Customer Reviews

Dinosaur: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

James Newton Howard's Dinosaur soundtrack is one of his finest works. The music is so good, that Disney even used it in the movie trailers (most trailers use music from other films which is why you don't hear most trailer songs on the soundtrack). The only drawback to the CD, which is minor, is that the titles contain spoilers for the movie. And since the soundtrack is released three weeks before the film, it's easy to know what will happen. The CD contains 16 scores and no songs.

How a score this fully developed, robust and exciting can be produced in Hollywood of this day and age is really a miracle.

James Newton Howard is one of the best out there right now, and this is him at the top of his game. Worth buying just for the five minutes of score we all heard last year in DINOSAUR's extended, no-dialogue preview. But that was literally just the beginning.

If you enjoyed Hans Zimmer's LION KING or POWER OF ONE, you will most definitely enjoy this CD... a thrilling mix of prehistoric rhythms and full-blooded orchestral writing, with hands down one of the most exciting action themes of recent memory (heard in full glory halfway through track 7, "Raptors / Stand Together").

A major work in film scoring from a composer who keeps getting better and better.

Simply put this is the most wonderful score I have heard since "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", another Disney movie. I may be a huge Disney fan but I won't hesitate to admit when their work is less than stellar. For example Mulan had a wonderful score but weak songs, and Hercules had cute songs, but a weak score. Anyway, this score is simply brilliant. Although there is not a single track on here with lyrics it does not matter. This is one of the most soaring awe inspiring, uplifting, sometimes even spooky (as in Raptors/Stand together) scores ever. I have not heard much of Howard's other work, save the sixth sense, but if it's anywhere near as good as this it's worth checking out. The best track by far is across the desert. A piece with a complex and pulsating rhythm that you simply canot get out of your head. Other highlights include the upbeat "The Courtship," The touching "Inner Sanctum" and the majestic "The egg Travels." Many of the tracks are backed by vocals performed by Lebo M. who supplied background cvocals in The Lion King. This really adds to it. If this score does not win best original score... WIN! I will completely lose faith in the academy.

This is one of the best instrumental soundtracks that I have ever heard. Period.

The music in this soundtrack begins with a wonderfully stirring anthem, and never lets up from there. The music is emotionally satisfying without being sappy or overdone.

One of the best parts of this album is the inclusion of African Rythms and African Background songs by the wondful Lebo M. Here the composers achieve a synthesis of the classical instrumental sound with the rich African Harmonies, that evokes such a powerful sound that it becomes reminiscent of some of the most beloved classical music.

This score truly proves that there are wonderful American composers who can compose on a level with the greats of the classical era. This score can stand on its own, and is worthy to be performed by the best orchestras in the world. Thank-you James Newton Howard.

Note to buyers:
Some versions of this soundtrack contain an extra track called: "Can Somebody Tell Me Who I Am" performed by Orange Blue which is usually track number 2, but does not appear in every version. This track is used at the very end of the film, and is actually orchestrated quite nicely. It is definately something to look for when buying!

Long after the weak script and not-too-revolutionary visuals of Disney's "Dinosaur" have vanished from your memory, one item remains--James Newton Howard's wonderful score. Even from the opening sequence, I was hooked by Howard's simple yet incredibly moving score (and was not disappointed one bit as the movie finished). "Inner Sanctum/The Nesting Grounds" and "The Egg Travels," not to mention "Raptors/Stand Together" and "Across the Desert," are some of the best tracks on the disc. I thought after Howard's haunting "Sixth Sense" and incredibly moving "Snow Falling On Cedars" scores, he could not possibly top himself. Well, he hasn't...but "Dinosaur" is just as equally moving and beautiful to listen to as his some of his best work. And his teaming with Lebo M ("The Courtship" is oozing with M's African-inspired touch) makes it all that more effective. Despite it's eerie similarities to numerous John Williams' scores (namely "Star Wars: Episode 1", "Jaws", and quite ironically, "Jurassic Park"), "Dinosaur" still manages to offer something that is a must for all scores--it can stand on its own apart from the film. I listen to the music and am reminded of the sequences and scenes of "Dinosaur," but it's not necessary to have seen the film to be moved by Howard's gorgeous music. He's just that good of a composer. Buy this CD--you will love it.

I took my family to the movie the first night it came out. While my children loved the movie and especially the characters, I just sat back and was mesmorized by the score. The flowing melodies, the hard driving action-based songs, and, more importantly, how they fit the film were spellbinding. If you're hesitant to buy this because this is a "childrens" flick, don't be. This is by far one of the best scores I've ever heard. (Also, if you get a chance, go see the movie. The opening scene alone is well worth it. VERY stunning!).

What a fantastic soundtrack. Disney have released some great CDs, but Dinosaur has to be one of the most enjoyable esp. the feel of the tropical which is not far different from what we all enjoyed in Lion King. Track number 2,3,4 and 7 have to be the most exciting. The soundtrack may not be to the linking of a younger listening audience as it lacks the typical invlovment angle of lyrics to songs for youngsters to sing along to, BUT it works perfectly as an album due to the variety of styles and mood. Fantastic!

I had bought this album simply for the track " The Egg Travels' but I was in for a surprise. James Newton Howard had created a masterpiece. A one of a kind score. Everything was so entertaining. If it wasn't beautiful it was tense and exciting. The best thing about this album his approach with the African voices and rhythms. This score is one of my absolute favorites. I've listened to it so many times and I'm still not tired of it.
A must own for those who love great film music.

This is an incredible score! Not only is this one of the best animated scores ever, it's also one of James Newton Howard's greatest works as a composer. Every que is composed with absolute authority and perfection. I think one of the main reasons I liked this score so much was that it didn't cater to "cute" or "disney." Much like JNH's "Signs" or "The Village" we get plenty of suspense, hard hitting action, and tracks that show true emotion.

Overall, if you are a fan of JNH like me, you can't be without this score.