The Revenge of the Ninja OST is one of the finest pieces of action movie synth released in the 80s, if not the best. Nothing will inspire your fog-shrouded weapons chest power-up montage like the soaring Asian-y keyboards of prolific composer/musician Robert J. Walsh.
Walsh was responsible for all sorts of familiar soundtracks in the 80’s; the G.I. Joe, Transformers and JEM cartoons, exploitation classics like Leprechaun, and the definitive 80’s American ninja sound. A lot of what he did for ROTN was recycled for Ninja III: The Domination, and he certainly laid the audio template for subsequent synth-heavy genre entries.
For you youngsters… back in the day we used to buy these big ass Long Play Albums, and while wearing down their grooves by repeated playing, we’d stare for hours on end at the cover art, track listings and info on the back. This immersive soundtrack experience was largely lost when CDs took over and reduced music packaging to 5″ illegible squares, and in the MP3 age even that is extinct.
Best you can do now is play this YouTube video and stare at these scans of the 1983 vinyl release.
This score goes for a fortune among vinyl collectors, and never made it to CD or MP3… well, legit release MP3 at least. I don’t advocate illegal hosting or anything, but I’ve heard one can turn over a few stones and dig a little on this interweb thing and find some transfers from the original vinyl. Happy hunting…
And if, Mr. Walsh, you happen to read this, THANK YOU for the finest ninja ear candy ever recorded!
Redmao
I agree 100%
Revenge had one of the coolest soundtrack.
The shady MP3 version keeps me entertained at work.
I wish I had it as a kid when I played with Storm Shadow.
POZEST
Thanks for sharing this. On a both unrelated and yet related note, anyone know where we can get or listen to the soundtrack for Ninja III: The Domination. I am hunting for it and willing to pay nearly a small fortune for it.
Keith Rainville
The composer of all the Cannon ninja fare recently found all his 80s masters (from multiple genres) and has a deal with Varese Serabande so official scores to all kinds of great stuff is coming…
Robert J. Walsh
I am pleased to announce that I am currently re-mastering the original analog tape score masters from Revenge of the Ninja, for imminent release on Varese Sarabande Records.
Rob
Robert J. Walsh
Hey Ninja Fans …coming soon, the re-mastered complete soundtrack to Revenge of the Ninja. Working on it now, and it should be delivered to Varese Sarabande Records mid-June 2016. Hope it sounds good to everyone. I found the original analog 8-track master and have spent many weeks re-working it. Thanks for all the great comments … Robert J. Walsh … http://www.screenmusic.com.
Paul M
Seriously!!?? Amazing!!!!
Paul
Hi Robert.
I have just been searching all over the internet to see if I could find this on vinyl anywhere and I stumbled upon your post. Is there any update on when this will be released? It’s such a beautiful score. Up there with some of my favourite John Carpenter and Tangerine Dream scores.
What a day to google! 🙂 Can’t wait to finally own this.
Paul
Oh and also Robert,
Have you heard ‘Voodoo Blood’ by Massive Attack? I truly believe it was inspired by your score. See maybe 2 mins in? The dulcimer style synth strikes are remarkably similar. Sounds great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElvLZMsYXlo
Let me know what you think and thanks for the music.
Paul M
Robert J. Walsh
Hi, Paul … haven’t heard Voodoo Blood, but here’s the update on the re-mastering of Revenge of the Ninja for Varese Sarabande Records. Nearly finished, and expect to deliver the completed album within ten days or so, by July 1st 2016 at the latest. This album will contain original soundtrack cuts from the film, and additional unreleased new tracks that are re-mastered and enhanced with additional percussion and orchestral textures that drive it over the top. Hope everyone enjoys the ride.
Robert J. Walsh
robjwalsh@aol.com
http://www.screenmusic.com
Paul M
So excited Rob. Thanks for the reply.
Please listen to the track I suggested. Clear Robert Walsh influences.
Can’t wait to grab that vinyl!
Paul M
George
Where do we purchase it?
Robert J. Walsh
The newly remastered ” Revenge the Ninja Album was completed and delivered to Varese Sarabande Records for CD release about 5 weeks ago. It features lots of new content as well as original tracks from 33-year old audio masters that have been enhanced. Hope everyone enjoys it! Transformers Classic Releases are next – my 50 – piece orchestra scores to the original 1938-1988 Marvel TV series are in remastering now. To be released as a collector’s edition Blu_ray disc featuring 5.1 surround, new video interviews with original cast and crew, artwork and original show video. On Sony Records. http://www.screenmusic.com. robjwalsh@aol.com.
Paul M
Hi Rob.
Still waiting to see this available! Any idea of the release date yet?
Paul M
Keith Rainville
See the new post!