Search - James Horner :: The Land Before Time: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Outstanding!

11/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I read here at Amazon that this was one of Horner's best soundtracks, even better than "Titanic" and up there with "Glory", I was a little skeptical. After all, this was a kiddie cartoon, and one I don't remember too fondly from my younger days. However, being open minded about it, and liking many of Horner's other works, I decided to go ahead and get it, unheard at all. Besides, at the price it is here, you're not losing much if it's bad. Upon hearing it though, I was amazed. It WAS really great! In fact, it's become an immediate favorite, which I listen to frequently. I would definitely rate it higher that "Titanic", and right up there with "Glory", and "The Rocketeer" as Horner's best. The main themes are very beautiful, and the rest of the music is also pleasant to listen to. Another thing: I don't often like the songs thrown onto these soundtracks to go along with the movie, and especially not in the middle of the CD! But in the case of "The Land Before Time", I really love the song, "We will hold on Together", and look forward to it's playing, even in the middle like it is. As Horner often does, he composes a song in which the music is the same as the basic theme of the entire CD, (Ex: Titanic, Mask of Zorro, Mighty Joe Young) and it fits beautifully. All in all, this is one of my favorite scores, and I have about 50 of them. I definitely say, whatever you thought of the movie, or think it must be like, GET THIS SOUNDTRACK! If you like beautiful music, or are a Horner fan, this is a must have. You won't be dissapointed."

A Modern Masterpiece

Alex B. | Marquette, MI USA | 12/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whenever I turn on the movie or soundtrack of "The Land Before Time," I can't help but wonder how such a perfect orchestral score found its way into a children's cartoon. Don't get me wrong--it is definitely one of the best movies I have seen, cartoon or not (and certainly better than many of Disney's best efforts)--but I have never seen such a beautiful collection of music in any other cartoon in my life. And though my life hasn't been that long, only fourteen years, I am as much of a music lover as they come, and know great music when i hear it. The soundtrack to this movie is written with such power and emotion that words can't even describe it. It has to be heard in its full splendor to be fully appreciated, so don't listen to those realaudio clips and assume you've heard it all. There are no "sing-along" songs like in the five billion half-wit sequels made in recent years. In fact, the only track that does have words is "If We Hold On Together" by Diana Ross, which is a beautiful, serious song built upon the movie's main theme. Do yourself a favor, and don't judge the original "The Land Before Time" by what you've seen and heard about the sequels. Both the film and soundtrack are masterpieces that have yet to be touched by any cartoon movies I have seen (and being a kid, I still have a clear memory of those in my mind). I wouldn't be caught dead watching any of the movie's successors, simply because their content and music are too "kiddy," and don't hold a candle to the brightness of the original. So, give the movie and/or soundtrack a try. Even though they don't have the many academy awards to back them up like "Titanic" does, they are every bit as worthy. A timeless classic not to be missed by any music lover."

The Land Before Time: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Tania | UK | 12/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ignore the fact that this is a soundtrack to a children's movie, this CD contains some of the most beautiful movie music you'll ever here. I grew up watching the original 1988 Land Before Time classic (don't talk to me about the horrid, cheap sequels...I like to pretend they don't exist) and the music was one of the main things I loved about it.



Even just listening to the track "Whispering Winds" I cry like a baby, and I'm 21 now. Diana Ross, who I've never really been a fan of, sings a gorgeous ballard called "If We Hold On Together". It's a beautiful song, very sophisticated and pretty, with lovely lyrics that I think just about everyone can relate to - nothing like the awful songs that fill the sequel LBT films. "If We Hold On Together" is so good that it could've been a real chart topper and I'm shocked that it wasn't.



All the other tracks are very good, this CD is really worth getting if you like film scores and/or classical music. Forget the horribly over-rated score to Titanic, I firmly believe that THIS is James Horner's best work. I have this as a vinyal record, which thankfully still works because the CD is out of print and very pricy to buy second hand, but I might be forced to update soon."