The Village

The Village

Category: (Digital Music Album)

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Customer Reviews

For those who want the actual film sequence

Reviewed by Charles Wilson, 2010-02-02

The first few times I listened to the CD of this soundtrack, I loved some of the individual moments, but overall the sequencing simply didn't feel right. Then I saw the film, and realized that this was at least partially due to the fact that the soundtrack recording is re-sequenced, presumably to provide a more favorable listening experience. So, I re-re-sequenced the CD tracks to follow the flow of the film and the overall experience is much more natural and dramatic. The most immediate benefit is that the opening track, "Rituals" which plays in the film over the beginning credits, is really the perfect music for establishing the mood of the piece, and is frankly an absolutely inspired and appetite-whetting piece. The flow from there is equally brilliant, culminating in the emotional climax of the score, especially "The Gravel Road" which is among the best pieces JNH has written, and finally "The Vote" which beautifully concludes the score and ties together many of its ideas.

One thing I should mention is that I think the film is pretty bad. Practically un-watchable even, although Newton Howard's music goes a LONG way toward making the experience enjoyable. Trust me, sitting through the film several times in order to identify which pieces goes where, did nothing but cement my poor opinion of the movie, and my extremely high opinion of the ways in which Newtown Howard almost redeems it.

I do think this is one of the best scores he has done, whether to a Shyamalan film or any other, and deserves a serious listen. Some of this music is absolutely sublime, and Hillary Hahn's playing has been justly praised. I give the music five stars despite the fact that a lot of the suspense/action cues consist of mostly noising clanking and thumping (JNH can write great action music, just listen to King Kong). But what is great here is truly great and I still go back to this recording over and over.

Anyhow, for those who are looking for the actual film sequence of the tracks, give this a shot:

1. Rituals
2. Race to Resting Rock
3. The Bad Color
4. The Forbidden Line
5. Those We Don't Speak Of
6. Noah Visits
7. I Cannot See His Color
8. What Are You Asking Me?
9. The Shed Not to Be Used
10. It Is Not Real
11. The Gravel Road
12. Will You Help Me?
13. The Vote

One of the best movie scores ever written!

Reviewed by R. Campbell, 2009-05-25

I've been a huge fan of movie scores from as far back as I can remember. Some of my all time favorite composers are James Horner, John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. Before seeing the movie, "The Village" I was unfamiliar with James Newton Howard's compositions. However, I was pleasantly surprised and captivated with the movie's score! Over the years, it has been one of my most listened to cds! I have a cd in my car, and I also have digital copies of the soundtrack on my computer and on my phone. The second track on the album which is, "What Are You Asking Me?" is by far one of my favorites! This is probably the most prominent theme throughout the movie and the soundtrack. The violin music absolutely tugs at your heart and pulls at every emotion, it's really unbelievable. All the tracks though are just incredible. The music is so emotional and just seems to pull you in from the very beginning. I've heard some incredible movie scores over the years, but this one ranks very high in my list. Probably in my top 3 all time favorite movie scores. If you don't own this cd I encourage you to get it. Even if you haven't seen the movie. It is well worth the money! I can't say enough good things about this cd...Captivating, emotional, beautiful...just an excellent soundtrack. A must have for anyone who loves movie scores, violin, or just amazing instrumental music. Check it out!

Great Music

Reviewed by Laura K., 2009-03-19

We like the movie a lot, but the music is what makes it. It is beautiful and suspenseful. Tells the story very well with out any words.

Music to Lose Yourself In...

Reviewed by GlassHalfFull, 2008-08-31

I entitled this review 'music to lose yourself in' because listening to it can really take you to another time and place. 'The Village' is one of my favorite soundtracks. It is simply beautiful! Evocative, haunting, romantic, earthy, gothic. My personal favorites are 'Rituals' and 'The Gravel Road,' but the whole album is a lush masterpiece.

An elegantly dark but beautiful film score.

Reviewed by Nicoletta Carlone, 2008-08-05

The music from this film is breathtakingly beautiful. James Newton Howard's score is elegant, beautiful and dark, one of his best works. Hilary Hahn's violin playing is lucious and sensual. A great motion picture soundtrack that is well worth buying!