Search - Hans Zimmer, John Powell :: Kung Fu Panda

Hans Zimmer & John Powell Reunited And It Feels So Good!

Kaya Savas | North Hollywood, CA | 06/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The release of this score is somewhat historic (in a sense). It marks the reuniting of John Powell with his mentor and friend, Hans Zimmer. It's been 8 years since the two have worked together on a score, and that was back in 2000 on The Road To El Dorado. Since then Powell has established himself as one of Hollywood's best and most demanded composers.



For Kung Fu Panda the two have created an epic score that utilizes both of their styles. The first track kicks things off in a grandiose style with some signature Powell percussion and trumpets. The theme for the film is very simple. Just a descending set of notes with a distinctive Chinese influence. Zimmer has a few Asian influenced scores under his belt. He worked with a Japanese sound for Black Rain and The Last Samurai. More appropriately he scored an amazing theme for Chow Yun-Fat's character from Singapore in Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. The Chinese sound incorporated into this score is not dominating but more so incorporated into their styles.



Zimmer's distinct way of structuring long action sequences can be heard in the track "Tai Lung Escapes", which is 7 minutes long. Zimmer's trademark sounds can also be heard in "Sacred Pool Of Tears" which is the album's longest track coming in at nearly 10 minutes and in my opinion is one of the best tracks on the score. We have around 58 minutes of score on this CD with the last track being a 2 minute song. That is highly impressive for an animated film. Bravo to Interscope records for this release.



The score is simply a wonder. It starts off light with some bounce to it but ends up being an epic sounding experience. Having both Hans and John behind the helm of this was terrific and it was truly special for me to hear them together again. Hans Zimmer is the greatest composer working today and John Powell is right behind him because it was Zimmer who nurtured those talents and allowed Powell to become the composer he is today. These are two composers with their own distinctive voices that share a similar style and together they have produced a very fun and memorable score."

Oogway is reason enough

A. Lehmann | 08/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite this score being a wonderful piece of music "oogway ascends" alone is reason enough to buy this score!"

Better after a few listens

Nate Meiers | Mansfield, OH | 12/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed this much better on my third and fourth (and after) listenings. At first and second listenings it sounded a little too silly (the movie was silly in parts), but later this effect wore off and the oriental influence and power of the mood came through more deeply. Zimmer is great. Powell is great. I collect both of them - the two together did a wonderful job."