There is an extraordinary sense of presence in all of these recordings, apparently obtained at least in part by emphasizing the middle and high frequencies. The penalty for this is noticeable in the big, bold, brilliant, but brassy piano sounds in Melody and Percussion for Two Pianos (SP 44007). All of the releases, however, are recorded at a gratifyingly high level, with resultant masking of any surface noise. Pass in Review practically guarantees enjoyment, and is a dramatic demonstration of the potentialities of any stereo music system.

Many Hollywood films manage somehow to be authentic, but not realistic.

Strange, but true -- authenticity and realism often aren't related at all.

Almost every film bearing the imprimatur of Hollywood is physically authentic -- in fact, impeccably so. In any given period piece the costumes, bric-a-brac, vehicles, and decor, bear the stamp of unimpeachable authenticity.

The major studios maintain a cadre of film librarians and research specialists who look to this matter. During the making recently of an important Biblical film, some 40 volumes of research material and sketches not only of costumes and interiors, but of architectural developments, sports arenas, vehicles, and other paraphernalia were compiled, consulted, and complied with.

But, alas, the authenticity seems to stop at the set's edge. The drama itself -- and this seems to be lavishly true of Biblical drama -- often has hardly any relationship with authenticity at all. The storyline, in sort, is wildly unrealistic.