Hmmm, not a bad deal that, two Goldsmith scores on one disc. This is a very good way to release two soundtracks that perhaps on their own aren't that great and don't warrant re-release, but are good so that you can get a nice indication of what it's like. In fact the CD runs to 78 minutes and so the scores separately are about as long, if not longer than some regular releases I have. I think it would be best to review them separately, so here goes.
This is described in the notes as possibly the successor to Alien. Although, it also says that in this case the enemy is human. A concept that is true to both scores really. Outland is a very moody score with are dark brooding main theme. I can see how Alien could be similar. It is very cold and eerie for much of the time. There are also some action cues that often start off innocently enough, but before you know it, are pounding away and really get the pulse racing. I would say that on balance this is the better of the two scores, although it's cold, brooding gets rather off-putting after a while. It's one of those soundtracks that you don't enjoy per se, but listen to them because they are so effective. For that reason, it is hard to rate, so I hope I don't seem to harsh. There is a one awful synthy sort of pseudo sexy cue, The Rec. Room that is truly dire and you will have no qualms about programming it out.
Rating ~ 
The analogy of Outland to Alien has, in one review, been carried through to make this a precursor to Star Trek: The Motion Picture. This I find a much more difficult analogy to draw as I thought a lot of it was rather uninspiring and am not that keen on it overall. It starts off much more promisingly than Outland with a brilliant march, very much, rather too much, like Silvestri's Judge Dredd theme. Fortunately, this came first and is considerably better. It has a violin interlude, which seems to date it somewhat, which is a shame as otherwise it's near perfect. The rest. sadly is not as good. I don't know whether it's the fact that I had pre-conceived ideas about what it was going to be like, but I assumed I'd enjoy it more than Outland, given the Star Trek analogy. The fact is, the rest is that sort of desert, eerie music that you got in old TV programs. I don't know what, but it certainly reminds me of something like that. I'm sure I'm missing something with Jerry Goldsmith, he is supposed to be one of the best composers around at the moment, but I can't seem to link many of the scores I am recommended, oh well.
Rating ~ 
It is difficult to know whether to get this CD or not. It does contain some fairly decent parts and of course the added advantage of only paying normal price for a two decently long scores. At almost 40 minutes each, that doesn't seem too bad at all. If there is anything by Jerry that you think I might like, please let me know, I don't seem to be having all that much luck really!
Total Time ~ 78:21