AntarcticaCDFrontIntroduction

“Antarctica” is the soundtrack album by Vangelis of the Japanese film “Nankyoku Monogatari” (literally “South Pole Story”). The album was released on LP in Japan in July 1983, while a CD followed in November that year, which for years it was highly sought after as before 1988 it was only available in Japan. To promote the album a 7” single was released in Japan in 1983 of the well-known ‘Theme From Antarctica’ (used in the film as the end title music) b/w ‘Antarctic Echoes’.

As is more often the case when Vangelis scores a film, the soundtrack album differs from the music heard in the film. In case of Antarctica the album includes many of the themes as heard in the film, but in longer and more complete versions. The film however contains more music and unique themes that are not heard on the album, making it essential to see the film to be able to hear all of Vangelis’ music.

In 2017 Antarctica received a re-release which was personally remastered  by Vangelis. This version is not recommended though due to tape drop-outs on the first track. If in need of a copy of the album, any regular CD is of excellent quality and recommended.

 

AntarcticaCDTracklist and credits

  1. Theme From Antarctica (7:30)
  2. Antarctic Echoes (5:58)
  3. Kinematic (3:50)
  4. Song Of White (5:16)
  5. Life Of Antarctica (5:59)
  6. Memory Of Antarctica (5:31)
  7. Other Side Of Antarctica (6:57)
  8. Deliverance (4:30)
  • Composed, arranged, produced and performed by Vangelis.
  • Engineered by Raine Shine.
  • Thanks to Jon Martin and Machiko Kumabe.
  • Sleeve by Vangelis and Alwyn Clayden.

 

AntarcticaLPFrontDiscography

CD

  • 1983 Polydor 3112-22 Japan
  • 1988 Polydor 815 732-2, released worldwide.
  • 1991 Polydor POCP-2016 Japan (Polydor Popular CD Nice Price Series)
  • 1997 Polydor POCP-9107 Japan (1200 Super Price)
  • 2002 Polydor UICY-3576 Japan (Universal Super Hits Soundtrack 30)
  • 2005 Polydor UICY-9880 Japan (1500)
  • 2013 Polydor 8157322K Hong Kong (K2HD Mastering)
  • 2017 UMC 478 940-6 UK & Europe (Remastered by Vangelis)
  • 2020 Polydor UICY-79108 Japan (2020 Soundtrack Masterpieces)
  • Polydor 815 732-2 Brazil (Minha História Cinema) alternate cover

LP

  • 1983 Polydor 28MM 0290 Japan
  • 1988 Polydor 815 732-1, released worldwide.
  • 2013 Music On Vinyl MOVLP820 (180 gram audiophile vinyl)

ThemeFromAntarcticaFront7” single

 

Recording studio

The music of Antarctica was recorded at Nemo Studios in London by engineer Raine Shine.

 

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