The theme to the latest Godzilla adventure sounds halfway between a classic monster motif and heroic fanfare, which appropriately reflects the constantly shifting role of Japan's favorite giant lizard. After all, one minut... more »e he's threatening to crush Tokyo under his giant frame; the next, he's saving the populace from alien intruders. (Of course, Godzilla inevitably crushes Tokyo while saving it--there's irony for you.) For this film, composer Takayuki Hattori (who also scored 1994's Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla) refreshingly opts not to overdo the action scenes. Despite the occasional, clichéd use of string and brass crescendos for dramatic effect, pieces like "The Self Defense Force Swings into Action" are unusually understated. Considering the bombastic onscreen carnage, this makes for a striking contrast. Most memorable on the Godzilla 2000 soundtrack is the unconventional music--the tribal drumming insinuated into the anxious orchestrations of "Giant UFO Approaching" and "Before the Explosion"; the soothing, hypnotic tones of "Wonder of G Revealed"; and the wonderful, modern rendition of Akira Ifukube's classic, "Godzilla's Theme." Tohophiles will also appreciate the inclusion of Godzilla and Orga sound effects from the film. --Bryan Reesman« less
The theme to the latest Godzilla adventure sounds halfway between a classic monster motif and heroic fanfare, which appropriately reflects the constantly shifting role of Japan's favorite giant lizard. After all, one minute he's threatening to crush Tokyo under his giant frame; the next, he's saving the populace from alien intruders. (Of course, Godzilla inevitably crushes Tokyo while saving it--there's irony for you.) For this film, composer Takayuki Hattori (who also scored 1994's Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla) refreshingly opts not to overdo the action scenes. Despite the occasional, clichéd use of string and brass crescendos for dramatic effect, pieces like "The Self Defense Force Swings into Action" are unusually understated. Considering the bombastic onscreen carnage, this makes for a striking contrast. Most memorable on the Godzilla 2000 soundtrack is the unconventional music--the tribal drumming insinuated into the anxious orchestrations of "Giant UFO Approaching" and "Before the Explosion"; the soothing, hypnotic tones of "Wonder of G Revealed"; and the wonderful, modern rendition of Akira Ifukube's classic, "Godzilla's Theme." Tohophiles will also appreciate the inclusion of Godzilla and Orga sound effects from the film. --Bryan Reesman
"I just came from the 2.20p.m (8/18)showing of Godzilla 2000.The kick back to the Classic Godzilla looks & music was great.The Music is a reprised of music from episodes of the orginal series.The sound & visual fx was equaly good.With in the first 15 minutes Godzilla attacks Japan.While the Goverment is tring to destroy him another civil group is tring to find ways to protect& study him .While Godzilla is on the move,a large rock emerges from the ocean.The rock turns out too be an alien craft.In the after math of the first battle scientise retreive a cell from Godzilla.Inadivable the space craft gains possion of this cell.It uses the cell too morph into a gaint Godzilla like monster.Then the one on one you expect from Godzilla movies occur.With dazziling fx & sound track it is a must see for all classic Godzilla fans."
Awesome
Chris | Georgia | 08/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always loved Godzilla. If you love Godzilla this is the cd for you. It's worth the money. The movie was also awesome."
A lush score suitable for The King.
Chadwick H. Saxelid | Concord, CA United States | 10/13/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If Akira Ifukube (whose driving Godzilla theme was added for the American release) can be considered the Japanese equal to John Williams, then Takayuki Hattori is its John Barry. Hattori made his Big G debut with a lush and beautiful sounding score for Godzilla versus SpaceGodzilla. His work on Godzilla 2000 Millenium is equally lush and beautiful, calling to memory some of Alan Silvestri's work on The Abyss (which this score is superior to). Sound effects (mainly the roars and snarls of the monsters as they duke it out) are an added treat. Recommended."
Best Non-Ifukube Score
Nick Teng | Plainview, New York USA | 08/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The score to Godzilla 2000 was masterfully done. It is quite apparent that Maestro Hattori understands the legend that is Godzilla. This is one of the best non-Akira Ifukube G scores ever. It is unfortunate that Hattorui will not be conducting the score for the upcoming G flick "Godzilla vs. Mega-Guiras." Akira Ifukube should be very proud of Mr. Hattori."
The Best of Godzilla Music... Takayuki Hattori takes over!
Kyle Gilmore | Moran, Tx | 08/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1995, head Japanese music composer Akira Ifukube concluded his music career with "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah." Godzilla was supposed to end his as well, but he didn't. And now he is resurrected in "Godzilla 2000" (now in American theaters)! With Ifukube gone, the film seemed to have no hope for a good score. But now, Takayuki Hattori (composer of the score to "Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla") takes up Ifukube's place as number one! The score is amazing! In the first track you are introduced to the new Godzilla era with the film's main theme. From then on you are trapped in a world of monster music that no other composer can compare with! It is astounding! If you are big, and I mean BIG, fan of Ifukube's music, then you need to hear this score!"
Track Listings (36) - Disc #1
