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The full form of OST is Original Sound Track. An OST refers to a piece of recorded music that is synchronized with motion pictures, books, television shows, radio, dramas, and even video games. It is popularly used in the film industry during the post-production phase to add a specific musical score to the content. The purpose of using an OST is to make a movie, drama, book, or game more engaging, as it significantly enhances the entertainment value of the multimedia. It typically includes an audio recording with dialogues, music tracks, and special effects.
How did OST Become Popular?
The function of the soundtrack gained global recognition in the late 1940s with the introduction of “Soundtrack Albums.” Initially, soundtracks in the music and film industries were used primarily as promotional tools for new films.
They were marketed as “music from the original motion picture soundtrack,” which helped popularize both the term and the concept of the Original Soundtrack (OST). These soundtracks typically feature music scores specifically composed for a film, drama, book, or other media.
What are the Types of OST?
Movies generally feature background or instrumental music that matches the theme of the film, commonly known as a film score. Musical films often focus on songs from the movie and represent a musical theatre version of the story. Some classic literary adaptations, such as Romeo and Juliet, combine both music and dialogue. Video games, on the other hand, tend to rely more on sound effects rather than using dedicated music, songs, or dialogues.
The following are the various types of OST:
- Film Score Albums
- Video Game Soundtracks
- Book Sound Tracks
- Movie and Television Soundtracks
- Event Sound Track
- Composite Film Sound Track
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Significance of OST in Entertainment
The significance of OST in entertainment is multidimensional because it enhances storytelling, emotional depth, and audience engagement. Here are some of these aspects discussed in detail.
Emotional Depth
The soundtrack used as background score and theme can enhance the emotional depth of the scene, such as action, romance, thriller, suspense, etc., by creating a sync between the visuals and music. It helps the audience feel the scene in more depth.
Impact on Storytelling
OSTs provide enrichment to storytelling by acting as a narrative device. It reflects character development, foreshadows events, or signifies a shift in the tone.
Brand Identity
A well-composed OST can become the identity of a movie, series, or game. Think of iconic themes like Harry Potter, Titanic, or Marvel Cinematic Universe. These tunes instantly remind audiences of the respective media, enhancing brand recall.
Cultural Impact
Soundtracks help preserve and promote cultural identity through art, as they reflect cultural, historical, and regional elements in music, games, and series.
Commercial Success
A well-composed soundtrack can contribute significantly to the success of any movie, game, or series because it often gains popularity independently and becomes a chart-topper. OSTs help in increasing the viewership and content the series globally.
Also Read: 17+ Interesting Facts About Cinema You May Not Know
Popular Examples of OSTs
Here are some popular examples of Original Soundtracks (OSTs) from films, TV series, and video games that have gained critical acclaim and cultural significance.
Film OSTs
- The Lion King (1994) – Hans Zimmer, Elton John, Tim Rice
– Songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” became global hits. - Titanic (1997) – James Horner
– Featured the iconic “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. - Interstellar (2014) – Hans Zimmer
– Known for its atmospheric, organ-heavy score reflecting space-time themes. - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Howard Shore
– Epic orchestral themes that became instantly recognizable. - Inception (2010) – Hans Zimmer
– “Time” is one of the most-streamed and emotional OST tracks.
TV Series OSTs
- Game of Thrones – Ramin Djawadi
– The main title theme is globally recognized. - Stranger Things – Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
– Synthwave soundtracks that evoke 1980s nostalgia. - Breaking Bad – Various artists
– Blended rock, jazz, and classical elements to complement the show’s tone.
Video Game OSTs
Red Dead Redemption 2 – Woody Jackson
– A Western-themed score that perfectly complements the game’s narrative.
The Legend of Zelda Series – Koji Kondo
– “Zelda’s Lullaby” and other themes are iconic in gaming history.
Final Fantasy Series – Nobuo Uematsu
– Emotional and orchestral tracks known for storytelling support.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Jeremy Soule
– The track “Dragonborn” is widely celebrated.
Also Read: History of Indian Cinema: An Overview
FAQs
Ans. An OST (Original Soundtrack) refers specifically to music composed and produced for a particular film, show, or game. A soundtrack, on the other hand, may include the OST along with licensed songs, background scores, dialogues, and other audio elements from the production.
Ans. OSTs play a vital role in setting the tone, mood, and emotional depth of a scene. They enhance storytelling, establish atmosphere, and can even become iconic representations of a film, series, or video game.
Ans. Yes, many soundtracks include songs “inspired by” the film or game that were not necessarily featured in the final cut but are thematically or stylistically linked to the project.
Additional Reads
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