Customer Reviews

Kung Fu Panda

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I enjoyed this much better on my third and fourth (and after) listenings. At first and second listenings it sounded a little too silly (the movie was silly in parts), but later this effect wore off and the oriental influence and power of the mood came through more deeply. Zimmer is great. Powell is great. I collect both of them - the two together did a wonderful job.

At first I wasn't sure how this movie would be, mainly because I think Dreamworks pumps out really mediocre animated movies. I was very surprised when I saw the movie to find out that I loved every minute of it. Not just that, but I found myself wanting the soundtrack just as bad as I wanted to see this movie again! Amazing score written for an amazing movie, definitely recommend it.

Ok, If you've heard Hans Zimmer's and John Powell's work, and If you enjoy their music, then this ones a no brainer, since they both composed the music for Kung Fu Panda.

However, if you didn't enjoy John Powell's score to "Horton Hears A Who!" and if you didn't really dig the chinese sounds of Hans Zimmer's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End", then I would advise you NOT to purchase this film score.

The music of Kung Fu Panda borrows heavily on Horton Hears a Who and on Pirates 3, which isn't really a bad thing. The themes are fun and refreshing for an animated film, and will allow you to nod your head and just have a good time. When I say Kung Fu Panda borrows heavily on Horton and Pirates 3, I'm simply saying that you might have a hard time distinguishing which music is from which movie.

If you've memorized the themes from Horton and Pirates 3, then you won't have a problem. Maybe this is confusing. Let me put it this way. If you like your chinese music with a little bit of "Hot and Spicy" mixed in with "Fun and Furious" then this is your music.

Think of it like this: Horton Hears a Who meets Jumper, and then it all meets up with Pirates 3. Enjoy :)

My wife loves the movie and the music as well. When she asked for the soundtrack for the holidays I said no problem.

I never expected this film to be what it is. Nor did I expect the score to be so beautiful. The score captures the setting perfectly. The Chinese setting is captured through the well-crafted use of ethnic instruments. And it makes a huge difference. This is one I will remember for years to come.

I bought this soundtrack for my daughters for the Kung Fu Fighting song at the end, but ended up loving the entire thing. My daughters, 10 and 8 enjoy the score and like trying to guess what part of the movie it is from (it's not hard) Definitely would recommend.

I love listening to the Soundtrack. Some of them make me think of my inspiration and my interests. I love listening to movie soundtracks. I rented it at the public Library and I didn't know they had this for the movie and when I went to I-tunes store, It did. I could remember some and where they are from but otherwise I need to get in track.