Yesterday I watched Highlander for the first time. I didn't like it (although it must have been pretty cool 25 years ago) but it was interesting to listen to the songs in context.
One thing that surprised me was the "New York, New York" snippet! I didn't know it existed and unfortunately I couldn't find a better or more complete version than what appears in the movie. If someone has or knows about a longer fragment please let me know!
No longer version was released. Brian has commented he would love to (one day) release a
proper Highlander soundtrack album with 'NewYork, New york' on it.
Most songs featured in the movie are versions ONLY appearing in the movie;
- Princes of the Universe (more instrumental bits)
- Who Wants To Live Forever (Sung completely by Freddie in stead of Brian's intro)
- A Kind Of Magic (Original Roger Taylor mix before it became a pop song :p )
...the rest I dont know..
There is no more than what appears in the film. The director, Russell Mulcahy, says in the DVD commentary that he had to beg Freddie to do it and only convinced him by saying Liza Minnelli had done a cover as well. Apparently they only did that portion of the song, not a full version. If it ever gets released, it'll only that bit.
And yes, parts of Highlander don't age as well as others, but I think overall, it stands up. I think the moments that tried too hard to be comedic don't work as well as when it's taking its concept seriously, but then I'm not a fan of gag humor usually, especially in science fiction or fantasy.
I wish they had included the Highlander's version of Who Wants To Live Forever with Freddie singing the intro as a bonus track for the remastered AKOM album.
A proper soundtrack with the original movie mixes was on Brian's mind just before Highlander composer Michael Kamen passed away. After that, the idea was seemingly dropped for the time being, but it wouldn't surprise me if Brian got back to it, though he may not feel inclined given Kamen, with whom he and Queen collaborated, is not around. I wouldn't hold my breath on a complete Highlander soundtrack any time soon, but anything's possible.
I remember seeing Highlander for the first time about 2 years ago. I love the film and the 90's TV series I thought was really good too. I had to watch that via netflix, though, as im only 16. lol
I am fortunate enough to live right by Silvercup Studios where the final scene takes place. I think about Highlander everytime i go across the 59th street bridge to go home. Wish the music video for Princes of the universe with Freddie and Christopher Lambert would have actually been shot in NY at Silvercup instead of a sound stage in Pinewood Studios meant to look like it.
Also, when i purchased in 2000 the Freddie Mercury Solo Box Set here in NY, I was really looking forward to the "New York" demo listed on there to be the one from Highlander, but sadly it is not, but rather a different song.
I do have have somewhere the mp3's of the snippet from the movie of "New York, New York" and also the Highlander version of "Who Wants To Live Forever" but I am sure if anyone wants it, they can find it on youtube these days.
Perhaps this was one of the tracks for the "new album". They'd build an entire song off of that snippet o' Fred. Now, thanks to Roger, we'll never hear it.
(I, too, thought that would be the song on the Freddie Box. What a disappointment. He doesn't even stay in key on that one!!!)