Voyag3r – New York Ninja (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The 4th Full-Length Album & First Official Film Score
Step into one of the most unbelievable resurrection stories in film history with New York Ninja (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)—the fourth full-length album from Voyag3r and their first complete feature film score.
This is more than an album—it’s the sonic backbone of a lost 1984 martial arts film brought back to life nearly 40 years later, powered by Voyag3r’s signature analog-driven, synth-heavy cinematic sound.
A Lost Film… Rebuilt From Nothing
Written, directed and starring John Liu, New York Ninja was originally shot in 1984 on 35mm film, the project was abandoned when its distribution company went bankrupt—leaving behind raw footage with no audio, no script, and no completed edit.
Decades later, film preservation company Vinegar Syndrome acquired the original camera negatives and undertook a painstaking restoration:
- Kurtis Spieler reconstructed the film from 6–8 hours of silent footage
- Wrote an entirely new script based on visuals alone
- Rebuilt the story without original production materials
- Restored the film in 4K from original 35mm elements
With no surviving audio whatsoever, the filmmakers needed to recreate the entire sonic identity from scratch—enter Voyag3r.
Scored During the Pandemic – A Modern Sound for a Lost Era
Voyag3r was commissioned to compose a completely original score for the reconstructed film—effectively creating the emotional and narrative glue that binds the entire experience together.
Composed and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band crafted a 30-track score that feels authentically rooted in the 1980s while maintaining their modern cinematic edge.
- 30 tracks of original score material
- Composed and performed by Voyag3r
- Produced, mixed and mastered by Steve Greene
- Recorded at the Battle Chamber Studio
- Blends analog synths, driving bass lines, and suspenseful motifs
- Cover art by Suspiria Vilchez
- Vinyl cover art by Luke Insect
The result is a soundtrack that doesn’t just accompany the film—it defines its tone, pacing, and identity.
Legendary Voice Cast & Cult Film Credibility
Because no original dialogue survived, an all-star cast of genre icons was brought in to dub the film—giving it instant cult credibility:
- Don Wilson
- Cynthia Rothrock
- Michael Berryman
- Linnea Quigley
- Leon Isaac Kennedy
- Ginger Lynn Allen
Their performances, combined with Voyag3r’s score, transform the film into a fully realized retro cinematic experience.
Premiere, Screenings & Cult Status
The restored film premiered at the legendary Beyond Fest in 2021—instantly becoming a midnight movie sensation.
It later screened in Los Angeles at the iconic New Beverly Cinema—presented on 35mm film, staying true to its original format and earning praise from cinephiles and collectors alike.
New York Ninja was featured on an episode of RedLetterMedia‘s Half In The Bag episode, “Half in the Bag: 2021 Movie Catch-Up (part 1 of 2)”
New York Ninja was featured on the very popular Podcast, How Did This Get Made (November 2, 2023 – LIVE from the Count Basie in New Jersey) with hosts: Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael.
The film’s revival story and presentation captured the attention of major outlets, including Variety, further cementing its place in modern cult cinema.
The Soundtrack – Tracks, Tone & Highlights
- Album Length: 30 tracks (full film score)
- Genre: Synthwave / Film Score / Action / Horror
- Style: Retro 80s analog meets modern cinematic scoring
Standout Cues:
- I Love NY – heroic and driving title card theme
- The Plutonium Killer – dark, eerie, and menacing theme for the films big bad
- Battle on the Rooftop – high-energy action scoring
- Roller Ninja – battle music for a ninja on roller skates
- You’re Not Jack – suspenseful and cinematic
Across critics and fans, the score has been widely praised as:
- “Absolute perfection… exactly what you want from an ‘80s-style score”
- A pitch-perfect recreation of vintage synth film music without parody
Even online communities echo this sentiment:
“The score is easily the best thing about the movie.”
Vinyl Releases & Collector Editions
The soundtrack received premium physical releases through Mondo in partnership with Death Waltz:
- Limited colored vinyl editions
- Exclusive picture disc variants
- High-end packaging designed for collectors
- Three colors of cassette with full color j-card containing film stills and liner notes
- Authentic jewel case CD Release with movie stills and liner notes
These releases quickly became must-haves for fans of film scores, synthwave, and cult cinema memorabilia.
Critical Reception & Legacy
With the film boasting a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes , many reviewers highlighted not just the film’s bizarre and fascinating history—but the essential role of Voyag3r’s score in bringing it to life.
Critics frequently noted:
- The score’s authentic 1980s tone
- Its ability to elevate and unify reconstructed footage
- A seamless blend of nostalgia and modern composition
Why You Need This Soundtrack
If you’re into:
- Cult film history and restorations
- Synthwave and analog film scores
- 1980s action, ninja, and exploitation cinema
- Rare and collectible soundtrack releases
This album is a cornerstone release—not just in Voyag3r’s catalog, but in modern film preservation history.
Own the Soundtrack to a Film That Shouldn’t Exist
New York Ninja (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is more than music—it’s a resurrection, a reconstruction, and a triumph of creativity against impossible odds.
Add it to your collection today and experience why Voyag3r’s score is widely considered the heartbeat of one of the most unique cult films ever completed.
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