. . . Hirschfelder's score is a really fine one - not thematic so much but with some great, full-blooded suspense and action cues. . . .
Yes, this. I wasn't too impressed by Legend of the Guardians -- it works fine in the picture (with the exception of the new agey crapola when Soren was in the zone), but on CD had some good moments but overall never really clicked for me -- but Sanctum is a very pleasant surprise. The CD is a bit too lengthy for its own good, sags a bit in the middle, but there's a lot of very good stuff here.
Interesting. I really enjoyed Legend of the Guardians but Sanctum doesn't do anything for me. I've never been much for horror music without themes.
The score is incredible. See a full review at the movie section of non fsd above. DH's score works to support the melodrama and stands firm and strong when the script stumbles. Looks like Cameron may lose a bunch of cash. A good part of his $30 mil may be history. Song samples at Amazon.com and other spots. Don't miss the score. Wait for the movie on DVD. It's better than what most are saying.
I have to agree with the kudos here - most of the recent current albums I've heard, I keep checking the time, and hoping they end soon. But this one held my attention for a change, a nice surprise! Too bad the movie sounds terrible This one is almost a throwback to those Horner 'awe and wonder' fantasy scores of the 80's in parts - reminded me of another unknown gem, Freefall by Lee Holdridge.
Count me among the many accolades for this score. Just saw the film last night, and say what you will about everything else, the score was brilliant. Big, bold, pulsing... a cousin of Mark Isham's POINT BREAK score. I just purchased it along with BROKEN ARROW and can't wait to have it!
Another good score by Hirshfelder and an enjoyable listen. I know some on this forum don;t share the opinion that a film score has to be a satisfying experience away from the visuals but if a label is going to release it, then it has to stand on it's own and many of today's scores cannot. I tire of many of them after 2 or 3 tracks.
While not a melodic score, it is atmospheric and the orchestrations along with some eerie choral work sustained my interest throughout. And I maintain that a good score can stand on it's own. This one can.
I'm loving this one, which was a blind buy based solely on "Legend of the Guardians" and the samples.
But I really have to question why people are slamming it as having no melody or no themes. Seriously? It's enormously thematic. The first two tracks are in fact two major themes: the mournful native singer in "A Sacred Place" and a march for the cave explorers in "Espiritu Esa Ala." Not only that, both themes are deeply integrated into the rest of the album, with "Sacred Place" seeming to represent despair/death and "Espiritu Esa Ala" hope/beauty.
Now, I'll admit the biggest thematic highlights are at the beginning and end, with the middle section that only using fragments of both. But they're still woven deeply throughout and frequently deconstructed almost Danny Elfman-style.
I liked the film, despite SPOILER the one character`s arguably hasty progression to selfish stupidity END SPOILER, but the score in totality struck me as middling. Good but not vital.
This Goldsmith-PhilipGlass action-melange has totally monopolized my short spare time and the other Intrada or SAE gems arrived together with it are still being neglected...
Sanctum is a fantastic score. I haven't seen the movie and frankly from how much I love the score on disk and seeing the awful reviews I've read, I don't think I ever will. But I VERY MUCH RECOMMEND the score. Huge, sweeping, beautiful writing. Very much reminded me of the big scores that came along for some of the mid 90's IMAX releases (if anyone remembers those.) Excited for more Hirschfelder releases in the future. Hopefully he'll get some decent projects here soon. Do yourself a favor and get Sanctum!
1. A Sacred Place (2:04) 2. Espiritu Esa Ala (2:20) 3. The Doline (4:10) 4. The Dive (1:40) 5. Saint Judes Cathedral (6:31) 6. Listen! The River Is Returning (4:43) 7. Flow Stone Falls (6:21) 8. Luko My Friend (2:27) 9. Through The Restriction (7:01) 10. We’re Not Gonna Die (3:54) 11. The Sacred River (3:41) 12. I Can See You (1:50) 13. Push On? You Decide (3:47) 14. What About Carl? (3:12) 15. Help Me Into The Water (3:45) 16. Down To A Sunless Sea (1:22) 17. Are We Home Yet? (2:14) 18. Sanctum Suite (6:03)
Just watched this film on DVD. I liked the movie, not a great movie and not a bad movie just somewhere in-between.
However I have one music question for those who have seen the film and own the soundtrack and that is the fight scene towards the end of the movie when Carl fights first Frank and then Josh. I guess it is probably on the soundtrack but on which track is it? My guess it is track 14 What about Carl? but I am not sure, anyone who can confirm my guess?
Just revisited this score and had forgotten how good parts of it are. I've never seen the film (and doubt I will judging by most people's opinions) but the CD has some great suspense and wonder moments in it. I still need to grab a copy of Railway Man and his new score Water Divider. I always find something of interest in Hirschfelder's scores. I LOVE his AUSTRALIA soundtrack.
