One of the main components, which has allowed an international success of MGS, is the soundtrack. An impressive soundtrack which merges totally the player in this fascinating world full of complex plots and intrigues. With the worldwide success of Metal Gear Solid, Konami decided to inject more money to develop the sequel thus Hideo got a bigger budget to create MGS2. He decided then to spend one part to create a greatest soundtrack. After watching the movie “The Replacement Killers” (directed by Antoine Fuqua with Mira Sorvino, Chow Yun-Fat as main actors), he chose the compositor Harry Gregson-Williams to participate in this project.

Harry Gregson-Williams has created more than 40 soundtracks for 40 movies (including the last 3 movies which will come out in 2009 - Jolene, The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 and X-Men Origins Wolverine) but it was his first time in the entertainment console world.

Reputed to use computers to generate music and to add techno twist, he participated at the creation of the soundtrack of MGS2, but also MGS3 and MGS4. The arrangement of the original Metal Gear Solid main theme was one of his creation that involved both orchestral and electronic textures.

The other compositors who participated at the creation of the soundtracks:

• MGS2 : Norihiko Hibino, Tappy and Rika Muranaka.
• MGS3 : Norihiko Hibino, Tappy, Nobuko Toda, Shuichi Kobori and Rika Muranaka.
• MGS4 : Norihiko Hibino, Takahiro Izutani, Nobuko Toda, Shuichi Kobori, Kazuma, Jinnouchi, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Akihiro Honda, Yoshitaka Suzuki and Sota Fujimori.

And to end, singers who put their voices to merge us more deeply in the story:

• MGS2 : Felix Farrar Orchestra played “can't say goodbye to yesterday (piano version)” based on music and words by Rika Muranaka. Carla White sings “can't say goodbye to yesterday (full version)” based on music and words by Rika Muranaka and played by Felix Farrar Orchestra.
• MGS3 : Cynthia Harrell sings “snake eater” based on music and words by Norihiko Hibino. Elisa Fiorillo sings “don’t be afraid” based on music and words by Rika Muranaka. Starsailor sings “way to fall” based on music and words by James Walsh, James Stelfox, Ben Byrne and Barry Westhead.
• MGS4 : Lisbeth Scott sings “here’s to you” based on music of Ennio Morricone (from the movie Sacco e Vanzetti) arranged by Harry Gregson-Williams.

Comic novel

Konami in association with IDW Publishing published the MGS Comic series based directly from MGS and MGS2 on which fans can find extra scenes. The first volume is written by Kris Oprisko and the second volume by Alex Garner. About the artwork is done by Ashley Wood for both.

Digital graphi novel

The MGS Digital Graphic novel is created by Konami for the PSP which is an interactive comic book. The story is based on the comic series of the first volume with one main and important difference, it is 3D digital !!! It includes sound effects, animations and music but no voice acting to emerge more deeply the readers.

Movie

Following the worldwide success of MGS, Hideo Kojima announced an adaptation of his game in big screen although any release date has been communicated.

Some rumors said that Paul Thomas Anderson is interested to direct the movie and that Hideo Kojima would produce it – the shooting can be in Alaska ???

Paul Thomas Anderson directed until now 5 movies:

• There will be blood (2008) with actors as Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier.
• Punch-drunk love (2003) with actors as Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman.
• Magnolia (2000) with actors as Tom Cruise, Melinda Dillon, William H. Macy.
• Boogie nights (1998) with actors as Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore.
• Hard eight (1996) with actors as Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow.

This rumor seems to be the most serious one that we can hear until now because this information has been given during an interview with Aki Saito - he is the one in charge to negotiate the rights of the movie adaptation. Until now, Paul didn’t confirm or deny this information so what they are waiting for ???

October 30, 2008

 

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