Michael J. Mazza | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 08/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The original motion picture score to "Spider-Man" is a great CD. The score is composed by sci-fi/fantasy favorite Danny Elfman and conducted by Pete Anthony. On this disc, they achieve an effective blend of Wagnerian bombast and a contemporary, high-tech sound.The CD gets off to a solid start with the exciting, energetic "Main Title." "Transformations" has some ominous, eerie moments. One of the best tracks is "Costume Montage": it has a fresh, funky energy. "Revenge," featuring some really driving percussion, is probably the best action music on the CD, although "Parade Attack" has a memorable buildup of suspense. Also solid are the quieter moments on the CD: "Alone" has a nice introspective sound, and "Revelation" has a tenderly emotional feel.Overall, this CD effectively evokes the excitement and wonder as Peter Parker discovers and explores his spider-like powers. But the CD also touches effectively on the hero's inner emotional journey. The music also evokes the fast pace of Spider-Man's urban environment. Overall, another solid achievement for Elfman: this is a CD which is enjoyable as a piece of music on its own, but which also makes you want to see the movie again."
For All You Spidey Movie Fans...
Julie Staples | Greenville, SC United States | 06/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw the Spider-Man movie not too long ago, and now my hubster is wondering if his real wife has been abducted by some weird Spider-Man freak. :) You name it, I've been getting it, from video games to books to comics. So, naturally, I decided to invest in the movie's score and soundtrack.The soundtrack was a real snooze. The only two songs on it which had anything to do with Spidey were the two renditions of the Spider-Man theme. However, I love the Spider-Man score. Danny Elfman is brilliant in capturing the feel and the mood of the movie in the music, and in transporting you back into the movie as you replay the scenes in your mind. The dark (yet not too dark) and brooding (yet exciting) ambiance captures the character of Peter Parker, the reluctant hero who is thrust into his calling by a genetically-alerted spider and a sense of duty. Great power, and great responsibility... :)I highly recommend this score just for the sheer listening experience. Make sure to crank the speakers, especially in the Main Titles. There is a consistent sound to the tracks without being redundant, but the ones which stick out most to me are the Montages and the Main.I think Danny Elfman's creativity and musical brilliance in this score earn every one of the 5 stars."
Spectacular SPIDER-MAN Score!
Branko Larusso | Wellington, New Zealand. | 09/16/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When I first saw the "Spider-Man" film, not only was I in awe of the impressive visuals that were appearing before me,but also as much with the spectacular score that the genius Danny Elfman had composed.
This is one potent,powerful and memorable Motion Picture Score that enhances the quality of this film. From the very first notes of the "Main Title",I knew this score was going to be something special - and it is! It has so much going for it.
The "Main Title" and other compositions throughout the score make great use of the choir,whether it be for fast paced action sequences or personal,emotional scenes that occur every so often.
The track "Costume Montage" also is a beautiful combination of score and guitar,and the two compliment each other well.It being one of my favourite tracks on the album.
The track "Revenge",this is another pure delight from the score. It firstly commences in great style with orchestra,then as the pace and emotion gradually picks up, the forces of orchestra, choir and synthesizer combine,to produce another memorable piece.
If I were asked to mention a few of my favourite tracks from this admirable score they would have to be the following - the "Main Title","Costume Montage","Revenge","Revelation" and "Final Confrontation".
This score would have to be one of the best that Danny Elfman has composed thus far in his long and illustrious career. A bold statement, but a true one nonetheless - to my way of thinking anyway!"
A little disappointed
Leanna | South Deerfield, MA USA | 06/06/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I was very excited when I found out that the actual soundtrack for "Spider-Man" was being released, so excited that I went out and bought it the first day. I've listened to it five or so times already, and I've been somewhat disappointed. Somehow, I remember it being much better when I was actually watching the movie.First of all, it is only about 45 minutes long, so if you were hoping for one of those hour-long soundtracks, then this isn't the one for you. Second, I found a lot of the songs to be "quieter" than I expected. Certainly not car CD player fare.However, Danny Elfman's score has it's redeeming moments. "Main Title," "Costume Montage," and "City Montage" are the tracks that standout the most to me.Bottom Line: Only buy this if you really have a thing for Spider-Man or are a big Danny Elfman fan."
With a sweeping score Elfman's Spider-Man Soares!
J. K. Moser | Flemington, New Jersey USA | 02/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Returning to the super-hero genre with a vengeance is Danny Elfman. Spider-Man is the premier Marvel hero, and Elfman gives him the perfect score. Starting quietly, Elfman builds up a crescendo that captures the feeling of Marvel's webhead swinging through the city. Throwing in a rough theme for the Green Goblin and an enjoyable love theme, Elfman creates 45 minutes of enjoyable listening. I have to say that without his music for the Goblin, the movie would have been slightly ridiculous. Overall, Spider-Man is a truly enjoyable score."