Jerry Goldsmith is one of the most well-known and accomplished musicians in the field of modern classical film scores. Always pushing the envelope, blending styles and instruments, with this, his score to the 1979 film "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," he creates one of the most memorable themes in sci-fi film history, and some of the most eerie music ques ever heard. In several interviews, Goldsmith states his difficulty with making film scores because of his initial lack of a theme...but when he finally comes upon a theme, it's something to behold. The fanfare theme is as recognizable as the original Alexander Courage theme for the TV show...so much so, it was even used on "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," and even "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The theme for the planet Vulcan in "Total Logic" recalls the atmosphere created by the original TV series, as well as gives a sense of a culture that has as much in common with ancient Oriental mysticism as it does with scientific logic. The true gems are the V'Ger themes, first showcased in the "Klingon Battle," and further explored with "The Cloud," "V'Ger Flyover," and "Force Field." The use of the blaster beam is very powerful and very alien (I don't think it's ever been used on another film score, at least not to the degree to which it was used here). That sounds instantly grabs the listener's ears and induces everything from dread and fear to curiosity and awe. It's a beautifully menacing sound. Despite the fact that several cues are still missing from this CD, it is still a must-have for soundtrack enthusiasts, Trekkers and Trekkies alike, and fans of neo-classical music. It is without a doubt a triumph for Jerry Goldsmith, and is certainly an underappreciated gem of a soundtrack.