There are master key-switches where all articulations are available from the articulation palette and the new MOODS feature allows for Classic, Soft or Epic Moods stylized for Hollywood Strings, Hollywood Brass, Hollywood Orchestral Woodwinds, Hollywood Orchestral Percussion, Hollywood Solo Violin, Hollywood Solo Cello, and Hollywood Harp.

We found the option to quickly change moods is a big time saver. For our test trailer project, the classic setting was our preferred choice. However, while some of the patches in epic Mood "pack" an instant punch, if required, others used too much of a stereo widening effect.

For a Hollywood-sounding score, most presets work seamlessly as they are and play well with each other. A personal favorite is to use this warm and polished sound with contrasting modern/hybrid sounds.

Produced by Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix, the new recordings include a new 18 violin string section for Hollywood Strings, new ensembles for Hollywood Brass and Hollywood Orchestral Woodwinds, plus new string, brass, and wind multi-ensembles.

Its companion, Hollywood Orchestrator, is a time saving tool for composers "to achieve that Hollywood blockbuster sound within seconds." Hmmm? The patterns and presets are both a time saver and a good guide for the less experienced composer to get a sense of good instrument combinations and other orchestration conventions.

With Hollywood Orchestrator you can create: real time arrangements and build rhythms and scores with the Step Editor.There are more than 500 Presets in different categories and moods. There are playable full orchestral articulations and MIDI record and export using Hollywood Orchestrator.

All ComposerCloud members will get instant access to Hollywood Orchestra/Orchestrator as well as the OPUS software engine. EastWest is offering a 50% discount off prepaid annual ComposerCloud Plus memberships, the top subscription tier that gives users access to all Diamond level products with all available recording mic positions.

EastWest Hollywood Opus Edition sells for $795 (Diamond) and $695 (Gold) with updates $495 and $395 (respectively). New subscriptions to ComposerCloud start at $199/year or $19.99 per/month. For any composer looking for a well-recorded and very polished traditional Hollywood sound, the Opus Edition is the one!