The Dark Knight (Limited Edition)
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Free Music Notes for The Dark Knight (Limited Edition)
Free Music Review: Why so serious?
Hit: 5 Stars
I chose to get the limited edition of The Dark Knight soundtrack and it is certainly a worthy addition to my collection of Hans Zimmer film score recordings. If I were to describe this recording with one word, it would have to be "suspense", as each theme brings you right to the edge of your seat, waiting to hear what comes next, especially during the very first track, which is aptly called, "Why So Serious?" Unlike previous works by Zimmer, The Dark Knight explores thematic development, sometimes with just using one note drawn out with the use of signal processing, detuning, and other elements of tension which eventually develop into more rhythmic structures or the typical "Zimmer pulse" which are trademark elements of his compositions for Pirates of the Caribbean sequels, Gladiator and Crimson Tide. However, in each movie, Zimmer masterfully weaves a predominant motif in the style and flavor of each film. In Crimson Tide, the oscillation of the submarine's sonar became an echo within the score. In Gladiator, the mechanics and timing of the Roman Legion resounded as a musical countdown to the unleashing of hell. And in Pirates, the main theme became a montage mimicking the rocking of a pirate's ship at sea.
For Dark Knight, this is certainly a dark movie with explosive twists and turns throughout, but the main characters have their own dark secret personalities which Zimmer captures in an ambient way. After watching the movie, I listened to the soundtrack with great enthusiam, and then went back to the movie again with focus on the deployment of these themes, whether in part or as a whole. Sometimes, you miss these details when you are first watching a film of this sort because your focus leans towards the visual, and somewhat less as to the background soundtrack. But I suggest getting this soundtrack and enjoying it on its own, then go back and see the film again. It will simply astonish all of your senses. I also was amazed at Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker, but that's another story.
Free Music Review: The best soundtrack of the year
Hit: 5 Stars
I love everything about this limited edition soundtrack... the stunning color pictures on the front and insides of it, the accompanying booklet, and the three reversible trading cards that come along, too.
And of course, let's not forget the music.
This soundtrack is even better than that of Batman Begins. We have many of the same heroic themes that we have come to associate with Batman due to the previous film's soundtrack, but at the same time they are accompanied by completely new themes for the completely new characters.
For example, the most important newcomer to this movie: The Joker. The very first track "Why So Serious?" is his theme song, if it can even be called a song. It is as unpredictable and crazy as he is, and when you listen to it you really feel as if the Joker could be right there with you. That's how well they have nailed the theme music for this character.
Turning to the track "Harvey Two-Face" we find a much different sort of theme... one that is more emotional and human sounding. The track hits notes of hope and also of tragedy, which is excellect considering that that is exactly what Harvey's role is like in this movie.
The music continues to play out these themes of beauty, fear, and emotion throughout the CD. It is absolutely breathtaking in its entirety.
I would definitely recommend you to get the special edition because the case is so well put together and beautiful. Besides, for a soundtrack this amazing, it's worth the extra dollar or two to get the special edition simply in order to celebrate the music more.
Free Music Review: Epic Knight
Hit: 5 Stars
The best word to use to describe the score to The Dark Knight is EPIC. Having loved the score to Batman Begins by Howard and Zimmer I was really looking forward to this collaboration. Listening to this dark, brooding score it's clear that we've moved on from the introduction to Batman with slower, nicer themes overall and are presented with a negative aspect in the film and the music within. The best tracks are the Joker's theme "Why So Serious" and "Like a Dog Chasing Cars". The Joker's theme is warped, misaligned, off with a rough edge that you don't expect. This could be used to describe the acting by Heath Ledger and I feel that the composers really got 'it'. 'Like a Dog' is set for the action part(s) of the film and it works well.
From the Batman Begins soundtrack there were a couple of themes that I absolutely loved and while I still give this work 5 stars, I feel that the Begins soundtrack might be a bit better. Maybe it's because when you have a sequel there are recycled themes that while you might enjoy/love, the fact they are not new makes it not as fresh.
Having said all that, this is a great score to the EPIC movie that accompanies it. Easy to recommend, perfect for enjoying years to come, if you enjoy movie scores, Zimmer/Howard work or the Nolan Batman films, you will be happily satisfied with this effort.
***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Free Music Review: A Beautifully Dark And Epic Score
Hit: 5 Stars
James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer, already two of my favorite score composers, have laid music on the table that parallels it's film counterpart film in the deep and the dark, the breathtaking and the jaw-droppingness.
Each composer brings their own unique styles to create a score with as much depth as I have ever heard. The CDs opening track, 'Why So Serious?' begins with strange, screeching strings that slowly rise. The rest of the song is a mixture of orchestral genius and strange noises (ticking...) that absolutely capture the dark intrigue of the Joker.
My other favorite tracks are 'Harvey Two Face,' which features a tune familiar to those who know the first score. The song moves through different emotions, all the while hinting at a nobility and tragedy.
'Like a Dog Chasing Cars' also features a familiar tune, but the composers throw us a bone by layering new themes onto it, keeping it fresh, and amazing.
And then, the culmination of the entire score, 'A Dark Knight' is a 16 minute ride through even more of Howard and Zimmer's wonderful music. All you can do is sit back and marvel.
A wonderful score.
Free Music Review: The absolute best superhero score ever crafted
Hit: 5 Stars
Just like Christopher Nolan took everything he started with Batman Begins to new heights with The Dark Knight, composers Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard take the superhero film score to new heights as well. From the creepily opening epic "Why So Serious?" to the tension-laced and hair raising "Always a Catch"; Zimmer and Howard have not only once again crafted a classic film score, but have raised the bar for superhero film scores, just as Nolan raised the bar for superhero films. The real standout of The Dark Knight's score however is the emotional "Harvey Two-Face", which depicts the tragic fall of the heroic "white knight" Harvey Dent. Other compositions, including "I'm Not a Hero", "Like a Dog Chasing Cars", "Agent of Chaos", and the grandoise closer "A Dark Knight" are masterpieces that are feasts of the ears. All in all, the soundtrack to The Dark Knight is absolutely the best superhero score ever crafted, and like the film itself, will stand as a masterwork to be cherished and imitated for years to come.