Two new movies are opening in wide release this weekend:

ozOpening in most theaters is the fantasy adventure Oz the Great and Powerful directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Zach Braff. Danny Elfman composed the film’s original score. Walt Disney Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score digitally earlier this week. Intrada Records will release a physical version. Check out our previous article for the full album details. Mariah Carey has contributed the original song Almost Home to the film. Click here for a short video interview with Elfman about his work on the film and visit Movieweb for another interview from the film’s red carpet premiere in Hollywood.

dead-man-downAlso opening wide is the crime thriller Dead Man Down directed byNiels Arden Oplev and starring Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace, Terrence Howard, Dominic Cooper, Isabelle Huppert and Armand Assante. The film’s score is composed by Jacob Groth (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Unforgettable). Varese Sarabande will release a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score on April 2, 2013. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details and for more information about the film.

emperorOpening in limited release is the historical drama Emperor directed by Peter Webber (The Girl with the Pearl Earring) and starring Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones and Eriko Hatsune. Alex Heffes (The Last King of Scotland, State of PlayThe Rite) has composed the film’s score. Lakeshore Records has released a soundtrack album featuring Heffes’ music earlier this week. For audio clips and the full album details, check out our previous news article. For an interview with Heffes about his work on the film, visit Film Music Magazine.