Customer Reviews

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The first Pirates Of The Caribbean score is one of the most popular adventure scores of all time and I can't believe it was not nominated. Klaus Badelt composed the score with very little time to do so, which is why Hans Zimmer helped guide him through the process. If you look on the back of the CD case of the first score, you will see that the score is "over"produced by Hans Zimmer. Zimmer did write some stuff for the first film, but Klaus helmed it and it turned out simply amazing. Now the master takes over for the apprentice and Hans Zimmer delivers an excellent but very different score for the sequel.

I think the major difference between the scores is the tone. Badelt's score was much lighter and had an epic feel to it while Zimmer's score is darker and much heavier. Since we are dealing with a trilogy I am assuming that the three films will be different in tone as well. Zimmer's score is a full-blown synth/orchestration that borrows themes from the first score as well as add a whole new feel. We are in the belly of the whale here, and the score definately suggests that. A lot of people will probably say that they enjoyed the first score versus this one, and I can understand that. Hans Zimmer doesn't really establish the main themes that we heard in the first one. Instead he only brings them in once in a while just to remind us that this is a continuation of the first movie and not a reincarnation. The highlight of the album is definately track 2 where we hear some signature Zimmer. He uses a structure that reminds me of his work on King Arthur. I absolutely loved this score and can't wait to hear his score to the trilogy's final installment next summer.

First foremost, and above all Hans Zimmer's score for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is a perfect fit for the film, and the soundtrack album is a fine representation of most of the music for the Disney epic. Sure, a good deal of it is based on themes from the first "Pirates of the Caribbean," and surely all of the themes thus far will reappear next summer with the third and final chapter, but it is good stuff and almost everyone loves it. We still have some lingering questions about how much of the original themes were Zimmer's work and what should be credited to Klaus Badelt, but by now that is all rather academic. In this score Zimmer makes new use of the original themes, the true foundation of this musical voyage, and pops in new themes and motifs, especially his music for the Kraken and Davy Jones, and a few hornpipes for fun. Darker and more menacing in places with apt use of chorus and organ (or electronic organ) that work particularly well as motifs for the Kraken and Davy Jones (including a rather sentimental music-box theme that is quite touching and foreboding). Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann are all remembered by musical signatures, both in the earlier themes and some new variations, but so are the Caribbean natives. It is all swashbuckling fun, and on that level could not be much better. One thing though; obviously the album was cut before the final version of the film and there is some music that did not make it to the album (much of the opening)...too bad, because we could have done without the Tiesto bonus. Good produciton values and packaging by Disney.

I'm not going to ramble on and give a track by track review. I'm just going to say, if you enjoyed the score to the first movie composed by Klaus Badelt, then you will most defintley enjoy this one.

Hans Zimmer here takes over as the main composer, and he thoroughly and effectivley creates new and wonderful music for this second pirates movie, while still bringing to the table the themes that we heard in the first. One major difference you will notice is the music for this soundtrack is much darker and that is because the overall theme and story for this second movie is darker than the first.

All in all, Highly recommended!! 5 stars

I am somewhat of a connoisseur of soundtracks and Pirates of the Caribbean has been one of my favorites. The first score was unique and exciting and I didn't realize Klaus wasn't doing the new score until just now. I bought this CD before I saw the movie, but waited to see the film to get the full impression.

The second movie has a very different tone than the first. The score keeps much of the same sound of the first, however, which is a good way of tying the two together nicely, in my opinion. Hans Zimmer handles the soundtrack for this movie, and although I am personally a bit more of a fan of Klaus's, he does a nice job.

We are introduced to a revision of Jack's theme, which I find fits the change in character in the movie. The theme is a little darker, a little more unpredictable, but retains the essence we expect. The undertones from the orginal remain.

The Kraken is deep and dark, fitting for the monster portrayed on screen. Begining slow, but steadily increasing, it is fast, overpowering, wild. The organ music associated with Davy Jones is also featured in it, because of the connection of the two. I believe there are electric guitars in the piece as well, which is a nice touch. The theme itself holds the traditional sound for "monster".

I personally find the theme for Davy Jones one of my personal favorites. The track on the score begins with the music box theme featured in the movie. It is fitting for the sad past we are given for the ruthless ruler of the pirate afterlife, and gives him that certain melancholy air. Then the organ music comes bursting through into a sweeping theme that is very much "pirate-y" although organs may not be classic to the pirate sound. The choral work is impressive and the beat is strong, very much fitting for a dark pirate like Jones. Finally the track returns to the music box, a sad quiet closing.

The other tracks, labeled after their scenes in the movie, feature the Black Pearl theme with an electric guitar (I believe) twist for DAvy Jones's crewmembers. The same sweeping introduction for Jack remains. The theme music for the native tribe is, well, tribal, powerful and gutteral. We are also exposed to the waltz-like theme for the scene with the cages. Tia Dalma is given a slight twist to the theme from when Barbossa is killed in the first movie. The theme for Tortuga is the traditional pirate sound yet again.

Overall, the music is fitting for the dark tones of the film. It has transformed from the unique themes of the first film. However, you will notice familiar themes running like undercurrents. My one qualm is with the "bonus track" which is odd and, I personally believe, doesn't fit in with the soundtrack. But I would strongly recommnend it for pirates fans, although it has received mixed reviews.

As soon as I heard that Hans Zimmer was going to be composing this score, I knew it would be "monstrous" with vibrant strings set against the background of a giant brass section. Klaus Badelt did a wonderful job with the first Pirates soundtrack, and, of course the two soundtracks are going to sound similar because Badelt is part of Zimmer's Media Venture entourage. Zimmer merely took what Badelt had already installed into the Pirates montage and expanded upon it.

1. Jack Sparrow--This song starts out with stringed basses and cellos. It evolves into a more defined string section and adds the brass instruments to reintroduce Jack's theme from the first Pirates movie. The theme does not stay completely the same as the first, though, and creates a new theme for a renewed Jack Sparrow.

2. The Kraken--This theme is, by far, my favorite throughout this soundtrack! The track starts off with bass and cello, again, and builds its way to violins, a brass section, drums, and some distant voice sounds. The track slows down a bit and plays a part of Davy Jones' organ piece, tying the Kraken to Davy Jones. There's another turn in the track where the rhythm changes a bit and gives one the feel of the Kraken approaching. The heavy drums in the background also help to fuel this sense of urgency. There's also a little bit of electric guitar mixed in for a sound that's gnashing and hardcore. The entire piece builds back up to Davy Jones' theme and ends with the organ and a heartbeat.

3. Davy Jones--The track starts off with a musicbox sound of Davy Jones' main theme. The strings come back in, but only very subtly at first. They slowly start to build through the track and lead to the organ piece. The track continues to build upon the organ by adding more drums, cymbals, brass, and strings. Drums continue on, as a repitition of the heartbeat in The Kraken, and the track ends with the musicbox of the theme.

4. I've Got My Eye On You--This track has a similar pattern to Davy Jones, in the beginning, then, about 3/4 of the way through, turns into the Pirates theme established in the first Pirates movie. The theme from Jack Sparrow can be heard finishing out the track.

5. Dinner Is Served--Heavy drums, violins, brass, and a tribal voice start out this track with a "boom!". The track leads up to the point in which Will and the rest of the Black Pearl Crew are swinging in the ball cages. This theme is very waltzy and whimsical and ends the track.

6. Tia Dalma--Another Pirates 1 theme is repeated in this track. That theme evolves into a combination of itself and the already established Davy Jones theme. It evolves, yet again, into a theme that was familiarized with Barbossa in Pirates 1. There's a reason for that and it's a good foreshadowing mechanism on Zimmer's part. The theme then becomes its own with a tribal voice in the background along with the heartbeat from previous tracks.

7. Two Hornpipes (Tortuga)--This track is very light and full of whimsy. One can simply imagine the people around these musicians dancing jigs with large smiles on their faces.

8. A Family Affair--The violins make up the melody of this track, followed by a vibrant brass section. The Davy Jones theme is touched on here and moderated a bit to fit the scene of the movie. One can, once again, here the musicbox sound of Jones' theme playing softly against a background of strings.

9. Wheel Of Fortune--This track starts out as a variation of a Pirates 1 theme heard earlier in track 4. It evolves into a large combination of instruments and sounds. One can hear bits of already established Dead Man's Chest themes and recurring bits of Curse of the Black Pearl themes. The track turns back towards Davy Jones' theme and the musicbox theme is played briefly before turning into elements heard in the Kraken. It then turns right back into the theme from Pirates 1. Again, the theme is back to the Dead Man's Chest version and parts of the Jack Sparrow track. The track ends with the Dead Man's Chest version of the main Pirates theme with some bits of The Kraken mixed in.

10. You Look Good Jack--This track is a bit slower in rhythm than the others and starts off very dark and melancholy. Elements of Tia Dalma are reinstated within this track, as well as the main Dead Man's Chest theme. Again, one hears the electric guitar ripping out power chords as the melody of the main Pirates theme. The theme ends with a brief revisit to the Kraken.

11. Hello Beastie--This is another very melancholy and reflective theme. Themes from Davy Jones' and the Kraken can be heard, as well as a distant heartbeat every once in a while. The track bulids towards the end and ends with the same the Dead Man's Chest version of the main Pirates theme.

12. He's A Pirate (Tiesto Remix)--This is a really cool remix of some sounds and themes from Curse of the Black Pearl. If you don't like trance/techno, you won't like this song very well. If you do, enjoy!

I think it came as a sock to all of us that Klaus Badelt, the composer who wrote the brilliant score for Curse of the Black Pearl would not be returning for Dead Man's Chest. Well, Disney got a great composer anyway. Hans Zimmer brings to the new score music that simply screams his name, and rearanges some of Badelt's own themes. But there is only about 2 minutes total on this hour long disc of recycled music. It's all new, and its all great.

Is it as good as Badelt's score? No. Is it still exceptional? Yes. No one will ever outmatch Badelt's wonderful score, but Zimmer does a brilliant job of showing us that Dead Man's Chest is not a rehash of the first film, but a reincarnation. Where Badelt's score was light and upbeat, Zimmer's is much heavier, but still very fun, with tradmark Zimmer throughout.

Stand-Out Tracks:

1. Jack Sparrow 9/10
This six minute track is more of an overture than anything else. It has some rearangements of old themes, as well as some of the new music featured in the DMC score.

2. The Kraken 10/10
By far the best on the whole soundtrack. It uses drums to great advantage, and is all around brilliant adventure music. If you've seen the movie, you'll know it when you hear it.

3. Davey Jones 10/10
Another brilliant track. It starts with Davey jones musical box playing its song, and then goes into that theme again, only with an organ.

7. Two Hornpipes 9/10
The brilliant and fun Tortuga theme.

8. A Family Affair 8/10
A creepy song that is basically Bootstrap Bill's theme.

9. Wheel of Fortune 9/10
This is a great adventure track, and combines new adventure themes with Badelt's classic adventure song, "He's A Pirate."

12. He's A Pirate Remix 2/10
I could barely get through this...Remixes are "hip" now, but for the life of me I cannot understand why. This one is hard on the ears...

I have already read some reviews of this soundtrack where they diss Zimmer for going the "typical" Media Ventures route. My response: Who Cares! I love this album! I defy anyone to listen to the first two tracks, "Jack Sparrow" and "the Kraken", and not get excited!

Usually I don't like it when they use electric guitar for a period piece, but in the case of PotC I don't mind at all.

My only complaint is the CD's pacing. My three favorite tracks are all at the very beginning and as a result, I am rarely able to make it through the entire album without stopping and going back and listening to them again.

If you like The first CD, I whole-heartedly recommend this new one. You won't be disappointed!

After reading the few reviews posted, many people are saying it's not as good as the first and that this feels to "synthesized". In my opinion, this soundtrack is superior to the first. The first was too repetitive and really only focused on one theme. After you have listened to the first 3-4 songs on the first soundtrack there really isn't no need to continue listening because the rest of the album just repeats itself. This soundtrack is new and refreshing. You can't continue to produce the same music over and over for franchises in films because it becomes dull and boring. Hans Zimmer did a fantastic job! He incorporates the old theme into the music while also incorporating some new themes for the second film in the franchise. He creates a perfect blend of just enough of the old music and new music that fans of the first should be pleased as well as new fans who felt that the first soundtrack was too repetitive. It's a fantastic soundtrack and definately a must buy!

Hans Zimmer not only takes this second soundtrack to the next level in using a full fledged orchestra, he also incorporates many of the original themes from the Black Pearl soundtrack, elaborating and molding them into the amazing pieces displayed in this cd. In most cases, reworking an original theme would be seen as mundane, but Zimmer manages to give the old themes new twists, spicing them up with such seasonings as the organ, music box, electric guitar and synth percussion, reworking the beats and turning them into something all their own. As well as reprising old themes, Zimmer creates a wealth of new ones, which might lay the groundwork for the third film soundtrack. If you love the first album, you'll adore this one as well. I cannot say either of them is better than the other, as they both contain different elements that set them apart as equally amazing scores. A phenomenal soundtrack, when listened to, can make the listener picture exactly what is going on in the movie. Without a doubt, Hans Zimmer achieves this effect; once again, as he always seems to do with any soundtrack he composes.

Top 4 tracks:
Jack Sparrow: Zimmer twists the original theme around to produce a wonderful track reflecting Jack's erratic demeanor.
The Kraken: A superb action track.
Two Hornpipes: It had a sprightly, bouncy feel. Definitely the "happiest" track on the album.
Wheel of Fortune: Another piece that incorporates many of the original themes from the first soundtrack. Yet another wonderful action piece as well.

This soundtrack is just brilliant. I was surprised by how little Zimmer took cues from the original soundtrack, however it was not an unpleasant treat. I think this is a much more powerful score than the original. It's more musical, by that I mean that there is a little more "breathing room" in the pieces instead of everything being "in your face" like it was with the original score. With that said, The Kraken is just a flat out balls-to-the-walls sonic feast. If nothing else, I would pay the ten bucks just for that song, it's that good. The following track, Davy Jones, is quite the haunting piece with layered organs and pounding percussion and is probably a very close second to the Kraken as far as my favorite tracks on the album. The production is much better than with the Curse score. It's balanced and smooth, not bright and overly brassy. All in all, this is an awesome disc and I can easily recommend the purchase.

As most people have already mentioned, the inclusion of the bonus track (or tracks) is ridiculous. I purchased this at Best Buy and was unfortunate enough to get all three bonus tracks. Now typically a bonus is something you enjoy, not the case here. All three techno tracks are a terrible waste of disc space. Sony screwed up by including these, they are horrible.

On a side note, some of the reviewers here are saying that there is a big portion of this score that was basically lifted from the Black Pearl soundtrack and that is simply not true. There is very little here that is repeated from the first soundtrack. What is actually used is done minimally throughout a couple of songs and even then it tends to be just familiar sounding and not direct takes, as is the case with the lead track, Jack Sparrow. Also, some complain about the dynamics of the music, the loud and soft parts. It's not as if this one is any different than most other scores, there are loud and soft parts, often within the same song. It's not unusual, and is certainly not a fault. Hans Zimmer did great work on this movie and it's hard for me to hear what others are considering faults. I'm in no way discrediting what they say or their opinions, I however, like most reviewers are apparently hearing it in an entirely different way.