Search - James Newton Howard :: Vertical Limit: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2000 Film)

One of Howard's Best

G M. Stathis | cedar city, utah USA | 01/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have only recently focused on the film scores of James Newton Howard, and I must credit his very exciting music for the film "Virtical Limit" as the primary motivation. I have long admired several of his works ("Waterworld" and "Wyatt Earp"), but this score caused me to settle down and give this notable composer some serious time. Recently, I have also listened to Howard's wonderful music for "The Postman" and "Dinosaur." Overall, this has been a very enjoyable experience. The score for "Virtical Limit" served as the inspiration, and it deserves strong applause. Howard does everything that is necessary to accentutate tense scenes in the film, but he also has sweeping passages that are quite remarkable. He has made interesting use of percussion in many of his scores and it has become a recognizable trademark of sorts. Here percussion and chorus are used to great effect, especially early in the score. His main theme is memorable, as well, and is probably one of his best. An earlier review did, however find reason for complaint with this recording. He claimed that it did not include the end credits music, and sadly this is true, whatever the reason for the exclusion. The good news is that this will be remedied by the future DVD. On the other hand, most of this music is found in other parts of the score. I too would have loved to have even more of this wonderful, and for me motivating, score...bravo!"

Excellent Film Score!

William P. Bradley | Sacramento, CA United States | 12/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't want to diss the fellow who wrote above with such disappointment, but this is a film score, not a collection of pop songs. In fact, it's one of composer James Newton Howard's better efforts, and that's saying something, as he's one of the best film music composers. This is a gripping, flavorful collections of soaring themes, exciting action cues, and warm, reflective tracks. Highly recommended! One of the best action scores of the year."

Takes you well beyond the vertical limit

Brandon Cutro | Tyler, Texas United States | 01/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James Newton Howard, who had a remarkable year in 2000, really outdoes himself with this awesome, thematic action score. The first 7 tracks really shine, with "Utah" beginning the score with brass playing the main theme over heavy percussion. "Three Years Later" showcases the theme being played over the beautiful mountainous setting of the film. It is a heroic and noble 6 note fanfarish motif played mainly by the brass section. The theme gets more recognition in "Base Camp", "Maybe You Should Turn Back", and "It's A Good Song". A noble secondary theme that really gives you goose bumps is found in "You Wanna Do This?" This secondary theme is heard again in "Maybe You Should Turn Back", but not as noble and heroic as in the other track. There are some really good action cues as well, such as "Avalanche", which contains pulse pounding brass lines, forceful strings, and driving percussion. "Nitro" is another good action and suspense cue, with chasing percussion and ominous brass and strings. "Peter's Jump/Tom's Heart" is another great action and ominous cue, with plenty of suspenseful and action packed moments. "Your Father Was A Smart Man", "Annie and Peter", and "It's A Good Song" are 3 laid back cues that focus on the brother and sister of the film and not the mountain climbing adventures. As the first half of the soundtrack is much better than the second, don't let that talk you out of getting this. The second half is good, just not as good as the first. A solid recommendation all around."