Special Screening and Evening Program of Beyond in Eindhoven
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Next Nature Museum in Eindhoven, Netherlands, will host a special evening featuring a screening of "Beyond: Ode to the Earth", the full-length documentary film by astronaut André Kuipers featuring Vangelis music.
The exclusive evening begins with lectures on space exploration and its possibilities, followed by the screening of "Beyond: Ode to the Earth" at 19:00. At 20:15, André Kuipers will participate in a Q&A session, sharing his experiences and vision for the future of our planet. According to the event's page, the entire program will be conducted in English.
The film "Beyond: Ode to Earth" continues to screen in cinemas across the Netherlands. To find a screening near you, visit the film's official website at beyondfilm.nl.
More Rare Photos Discovered from the Party Celebrating 666's Completion
We are happy to share another look into the fascinating history of Aphrodite's Child's "666" album. Thanks to another recent find in the archives, we now have additional photos from the party Vangelis hosted at the Europa Sonor Studio to celebrate the first anniversary of the album's completion. At the time, the album was still stuck in limbo, with its release delayed by the record company's efforts to censor parts of it. As Vangelis himself recalled in the lavish booklet included with the 50th-anniversary deluxe CD/Blu-Ray box set:
When it came to the first anniversary of the completion of the album, I decided to throw a birthday party for the album. I booked the studio in which we had made the album, bought a big chocolate cake and a candle, and invited all of the members of the band, our friends, and some journalists to a party where we listened to the album in full. It made a statement!
- Vangelis
Among the guests were Salvador Dalí and Amanda Lear, both captured in some of these newly uncovered images alongside Vangelis and other members of Aphrodite's Child, notably Lucas Sideras. By this time, singer Demis Roussos had already launched his solo career, releasing a single and embarking on a tour.
Some fans have been curious whether the "666" deluxe CD/Blu-Ray box set is a limited edition and if it will be reprinted once the current stock is sold out. While it hasn't been officially marketed as limited, sources close to Vangelis suggest that this 50th-anniversary edition is unlikely to be reprinted in the same form.
Note: All photos are clickable and expand to higher-resolution versions for a closer look at these photos.
Here are some recently published reviews and articles about the 666 reissue
Additional Links:
Rare Photos Discovered from the Legendary 666 Recording Sessions!
We are excited to revisit a piece of "666" history with something truly special. Back on November 2, we shared a rare photo of Vangelis and Irene Papas during the recording of the track "Infinity", taken from an old article by journalist Clark Kent. At the time, we only had access to a lower-quality version sourced from a photocopy of the original publication.
Now, thanks to an incredible discovery in the archives, we can share this photo in pristine quality, along with additional never-before-seen images from the same session! The photos not only feature Vangelis and Irene Papas but also Silver Koulouris, the fourth member of Aphrodite's Child. These photos provide an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind this groundbreaking album, capturing the intensity and artistry that brought "Infinity" and the rest of "666" concept album to life.
"Infinity" famously pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time, with Irene Papas delivering a raw and provocative vocal performance that the record company sought to censor before approving the album's release. Vangelis, however, stood firm, insisting that the track remain part of the album as originally envisioned, contributing to the album's initial delays and its eventual recognition as a masterpiece.
Note: All photos are clickable and expand to higher-resolution versions for a closer look at these remarkable photos.
666 Album Still Making Chart Success!
The reissue of "666" has held its impressive spot at No. 2 on the Greek Album Sales Charts for the second week in a row, a remarkable achievement for an album marking its 50th anniversary!
Merchandise Update
Good news for fans who pre-ordered the Aphrodite's Child merchandise. Items like T-shirts and thermoses have started shipping! Check your email for a confirmation if you have been waiting on your order. Stocks on several T-shirt designs are running low, so don't wait too long if you're planning to get one.
The exclusive red vinyl edition of "666" has now sold out in most Universal Music-affiliated online stores. A few copies are still available via Bravado Germany, but they won't last long.
Please remember to account for import duties and customs taxes when ordering from overseas.
Ridley Scott Hints at Revisiting 1492: Conquest of Paradise
Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott recently expressed a desire to revisit one of his personal favorite projects, "1492: Conquest of Paradise". Speaking in a retrospective interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Scott reflected on his illustrious career and discussed his hopes to resurrect the 1992 historical epic as a four-hour version for streaming platforms.
Released on the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' expedition, "1492" was praised for its stunning cinematography and an iconic score by Vangelis. Despite its rocky reception, the film has remained close to Scott's heart, and he continues to view it as one of his finest works.
In the interview, Scott noted:
I'm trying to resurrect "1492" because it's so beautifully shot and acted and scored. I'm trying to resurrect it as a four-hour [movie] for a streaming platform
Scott also reflected on his collaboration with Vangelis, not only for "1492" but also for "Blade Runner". When asked about the single shot he is most proud of, Scott said:
The opening shot of Los Angeles in "Blade Runner", which I think is terrific - go fuck yourself, Pauline. Usually it's linked with a sound and that sound is linked with the guy I just adored — Vangelis. I also worked with Vangelis again on a film I'm very proud of, "1492"...
Thanks to Fernando Hoya for the tip!
Oliver Stone's Nuclear Now Debuts in Portugal
"Nuclear Now", a documentary directed by Oliver Stone and scored by Vangelis, is set for a theatrical release in Portugal tomorrow, November 21. Fans in Portugal can experience this documentary on the big screen.
- UCI Cinemas: ucicinemas.pt/../energia-nuclear-ja
- FilmSpot: filmspot.pt/../nuclear-now
- Trailer: filmspot.pt/trailer/nuclear-now
- CineVisao: cinevisao.pt/energia-nuclear-ja
Beyond at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
André Kuipers' "Beyond: Ode to Earth", featuring music by Vangelis, is currently being showcased at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia. Yesterday, on November 19, Beyond had a special screening at the Apollo Tasku cinema in Tartu. The event was preceded by a science panel discussion featuring Airika Harrik, editor of ERR's scientific news portal Novator, and Michelle Lukken, an electronics engineer at EstCube.
Fans and attendees in Estonia still have one last chance to experience this film, as the final screening of "Beyond: Ode to Earth" is scheduled for tomorrow, November 21, marking the conclusion of its presence at the festival. Note the film "Beyond" is listed as "Ood planeedile Maa" in Estonian.
666 Climbs to No. 2 in Greek Album Sales Chart!
More remarkable news for of Aphrodite's Child, and the excitement continues! The remastered reissue of "666" has reached an incredible No. 2 on Greece's Top Album Sales Chart this week, moving up from No. 5 last week.
Upcoming feature in VIMAGAZINO magazine
We learned here at Elsewhere that the esteemed Greek magazine "VIMAGAZINO" will feature a review of "666" in their upcoming issue, set to publish on Sunday, November 24. Please note, however, that publication schedules can sometimes change due to last-minute editorial decisions. We recommend checking the issue's content before purchasing to ensure the feature is included.
Correction November 30: The newspaper TO BIMA published the article in its newspaper edition instead of its Sunday VIMAGAZIMO magazine.
Aphrodite's Child's 666 Climbs the Charts
Some exciting chart news for the new remastered reissue of Aphrodite's Child's "666"! The album has reached an impressive No. 5 on Greece's Official Album Charts. In the UK, it has also achieved remarkable positions, ranking No. 28 on the Vinyl Albums Chart and No. 35 on the Physical Albums Chart.
Since our last update, the Greek online site LIFO has published an article on "666", repurposing much of The Telegraph's feature. The piece includes large sections translated into Greek but doesn't cover the full original article. Fans can explore this version, while the full English article remains available on The Telegraph's site which requires a subscription.
Stay tuned for more media interviews and articles promoting the album in the Greek press, television, and beyond!
Discovering 666 by Aphrodite's Child
In a recent video on "The Record Room" YouTube channel, the host takes us along on his unexpected journey into the newly remastered edition of "666 (the Apocalypse of John 13/18)" from Aphrodite's Child. Almost by chance, he discovered this music gem on vinyl while visiting his local record store, captivated by the enthusiastic recommendation of the shop manager as she placed the reissue on the shelf. This encounter marks the beginning of an unforgettable listening experience for the host, sharing his insights into its timeless sound. This review highlights why a 52-year-old masterpiece remains a must-listen for music lovers.
Additional Reviews of "666" since our last update:
Beyond: Ode to Earth
Taking a short break from our updates on the Aphrodite's Child "666" reissue, we are sharing some other news relating to Vangelis..
André Kuipers' "Beyond: Ode to Earth", scored by Vangelis, is set to screen outside the Netherlands for the first time at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, in Estonia. Tallinn is a major A-category festival and stands alongside Cannes and Venice. Fans in Estonia can see "Beyond" at three screenings beginning next Monday, on November 11, 2024.
In the Netherlands, the film is part of special screening at the Museon-Omniversum in The Hague. Museon-Omniversum’s focus on global sustainability through its "One Planet" theme aligns well with the messages of "Beyond".
"Beyond: Ode to Earth" continues to be widely accessible in the Netherlands, with daily screenings across multiple theaters and cinema chains. We list screenings at popular chains such as Pathé, Vue, and Kinepolis. The film also shown at many independent and local cinemas, check online to find a screening near you.
In a recent but short interview, astronaut André Kuipers shared how Vangelis' music has been an enduring source of inspiration during his space missions. Kuipers first became familiar with Vangelis' work on the International Space Station, where he listened to Vangelis' compositions extensively. This admiration led to a friendship after they spoke during Kuipers' second trip to space.
Nuclear Now!
Oliver Stone's "Nuclear Now" has been made available for free view by the filmmakers in North America on YouTube. In Europe, the film is widely available to view or purchase on multiple streaming platforms, which is a relief as the published Blu-ray disc release is restricted to Region A, which limits playback in European Blu-ray players.
For fans in Hungary, "Nuclear Now" started screening on October 24 at selected theaters in Budapest, Hungary.
The documentary, which explores sustainable energy as a solution to climate change, recently won the Best Documentary 2024 award at the "BNP Paribas Green Film Festival" in Poland. Director Oliver Stone shared "I'm very honoured that you recognized our film Nuclear Now at your Green Film Festival". The film was also awarded the "CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni" Award at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where the jury praised its factual and scientific approach to energy challenges.
Exclusive Interviews & Media Coverage Celebrate 666 Release Day
As promised in our November 7 update, we're excited to share an in-depth interview that's just gone live! Published by uDiscoverMusic, this exclusive interview with Cyril and Emily Roussos, the children of the legendary Demis Roussos, explores the journey and legacy of "666", the album he created with Vangelis as part of Aphrodite's Child. Cyril and Emily share personal insights, memories of their father's creative process, and reflect on what this album means for new generations of fans.
The Telegraph newspaper has published a new feature on "666," filled with fascinating insights from Vangelis's long-time audio engineer Philippe Colonna and music historian Mark Powell, who worked on the new deluxe edition of the album. The article provides glimpses into the band and the challenges they faced bringing this ambitious album to life. It is currently unclear if the article has appeared in print or will in the future, and unfortunately, the full text is behind a paywall, requiring registration.
The French newspaper Le Monde has also published an article today on "666", exploring the album's apocalyptic themes, the band's Greek origins, and the creative tensions between the band members that ultimately led to its dissolution. The article is behind a paywall, so only partial access is available for non-subscribers.
Here are additional links for full coverage on this release day. Some may have been shared previously, but we're including them here for comprehensive access.
Out now, Aphrodite's Child 666 (The Apocalypse of John 13/18)
Today, November 8, marks the re-release of "666", the legendary concept album by Aphrodite's Child. Originally met with mixed reactions and a period of delay due to themes deemed provocative by the record company, this double-length album has since become iconic in progressive rock. Known for its otherworldly blend of rock, electronic, and Greek music, "666" continues to influence generations of musicians and stands as one of the most important works in the genre, despite its initially lukewarm commercial reception.
The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, crafted under Vangelis's guidance before his passing in 2022, celebrates the album's groundbreaking legacy. Available in various formats, including as a 4-CD/1-Blu-ray set, this special deluxe boxset edition includes:
In addition to the 4-CD/1-Blu-ray set, there is a regular 2-LP version of the remastered original album, along with an exclusive red 2-LP version, which has become highly sought after. The album is also available for streaming on all major music platforms, allowing fans worldwide to experience its remastered sound.
To stream or purchase the physical releases in available in your region, follow the Linkfire URL:
Please note that the first link on the Linkfire page may reference your regional Universal Music online store if one exists in your area, where physical items may be available. If physical products are not displayed, Universal Music may not be selling them directly in your country, and you may need to import them, but please beware of import duties and custom taxes. Also note using a VPN can impact the links displayed; it's best to disable any VPN or set it to the correct region to see the appropriate links.
Status of Merchandise Orders
We've been informed that due to an unexpected logistical issue with Mercury's supplier, orders for the commemorative Aphrodite's Child merchandise available at the UK Universal Music store recordstore.co.uk will be delayed. The items, including the T-shirts and thermos, are now scheduled to ship starting November 29. This affects fans who have already placed pre-orders.
Exclusive Red Vinyl Edition – Limited Availability Update
The demand for the exclusive red vinyl limited edition has surged, with many stores already selling out on pre-orders, including the UK. However, we found a few Universal-affiliated stores in Europe and Canada where the red vinyl is still available for purchase. Please note, additional import duties and customs taxes may apply for international orders.
Below is a list of Universal Music-affiliated stores where the red vinyl is still available for order:
Availability of "666" in the USA
As noted in our October 28 update, physical copies of the "666" Deluxe Edition and the 2-LP set are not available in certain markets, including the USA. Fans in these regions may need to rely on local or online import options. For example, the US Amazon.com store currently lists the Deluxe Box Set as an import.
Alternatively, Don Fennimore from VangelisCollector has curated a helpful list of stores for fans in the US, Canada, and Japan. If you have Facebook access, check out his list here.
Thanks to Don Fennimore for his tips for locating this release! Used with kind permission.
Vangelis on "666" – An Insightful Retrospective
In a rare interview from 2016, Vangelis shared insights about his career, creative philosophy, and his time with Aphrodite's Child, including reflections on the making of "666". Originally published by Prog magazine, this interview became available online in April 2024, the interview explores Vangelis's unique approach to music and the intense artistic process behind the album that has since become iconic in progressive rock. This article is a must-read for fans of "666" and those curious about Vangelis's broader legacy in music.
New Translated Articles and Upcoming Article Feature
We're pleased to share English translations of two recent Greek articles published in celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Aphrodite's Child's "666" masterpiece, set to release tomorrow, Friday, November 8!
Stay tuned for an upcoming article that dives deeper into the world of Aphrodite's Child and their remarkable "666" album journey, featuring exclusive interviews. We'll share the link as soon as it's available.
Additional Reviews of "666"
The 50th-anniversary edition of "666" has drawn attention from various publications and websites.
Shindig! Magazine has just released Issue 157, featuring a leading review of Aphrodite's Child's legendary album "666", awarding it 5 stars!
In our October 28 update, we mentioned that the December 2024 issue of UK music magazine Uncut features a one-page article on the 50th-anniversary release of "666". They rated the release 4.5 stars. This article is now available online.
Additionally, musicians Tim Bowness and Steven Wilson discuss "666" in a recent podcast episode covering the greatest jazz and prog albums of 1972. Steven Wilson, known for his remix work on classic albums, joins Tim Bowness to explore why "666" is a masterpiece, providing insights into its impact on progressive rock.
Renowned music journalist Gérard Bar-David wrote an extensive piece on "666" for Gonzo Music, detailing its legacy. An English translation is available on their website by clicking the UK flag in the upper corner.
In celebration of the upcoming release of the 50th-anniversary edition of "666", we're sharing a couple of photos from the elsew.com archives. While these photos aren't from the actual recording session of "666", we thought they'd add a nice visual element and bring back some memories for fans who followed Aphrodite's Child and Vangelis throughout their journey.
Celebrating Aphrodite's Child's Album That Almost Never Saw the Light
In just a few days, on November 8, the "666" Deluxe Edition will be released, giving listeners and fans a new opportunity to experience one of Progressive Rock most unique works. As we build up to this release, we are revisiting the fascinating story behind this album, which almost didn't see the light of day due to its groundbreaking nature and the resistance it faced.
After completing "666", Aphrodite's Child encountered an unexpected roadblock: the album's label, Philips, refused to release it, citing "exotic" elements that pushed the boundaries too far, especially in the track "Infinity." This track, featuring guest artist Irene Papas delivering a raw, intense vocal performance alongside Vangelis, was deemed too provocative by the record company, who wanted this piece removed - along with other changes - before approving the album's release. Vangelis, however, refused to compromise, viewing the album as a complete artistic statement, leading to a long two-year delay and nearly halted the album's release altogether.
An article by journalist Clark Kent captured this moment of artistic tension as the album remained in limbo. Writing passionately in a French music publication, he championed "666" as "the best French pop record that may never be released." Kent described the album as a true artistic leap for Aphrodite's Child, breaking far away from their earlier work to create something that, in his words, "doesn't resemble anything they had done before." He highlights the album's double-disc format (referenced as double 30 cm record) and delves into the controversy surrounding "Infinity", noting how Irene Papas' bold performance prompted the label's censorship request.
Below, we share the English translation of the article that appeared in this publication, along with a rare photograph shown above, behind-the-scenes photo of Vangelis and Irene Papas recording "Infinity" in the studio.
The Best French Pop Record Victim of Censorship
by Clark Kent
Yes, the best French pop record may never be released. This might sound exaggerated, but it's absolutely true. Certainly, one could always debate the term "French" when it comes to Aphrodite's Child. Nevertheless, before breaking up, Aphrodite's Child created a double 30 cm record that doesn't resemble anything they had done before. A double 30 cm record that took three months to record and is undoubtedly one of the peaks of Pop Music in France. But there's a catch: Philips refuses to release the record, under the pretext that a part of this magnificent work is too erotic. Just think, we still don't know what it means to make love! And as for about 10 minutes, Irene Papas (the famous Greek actress who notably starred in Z) leaves no doubt as to what she's doing... And so, bam! Censorship. Whether the record is good or not, they don't care. It's banned. I'm telling you, we absolutely have to put a bra on the "Venus de Milo." Lucky for her, she wasn't signed with Philips... So here are two thirty-centimeter records, apparently successful from start to finish, stuck at the bottom of a drawer thanks to the international stupidity of a company that no longer quite knows where it stands.
Vangelis, the former leader of Aphrodite's Child, is disappointed, very disappointed, and if we add to this the abrupt breakup of the band, it's understandable why he makes remarks like these: "I didn't want what's happening right now to happen. For now, I'm taking legal action against Demis and Lucas for using the name 'Aphrodite's Child.' In any case, I really liked the band, and I have no problem with Demis and Lucas pursuing independent careers. On the contrary, they're free; they can do whatever they want. They could have even done it while staying with Aphrodite's Child. It never really worked out, even from the beginning, unfortunately. Aphrodite's Child was bound to break up one day: it happened. There were two opposing views: music against money. I agreed to go through the system, through the industry, because it's necessary to make a record. But you shouldn't let their system consume you. Even while having hits, we needed to make musical progress. We started as a pop band and then became fashionable. Making a summer hit isn't a goal for a band. For a record label, for a publisher, sure, but not for a band. The only motivation was money. I'm not against money, because it's essential to make a record, or anything else. But if the only goal is money, it's not possible. My plans? I don't yet know what I'll do immediately. I'm like in recovery after all these stories. I'll surely return to the stage; contrary to what's said, I love the stage, but not just any stage. I don't want to play in front of 3,000 drunk guys looking for a girl to hook up with. That's not music."
The album remained in the drawer until Philips released it on its experimental and progressive rock subsidiary, Vertigo. Today, it is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the prestigious label's history.
Special thanks to Mark Powell for enhancing the photograph!
New Feature on "Aphrodite's Child" 666 Deluxe Edition in "K Magazine"
In last Sunday's issue of the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, "K Magazine" published an article on the upcoming "Aphrodite's Child" 666 Deluxe Edition for its 50th anniversary. This insightful piece delves into the legacy of the iconic progressive rock album, with special contributions from Vangelis' friend and associate Philippe Colonna, who shares insights into the remastering process of this influential work.
"Beyond: Ode to the Earth" : André Kuipers' Music Playlist Now on Spotify
André Kuipers has shared a Spotify playlist featuring the music compositions of his film "Beyond: Ode to the Earth." The playlist includes works by Vangelis used throughout the documentary, as well as the "Pulstar" cover by Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren. This week, "Beyond" is showing in more than 80 cinemas throughout the Netherlands.
"Aphrodite's Child" CD Boxset and Vinyl Release – International Availability
As we eagerly anticipate the release of the Aphrodite's Child CD boxset and vinyl scheduled for November 8, the physical release will be available in multiple countries:
For fans in other regions such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, China, and India, the release will be available through various streaming platforms, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the music of Aphrodite's Child.
In addition to the physical releases, there is a range of exclusive merchandise available for fans in the UK. This collection includes T-shirts and a stylish thermos, perfect for commemorating this historic release. Merchandise can be purchased exclusively through the UK e-shop.
In related news, the December 2024 issue of the UK music magazine Uncut features a one-page article on the upcoming 50th Anniversary release of "666". This issue is already available at international press stores.
This rare black-and-white photo from 1971 captures Vangelis, Loukas Sideras, Salvador Dalí, and Amanda Lear at a party Vangelis hosted at Europa Sonor studios in Paris. The event celebrated the one-year anniversary of completing Aphrodite's Child's album "666" which, at the time, remained unreleased due to label censorship over songs like "Infinity" and "System". The upcoming "666" deluxe edition will include this photo, along with many more rare images from the era!
Crystal Film Award for André Kuipers' Documentary
André Kuipers' documentary "Beyond: Ode to the Earth" has been honored with the Crystal Film Award in the Netherlands. This prestigious award celebrates films that have surpassed 10,000 cinema admissions. Screenings are set to continue in the Netherlands through November and December, giving even more viewers the chance to experience this unique musical journey featuing Vangelis' music, and the incredible views of Earth from space.
Photo courtesy of nederlandsfilmfestival
"Beyond: Ode to the Earth" Film Reviews
Here are some selected reviews of André Kuipers' film "Beyond: Ode to the Earth", as well as a couple of interviews where he discusses the music featured in the film. Please note that all the articles and reviews are written in Dutch, but they can be easily translated using Google Translate or other tools.
Photo courtesy of André Kuipers's post on LinkedIn
"Beyond: Ode To The Earth" film review
I had the pleasure of attending the premiere of "Beyond: Ode to Earth" held at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. The film is the brainchild of André Kuipers, a Dutch astronaut who has been on two space expeditions to the International Space Station. A few days prior to the film's premiere, André hosted an international conference - a gathering organized by astronauts for astronauts - where over 100 astronauts from 38 countries met in the Netherlands for the Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers. At the film's premiere, over 50 of these astronauts attended, wearing their commemorative jackets representing their space agencies and mission badges.
Before the film's screening, André Kuipers arranged for some of the astronauts to come on stage to speak to the public and answer questions previously submitted by the audience. What became clear from hearing the astronauts on stage was that the most thrilling and memorable moments of their space missions were the times when they were not busy with mission tasks but had free time to admire the view of Earth as their space vehicles, or the space station orbited the planet. A common theme in their remarks was the 'overview effect,' a profound shift in perspective that astronauts experience when they see Earth from orbit. Viewing the planet as a fragile, borderless sphere floating in space often leaves them with a deep sense of beauty and responsibility to protect this vulnerable world.
At the end, André Kuipers came on stage and explained that his film is not a documentary, there are no talking heads, and no arrows or text describing what we are seeing. Because, in his view, when you are in space, you don't see arrows and text. Indeed, André's experience mirrors that of other astronauts, and his film brings the first-person perspective of looking back at Earth, capturing the sense of awe and wonder they feel. It is not a film about his own experiences or his space expeditions, but as the title suggests, it is an ode to Earth.
The film features a montage of videos from the International Space Station (ISS). It showcases scenery from the window of the space station, as it might have been observed by any of the astronauts. In these views, we see a breathtaking display of Earth's beauty. Occasionally, we catch glimpses of the robotic arm hanging in view or the solar panels of the space station glimmering in the sunlight. These elements act as stark reminders, reinforcing the feeling that the footage is not from an orbiting satellite but that a person was viewing them from inside the space station, observing the planet from a distance. They have the effect of bringing us inside the space station.
The film is accompanied by music from the maestro Vangelis. The experience unfolds slowly, allowing the viewer to absorb the moving images and form a personal connection with what they see. The visuals are truly brought to life by Vangelis' music, sublime when the images are serene, kinetic when they feel floating, ambient when they appear secluded, and uplifting when a scene requires it.
The filmmakers of "Beyond" took an exceptionally different approach to layering Vangelis' music onto this film compared to other films that incoporated Vangelis' music. They created a carefully curated mix of Vangelis' work, blending some of his most powerful and suitable pieces into one continuous mix. Each transition is accompanied by brief musical fragments, easing the viewer from one scene to the next before fading into longer compositions.
The musical selections from Vangelis' catalogue are comprehensive, and most of the pieces are not from his familiar or renowned compositions but from other gems that often escaped inclusion in "Best Of" albums. For those not familiar with Vangelis' work, this is a feast of music, making it hard to separate the images from the sound once seen on this film. This continuous mix also takes liberties in creating transitional music between the main themes, relying on shorter fragments from Vangelis' music. While this music sounds seamless to most viewers, Vangelis fans who know every piece might find it somewhat disorienting when these transitional snippets appear before the next major piece is revealed alongside the images. However, the music works incredibly beautifully and synchronized with the visuals, and it effectively gives the film the movement and engagement it needs.
One piece that was advertised a week before the film's premiere is a cover of Vangelis' space track "Pulstar," where renowned Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren delivered a brilliant rendition that maintains all of Vangelis' original elements while presenting it in a new style. This particular piece appeared separately in the film and was not part of the continuous mix. It is featured in a scene where, unlike the rest of the film that used genuine footage of Earth, this segment relied on some digital manipulation to create a unique visual effect. André Kuipers collaborated with Armin van Buuren to integrate his cover of "Pulstar" to that scene.
"Beyond: Ode to the Earth" invites the viewer to slow down and reflect on the beauty of our world, framed by the celestial music of the maestro Vangelis. The music plays a major part in what makes this film captivating and contemplative. Indeed, this film can also be seen as a homage and a tribute to the music of Vangelis. Well done.
The film will be screened to the public in the Netherlands on October 10.
"Beyond: Ode To The Earth" premiered in Amsterdam
Yesterday evening, André Kuipers' "Beyond: Ode To The Earth" celebrated its world premiere at the giant Amsterdam Ziggo Dome venue, attended by over 7000 spectators, including 70 astronauts.
The astronauts were attending the "Planetary Congress" van de "Association of Space Explorers" hosted by Kuipers. Eight of them were invited on stage and were interviewed by Humberto Tan and Anna Gimbrere, who conversed with them about the experience of space travel, including asking questions submitted by the public.
Then, after a break, the movie was introduced with Kuipers and Armin van Buuren speaking on stage, who both stressed how the movie is not only an ode to the earth, but also a tribute to the music of Vangelis.
And a great tribute it was. Kuipers has carefully selected 40 pieces from Vangelis' catalog and masterfully synchronized his images to Vangelis' music. The selection picks tracks from throughout Vangelis' career and largely avoids the famous hits, instead focussing on pieces with otherworldly qualities that support the mystical experience the astronauts live through. Listening in this setting is a great way to be reminded of the width of Vangelis' oeuvre for those familiar with his work and it provides a great introduction into Vangelis' extensive catalog for those who only now get acquainted (or reacquainted) with his work.
As a result, Vangelis' name and mention of his music are currently widely circulating in Dutch media. They will probably reach an even larger Dutch audience next Thursday October 10, when the movie will open in over 90 cinema's in the Netherlands.
The movie itself is a fully immersive experience. Apart from an introduction by Kuipers, no one speaks in the movie. The images and the experience take center stage, always driven by the prominent Vangelis music. A few bits of context are provided by subtle captions, but for the rest its the images that tell the tale: Preparations, the launch, entering zero gravity, exploring the space station and carefully enjoying the impressions of earth, until it's time to return home again.
The footage itself is often impressive, spectacular or hypnotic and certainly always beautiful.
The unique event was attended by a group of people who were close to Vangelis personally, who worked with him or were part of the project to allow the movie this movie to be made with this music.
Dutch Journalists were able to see the movie at an earlier occasion and their reviews so far are all very positive. This movie certainly deserves a wider international release. We'll certainly keep you updated on further development.
Thanks to Robert Eichelsheim for his contributed photograph!
Armin van Buuren releases EDM version of "Pulstar" for "Beyond"
In anticipation of the release of André Kuipers' "Beyond", the upcoming cinematic space experience that Kuipers shot and edited, enriched with a soundtrack compiled of Vangelis music, Dutch EDM artist Armin van Buuren is now releasing his contribution to the movie: His new version of Vangelis' Pulstar on Youtube.
The official release is scheduled for tomorrow, September 27, so other digital platforms will likely follow quickly.
"Beyond" premiere approaches. André Kuipers talks Vangelis on Dutch TV
The pending premiere of André Kuipers' movie "Beyond" is approaching fast, with the event scheduled on October 4. Tickets still available. Kuipers shared a short trailer on X:
De lancering van Beyond komt rap naderbij. pic.twitter.com/1T1bORWkFn
— André Kuipers (@astro_andre) September 18, 2024
Yesterday, Kuipers also appeared on Dutch TV show "Eva", where presenter Eva Jinek spoke to Kuipers about his movie, his friendship with Vangelis and Vangelis' support for the "Beyond" project. They were joined by Jet Berkhout, TV and radio presenter on classical music programs, to elaborate on Vangelis' musical legacy and the ways in which Vangelis worked, creatively.
No doubt, Vangelis would have been very proud of how the public is reminded of his work in this way.
Official "666" announcement and updates
Here's yesterday's official announcement for the Vangelis remastered 666 release:
Widely discussed as the finest progressive-rock album of all time, 666, from Aphrodite's Child (Vangelis, Demis Roussos, Loukas Sideras, and Anargyros 'Silver' Koulouris) is now available to order on deluxe, limited-edition red vinyl, as well as in a 4-CD/1-BluRay package, featuring previously unavailable interview footage explaining the album's creative process.
Also included on the CD / Blu-ray version are the widely-unheard Greek mixes, plus a lavishly-illustrated booklet and further original interviews.
Pre order and listen to the remastered version of The Four Horseman here:
https://aphroditeschild.lnk.to/666
I have to say that the remaster quality of the pre-released "The Four horsemen" track got me excited, personally. It sounds stronger without compromising the original recording. There is no issue with added reverbs or over compression. I can't wait to hear the rest of the tracks.
Note that we had to correct yesterdays post, as there is no CD box without the Blu-Ray or book. Choices are: Red vinyl (exclusively directly from Universal), the black vinyl, or the box set with CD, Blu-Ray, book, but no vinyl.
"666" reissue and box set to be announced tomorrow
Tomorrow September 5, Universal Music will be announcing the upcoming re-release of Aphrodite's Child magnum opus double album release "666". Sources close to Vangelis' estate confirmed to us that the work will be available on double LPs in two different versions, one of them pressed on red vinyl, and a 4CD + Blu-Ray box that contains both the international and the alternative mix (released in Greece) on CD plus a Blu-Ray disc that contains a Dolby Atmos mix and interview material from the time. The CD set also contains a new book about the release.
Note that while some sources seem to be listing a track list without the famous and controversial track named by the infinity symbol, the track really should be part of the release, as Vangelis was unwilling to remaster the album if it was not complete. Vangelis personally oversaw the remastering process, assisted by Philippe Colonna.
We will learn more details tomorrow, September 5, when the official announcement is made. On the same day the track "The Four Horsemen" will be pre-released on most digital channels.
Some words by Laura Metaxa
TWO YEARS
It has now been two years since Vangelis' passing. His is an immense absence, a void so deeply felt that it can never be filled. That is how it is, and I am saying to myself that if I love him I have to courageously accept it.
Just the other day, upon my return from a trip visiting my father, in the car, entirely unexpectedly, the radio started playing Vangelis' music. Some of the pieces on the radio recalled in my mind that I was there during the process of their creation, I was there before and also after, but that was totally secondary to how these pieces now sounded; they now had an existence of their own. It was as if each of them was waiting that particular "momentum" from Vangelis, that particular moment where Vangelis would be ready to liberate it and bring it to light. It was a peculiar feeling as I was listening to his music from the position of a listener of a radio channel inside a car, and upon listening I kept saying to myself these pieces are now ready, they are complete, they belong to the world. This is something Vangelis himself often used to say, when listening to a piece of music already released, from long ago. He would say it was complete, it now had an existence of its own, he was not allowing himself to make any alteration, and at the same time he was in awe of how he had created it. Once a piece was released it was no longer "under his ownership", and he knew it "belonged" to the people listening to it; this attitude reveals his grandness of spirit, a real generosity on his part.
Vangelis was not just a composer, a musician, or even an artist; everything in his life was done with a grandness and nobility unparalleled by anyone else. He surely was a very prolific person, in every sense, "giving birth" daily to new music and every possible creative expression. He even designed his own clothes (and asked a seamstress to follow his patterns), doing it in a sheer artistic, totally creative way, paying attention to every little detail, and, at the very same time, to the totality of the work in question, never deviating from the concept of a harmonious whole. It was the same when he cooked, or added the final touch to things; or when he would write a letter: he was always in search of the right words that would harmoniously combine with each other.
I could write about Vangelis forever. I can never forget his sense of humour which was always part of the way he expressed himself, a sense of humour very much linked to a glowing wit and much finesse. He was a creative person in every possible way, extending way beyond the domain of music. I often said to myself that Vangelis couldn't have become such an immense composer if he hadn't grasped the very essence of creativity in all other forms of artistic expression. That is the reason his absence is felt so intensely by every person who worked with him; that is also the reason why he had the first and last word in all things happening in his life!
As a result I feel an obligation to communicate to people, to the best of my abilities, the way Vangelis was, because he was like no other, and his way of being-in-the-world and of expressing himself creatively and artistically is a school in itself. I am convinced that his way of thinking is going to be truly beneficial and deeply good for others.
- Laura Metaxa
"Being alone does not necessarily mean feeling lonely. Speaking for myself, I never feel lonely with music, through the years I observe lots and lots of people who feel the same way."
- Vangelis
"We are Stardust" review
I'd like to share my review of Vangelis' score featured in "We are Stardust":
I had the pleasure of attending the fulldome presentation "We are Stardust" at the newly upgraded dome of the Eugenides Planetarium in Athens, Greece (see our update from September 16, 2023). Conceived by Greek astronomer and renowned science communicator Dionysis Simopoulos, this project began its collaboration with his friend Vangelis in 2020. The film's title was inspired by Mr. Simopoulos's 2017 book of the same name, and this marks the first instance of Vangelis's unique compositions being featured in a planetarium show.
The film is regarded as a partenship between astronmer Simopoulos and Vangelis, with a subtitle is "A Tribute to the Music and Universe of Vangelis". According to an interview with Mr. Simopoulos's son, Panagiotis Simopoulos, in the Greek press, his late father intentionally wished to divide the film into ten chapters, aiming to mirror the structure of a Vangelis album with ten tracks. The presentation stands as a multi-themed cinematic exploration, with its blend of cosmic themes, science exploration, and technological innovation. It invites viewers to contemplate their place in the universe as integral parts of the cosmic narrative, destined to return to the stars from where we came, hence the stardust, formed from elements forged in the fiery cores of early stars and dispersed across the cosmos by supernovae.
The first half of the film is an immersive galactic tour, with scenes of zooming into the universe, galaxies, supernovae, our solar system, and black holes. Vangelis' music in the first half is varied, two pieces of music serve as incidental music to help carry the story. While the other music in the first half more engaging and reacts and develops with the visual scenes.
The opening long track is a beautifully inspired somber ballet-like symphony that at times feels like it could have been part of Vangelis' "Foros Timis Ston Greco" (later released as the "El Greco" studio album in 1998), it is intercut with moments of sensitivity and grandeur, befitting the vastness of the cosmos, and in a style that is recognisably Vangelis, what a great opening!
This opening chapter is then followed by a short excerpt from a previously released "Perihelion" track from the "Rosetta" album. The music then returns to the style of the opening track in the subsequent chapters. At times it feels dreamy and coming into the fore when reacting to the effective cosmic visuals presented to the viewers, climaxing accordingly before softening again, and this continues over the next few chapters. The sounds are very "El Greco" in their palettes, but with a space-themed and floating in feel.
In a particularly extended chapter of the film, the final cosmic chapter in the first half of the film, the music distinctly stands out, created in Vangelis' renowned spontaneous style. It begins with a gentle combination of soft drums, each beat struck with a slow pace, accompanied by synthesized choral voices that gradually build tension and create a sacred atmosphere. As the piece progresses, it intensifies with dramatic flourishes from Vangelis' renowned array of instruments, including strings and other symphonic elements. The music feels both sacred and heavenly, yet dramatically intense, culminating in a climactic conclusion that is quintessentially Vangelis, making it a highlight composition that would be perfectly at home on any of his recent albums.
Following this chapter, the film transitions from the vast expanse of the cosmos down to Earth, exploring the mysteries of life and the human quest to decipher the secrets of the universe, whether through space exploration or particle physics. The soundtrack shifts to a lighter, more catchy mood, reminiscent of some of the incidental music in "Trashed," a documentary scored by Vangelis in 2012.
The final chapter of the film features a piece that particularly surprised me, coinciding with the visuals returning to the cosmos. It's a poetic segment where the narration delivers its concluding thoughts against a backdrop of striking space visuals. The music begins subtly with slow, distinctive Vangelis strings underpinning the narration, so gentle they're almost unnoticeable, the music evokes a sensation of slowly cruising through space. As the narration concludes, a beautiful violin solo emerges above the backdrop, gradually building in a melancholy yet stirring emotions. The music is sad and reflective, yet beautifully restrained. This is truly a highlight of the presentation. It evoked similar emotions like that captured in "Tears in the Rain" from "Blade Runner." What a beautifully musical conclusion to the film!
The ending credits is a gentle piano song that feels very "El Greco" in style, which is the music we hear in the trailer of the film posted on YouTube by the Eugene Foundation. Overall, dividing the presentation into ten chapters effectively mirrors the experience of a Vangelis album, accompanied by the stunning and immersive visuals of the film.
Undoubtedly, the dome screen and high-quality projection elevate this presentation to a new level of immersion. The CGI feels like an updated, immersive version of the visuals from Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" TV series. Yet here, the narrative shifts from Sagan's famed "ship of the imagination," displayed on a flat 2D screen, to placing the audience directly within the cosmic scenes themselves. The dome projection effectively enhances immersion, and at times, one feels like grabbing the armchair, as if viewing the universe right there, completely disconnected from terrestrial Earth. Throughout the film, effective sound effects are used to emphasize key visuals, such as star explosions and space travel, working in harmony with the music and visuals.
The film is narrated in Greek by Mr Simopoulos, a voice familiar in Greece from his vast TV science shows on ERT. An English narration is available upon request of a wireless headset at the ticket desk at the planetarium, which I noticed some visitors did ask for and used during the film. I for one opted to experience the film without headset in its native language version to fully enjoy Vangelis' music.
According to Greek press, this project took a significant effort to complete after the passing of Simopoulos and Vangelis. Vangelis' long time friends and collaborators Frederick Rousseau and Philippe Colonna were instrumental in the production and mixing of the final film and soundtrack, helping to bring the visionary project to fruition.
The film began screening last October on a busy schedule. Those wishing to attend should note that the entrance is located on the back side of the Eugenides Foundation Library building at the Eugenides Foundation New Digital Planetarium.
- Sufian
André Kuipers announces "Beyond"
André Kuipers was a guest tonight at Dutch late night talk show "Humberto" where he announced the upcoming cinema release of his International Space Station movie "Beyond". He described it as not a documentary but an experience, where you see what he saw when he was up there, accompanied by the music he listened to when he was up there. Vangelis had offered him to write new original music but Kuipers' choice was to show it with the music he heard up there. Vangelis had offered to make changes to the well known themes but sadly passed away before working on that.
The movie will premiere on October 4, accompanied with a space talk by Kuipers himself and other astronauts at the Ziggo Dome indoor arena, turned into a large cinema for the occasion.
Nuclear Now screenings in The Netherlands
Also be aware that there are new chances to see the Vangelis scored Oliver Stone documentary "Nuclear Now" in Dutch cinemas. Be quick, this series of screenings has already started.
Thanks to Haro Musters for his tip on the Nuclear Now screenings.
Report on Volos Vangelis Papathanassiou theater opening night
As reported before, the renewed theater in Volos, after being closed for 15 years, has been renamed "Vangelis Papathanassiou Municipal theater". It has now opened with a concert of Vangelis music performed by a large orchestra and choir.
Tickets for the event were snapped up within an hour of going online. The concert drew in 1600 spectators across two performances, including a special afternoon show added due to high demand.
Here's a report from a fan who was able to attend the evening event:
The musical opening of the Volos Theater was beyond my expectations.
The night opened with the mayor of Volos, mr Achilleas Beos, who gave a speech about the renovation of the Theater, which is a really nice theater for 900 people to enjoy concerts, theatrical plays and all kinds of events to take place. He praised Vangelis and detailed the magnitude of what he offered in music and the Universe.
The artistic director of the theater, a very well known actor, Mr Dimitris Piatas, narated the biography of Vangelis, accompanied by touching photograohs of Vangelis projected onto the big screen.
It was followed by the concert, where they performed: Chariots of fire, Beauty and the Beast (two tracks), Alpha, Pulstar, La Petite Fille de la mer, Mythodea, Alexander, Anthem, Babylon entry, Across the mountains, Conquest of Paradise. The choir joined in on a number of pieces. This was a mix of seven choirs, no less than 230 people in total. The orchestra consisted of 120 musicians.
La Petite Fille de la mer was performed solo on the piano by an excellent local pianist. Pulstar and Alpha were performed by the orchestra and the electronic instruments performed by a local synthesizer player, all high quality performances.
At times, the artistic director said some words to bridge from one track to the next. Somewhere in the middle of the event, after the Beauty and the Beast ballet music, a well known journalist narrated some of his memories of discussions with Vangelis, which impressed the audience. the next.
All pieces were accompanied by video created by Mr Nikos Soulis, a renowned Greek director showing with ancient statues and stars. Also a vido was shown that Vangelis had once prepared for NASA.
Both Chariots and Conquest of Paradise were performed as encores.
The event ended with a video recording of Vangelis performing the Greek national hymn at the 1997 IAAF world championships.
I would really like to stress that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Volos orchestra and the choir. I hope they will keep their standards this high for many other concerts to come. Vangelis would be proud of his hometown, that even before the second world war and up till the mid '50s had an exceptional tradition in classical music.
- A Greek Vangelis fan
Vangelis' "We Are Stardust" Premieres at Athens' Eugenides Planetarium
The Eugenides Planetarium in Athens prepares to unveil a labor of love, passion, and a harmonious convergence of art and science. Tomorrow will see the first public screening of "We are stardust, Tribute to the music and universe of Vangelis," a film that is as much a tribute to the unyielding curiosity of the human spirit as it is to two luminaries we've recently lost - composer Vangelis Papathanasiou and astrophysicist Dionysios Simopoulos. The film's trailer was released earlier today, and the Eugenides Planetarium has now added the film to its programme. Tickets for the film's premiere, scheduled for tomorrow, October 25, 2023, as well as for other dates throughout the remaining months of the year, are now available for online purchase. Check the links below for more information.
Vangelis score for "We are stardust" at the Eugenides Planetarium in Athens
The Eugenides Planetarium will soon begin showing a new movie in its planetarium dome, titled "We are stardust, Tribute to the music and universe of Vangelis". Screenings at the location in Athens should start in the last half of October.
Conceived and directed by the scientist and astrophysicist Dionisis Simopoulos, who was struggling for several years against a severe pancreatic cancer, while working on this new cinematic tribute to the universe, and its exploration. Simopoulos had convinced Vangelis to create new original music for this occasion. Vangelis, who greatly appreciated Simopoulos as a scientist and friend had composed and recorded his music before his sad passing in 2022. Then, long time Vangelis collaborators Philippe Colonna and Frederick Rousseau finished the mixing and worked with the artistic team of the planetarium to synchronize the music and images.
Before the movie was finalized, sadly Dionisis Simopoulos also passed away, with his close collaborators - including his son Panagiotis Simopoulos - finishing the last details to deliver the movie that the public will soon be able to see. And indeed hear!
The movie contains 40 minutes of music, most of it completely new, with one track taken from the "Rosetta" album (Note: Corrected, the track is from Vangelis's "Rosetta" album, not "Juno to Jupiter" as originally posted).
New Volos Theater to open with Vangelis tribute concert.
An orchestral concert of Vangelis music is being planned to formally open the new theater of the Greek City of Volos, which in itself has already been named after Vangelis in honor of his legacy.
Vangelis was born in Agria, a small coastal village near Volos.
Our sources close to Vangelis confirm some details for the event. The music will be performed by a large orchestra, with choir and sopranos and will be accompanied by images from Vangelis' life, as a tribute to him. As currently conceived the music would be selection of Vangelis' most famous themes, but probably also include compositions not publicly released, including parts from the Beauty and the Beast ballet.
The event was originally scheduled to be staged this month but has been pushed back due to the current difficult circumstances including flooding in the Volos area and other parts of Greece. A proper announcement with a new date will be published when the time is right.
"Nuclear Now" video on demand, and DVD/BluRay releases
Based on announcements made by the film's official website, Oliver Stone's film, "Nuclear Now" will be available on iTunes for on-demand viewing on June 6. Although specific regional availability is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be accessible across the United States and hopefully worldwide. Additionally, a DVD and Blu-Ray release of "Nuclear Now" is in the plans. Vangelis lent his musical talents to this film, for a review check the update from 26 March 2023.
Full audio from "Totally Wired" 1982 interview
Fans will be pleased to know that the full audio interview with Vangelis from the 1982 episode of the US radio show 'Totally Wired' is now available on the 'Echoes' website. The interview, conducted by journalist and award-winning radio producer John Diliberto, was previously only available in excerpts used during a Vangelis special. John Diliberto, now the host and producer of the nationwide radio program 'Echoes', kindly made the entire interview available for everyone.
"Nuclear Now!" review
I'd like to share my review of Vangelis' score featured in Oliver Stone's "Nuclear Now!":
I had the pleasure of watching Oliver Stone's documentary "Nuclear Now!" at a recent film festival, which features an original score by Vangelis.
From the outset, the film grips the viewer with its ominous bells and electronic choirs held in suspense, creating an atmosphere of fear that perfectly matches the archival clips and loud sound effects shown during Oliver Stone's narration. Director Stone spends about 10 minutes introducing the history of the nuclear age, and as each new phase of history is reached, Vangelis' music changes to match the visuals.
Director Stone provides a steady stream of narration throughout the film, only breaking away for interviews with experts. Once we get past the historical introduction and delve into the main presentation, Vangelis' music gets more moments to breathe, and provides the listener longer moments of appreciation. Vangelis presents a variety of styles, with some new compositions feeling right at home on his recent albums like "Juno to Jupiter" and "Rosetta", characterized by his symphonic style. Some of these new compositions are rousing heroic anthems that stir up a swell of emotions that only the maestro Vangelis can capture, while others are somber and reflective, reminiscent of the music from "Alexander."
For some Vangelis fans, perhaps the most exciting part of the score is his experimentation with new palettes of sounds, which he drives with his signature style. There are plenty of new tracks that explore synth-driven rhythmic compositions, with less emphasis on symphonic elements and more towards pure synthesizer setups. One particular track had a fast pulsating synth chord that unravels into an exciting electric piano and synth music, reminiscent of anything recorded at Nemo Studios. Another short but curious composition had multi-layered horns with piano and sequencers, while a third evokes the spirit of Vangelis' classic works like "Oceanic" and "BR25". A fourth track starts as a marching band percussion track but then changes into a beautifully reflective track. Additionally, there is a fresh, more synth-driven version of "Rosetta's Waltz" that dispenses with the graceful waltzy string ensemble for a more synth-driven interpretation. Although some of the other synth-driven cues are played for short fragments, they are mostly in a minimalist style and it's precisely this restraint that makes them so impactful, and yet recognizably Vangelis. The listener is left dreaming what these compositions would sound like in full.
One of the standout moments in the film is a delicate string piece that evokes imagery from a "Blade Runner" movie, though its full beauty is somewhat muted by its soft volume behind Oliver's dialogue during his visit to the French nuclear reactor. Speaking of "Blade Runner", another new composition starts with a synth sweep and leading horn sound, before developing into one of many exciting synth-driven tracks featured in the film.
While there are many other new tracks in the film, not all are covered in this review. Some are too short to be fully appreciated, and the constant narration often leaves the listener guessing how the full compositions would sound.
The film features a mix of Vangelis' new and existing music. For instance, "Himalaya" plays during a segment about China, while a new composition by Vangelis that uses synth sitar-sounding instruments can be heard during a segment about India. Additionally, various other tracks from Vangelis' repertoire, such as those from "Rosetta" and "L'apocalypse des animaux", are also featured in the film. The "Stephen Hawking tribute" track is especially impactful and is featured at the end of the film.
As the film reaches its conclusion, a darkened screen emerges, displaying a heartfelt tribute to Vangelis:
The end theme features the new "Rosetta Waltz" rendition followed by one of the synth-driven tracks that was played several times throughout the movie. As the movie credits roll, we catch sight of the music score credits, which include the name of the composer, Vangelis, as well as the names of his two close friends and long-time collaborators from the studio:
VANGELIS
PHILIPPE COLONNA
FREDERICK ROUSSEAU
The movie will play in North America on May 1st for a one-day screening and will be shown for only one day. There are news reports that after the theatrical release, the film will be available for streaming. If experience tells us something, like the Algerian film "Crépuscule Des Ombres" (Twilight of Shadows) featuring one of Vangelis' most captivating works, the movie was only screened at a few film festivals but never officially released and, to the best of my knowledge, not released theatrically in its native country. Fans are encouraged to savor the latest, if perhaps the last, music of our beloved composer.
Sufian
Official movie trailer "Nuclear Now" released
The official trailer for Oliver Stone's latest film, "Nuclear Now" has just been released. The trailer features snippets of new music by Vangelis.
Screening of "Nuclear Now!" documentary in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish premiere of the documentary "Nuclear Now," directed by Oliver Stone and featuring a score composed by Vangelis, will take place at the Bremen Theatre in Copenhagen as part of the CPH DOX Film Festival.
The screening will take place on March 23 at 20:00, followed by a virtaul live interview with Oliver Stone where he will discuss his views on nuclear power from Los Angeles.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through the link below.
Screening of "Nuclear Now!" documentary in Leuven, Belgium
The documentary "Nuclear Now," directed by Oliver Stone and composed by Vangelis, will be showcased at the international documentary festival Docville in Leuven, Belgium. The film will be shown on two occasions, on March 25 at 18:00 at Auditorium Vesalius and on March 30 at 11:00 at ZED-Vesalius, both located on the same campus as part of the ScienceVille/Docville event. To learn more about the documentary and purchase tickets, please click on the link below.
"Nuclear Now!" documentary in theatres soon
According to an article in deadline.com, the documentary "Nuclear Now", directed by Oliver Stone and scored by Vangelis, has been acquired for North American distribution by Abramorama and Giant Pictures. The film premiered at the 2021 Venice Film Festival and will be released theatrically in New York, Los Angeles, and select markets on April 28, followed by a US nationwide release on May 1st.
After its theatrical run, Giant Pictures will make the film available on digital and streaming platforms. Mediawan Rights will handle sales for "Nuclear Now" outside of North America at upcoming film markets. A new website for the film is now available at the link below.
"Nuclear Now!" documentary at Davos and upcoming screening in Madrid
Earlier this month Oliver Stone attended the World Economic Forum at Davos and screened his film "Nuclear Now!" featuring an original score by Vangelis. The New York Times reported the screening at Davos gathered great interest and the event was packed with attendees sitting on the floor.
Next month "Nuclear Now!" will be screened in Madrid, Spain at Cine Doré on February 21st at 18:00 which will also include a panel discussion with the film's co-writer Dr. Joshua Goldstein. Attendance is free but requires registration at the link below.
Q&A with Oliver Stone's "Nuclear" documentary
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be conducting a live virtual conversation with Oliver Stone about his Vangelis-scored documentary film "Nuclear" today. He will be joined by the film's co-writer Dr. Joshua Goldstein. The live event is said to be held in Egypt from Sharm El-Sheikh as part of the UN's agency to highlight how nuclear technology can contribute to tackling climate change at the COP27 event, where those attending this event in person gets to see an exclusive screening of the film. The Q&A will be live-streamed on YouTube at the link below. The event is scheduled at 19:30 Egypt time (18:30 CET.)
Discussion and partial presentation of "Nuclear"
Later today, Dr. Joshua Goldstein will present a part of the film in Arlington, Virginia at the "Lynchburg Academy Center for the Arts" at 7 PM local time. Dr. Goldstein will discuss the film's positive message for sustainable energy.
Press release for André Kuipers' upcoming movie
PRESS RELEASE
André Kuipers' film BEYOND is a tribute to his good friend Vangelis
On October 19, 2023, the film BEYOND, with which astronaut André Kuipers makes his directorial debut, will premiere. This unique musical movie experience shows the infinite beauty of the Earth from space through the eyes of the spacefarer. André dedicates BEYOND to his good friend Vangelis, who passed away in the spring. Until his death, the world-famous Greek musician, composer, songwriter and producer - known for among others famous film scores for Chariots of Fire, Blade Runner, 1492: Conquest of Paradise and Alexander - was musically involved with Kuipers' special film project with great enthusiasm. In BEYOND, image and music connect seamlessly and provide an unprecedented cinema experience for young and old.
The film BEYOND contains no less than 40 different tracks from Vangelis' rich oeuvre. “In the choice of music, I was solely guided by the musical emotion that best loaded the scene,” says Kuipers. The astronaut drew on Vangelis' complete oeuvre that spans six decades. “Vangelis loved the fact that we chose music from the whole spectrum of his works.“
The famous composer was closely involved in the creation of BEYOND. André Kuipers: “The best moment was when he called me after seeing the umpteenth edit. "André, this is fantastic!", he called out on the phone. "I am so very happy, you make my day!" When we reviewed the latest edit at his home, the film was 95% finished. Although unfortunately he can no longer see the end result, I am very happy and grateful that we have come this far together."
Kuipers first became acquainted with Vangelis' music in the documentary series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage by Carl Sagan. As a great fan of Vangelis, the astronaut took his musical work with him on his two space missions. “Listening to the captivating Vangelis sounds as I floated through the space station and looked out made the experience very intense. I would like to share that special feeling with others.”
Onboard the ISS, the astronaut first became personally acquainted with the composer. “ESA and NASA arranged for me to have a live conversation with Vangelis from the space station. He was sitting at his piano in London at the time, playing for me. I took him to the window to look out and see our Earth. It was an unforgettable experience that made a big impression on both of us.” Once back on Earth, the astronaut and the composer met in person. "Ever since we saw each other a few times a year at his home, where the visit often lasted until the early hours," says Kuipers. "Vangelis's fascination with the universe was enormous."
More information about Vangelis' music can be found at http://elsew.com
About the movie
The new film BEYOND is a unique film experience with a special role for Vangelis' music. The soundtrack contains works that are very dear to Kuipers. “Music plays a crucial role in this film experience”, André Kuipers assures. “The audience takes on the role of an astronaut for an extraterrestrial experience. You can't get any closer to my own experience in space.”
BEYOND will premiere in the Netherlands on October 19, 2023. The film is produced by SpacePlays, M&N Media Group with the makers of films such as The New Wilderniss and Wild Amsterdam. M&N Film Distribution will be handling the distribution.
About André Kuipers
The space adventure of medical doctor and astronaut André Kuipers started at the age of twelve when he received science fiction books from his grandmother. He was sure: one day he would view the Earth itself from space. His entire career has been devoted to space travel.
André was selected as an astronaut by ESA in 1998. After years of training, he flew his first mission to the International Space Station in 2004. Mission DELTA lasted eleven days. Much too short, André thought. He wanted nothing more than to go back to space to live and work there for a longer period of time. In December 2011, André left Earth again for a 193 day stay in space, the longest European spaceflight to that date. He regularly appeared in the media to let as many people as possible enjoy his experiences up there. Now he still does that with performances and lectures worldwide. In addition to being a speaker, André is also an ambassador for various charities such as the WWF, the Red Cross and the Emma Children's Hospital. He promotes science and technology among young people as an ambassador of the Technology Pact and is co-initiator of the educational school program SpaceBuzz. André is a member of the Palace Committee, a member of the Supervisory Board of the KNMI and a board member of the international Association of Space Explorers.
Check back here for more news about this project and updates on other developments.
"Nuclear" screening in Switzerland
"Nuclear" will be screened later this month at the Zurich Film Festival on September 24, 28 and 29. Tickets can be purchased at their website:
More articles and media coverage of "Nuclear"
Here are a selection of links from the web covering Oliver Stone's documentary film:
Vangelis' legacy
After receiving many questions from all over the world since Vangelis' passing, we have checked on a few select topics with our sources close to Vangelis' immediate family, to find a degree of clarity.
First, the question of whether more releases of Vangelis music (be it completed albums that never saw the light of day, or select music from his vaults of unused recordings) may still be released in any shape or form? Yes, according to our sources, the intention is to fully preserve Vangelis' legacy, which means that the intention is to eventually share as much as possible of his creations with the world. That would include his unreleased music, but also paintings or other art. But patience will be needed for that. Much needs to be organized, and the mourning over his passing is still fresh.
Second, many have asked whether the location of Vangelis' ashes could be visited to pay respects. This is currently not the case. Our sources confirm that they are still in Paris, but not subject to public access. Eventually - and this will take quite a lot of time, perhaps next year - they will return to Greece according to Vangelis' wishes and will most likely be scattered at sea, at a location of Vangelis' choice. It is possible that a ceremony will be organized when this happens, and that may have a partly public character. Time will tell.
We will keep you updated of any developments.
Article in French KR Homestudio magazine
French musician magazine KR Homestudio magazine has published an 8 page article about Vangelis, with a lot of input of Vangelis' recent collaborators Frederick Rousseau and Philippe Colonna, full of pictures (some of them not seen before), information and insights into Vangelis' studio, including his final setup of instruments. Recommended, especially if you can read the French language.
This is the #362 issue, for July / August.
Thanks to Carl Deseyn for his input.
Excerpts from "Nuclear"
Entertainment site "Deadline" has published the first bits of footage from Oliver Stone's new documentary "Nuclear", including music from the brand new score, Vangelis managed to compose before his passing.
Vangelis music in Astronomy videos
A video called "Astronomy in Greece From Antiquity to Present" was recently published on Youtube. The video uses (with his permission) as its score a number of well known pieces of Vangelis music. The track the movie opens with however is a beautiful Vangelis piece that has never been released.
It turns out the same piece of music was recently used in the trailer for a movie about Greek astronomer Tom Krimigis, which currently plays at selected festivals, from the same director, Ioannis Vamvakas. As far as we could find out Vangelis allowed the use of his music, but didn't necessarily compose new works for it. However, he did compose and submit to NASA some special music for an event to honor Greek astronomer Tom Krimigis, so it is possible this is the piece heard in both Vamvakas videos.
The other Vangelis music heard in this trailer are a bit from Rosetta's "Starstuff", the "Atlas' Push" track from Juno To Jupiter, as well as the film version of "Young Alexander".
Vamvakas has also created a special Vangelis tribute video, after Vangelis' passing. Both the tribute video and "Astronomy in Greece From Antiquity to Present" where created for a congress called "COSPAR 2022", organized by Tom Krimigis, attended by 2500 astronomers gathering in Athens, including mr. Scott Bolton, and Vangelis had granted the right to use his music to Krimigis and the organizers of the congress.
Special thanks to Carl Deseyn for finding the trailer and triggering our research, and to Robert Eichelsheim for his help with analysis.
Vangelis score for Oliver Stone's "Nuclear"
As we wrote in September last year, Vangelis was then working with Oliver Stone to compose a score for the iconic director's documentary on the prospect of turning to the use of nuclear energy. The movie, now titled "Nuclear" will enjoy its first public screenings at the Venice Film Festival on September 8, 9 and 10. Check the link below for more details.
Our reliable sources from Vangelis' close circles confirm that Vangelis had worked on this music for quite some time, before his sad passing, and the movie will indeed be released with its Vangelis score in place.
The same sources share that an album with music from the movie in some form is expected to be released at a later moment.
Do check back here for more news on this topic, as well as other topics we will be catching up on.
Thanks to Marc Vanholsbeeck for his input on this topic over time.
Juno To Jupiter Limited (signed) box set to release on June 24
Friday June 24 will see the official release of the Limited Box set of Vangelis' Juno To Jupiter album. Only 2000 copies will be available.
The box set contains the CD, the 2LP, a hard cover 172 page booklet. A poster, and last but not least, a lenticular bookmark that has been hand-signed by Vangelis.
The release will be available through the official Decca store in the UK (although fans have reported various issues in the past, including late shipping and note that non-UK customers will pay taxes due to Brexit issues), as well as select official Universal stores in other territories as well as a selection of retailers from all over the world. A number of links can be found below.
Read earlier news updates in the archive pages (see below and on top of this page).
