Customer Reviews

Moulin Rouge, Vol. 2 [Music from the Motion Picture]

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(57)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This Moulin Rouge Volume 2 soundtrack was a necessary complement to the original soundtrack, for we fans of the movie were desperately crying out for the original film versions of the amazing songs from the movie; the first soundtrack, as great as it was, in no way satisfied us with its assembly of cover songs and alternate versions of the movie's most moving and memorable pieces. I love this album, but I admit that I am baffled and disappointed over the fact that it is an incomplete collection; all of the film versions of Moulin Rouge's fantastic songs should really be available on one album, but you will find a huge gap here with the absence of any version of the amazing El Tango de Roxanne as well as no vocal performance by Ewan McGregor of Your Song (versions of both songs are available on the first soundtrack, however). Another confusing aspect of this CD, at least to me, is the fact that the tracks fall just short of proceeding along a chronological basis; I can't help wondering why they just didn't put Meet Me in the Red Room in its proper place in the sequence of songs.

The album opens with an instrumental version of Your Song taken from the "Rehearsal Montage" scene. This is followed by what is supposed to be the original film version of Nicole Kidman's amazing Sparkling Diamonds number, a song that was rather unabashedly edited and changed on the original soundtrack. However, the voice of Jim Broadbent cannot be heard during the sequence of the song preceding Satine's wardrobe change behind the skirts of the Can Can girls, so to my mind this is not truly the film version of the song. Nicole Kidman's singing of One Day I'll Fly Away is one of the most memorable moments of the film, yet sadly the original film version is not available on either Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Whereas Volume 1 features a track stripped of Ewan McGregor's delicately overlaying Your Song lyrics; this album features a remix of the song that robs it of much of its power. While The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular) may be hard to get out of your head, its frivolous fun is an important part of the movie, and its inclusion here is most welcome indeed. The crowning glory of this Volume 2 soundtrack, however, is the original film version of the haunting Come What May. While the snazzier version included on Volume 1 still manages to give me chills, this film version is what the hearts of Moulin Rouge fans find themselves crying for in the night.

In all honesty, the most memorable scene in Moulin Rouge is the highly unusual performance of Like a Virgin by Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh; this completely unexpected scene does much to define the essence of director Baz Luhrmann's boldness and genius. While it can be an uncomfortable song to sit through, it absolutely belongs on this soundtrack. I am also quite happy that Amiel's Meet Me in the Red Room is included here; its short appearance in the movie, at the time Christian greets Satine up in the Giant Elephant, left quite an impression on my mind, and I was more than eager to hear the song in its entirety. The frivolity of this track is quickly subsumed by the four remaining songs included here. After a truly melancholy instrumental version of Your Song taken from the "After the Storm" scene, Nicole Kidman and Jim Broadbent present us with their meaningfully melancholy version of Queen's The Show Must Go On. This is followed by the Ascension/Nature Boy song from the "Death and Ascension" scene, and the extended Bolero track that plays during the film's closing credits.

I am pretty much obsessed with Moulin Rouge, largely because of the incredible music it gave the world. Naturally, I love both Moulin Rouge soundtracks. I also recognize their faults. This Volume 2 CD fails to be a complete collection of the most significant original songs from the movie. I prefer it to Volume 1 just because I love the movie versions of the songs, but you really have to own both volumes, if for no other reason than the fact that only Volume 1 features a non-instrumental version of Your Song, the incredible Elephant Love Medley, and the unforgettable El Tango de Roxanne. Taken together, both soundtracks meet most of my Moulin Rouge musical needs with one exception: neither contains the brilliant, unprecedented medley of songs extending from Kylie Minogue's appearance as the Green Fairy through the uniquely mesmerizing first entrance into the Moulin Rouge. Even with the gaps and my small criticisms, however, both Moulin Rouge soundtracks will forever be helping to meet my obsessive need for all Moulin Rouge all the time.

I purchased the first Moulin Rouge CD with the same great expectations that I usually have when purchasing the soundtrack of a new beloved film, expectations which are usually shred to ribbons when I get the CD home to listen to it, only to find that many of my favorite moments from the film (songs or pieces of the score) have been inexplicably left off. This purchase was no exception to that rule. However, I was later very gratified to find that, like the makers of "Titanic" and "Back to Titanic", the music makers of Moulin Rouge had wised up and produced a companion CD which finally included a list of songs that only now can truly be called "the soundtrack album" of Moulin Rouge.

The first CD is a disappointment to movie soundtrack lovers. Not only were half the songs and score from the film left off the CD, but they took the remaining songs and made them into mainstream pop songs, blurring the integrity of songs' purpose in the film. Still, there are many good things about the first CD, such as a complete version of "Come What May" not found in the film, as well as other songs that were only snatched at, such as "Lady Marmalade" and Beck's version of "Diamond Dogs". Nonetheless, these good points can't make up for the gaping holes where the missing music from key moments in the movie should be.

However, they redeemed themselves when they released this CD. If you missed the hilarious "Pitch" and "Like a Virgin" on the first CD, which were both highlights of the film, you will find them here. Also included are the film's version of "Come What May", which is very nice to have along with the complete, pop version of the song on the first CD. I'm very glad to have the orchestral versions of the songs, including the end-credits music (Bolero), and the interesting remix version of "I'll Fly Away" which I actually prefer to the film version included on the first CD.

Having said this, though, I was still disappointed not to have the "Green Fairy/Absinthe" number, the Sound of Music bit, or the "Children of the Revolution" and Satine's "Come What May" reprise at the end of the show. I would deduct a half star for this oversight on an otherwise very satisfying collection of tracks. I guess I will continue waiting for the perfect movie soundtrack, but in the meantime, I recommend both Moulin Rouge soundtrack CD's to the true fan of the film.

I found this CD to be much more enjoyable than the first Moulin Rouge CD. I think that it's a more 'pure' CD, because with the exception of the "On Day I'll Fly Away Remix" everything has appeared in the film. On the other CD, I feel that there were just annoying promotional tie-ins such as the Beck version of "Diamond Dogs" and Bono's "Children Of The Revolution"
I basically like att of the songs on this CD. "The Show Must Go On" is one of the major pinacles of the movie, and it is sung beatifully. The movie version of "Come What May" on this disc is simply beautiful. I personally find it the most sentimental of the three versions. (There are three. One on the first CD, this, and a remix that was left out.) The movie version of "Sparkling Diamonds" is great. I love the big, brassy sound of the instruments. The orchastrations on this CD are beautiful. My favorite is the "Accesion/Nature Boy" It is very depressing, haunting, and beautiful. The only thing I have a problem with sometimes is the "One Day I'll Fly Away Remix" because it can get annoying after a while, but I still love it! "Mett Me In The Red Room" does appear in the film. It is where Christian is waiting outside of the elephant and Toulouse Lautrec says "Incredible! Straight to the elephant!" It's just a fun song. It has a very good backround instrumental that for some reason reminds me of "Puttin' On The Ritz" And, last but not least, "Bolero" When I first paid attention to the credits, I was shocked and happy. It freaked me out that right in the middle of a piano/new age style piece of music appeared a techno drumbeat. I loved it when I first heard it, and am so happy they put it on the CD!
I reccomend this to people like me who are obsessed with this film, or who just like it. People who haven't seen this film or don't like it shouldn't buy this CD. If you liked the first CD and want more of that, don't buy it eiter.
I agree with some of you that, yes, they should have put Coup D'Etat here. (That's the finale.) But this CD is as good as it can be without that. I(nstead of moping around wishing it were here, listen to what is availible. My Point: A great CD for people who like the film.

Now this is more like it! If you had read my first review on the first Moulin Rouge soundtack CD you'd have found out I was extremely disappointed in that one.

This CD is muych better. Why? It actally contrains the orginal tracks and cues that were ACTUALLY used in the movie. Much better and much more enjoyable after seeing the movie and wanting to relive the music. A great fun piece. Including the end credits which is a great renidtion of Boloro! Even the score cues are great.

Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman do a fabulous job as well as all the entire cast singing. They are really great multi-talented performers. And this CD shows it!

The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is because for the rest of the movie you have to buy the first CD to get the other 4 songs. I wish studios would consider the ART before the almighty $$$$. Release a double CD, but stop advertising one thing and releasing another!

Eitherway, this is the better of the two CD's to have. Unless you have some extra, extra cash and can buy both!

I must say, that the first soundtrack was okay, but failed to meet the expectations that I had after seeing the movie. This second soundtrack release contains almost everything that should have been on the first soundtrack. Basically every song is from Original Film Content, meaning that all the songs on this CD are sung by the actors, in the same manner performed in the movie. There's two nice instrumental versions of "Your Song" and a nice remix by Tony Phillips of "One Day I'll Fly Away." I was very pleased to see "Like a Virgin" performed by Jim Broadbend, Richard Roxburgh, and Anthony Weigh. Also "The Pitch"(spectacular, spectacular)-Original Film Version. The Show Must Go On and many other Original Film Version songs also made the cut. The song I was very please about is the Closing Credits Song in it's entirety. The Actual title is "Bolero". This song is amazing, and I was so disappointed when I bought the first soundtrack only to find that the Closing Credits song "Bolero" was not on there. I was very happy to hear it on this new soundtrack release.

The only reason this CD doesn't get 5 stars is because there's only 11 songs on this soundtrack. There's at least two songs that should have been on this soundtrack, which also failed to make the first soundtrack. The hills are alive scene at the beginning with the little green fairy, should have definately been included (Original Film Version).

They also should have included an Original Film Version of Nature Boy sung by John Leguizamo. Also the film version of Lady Marmalade with the Smells Like Teen Spirit mix ( not Lil Kim version, yuk!).

Also, an Original Film Version of Roxanne would have been great. For Example a version with all the dialogue at the beginning. The version on the first soundtrack was great, but lacked the dialogue at the beginning.

In Conclusion, this CD shines compared to the first one. A lot of Original Film content which lacked from the first. The first one had too many songs that were close to the film version, but not the Film Version. This CD delivers so many great Original Film content, which makes it worth the buy.

I have to say as a HUGE fan of Moulin Rouge, I ran (didn't walk) to buy the 2nd soundtrack the day it was released. Heck, I had envisioned the entire track listing in my head. I was especially anxious to hear the Kylie Minogue track.

I have to say I was really diappointed. The inclusion of "Like a Virgin", "The Pitch", and "The Show Must Go On" are wonderful. (Why these didnt make the first cut is beyond me. But it gave me hope that a 2nd cd would be released.) Other bonuses include the movie version of "Come What May" and the final track "Bolero" which are both icing on the cake.

BUT WHERE O WHERE ARE THOSE TRACKS WE WAITED SO PATIENTLY FOR??

So I propose Mr. Luhrman, a 3rd and definitive collection of the missing tracks we feel so cheated of. I can only assume if the movie does well with the Oscars (heck even if it doesnt, this is the most incredible movie ever), we'll see this 3rd version materialize. Spread the word and write those emails!!

My suggested track listing in no particular order:(Baz make sure you are paying attention!)

1. Green Fairy/Sound of Music/Children of the Revolution medley
2. Can Can/Smells Like Teen Spirit/Lady Marmalade medley
3. Hindi Sad Diamonds (extended dvd version)
4. Zidler's Rap/Can Can (extended dvd version)
5. Come What May (Josh Abrams Mix)
6. Coup d'Etat
7. A Fool to Believe
8. El Tango De Roxanne (extended dvd version)
9. Come What May (Finale)
10. Lady Marmalade (Thunderpuss Mixshow Mix)

Throw in a few instrumentals/scores and vocal bits for good measure, and there we have it----Moulin Rouge 3!!

I will continue to say my prayers every night in hopes that we will see these great songs on cd. The fans are crying out. Release a 3rd cd! Its an injustice to see such wonderful and animated songs such as these not available on either cd.

Denny

I bought Moulin Rouge 2 right when it can out, and I was very excited and surprised that the songs were very well though of, but, they did leave out some of the favorites that should have been on this CD, like:

-The Sound Of Music
-Chorus Finale
-A Fool To Believe
-Preparing For The Moulin Rouge (with the Green fairy singing)
-Zidlers Rap
-Smells Like Teen Spirit
and more that should be mentioned. There are Excellent songs in this CD but I wouldn't mind if there was a Moulin Rouge 3.

Also, worth mentioning, is that the First CD was more of the Party Club Style that we felt when we entered the Moulin Rouge for the first time. As for the Second CD it is more of the Dramatic Aspects of Christian and Satines love for eachother. There are themes to each of the CDs (as far as I'm concerned) so If Moulin Rouge 3 will come out, a combination of emotions from Drama to Comedy will be a great addition to the 2 CDs.

P.S. The Remix of One Day I'll Fly Away and the song Borelo are amazing!

Basically, this soundtrack was produced to highlight the songs that didn't make the cut on the earlier soundtrack. I was particularly pleased to hear the beautifully arranged and heartbreakingly poignant "The Show Must Go On". I consider this song to be the dramatic apex of the picture, and why it was left off the first soundtrack in favor of two versions of "Nature Boy" I'll never know.

"The Pitch" and Like a Virgin" make for great listening fun. "Meet Me in the Red Room" is another forgotten gem, and its sultry vocals and toe-tapping beat will get you dancing in all sorts of embarassing ways! I also prefer this soundtrack's version of "Sparkling Diamonds"- it's brash, big-band sound certainly suits this ode to materialism.

The original film version version of "Come What May" is also included. I never particularly cared for this song, but a supplemental soundtrack would not be complete without it. Oddly, an ambient remix of "One Day I'll Fly Away", done in the style of Moby's "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" (complete with muffled background calls), is included. A remix of this song seems unnecessary, but my guess is that the producers needed to make the soundtrack's track listing more substantial.

The remainder of the soundtrack, however, is filled with instrumentals from the score. They're pleasant, certainly, but contribute nothing particuarly new (two more versions of "Your Song"?) or striking. They make for nice background tracks.

In conclusion: buy it if you loved the movie, and if you felt that the first soundtrack was lacking. Fans of the movie will be delighted with this supplemental soundtrack. If you haven't seen the movie, or if you didn't care for it, the pop-single centered first soundtrack may be a better choice for you.

After seeing the movie, my husband and I went to a music store to listen to the first and only soundtrack out at that time. We were severely disappointed. It was missing some of the most amazing songs from the film!

You can only imagine how exciting it was to find this one! It included some of the most memorable songs from the film from "Like A Virgin" to "Spectacular, Spectacular" to our favorite version of "Come What May". In fact this is the lesser produced sounding version of "Come What May" which my husband insisted that we dance to as our first dance at our wedding and brought tears to our eyes.

Everytime I hear this soundtrack it brings back terrific memories of the movie, which I recommend that you purchase as well! But, overall if you are debating between soundtracks, get this one, you won't regret it!

Many poeple have bashed this CD, in part or in full. I, as a total Moulin Rouge! fanatic, love it actually more than the first soundtrack (though, of course not the movie). I feel it is more evocative of the movie itself, rather than some songs which, while good, were used for maybe five seconds in the movie and don't sound like it at all.
Track one, an instrumental version of "Your Song" from "the lovers WILL be meeting in the sitar player's humble abode" scene, is lovely; I fall asleep to it each night. (Told you I was obsessed.) Track two is the original film version of "Sparkling Diamonds"; while I generally prefer to have the songs as they were in the movie, the two versions in and of themselves are about the same and I can see why they would change itfor the first. Track three, a remix of "One Day I'll Fly Away," is fabulous--I love it, anyway, even if you all don't. Track four is "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular). It's all right, but only if you've seen the movie eighty times like me and know exactly what they're doing and when. Otherwise, it's repetitive. Then, the jewel, the absolute apex of the soundtrack (not actually true, but this song means so much to me emotionally that I don't care): "Come What May"--the original film version. Both it and the soundtrack version are great, but this makes me SEE Ewan winning Nicole over in rehearsal. Next comes the long-awaited "Like a Virgin". Unfortunately, as my friend said, "It's not funny." That is, if it's not the first time you've heard it and you haven't seen the movie itself recently. If you have, it's a whole different story. "Meet Me In the REd Room," while exactly fitting the bill for the songs that annoyed me on the first soundtrack (not used much, doesn't sound like the movie) is so good and so descriptive (though not graphic) of Satine's relationship with her patrons that I don't mind. Number eight, another instrumental of "Your Song" (this one from when Christian gets punched and is talking to Toulouse) is beautiful. Craig Armstrong would be my god if Ewan McGregor and Baz Lurhmann didn't get in the way. Now, HERE is the gem of the soundtrack, if I stop to think about it: "The Show Must Go On." Jim Broadbent's amazingly operatic and strong voice carries this number, as does the wonderful song itself: "Inside my heart is breaking,/My makeup may be flaking,/But my smile still stays on." Nicole Kidman is great here too. Track ten, "Ascension/Nature Boy," is so sad and beautiful: I can see Christian weeping over Satine's body onstage. Sob. Finally, "Closing Credits: Bolero" close the CD, appropriately. Also lovely music.
I apologize for my list--it says right at the top of the page what the tracks are,but this is the easiest way to give my impressions. The whole point of this review is twofold: this one is much truer to the movie itself; the first CD is more reminiscent of the earlier, goofy, fun spirit of the movie ("Luckily, right at that moment, an unconscious Argentinean fell through my roof"), while this second one is more evocative of the serious, sad parts nearer the end. Both are excellent; both are worth the money (which is saying something, at least around here). Moulin Rouge: the greatest movie of all time.