disagree, but I'm an American film critic who's written on this film and grew up with the Moroder score. This could be attributed to a matter of perspective, but I find juxtaposing music to somehow be more complementary to a film and far more memorable.

[knebuwatz]

Just for the facts.

This movie was produced in Germany (Bavaria FilmStudios), by a German (Bernd Eichinger). Directed by a German (Wolfgang Petersen) based on a German Novel (Die unendliche Geschichte by Michael Ende).

So i think you could say it is a German movie (with international cast of course). what version you like best is your choice. I like Doldingers most, and not because its german too.

I dont wanna sound pathetic, i like US movies very much, but sometimes we make good movies too. ;)

[LegendaryBadass]

Arguing the origins of a production are dubious, but when it's financially backed by Warner Bros. and shot in English; that hardly makes it German.

[meininki]

The only reason it was shot in English is that the producers knew that it would be so expensive, it had to be successful in the US as well. Since that simply isn't possible with a German language film they decided to do it in English. This is according to the filmmakers themselves (in the making-of, also to be found on this channel).

Yes, Warner Bros. was involved somehow, but the actual production company was Neue Constantin Film.

[meininki]

Also, the reason why people say this is the "original" version is that it was released 3 months before the English one.

[creaothceann]

>when it's financially backed by Warner Bros

That's the worst argument I've heard today.

[gratzner]

It's not a german movie. It's a german made movie, but the movie is completely english based on a german novel and directed by a german. This would not be the original since the actors speak english throughout the movie. This is a voiceover, released before the other versions or not. Original means just that.. original. Good movie, i like it alot.

[MrLazy27]

Atreyu had a British accent for some reason.

[Exlayer]

A true word ;-)

[RigoStar]

@knebuwatz yes but with American actors filmed in US locations...

[Scamander]

@RigoStar It was filmed in Munich, Germany! You can still ride Falcor in front of the green screen, when you visit the studios. Besides, it even doesn't matter, because the German version is the Extended Director's Cut.

[RigoStar]

@Scamander the streets and book store, school, room, house, etc.. it's not filmed in Germany.. only for fantasy related parts..

[Scamander]

@RigoStar

yes, but those scenes are maybe 20% of the movie and were not filmed in the US neither but in Canada!

[RigoStar]

@Scamander ohh my bad... it's true.. I totally forgot it was shot in Vancouver... anyway who cares. one of the best movies ever..

[Cunhambebe]

Oh my! This must be the German version! Never heard it before. Thanks for posting - that's definitely much superior than that of Giorgio Moroder's.

[NayruFaroreJinn]

This is the first time I heard this version.

I still prefer the american version because it's the one I grew up with.

But this version is amazing and beautifull too! I'ts magical!!!

Thanks for showing us!!!

[krystlerita]

This music is beautiful, but I think I am still just a bit biased towards the American theme

[ElizabethxPete]

Omg, this is beuatiful! But why does the music not sound like this on the film  I have at home?

[PleiadesSeven]

I do have this song on the soundtrack I bought to the film.

[Exverlobter]

@ElizabethxPete

Because you own probably the "international" version of the film. THis scene in this video is the "original german" version. The music is different in this one.

[Nitelathe]

Do you have the original german version? If so, could you possibly upload the whole movie?

[PleiadesSeven]

I would love that too!

[Exverlobter]

@Nitelathe

The german version of this movie can be seen totally here on Youtube. Go to channel "KinderTubeTVmovie " and search for "Die Unendliche Geschichte".

[PleiadesSeven]

Holy Sacred Cow the digital remaster on this is incedible! Is this only in German?

[domino17]

I prefer the faster version but still love this:)

[DareDevilWithoutFear]

Some of the German score is nice and some on the American version is nive as well but im sorry when it comes to the Ivory Tower theme the American version sounds way better and more Majestic... I dont feel the Royal Aura with this version of the Ivory Tower Theme

[tfaonline]

I prefer this version. I never felt the Ivory Tower needed to have a majestic aura, I like that it's so delicate, just like the Childlike Empress.

[DareDevilWithoutFear]

Im not saying its not nice but the Moroder theme is more well Balance than this theme from the mightiness of the tower, to the majecstic mythical feeling to the delicateness of the Empress.. And to it gives the Ivory Tower its own theme.. That is why this theme is better than the German version in my opion... But I do think its a Nice Relaxing theme and Doldinger did a excellent job as well too

[tfaonline]

I just love Doldinger's version, it's so beautiful. :) The other one is a little too pompous for my taste, I just don't think it fits with the overall feel of the story. I don't think the Ivory Tower is supposed to come across as mighty and majestic.

I think my main problem with Moroder's score though is that it ages the film too much with all its synthesizer sounds.

[DareDevilWithoutFear]

Well the Moroder theme gives the tower the feeling as well of it being from the other world and the Ivory tower is supposed to be a Mythical as well as the Empress herself... Well of course the film's scores are aged either way with bother Doldinger's version or Moroder and too the Mordoer version gives the Ivory Tower a Diffrent theme.. Cause isnt the happy flight theme supposed to be the Theme of Bastian, Atreyu and Falcor flying through Fantasia???

[tfaonline]

I think it's just supposed to be the main theme of the movie. ;)

To me, the Doldinger score is just much more timeless. It all comes down to personal taste though. I prefer this one, you the other.

[tfaonline]

I don't really care whether or not the tower has its own theme. Imo, this is simply the much better song. It also doesn't just work as a part of the score, but can actually stand on its own.

And it is mythical and delicate and somewhat ethereal, which for me is just perfect for the Ivory Tower and what it stands for.

[tfaonline]

Wow.. -6, because I said I preferred this version?

[PleiadesSeven]

It's creepy, in a way, but as you see some of us voted you up. I think some people may be as fantical about this as Star Trek, Star Wars, and Kate Bush fans are about their idols.

[necrophagia]

wunderschön!!!

[Bowkow]

Oh mann, meine Kindheitserinnerungen....schön­!

[1015287]

i LOVE THIS VERSION BETTER I PLAY WORLD OF WARCRAFT TO IT

[Lilalu591]

I like the german soundtrack more. No, not cause i am from Germany..just because i think the US soundtrack sounds bit plastic-like...

[TServo2049]

I really like the American version more. No, not the remix on the soundtrack, which was used on the U.S. theatrical trailer. No, I mean the ACTUAL Ivory Tower music from the movie, which isn't available on any soundtrack release...

[omgitsrob111]

Agreed. Ive searched the whole internet for it...if you find it let me know XD

[fylaxx]

Me too! I remember being so pissed that it wasn't on the LP I saved up money to buy. This version is VERY good too! Fits perfectly, but having seen the english version sooooo many times I think I prefer that one. But for the second clip I'm borderline now! I like this version very much as well. Man what great memories this brings back! Thanks for posting mate!

[haereticusx1]

Totally! The stupid techno beats they've added to a very beautiful orchestral piece was awful. I'm certain it can be found somewhere...

[CROCODlLE]

Man..I'm totally getting the German score.

Wish I could get the english version with the German music. Then it would be complete for us USA folks.

[foxfantastic]

That was different, but I enjoy the US score better. Yes, it was the first one I saw, but it's also kind of refreshing that the Ivory Tower has a unique theme from Atreyu/Bastian's quest because you have these moments where you're basically just looking at a montage of the tower from different angles and to have to hear the same melody over and over again would have eventually worn me down.

Still, I wish this version had been used somewhere in the US version. Maybe in the Special Edition...

[ranftj]

I wonder... can't you get the original (Doldingers) score over in the US?

[CROCODlLE]

I looked on Amazon, and some comments suggest that THIS theme and the German Swamps of Sadness theme aren't available on Doldingers CD.

[tschaikowski]

if you buy the normal "Unendliche geschichte" soundtrack that is available in german speaking countries, you get all of doldinger's pieces in it. I have it myself and both pieces are in it.

[DareDevilWithoutFear]

Its a Nice Relaxing theme I will admit but it doesnt give the Ivory Tower the Royal Aura with this theme the one in the American Version in the Movie (Not the Crappy Soundtrack version) gives the Ivory Tower its Regal Aura on how mighty it is and beautiful it is... Im not saying this version is bad but doesnt give the Ivory Tower its Glory in this version of the music...

[tfaonline]

-5?? Why would anyone rate this comment negatively? Because he was trying to be helpful?

[PleiadesSeven]

People get very attached to things from their childhood -- sort of fascist fanatical if you will and anyone disagreeing with them is, inevitably seen as the bullies bothering them like the ones bothering Bastian in the movie and people who were bullied can be among the most vindictive personalities on the planet.

[ElizabethxPete]

What do you mean ??

[PleiadesSeven]

I could answer this question if I knew which comment you referred to. As it is posted on this board, I am not sure. As to why the music is different, this is the German release of the film.

[CoyoteFitzy]

This is the version I know from my childhood, Ireland and UK.

[SQUILLA898]

I agree with your comments! I have no idea why they're getting put down... I think this theme is a better one than in the English release- it's more beautiful! The other one sounds too....well, 80's! That's the only way I can really say it. But it's all a matter of taste in the end. I grew up with the English release, but when I heard this one years later, I fell in love.

[battousaiblade]

it's weird to hear "Happy flight" be so slow and so magical. in the other theme, it's happy and uplifting.

what a majestic scene. i LOVE the music

[ranftj]

You can get the german score at amazon as an import... just search for "unendliche geschichte". Check the beautiful cover of that CD! :-)

[ranftj]

... and you can get it even on the US-iTunes-store!