Kung Fu Panda [Soundtrack]

Hans Zimmer | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2008)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Dreamworks
• ASIN: B0018Q7K5S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,709 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Kung Fu Panda original music by Hans Zimmer and John Powell featuring 'Kung Fu Fighting' performed by Cee-Lo Green and Jack Black. Animated motion picture comedy about a lazy, irreverent slacker panda, Po (Voiced by Jack Black), who must somehow become a Kung Fu Master in order to save the Valley of Peace from a villainous snow leopard, Tai Lung. Set in the legendary world of ancient China, this is the story of Po, our unlikely hero, who enters the rigid world of Kung Fu and turns it upside down. Po ultimately becomes a Kung Fu hero by learning that if he believes in himself, he can do anything.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hans Zimmer & John Powell Reunited And It Feels So Good!, June 3, 2008

By 

Kaya R. Savas (North Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kung Fu Panda (Audio CD)

The release of this score is somewhat historic (in a sense). It marks the reuniting of John Powell with his mentor and friend, Hans Zimmer. It's been 8 years since the two have worked together on a score, and that was back in 2000 on The Road To El Dorado. Since then Powell has established himself as one of Hollywood's best and most demanded composers.

For Kung Fu Panda the two have created an epic score that utilizes both of their styles. The first track kicks things off in a grandiose style with some signature Powell percussion and trumpets. The theme for the film is very simple. Just a descending set of notes with a distinctive Chinese influence. Zimmer has a few Asian influenced scores under his belt. He worked with a Japanese sound for Black Rain and The Last Samurai. More appropriately he scored an amazing theme for Chow Yun-Fat's character from Singapore in Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. The Chinese sound incorporated into this score is not dominating but more so incorporated into their styles.

Zimmer's distinct way of structuring long action sequences can be heard in the track "Tai Lung Escapes", which is 7 minutes long. Zimmer's trademark sounds can also be heard in "Sacred Pool Of Tears" which is the album's longest track coming in at nearly 10 minutes and in my opinion is one of the best tracks on the score. We have around 58 minutes of score on this CD with the last track being a 2 minute song. That is highly impressive for an animated film. Bravo to Interscope records for this release.

The score is simply a wonder. It starts off light with some bounce to it but ends up being an epic sounding experience. Having both Hans and John behind the helm of this was terrific and it was truly special for me to hear them together again. Hans Zimmer is the greatest composer working today and John Powell is right behind him because it was Zimmer who nurtured those talents and allowed Powell to become the composer he is today. These are two composers with their own distinctive voices that share a similar style and together they have produced a very fun and memorable score.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this soundtrack, June 14, 2008

By 

Robert G Yokoyama (Mililani, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kung Fu Panda (Audio CD)

I love the music on this soundtrack. Hans Zimmer's musical compositions fit the movie perfectly. My favorite track is "Hero". It is very exuberant and uplifting. I also love the beat of the drums on the track "Let The Tournament Begin". "Oogway Ascends" has such a peaceful tone to it. "Tai Lung Escapes" is another favorite track. This track conveys danger and excitement at the same time. I love the sound of the track "The Bridge". This track conveys intensity in a very exciting part of the movie. "Panda Po" is a track with a good asian feel to it. This track celebrates the hero of the movie. I love the flute, drums and guitar I love Cee Lo Green's version of "Kung Fu Fighting". This is such a fun song. I love the music on this soundtrack very much.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oogway is reason enough, August 26, 2008

By 

Alex M. Lehmann (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kung Fu Panda (Audio CD)

Despite this score being a wonderful piece of music "oogway ascends" alone is reason enough to buy this score!