Serenity: The Deluxe Edition

Serenity (2005) was the feature film sequel of Joss Whedon's short-lived space-western TV series, Firefly (2002–03). When fans lamented the loss of the canceled show, Universal rescued the titular spaceship and its charismatic crew (including Nathan Fillion, Morena Baccarin and Alan Tudyk) for a big-screen adventure written and directed by Whedon.

Scoring Serenity was David Newman, whose vast and diverse filmography lent him well-prepared for anything the film might throw at him. From worldbuilding to character comedy to harrowing action, the score runs the gamut - but always hews to a sense of family and "home" for the Serenity and her offbeat crew. Solo cello and folksy percussion are found alongside eerie "ethnic" approaches, which turn dark and brutal for the barbaric villains, the Reavers, as the film explores their secret origin. But Newman balances the weirdness with familiar, dramatic orchestral scoring, ultimately creating an eclectic tapestry for Whedon's unique vision.

Varèse Sarabande's 2005 soundtrack CD for Serenity was released as a 23-track, 50-minute program. This Deluxe Edition expands the album into a 2CD set, with 54 tracks featuring 90 minutes of prime David Newman sci-fi action, adventure, and emotion, as chronicled in new liner notes by Daniel Schweiger.