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I was one of the few who was, quite frankly, elated when Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) was replaced by Danny Elfman as the composer for “Justice League” earlier this summer prior to the film’s release date. His work, with his mentor Hans Zimmer, for Snyder’s previous “Batman v. Superman” was terribly repetitive and lacked creativity for the most part.
For those hoping that Elfman would regain that classic sound he burst out in the film music scene with 1989’s “Batman” (and revisit in “Batman Returns”), his music style has evolved over the past 25 years. And for those hoping Elfman would write the score in Zimmer and XL’s style, you’re out of luck too. But it’s highly enjoyable, with numerous themes both old and new, with care applied to using the old material. Anyone who greatly enjoyed Elfman’s “Spider-Man” scores and/or “Avengers: Age of Ultron” will find much to enjoy here.
Elfman does not trot out the same old Batman theme, but arranges it differently and hints at it throughout. It only really pops up in “Hero’s Theme”, “Then There Were Three”, “The Final Battle” and “A New Hope.” Same for John Williams’ iconic Superman theme, which is also arranged differently and Elfman really focuses on the right scene(s) and tone to use it in the film. Elfman even incorporates Zimmer’s Wonder Woman theme in “Wonder Woman Rescue” to wonderful effect. Elfman also composes new themes: one encompassing the League, a clever reoccurring motif for The Flash (nothing like Elfman’s 1990 TV theme), one grandiose motif for Steppenwolf, and simpler motifs for Aquaman and Cyborg.
Some die-hard fanboys criticize the score for being “generic" as well as criticizing the lack of Zimmer's Superman and Batman material. Truthfully, Elfman could've incorporated the material and had it 'evolve' to the classic Williams and Elfman themes but he chose not to. However, I consider it a relief that orchestral superhero scores with actual THEMES are coming back into style and that makes up for the lack of thematic continuity. The action material is surprisingly sustained, with “The Tunnel Fight” and “The Final Battle” being massively exciting. But the quieter material is just as rewarding, like the pastoral “Home”, "A New Hope" and “Cyborg Meets Diana.” The London recording by Peter Cobbin is sharp and detailed, all the better to hear the orchestra in all its glory.
WaterTower Music has really outdone themselves with their “Justice League” release. Not only does the 2-CD release encompass almost all the score featured in the film (Zimmer's "Krypton" theme was tracked in one scene), but the three songs are included like Sigrid's “Everybody Knows” cover, “Icky Thump” and Junkie XL and Gary Clark Jr's “Come Together” cover. The liner notes have some nice scoring session pics from Abbey Road along with numerous stills from the movie, but no notes from Elfman or Joss Whedon about the score, apart from the usual technical listings. However, the package is beautifully designed; interior artwork and disc artwork are eye-catching.
If you loved the score in the film, you can’t go wrong with this soundtrack release.
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The DC comic soundtracks like the Dark Knight - Batman
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018
I am a sucker for a movie soundtrack especially actions and superheroes. The DC comic soundtracks like the Dark Knight - Batman, Superman with Hans Zimmer or John Williams are more of my style than the Marvel soundtrack. So, when the price of this vinyl was around $20, I grabbed it because I’ve been listening to it through my Apple Music and like it. I have not seen the movie yet but love Danny Elfman. And Hans Zimmer and XL Junkie. The packaging is nothing special. It comes with 2 black vinyl. Heavy cardboard. I can do without the songs. The bonus soundtrack, even though it was listed, it’s only for download. Luckily buying from Amazon, you get the digital version of the album.
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018
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Knutsfordchap
Appalling film, brilliant soundtrack
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PeterH
Excellent vinyl but the pin code doesn't work
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Liam Weldon
Mostly instrumental music
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LOVED IT It's really good
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