Pieter Boelen 740 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Every few days I will post a thread on a random score from my collection that we can discuss and rate. I made a playlist on my computer with one track of each score I've got, so by using the random play option, I'll be able to post a truly random score each time. Hopefully this will allow us to discuss some scores that would otherwise never be discussed. Also we can record the rating so that we can create a full list of the ratings given to scores by JWFan.com.This is a continuation of a series of polls I started before I left. One of the last scores I posted was ToD, but now that we actually have an expanded version, I post it again, just to get things going again and see if anybody's opinion on the score has changed. Stand by for new entries in the score rating polls shortly.Today's score is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King by Howard Shore. Are you familiar with it? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? How do do you think it works in the film? What are your favourite tracks?So far JWFan has rated:See Soundtrack Ratings by JWFan.com.This web page contains the ratings from all my previous polls as well as those of Blumenkohl's.Final ratings are converted to a 1-10 rating for both rating systems so that they can be compared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Penna 3,695 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5- A film of this length is going to have a few dead spots in the score, and hence there are a few cues I've listened to only a few times because nothing very interesting happens in them.- Shore wrote up to 6 mins of music a day towards the end of scoring film 3, and there are a few places where I think it shows, i.e. Dernhelm in Battle. There's something a bit simplistic about this cue, particularly the 2nd half, when you compare it to similar cues. Early parts of Osgiliath Invaded also get a tad repetitive for me.The 'dancing' strings he uses a lot also tire me out a little bit. It's a bit like Williams' use of the glockenspiel - it works when it works, but he really does overuse it some of the timeBut the sheer thematic complexity, and inventiveness in others areas of the score easily warrant what would otherwise be a 5 star score for me.---1 star?Is that Joey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 A great achievement which effortlessly ties together everything started in the previous films scores. 5/5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phbart 609 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Definitely 5! All three LOTR btw... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joni Wiljami 1,206 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 2 stars.Maybe because the lengt of the film and there are very long war-scenes it is difficult to score. The action musicstart to sound very boring quite soon.FOTR is best of the three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 7 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5. Some absolutely stunning passages, but it's not 100% consistently great. Close enough, though. 'For Frodo' is stunning, and 'The Return of the King' through to 'The Grey Havens' and 'Elanor' is some of the most emotionally satisfying scoring I've ever heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,782 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romão 2,274 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 2 stars.Maybe because the lengt of the film and there are very long war-scenes it is difficult to score. The action musicstart to sound very boring quite soon.FOTR is best of the three. Agreed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Williamsfan301 11 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 2 stars.Maybe because the lengt of the film and there are very long war-scenes it is difficult to score. The action musicstart to sound very boring quite soon.FOTR is best of the three.Agreed, except I gave it 3 stars and I find all three score on the boring side. HOWEVER, it's obvious that Jackson wanted a score that rather underplayed the action so in terms of what the director wanted, it functions well. I personally would have perfered a more in your face John Williams-esque score.Still, it is an achievement! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurgaFlippinMan 7 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 3.5. It got draggy in many places despite also have a number of highlights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,019 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4 stars. Music as good as it gets without being an instant classic. Some really stunning material there, though a bit too much filler too. Which is probably because of the endless tinkering with the film. But, still, Shore should be applauded for his patience with this thing. And the whole finale (The Mouth of Sauron - end) is a real knock-out.Karol - loving the simultanous use of three ring themes in Mount Doom (an other such things). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter Boelen 740 Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 Wow; for a score that I thought was almost universally praised, I'm quite impressed with it ranking BELOW Conan the Destroyer now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crocodile 8,019 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 The more something is loved by many people, the more other people will hate it. These scores got a ridiculous blizzard of publicity in 2001-2007. There wasn't a single year where there wasn't some sort of album released with this music. After three years of OST there was a Silva Screen re-recording. After that, three years of CR. Now they're about to release this book, with even more music. They say these score remain relevant because people still talk about them. But you can see yourself that this buzz is articial to an extent, for there is no time for this music to stand for itself. So you almost imagine some people getting really tired with these, given the fact there are much more deserving things being completely screwed (i.e. Indy).I think we have to wait 10 years to really tell what these scores are really worth.Karol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitch 57 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 1 star?Is that Joey?I wouldn't think Joey would stoop that low Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Crichton 4 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5. Since all the CRs were released I've had a hard time deciding if this or FotR is my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Penna 3,695 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 The more something is loved by many people, the more other people will hate it. These scores got a ridiculous blizzard of publicity in 2001-2007. There wasn't a single year where there wasn't some sort of album released with this music. After three years of OST there was a Silva Screen re-recording. After that, three years of CR. Now they're about to release this book, with even more music. They say these score remain relevant because people still talk about them. But you can see yourself that this buzz is articial to an extent, for there is no time for this music to stand for itself. So you almost imagine some people getting really tired with these, given the fact there are much more deserving things being completely screwed (i.e. Indy).I think we have to wait 10 years to really tell what these scores are really worth.KarolYes, I think that's an important factor. The trilogy as a whole makes my overall favourite score, but that doesn't mean it's critic-proof. The scores have undoubtedly received the treatment they did because of the success and popularity of the films. In terms of music quality, even though there are variations within the scores, I think that most of the set piece at least would be considered an absolute highlight in any other score.I think Jackson and Shore should be commended for coming out musically unscathed from what was clearly a monstrous editing task. Had this been a Lucas production, we'd be seeing tracked music used for the extended scenes, and tons of edits within the action scenes, but Shore stuck with it, and still produced some pretty amazing music under huge pressure, given how close they came with delivering the film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Breathmask 555 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5. Since all the CRs were released I've had a hard time deciding if this or FotR is my favorite.Agreed with the eyebrow guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 FOTR is best of the three.Yes.1 star?Is that Joey?I wouldn't think Joey would stoop that lowBesides, Joe's favourite film of the trilogy is RotK, so I should imagine he would praise the score.Methinks Manual is to blame for one of the low votes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 no, I did not give it a one star, I gave it 2 or 3 I don't remember for sure. I don't think its anything special, its more of a rehash of the first two scores which I don't think are anything special. I do think the film is quite special, and with a great score it would be slightly better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 For me at least, the score is everything I wished for. It affected me with it's subtlety and it soared when the action was high. During all the highs and lows, I was emotionally moved by the score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 5 stars, easily! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I had no link to the scores, no link to the films. ROTK was just a nice surprise, an emotional film. I found the score especially on the dvd to be droning on and on during the selection sequences. Still it must have worked on some level for me because I did tear up at the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_vader 534 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 5 stars, easily!Yay! i was counting on you to post 5 Stefan Its a 5/5 from me, the Return Of The King Complete Recordings is one of the best investments ive ever made My favourite part is the brassy section in the last 2 minutes of 'The Siege Of Gondor', sheer brilliance.My next favourite part is in 'The Grace of Undómiel' 4.12 - 5.39, Fantastic! So many good parts, I love the whole score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter Boelen 740 Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 I am not the biggest fan of the music for the LotR films, but there's a lot of parts that I consider great.The music works very well indeed in the films for me, but outside of the films, there's long stretches that leave me cold.These are mainly stretches of underscoring, because when the music does take centre stage, it is quite breathtaking.Surprisingly enough, the finale of RotK is actually one of the parts where I was very much underwhelmed.I am still debating how to rate this score. On the one hand, I want to give it 5 stars,because it is extremely good in parts and on the whole it's an incredible achievement.However, then there's such a great amount of music that just doesn't do anything for me at all...I think I'll go with a 4,5, which sounds about fair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I found the score especially on the dvd to be droning on and on during the selection sequences.Ha ha! Tell me, how is that possibly be a stain on the marvel of this score? It isn't, so don't be daft.I find satisfaction in you last comment though. I am pleased it made man tears for you. Job well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 5 stars. A true masterpiece, and the best LotR score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 75 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I'll give it a five even though Fellowship is my favorite overall. I don't know, I have difficulty separating each quality-wise, I prefer to look at the three as one really, really long work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I am still debating how to rate this score. On the one hand, I want to give it 5 stars,because it is extremely good in parts and on the whole it's an incredible achievement.I think I'll go with a 4,5, which sounds about fair.The word "incredible" normally implies greatness. 5/5 is normally awarded in such instances. If it fits the film, then that's all that really matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morlock 11 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 If that were true, I don't think there'd be a discussion board dedicated to the matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Crichton 4 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5. Since all the CRs were released I've had a hard time deciding if this or FotR is my favorite.Agreed with the eyebrow guy.I am the Master, and you will obey me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I found the score especially on the dvd to be droning on and on during the selection sequences.Ha ha! Tell me, how is that possibly be a stain on the marvel of this score? It isn't, so don't be daft.I find satisfaction in you last comment though. I am pleased it made man tears for you. Job well done.It is GE, especially when I was trying to find the easter eggs on the set, and the tune kept recycling. I finally muted it.Joe, wondering what a true masterpiece in Indy 4's eyes are, I suspect anything he listens too more than once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 7 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5. Since all the CRs were released I've had a hard time deciding if this or FotR is my favorite.Agreed with the eyebrow guy.I am the Master, and you will obey me.As long as you're not dancing around to Scissor Sisters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 It is GE, especially when I was trying to find the easter eggs on the set, and the tune kept recycling. I finally muted it.Ha ha ha!If that were true, I don't think there'd be a discussion board dedicated to the matter.Probably, but for all the wrong reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Joe, wondering what a true masterpiece in Indy 4's eyes are, I suspect anything he listens too more than once.Huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 7 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Maybe it's me, but I find the DVD easter eggs terrible. The MTV ones, that is. Really unfunny. I liked the FOTR rerelease TTT teaser though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 As easter eggs go, I like and I've found worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 They must be better than Yoda rapping on the AotC DVD... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Brigden 7 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 They must be better than Yoda rapping on the AotC DVD...The ET game for the Atari 2600 is better than that. Or Lapti Nek/Jedi Rocks, take your pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Crichton 4 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 The MTV parody of the Episode I Jedi Council scene was really good. The Council of Elrond one was pretty much the opposite of funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morlock 11 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 If that were true, I don't think there'd be a discussion board dedicated to the matter.Probably, but for all the wrong reasons. If enigmatic was what you were going for, than mission accomplished. I haven't a clue what that means. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,211 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Hard to decide between 4.5 and 5.0. Thematically, the LOTR scores are among the biggest and most complex things written for movies. They fit their films like a glove. On CD they do tend to drag a bit in their complete forms, because much of the "filler" material makes sense only in context (the big problem of the Symphony, where these bits are taken out of their musical context as well).Still, I'd say FOTR and TTT are worth 4.5, and ROTK being the best of the bunch (with the best writing in stuff like Beacons and Shelob), I gave it the 5.0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,796 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I think i'll give it 5 stars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 4.5 stars.A tremendous effort by Shore but there are a few parts that drag. Given the amount of music that's no suprise. But still a very good score to wrap up the 3 films. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,796 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 with ROTK given 5 stars just figure how many Williams works also have 5 stars in my rank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desplat13 1 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Still deciding...I think I am with Joey on this one...the movie deserved more.Though I don't have the CR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Williamsfan301 11 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I am the Master, and you will obey me.AHHHHH....but the servant waits, while the Master baits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,796 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Methinks Manual is to blame for one of the low votes! You dont pay much attention to my posts do you? Aside from that i always praise the ROTK score,I'M NOT A KIFFRING INSTRUCTION BOOK. WHO TAUGHT YOU TO SPELL MY NAME, STEF? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FattyMcButterpants 1 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Can't give anything but 5.It wouldn't do the work justice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_vader 534 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Still deciding...I think I am with Joey on this one...the movie deserved more.Though I don't have the CR.The Complete Recordings would definatley change your opinion on the score. There is no comparison for me between the Original Soundtrack and the Complete Recordings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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