BATMAN FOREVER LIMITED EDITION 2CD SET!

[The Dark Knight]

Nowadays I even like the movie quite a bit.

You know, I'm not as serious about disliking the flick as I used to be. I've loosened up a bit. Sure, it's not my ideal interpretation of Batman. But I can give it a look every now and then. Not as much as Burton's flicks, or even Nolan's. I'm not going to put watching priorities over those guys. But yeah, I can watch it and take it for what it is a bit better now. I don't feel threatened by it at all. I will say that even though aspects grate on me, (neon, lighter tone, godawful Two-Face, etc, etc) Forever feels more like a Batman movie, even though I don't rate it terribly highly as one. If that makes sense. It has that aspect that Nolan's lack. At least we have a comic book atmosphere and fantasy. I'm really looking forward to the expanded score, and hope to be won over by it. Almost discover something that I didn't put as much thought into before. As said, I rate Goldenthal second in the film composer rankings. Elfman being first, obviously. Goldenthal actually made a theme like Elfman. He used melodies. Zimmer goes for something darker, which is good, but a lot is ripped off from other work - and there isn't a main theme or distinct melody, it just drives forward.

[Azrael]

Yeah, agreed. I think Michael Uslan himself said that Batman Forever has the spirit of the 50s Batman as written by Bill Finger and illustrated by Dick Sprang. Lighter in tone with extravegant set-pieces, and a wisecracking Robin. One could even compare Batman Forever's tone with that of the Brave and the Bold cartoon - the latter even had musical numbers! As long as the popular view about Batman is the "dark" version (and thanks to Team Nolan and Rocksteady Software, this is what we have), I don't think we have reason to feel "threatened" by the lighter interpretations.

Goldenthal was a perfect choice for Batman, and I still wonder what his sound for Batman might be like if he was to score a darker film. Scores like Interview with the Vampire and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within maybe provide a hint. Don't forget that he also scored Heat, which is cited as one of the major influences for The Dark Knight.

As it is, I love that his work for Forever finally got proper treatment. It feels like a combination of Richard Wagner with 50's sci-fi soundtracks, and if one enjoys film scores as reading music, it works well if you listen while reading Batman stories from that era.

[The Dark Knight]

The score arrived today. So I'm putting it on my iTunes library now. I'll give it a good listen and give my thoughts later.

In terms of it being more "Batman", I mean, at least we got scenes in Forever such as leaping off an insanely tall building and landing in the Batmobile drivers seat. I can't see Nolan doing anything like that.

[The Dark Knight]

Okay, my thoughts?

I gave it a go, but I'm tired of listening to it. It has worn me out.  Anything other than Elfman pales in comparison.

[Kingdjack4500]

Okay, my thoughts?

I gave it a go, but I'm tired of listening to it. It has worn me out.  Anything other than Elfman pales in comparison.

basically that means good maybe great hell no

[Azrael]

Having listened and digested all Batman scores, I obviously agree: when it comes to Batman, Elfman is the real thing, no questions asked. The B'89 score was the first record (LP, not CD!) I ever held in my little hands.

But, I still believe Goldenthal work was great for the type of film BF was, and he would still be a great choice for a "proper", dark Batman film after Elfman left the building for good. He's such an underrated composer, his work can make average movies, like Final Fantasy, or super-weird, like Titus (a movie made more famous because Tyler Bates copy/pasted the theme for the "300" score) more watchable and fun.

[The Dark Knight]

But, I still believe Goldenthal work was great for the type of film BF was

No arguments there. The music does suit the film. In actuality, I wouldn't give the score as much flak if I didn't always have Elfman in the corner of my mind comparing everything. I tried not to do that, but it's hard. In this score I quite enjoy Riddler's theme, which does suit his nature. Two-Face's march is fun. But after a while all of the themes, including the thug theme and such, all seem to roll into one, and become quite similar to each other. And that's what wore me out, the similarities and the hyped up energy of it.

People who have the score, or who have listened to it, how about you write in order your favourite cues from the CD? I'll get around to doing that in the next few days.

[The Dark Knight]

Alright folks, I got around to getting an order. I broken them into two parts, what I deem to be the best of the jollyness, and section two is Chase's theme, which provides a different atmosphere which is more in line with my tastes.

Main Title
Riddles Solved/Partners/Battleship
Capsule
Scuba Fight/Claw Island/Emperor of Madness
Gas Trap/Batman Phoenix
Obligatory Car Chase
Nygma's Cubicle/Batsignal

Gratitude Problem
Rooftop Seduction/Roof Plunge
Go To Chase
Wet Screen Kiss/ March On

[illgetdrivethrough]

How is the audio quality, volume, so forth? My iTunes copy is very quiet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Paul (ral)]

I believe it is just the initial standard release on iTunes.

The remastered 2CD set is a lot better.

I can't comment on volume levels though as I haven't compared them like that.