Treasure Planet

Treasure Planet
Not exactly the most seamless adaptation ever attempted, this animated version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic swashbuckler (now set in outer space, even if the "ships" appear inexplicably unchanged since the 18th century) at least benefited from Disney's always high production standards. Those factors also insure that James Newton Howard's orchestral score is serviceably effervescent and retro enough for the film's storytelling gambit--if still a long way from the heights of Korngold's triumphant, genre-defining music for The Sea Hawk and other Errol Flynn swashbucklers; call it Captain Blood-lite. The studio's marketing-driven desire to have it both ways has also awkwardly sandwiched in a couple otherwise pleasant John Rzeznik-penned modern rock tracks, "I'm Still Here," performed by the Goo Goo Dolls singer himself, and BBMak's slightly funkier take of "Always Know Where You Are." --Jerry McCulley
Customer Review: A Fantastic Score For A Great Movie
Definitely one of the--if not the--most underrated Disney movies ever. Of course, such an original concept got swept up in the intent to maximize the market-ability of the movie. Admittedly though, "Treasure Island" in space is hard to pull off, but this movie does, in part to the great score behind it. To balance a traditional 'swashbuckling' genre score with sci-fi twists can be no easy task, but its managed greatly in this soundtrack. A definite must for anyone who liked the movie and a great suggestion for anyone else.
Customer Review: A review based on the samples. (No, I don't have the CD...yet.)
I shall be rating this with stars, 5 stars being awesome and one star being lame. 1. I'm Still Here (John Rzeznik): 5 stars. I love this song! 2. Always Know Where You Are (BBMak): Um, ok, why did they put this song on the soundtrack again? 2 stars. 3. 12 Years Later: Kind of a quiet song, one I would listen to while writing. 4 stars. 4. To the Spaceport: Awesome! Kind of sounds like one of the songs from the movie "Dinosaur". (No surprise there, because James Newton Howard did the scores for both movies.) 4 stars 5. Rooftop: Wow. This song is beautiful, and it is most definately a song that I would listen to at night to lull me to sleep. 5 stars. 6. Billy Bones: Way to switch me from "lull me to sleep." to "creeping out!" 4 stars. 7. The Map: Yay for the Chronicles of Narnia people who put the first part of this song on their movie trailer! This song is DA BOMB! 5 stars. 8. Silver: Rock on all you Newfies out there! (A Newfie being slang for a Newfoundlander, or somebody that was born on Newfoundland.) This song goes out to you and smacks of the seas and the east coast. It totally fits Silver who must be either Newfie or part Newfie. (I'm sure he is, but don't bet on it.) 5 stars. 9. The Launch: Hmm. I'm not so keen on this song, but it's probably just me. 3 stars. 10.James Newton Howard really shines in one of his best musical pieces. Wow, I think this song sums up Silver and Jim's father/son pretty well. 5 stars. 11. Jim chases Morph: Meh on this song too. I love Morph though. He practically steals the movie. 3 stars. 12. Ben: Um, yeah. I don't really like this song too much. 2 stars. 13. Silver Bargains: And we are BACK TO AWESOMENESS! I love this song. It's rather bittersweet. 4 stars. 14. The Back Door: Ooh, this song has suspense weaved into it. Me likey! 4 stars. 15. The Portal: This song reminds me of in the movies when the main character tampers with something too deadly for them (like magic), and it ends up morphing them or attacking them. Sort of a "I messed up with something beyond my control, and now I'm paying for it." kind of tune. 4 stars. 16. Jim Saves the Crew: W00t! Mega freaky action music! And more of the same "Playing with fire" feelings that we got from The Portal. 5 stars. 17. Silver Leaves: Nice, soft, heart-touching music to finish up an excellent CD and movie. 4 stars.


Cinderella - An Original Walt Disney Records Sountrack
Customer Review: Dream Is A Wish The Heart Makes
Like the grateful emporer once said about Mulan, "You don't find a girl like that every dynasty." Same could be said for Disney's ever classic Cinderella, and the soundtrack should live up to the romantic magical tale. For those unfamiliar with the latest Disney soundtracks, they are composed of many background score tracks, along with the many recognizable songs known to millions around the world. If you wish to hear dialogue to string the songs together, then by all means, purchase the dvd movie.
Customer Review: A DREAM WORTH WAITING FOR
A dream is what your heart makes. And for years we've been dreaming and wishing that Cinderella would make a comeback. And thanks to the magic of Disney, our wish has been granted. (Please do not mix up this Cinderella with the punk-rock band of the same name. This is music; that is a mess.) We are happy to see (and hear) that extra tracks, including two demo recordings. And though we understand Disney's marketing techniques, we do wish that the added performances by Jim Brickman and Kimberely Locke would go away. Maybe if we close our eyes real tight and chant those three magic words. All together now: bibbidi-bobbidi-boo ...