Plentiful on vinyl
These days it is simple to have it transferred to cd. If you dont want to pay outrageous prices for the rare cd edition this album, it is available widely on lp on the many second hand vinyl web shops. All the technology is out there!!
Watership fan.
This soundtrack is wonderful!
The music for starters is absolutely gorgeous. So of all the soundtracks I've ever heard for movies, this one is definitely the best of them all. "Climbing the Downs" is truly inspirational, from the way it starts out with a lone French horn solo then gradually adds cellos and crescendoes. . . it's really moving and so gorgeous.
The use of instruments is really great in this piece. Use of alto and bass flute really adds depth to the music that other soundtracks hardly ever have. "Keehar's Theme", how it's longer here than in the movie, is REALLY great. The alto saxophone in that theme is perfect and ideal, it really fits the mood. Love the adding of oboe and flute in the extended of that song, it's so jovial and light.
It's a truly amazing CD. . . this music is FABULOUS. Like, it fits with everything in the movie. "Bright Eyes" totally brings tears to your eyes, and there's such a mournful oboe solo that's really touching and unique. Fiver's Vision, I never realized until I got this CD that the reason that scene always would scare me was not just the scene itself but because the music behind it created SUCH atmosphere. . . that is seriously some of the scariest music I've ever heard, it lends to such atmosphere in the movie and adds to it so much.
The Efrafan theme is very fitting. . . excellent drums, love the beginning with the brass and how it builds.
I reccomend this CD very, VERY highly to ALL Watership fans. Yes, it is expensive, but believe me. . . it is well worth it. I have no regrets on getting it, I am simply enthralled by this music, by the brilliance of this composer, by the amazing use of instruments in this to create probably the greatest soundtrack I've ever heard. I reccomment it very highly, because it is truly an amazing experience as a musician and as a very long-time Watership Down fan to own this soundtrack. Five stars and then some!.
Quite possibly the best soundtrack in the world ever!
The soundtrack to the wonderful Watership Down animated film, is one of the greatest soundtracks, if not the greatest original soundtrack ever composed. Forget 'Lord of the Rings', ignore 'Titanic', disremember '2001: A Space Odyssey'.
Featuring music from Malcolm Williamson - the Queen's official composer (who sadly passed away last year), Angela Morley, and Mike Batt, this is some of the most moving and touching music you will ever hear in a film.
At every point in the film, the music superlatively captures the mood, and affects the viewer.
Even the much-teased Bright Eyes theme, composed by Mike Batt, and sung in an ambient-dream style by Art Garfunkel (which was a British Number One for a number of weeks), never fails to leave most people without a dry eye.
Drama, fear, sadness, death, life, hope - all of these and much much more are wonderfully portrayed through the many different songs. And at the same time, a common motif - now eternally associated with Watership Down and rabbits - plays through the soundtrack. Sheer Brilliance!
This soundtrack is proof that film-makers don't have to follow the over-used formula of just mixing some chart rubbish with a couple of pedestrian original scores.
Although now hard to find, this soundtrack is an absolute must if you appreciate music that moves you.
What A Pleasant Surprise!!
When I came across this soundtrack for the television I was skeptical because after all It WAS for TV, but when I received the CD I was happy to hear the same spirit in the music that was in the film's soundtrack! Hats off to Mike Batt for continuing the excellence in telling this wonderful story in music! The songs are beatifully composed and arranged. I have always been a fan of the film and have the original soundtrack on CD and love the music. This recording comes highly recommended and for any Watership Down fan it's a must.
Taking listeners to another World
The entire album works as one piece of music, with songs mixed in with orchestral tracks. A fantastic album, from the overture at the start thru the songs and orchestra instrumentals this is an enjoyable 67 minutes of music.
The orchestral tracks are stirring and moving, I wish I could find more music like this.
Turn the lights down, turn the music up loud and enjoy one of the best modern composers today.
You can see a complete list of all Mike Batt discography, or go back to the Mike Batt tabs
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