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Author	Topic: OPINION PLEASE!

Kyriacos S Standard Userer	Hey guys, i just wanted to ask your opinion about Randy Edelman's Dragonheart.I know he is not THE best composer in the world,and he is not amongst my favourite composers, but since i've heard good comments about this score, i thought i would ask about your opinion first,before actually buying it. Thanks K
posted 10-07-2001 07:31 PM PT (US)

TimT Standard Userer	Well I found it to be kinda cartoonish. Its never absolutly serious. It has nice themes though. But theres nothing exciting about it. The score also sounds half way synthisized especially in the purcussion and strings and it doesn't mix well with the real orchestra. Theres a choir, but it sounds like its only about 4 guys with a reverb fader. So... watch the movie first. and then decide for yourself. Personally I think its worth about $8, if you can find it at that price or lower, then you'll be ok.
posted 10-07-2001 07:46 PM PT (US)

André Lux Standard Userer	Forget the movie, which is quite awful. Just buy the score, which is quite fine. Besides, what is on the movie is different (and worst) from what you listen on the cd.
posted 10-07-2001 07:59 PM PT (US)

Marian Schedenig Standard Userer	It is repetitive. It uses synths to replace real instruments, which always sounds goofy. But what a great theme! Even though it has it's problems, I highly recommend it. Of course, a full-orchestra recording would be a hit... The movie is good IMHO. I was rather disappointed at first as well, but after watching it several times, I really like it. Great performances as well. And the music in the film is the same as the one on the album (André, what film did you watch!? )
posted 10-08-2001 07:40 AM PT (US)

Ken S Standard Userer	# 1) There are film scores where composers try to achieve "magic", but fail disastrously. # 2) Then there are film scores where composers simply compose original, good music, and the result IS magic. In my opinion DRAGONHEART is like scenario # 1, and I don't recommend it to anyone, except if you really liked the movie and the music.
posted 10-08-2001 08:39 AM PT (US)

sakman Standard Userer	The music from "Dragonheart" is among the best in Edelman's output with a strong theme and generally enjoyable CD presentation. There is some synth stuff to be sure but I have no idea what TimT is talking about in regards to the choir. The music from "Dragonheart" is probably among the most used for movie trailers as well. It is one of the better scores from the 90s and a worthy addition to your collection.
posted 10-08-2001 08:43 AM PT (US)

cine-sin Standard Userer	I am quite fond of Edelman's score but haven't watched the film in its entirety. 'Main titles' and 'To The Stars' are superb themes as highlights but there are other goodies as well. I did watch the Dragonheart sequel for the sake of McKenzie's score and that was a ghastly experience. As a McKenzie enthusiast, I found his score quite average while the film a complete disaster in every respect. Stick with the first film and score IMHO. Regards, Rochelle
posted 10-08-2001 08:53 AM PT (US)

cine-sin Standard Userer	quote: Originally posted by sakman: I have no idea what TimT is talking about in regards to the choir. Could he be referring to what sounds like a 'male vocal performance' in 'To the Stars'...that is.... the subtle humming sound? Rochelle
posted 10-08-2001 09:03 AM PT (US)

Jeron Standard Userer	quote: Originally posted by cine-sin: As a McKenzie enthusiast, I found his score quite average while the film a complete disaster in every respect. My thoughts pretty much mean nothing, as I'm obviously biased, but I think Mark's score serves as a wonderful companion to the first. It's certainly not his best score, but by no means is it bad. I don't think Mark wrote it with the intention of superseding the original. Some great orchestral reworkings of Edelman's ideas (and style) can be found in Mark's music, which is written with as much passion as he pours into his other projects. Of course, as Rochelle stated, the film wasn't all that we'd hoped (putting it mildly), so it's obvious Mark did the best he could with what he was given. The score is still recommended to those seeking a continuation (and expansion) of what Randy Edelman began with the first. For those who've not heard Mark's score, I invite you to listen to some clips at his website. Jeron NP- Planet of the Apes (Elfman) [Message edited by Jeron on 10-08-2001]
posted 10-08-2001 03:38 PM PT (US)

Aaron R. Brown Standard Userer	I don't have the score! My sister does! I going to have to borrow it from her. I remember watching the movie a while ago. I liked the movie. It liked the story because it is about to charcters who were enemies who learn to understand each. I pity anyone who don't at least get a tear in one eye during the finale!
posted 10-08-2001 03:54 PM PT (US)

Scott Standard Userer	Actually the first film wasn't all too bad. The score is beautiful. It just gets to me the way Edelman orchestrates. His scores are all cartoonish sounding. Bugs the heck out of me. But the themes are worth the buy. Jeron, I think your opinions always count on this board. Sure, you have a great relationship with the composer (or some of them), yet as you have proven here, you speak your mind. And that is always a good thing. Scott
posted 10-08-2001 05:26 PM PT (US)

Jared Cowing Standard Userer	[Message edited by Jared Cowing on 06-05-2010]
posted 10-08-2001 07:04 PM PT (US)

Ken S Standard Userer	Again I seem to be an in-betweener with this ABSOLUTE like/dislike stuff, because I REALLY like Edelman's work on KINDERGARTEN COP, TWINS, and THE MASK...but don't like DRAGONHEART and ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD so much either. Once again, it's something to do with the originality, the scenario # 2.
posted 10-09-2001 12:57 AM PT (US)

cine-sin Standard Userer	quote: Originally posted by Jeron: It's certainly not his best score, but by no means is it bad. Mark McKenzie compose a bad score....never! Rochelle
posted 10-09-2001 08:35 AM PT (US)

SEBULBA Standard Userer	While it's not my favorite score, I do like it. The themes in it are very nice. It does get repetitive, but it's also a short score, so it doesn't go on forever.
posted 10-09-2001 09:40 AM PT (US)

Quill Standard Userer	An enjoyable score with a few wonderful tracks. If you're a fan of some of Edelman's prior work...Gettysburg, Dragon, etc...you will get plenty is this score to enjoy.
posted 10-09-2001 12:50 PM PT (US)

Kyriacos S Standard Userer	Hey guys,(and ladies)(!) I just bought Dragonheart-it's got a great theme;generally,very enjoyable music. It's not sooooo original though... Here's my rating;*75/* (i just couldn't decide between 3,5 and 4....) NP:Home Alone 2*/***
posted 10-09-2001 07:54 PM PT (US)

Spicy Ramen Standard Userer	quote: Originally posted by André Lux: Forget the movie, which is quite awful. Just buy the score, which is quite fine. Besides, what is on the movie is different (and worst) from what you listen on the cd. And how is that?
posted 10-10-2001 12:35 AM PT (US)

Richard Street Standard Userer	DRAGONHEART is probably my least favourite Edelman score; his big orchestral (or even semi-orchestral / semi-synth) scores just don't do anything for me. I prefer his lighter comedy scores (FOR RICHER FOR POORER is great fun, and I enjoy THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN as well). But ANACONDA....No. I've recently "rediscovered" DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY, which I bought ages ago and stopped playing for some reason. Maybe it was the double header of DRAGONHEART and GETTYSBURG that turned me off Edelman completely (the latter has only had one play, the day I bought it, and I'm sure has not been off the shelf since). Apart from Edelman's way-better-than-average score, it also has the hugely infectious (non-Edelman) "Hong Kong Cha-Cha" source cue (which was also played in RUSH HOUR 2).
posted 10-12-2001 12:59 PM PT (US)

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