Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull [Soundtrack]

John Williams (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: John Williams
• Audio CD (May 20, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Concord Music Group
• ASIN: B00171MNM4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,328 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The original soundtrack recording to the highly anticipated fourth chapter in the Indiana Jones film series. Featuring an epic orchestral score composed and conducted by Oscar-winner John Williams, this is a soundtrack album that holds true to the timeless appeal of Indiana Jones, and the iconic musical themes that have endeared the character to millions of fans the world over.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indiana Jones is back! And so is his music!, May 20, 2008

By 

Adam Cohen (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Audio CD)

The score to "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is a worthy entry into the series' pantheon of film music.

Notable Tracks: The "Raiders March" is as inspiring and rousing a piece of film music ever composed. "The Call of the Crystal" introduces one of the film's new motifs, a three-note string repetition that builds with a tenuous flute progression. This is an understated and atmospheric piece, obviously meant to build tension and suggest a great mystery. Is it a piece you will hum? No. But it has structure and a presence that is actually pretty diverse (when it shows up in later tracks) given its simplicity. Other notable pieces: "The Adventures of Mutt", "The Snake Pit" and "A Whirl Through Academe" are whimsical pieces reminiscent of the motorcycle music from "The Last Crusade." "Irinia's Theme" is a string-heavy romantic piece, with a down-tone to suggest evil! "The Spell of the Skull" repeats the "Map Room" theme from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (which raises an eyebrow and wonders if there is a direct connection to the Lost Ark of the Covenant happening in this new movie). One of the bigger surprises is "The Journey to Akator" which midway thru breaks into an indigenous arrangement of South American music (full-on tropical dance stuff). "Return" is a repeat of the "Crystal Skull" theme, this time sounding more cohesive and focused. The film's more traditional creepy-crawlies action music blends together mostly, sounding more incidental and less like concert music (these selections include "Grave Robbers", "Secret Doors and Scorpions" and "Ants!"). "The Jungle Chase" is structured almost identically to pieces from past Indiana Jones scores, and its quite rousing. "Hidden Treasure and The City of Gold" is another satisfying piece, suggesting a great discovery takes place by the track's end. "Temple Ruins and The Secret Revealed" has an excellent version of the Crystal Skull motif. At this point in the score, the Crystal Skull motif has evolved from a delicate suggestion into a big, classic Hollywood-style theme (a la Bernard Herrmann's work on Hitchcock's films). And then there's the "Finale" which starts with "Marion's Theme" from the "Raiders" score and then moves to the classic "Raider's March" to other motifs (Mutt's theme, Irinia's theme) and closing on the traditional Indy ending (with a little pop at the end).

In the end, this is a very enjoyable score. There's enough nostalgia to satisfy our memories of 20-plus years ago, and the new music blends in perfectly as well. It's really difficult to "rate" scores by John Williams as he does operate on a different level from other composers. And usually, people will rank his work against himself, which may be unfair. Bottom line: if you enjoy this type of music, get this score.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Completely Phoned In Score, May 28, 2008

By 

J. Urban "U2fan4ever76" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Audio CD)

I listened intently when I saw the movie the other day for anything original that stood out like in the other 3 movies (i.e. the Marion love theme from Raiders; the slave mining theme and Indian village themes and Willie Scott love theme from Temple of Doom; the grail theme, father/son theme, etc.) but there was nothing that I heard specifically that stayed with me. I did hear a lot of familar music cues from the other movies (Marion theme and the grail theme--surprising used extensively towards the end of the movie). Just like the movie, I felt the score was rushed and Williams basically phoned this in. Of all his scores, this one was really lacking.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Jewel for Williams and "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", June 2, 2008

By 

G M. Stathis (cedar city, utah USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Audio CD)

Many fans of the film music of John Williams all alike probably looked forward to his latest partnership with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas with hungry anticipation, and not a little worry about possible disappointment. After all, the maestro is getting on in age, and we might just see, or hear, simple retreads of themes from the earlier Indiana Jones films. Fear not, Indiana Jones is back and doing fine, and so is Maestro Williams. First of all it must be noted that "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is at least in part a tribute to the other films and to the 1950s and it works incredibly well on these levels. Williams' music follows suit. He resurrects earlier themes to be sure. The "Raider's March" is a must (with a nice final twist), and because of plot developments so is "Marion's Theme." The "Lost Ark Theme" actually becomes more of a mystery of discovery theme and works well here. New themes for Irina and the Commies also work, along with a creepy motif for the "ants." The action cues are typical Williams and as usual are great fun (note the integration of Brahms on campus), as are his Latin American motifs which proved a very pleasant surprise. But the unexpected is his music for the "Crystal Skull" which proves mesmerizing and practically perfect. By intention or not, there is a reminder of Miklos Rozsa's music for "Spellbound" but Williams takes it to another level. Overall, this was all well worth the wait. The score is perfect on the screen and as usual a tremendous soundtrack album. Outstanding production, and great packaging (no jewel-case which is a sensible touch) by Concord Records (this is another surprise given this labels usual focus).