The addition of Kenny Wayne Shepherd for the end title theme is certainly noteworthy to his fans, as is Static-X's appearance for "Crash" to theirs. However, the real story here is Kristopher Carter, who scored this collec... more »tion and certainly merged classic movie-making scoring with smatterings of hard rock and electronic jolts. Throughout the collection are quotes from satisfied customers (the producers of the film). But it's a wonder why their endorsements are strewn throughout the packaging, considering that Carter's competency is obvious to anyone listening. "Industrial Heist," the second track, points up Carter's ability to track pulsing beats alongside the classical intimations of the orchestra. "Meet the Joker" is perfect suspense, while "Joker Crashes Bruce's Party" uses standard rock arrangements to make its point. The one drawback might be that at only 38 minutes, the whole episode seems too brief. A set of Wagnerian proportions might have been more appropriate. --Rob O'Connor« less
The addition of Kenny Wayne Shepherd for the end title theme is certainly noteworthy to his fans, as is Static-X's appearance for "Crash" to theirs. However, the real story here is Kristopher Carter, who scored this collection and certainly merged classic movie-making scoring with smatterings of hard rock and electronic jolts. Throughout the collection are quotes from satisfied customers (the producers of the film). But it's a wonder why their endorsements are strewn throughout the packaging, considering that Carter's competency is obvious to anyone listening. "Industrial Heist," the second track, points up Carter's ability to track pulsing beats alongside the classical intimations of the orchestra. "Meet the Joker" is perfect suspense, while "Joker Crashes Bruce's Party" uses standard rock arrangements to make its point. The one drawback might be that at only 38 minutes, the whole episode seems too brief. A set of Wagnerian proportions might have been more appropriate. --Rob O'Connor
"This is a nice edition to the collection o' Batman Soundtracks, MUCH better than the Batman Beyond TV soundtrack by virtue of the fact that it has as many orchestral elements as synth elements. There are of course complaints. The length leaves much to be desired, The music underscoring the Batgirl-Harley fight in Arkham and the music underscoring the sattelite chasing Batman are both missing, and some of the best stuff in the score. At a length of under 40 minutes there is simply no excuse for the absence of these fantastic cues. The good, the music that's here is just fabulous a lot of very James Bondish cues actually, which is a fun and refreshing change from the dark and dreary that we've come to know and love. The orchestral cues underscoring the flashback sequence are fantastic, especialy the iteration of Robin's fanfare at the begining of 'A Trap for Tim'. The 12th track, 'Healing Old Wounds' features a stunning electric guitar statement of Shirley Walker's Batman Theme and is very very cool. All in all a fantastic, albeit short soundtrack. Now lets release a Soundtrack of the Batman Animated Series music and I'll be happy."
WOW!
Allan Lindsay | Houston, TX | 04/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the type of soundtrack a comic book based movie should have. The combination of electronic, rock, and orchestral, works incredibly well. A great listen, even if you haven't seen the movie. Highly recommended."
Incredibly under-rated
Jonathan Gengler | New York, USA | 09/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When most people think of a movie soundtrack, they think of big-budget and musically moving films like Titanic. This is quite the contrary for most movie soundtracks, and is also not true in this case. Many of the Batman movies and television shows have been parised for their well done scores. The Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker soundtrack is no exception and is in fact betther than any film score I've heard before. To be truthful, this movie isn't completely orchastra though, several of the tracks have lyrics, if not in the foreground, in the background. This is definately a very entertaining CD and should be a favorite for all classic music fans, as well as Batman fans and any other kind of music fans. The only problem with this is that it is so under-appreciated."
The Joker is back in blistering form
M. C Coulson | 02/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although the Batman Beyond TV series which spawned this soundtrack utilized a predominantly techno sound, Kristopher Carter's score reveals more light and shade with dramatic orchestral passages that recall the influence of his mentor Shirley Walker. That's not to say you don't get some adrenalin packed techno-metal wig-outs with drums like kango hammers on steroids, bowel-destroying bass and chunky chainsaw guitar. Carter's keening mournful theme for the movie is further enhanced during the end titles by some nifty bluesy fret play from Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
At a whisker over half an hour, this soundtrack only represents a brief glimpse into the future, and while not all the tracks are for the fainthearted, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker represents a rock solid modern soundtrack with some occasional moments of sheer brilliance that sound fantastic when played very loud."