The Corpse Bride Reviews

• Elfman's talent shines in Corpse Bride...

  
  By A3RO6CB4EU8DRA on 2005-09-23
  Without a doubt, the Burton/Elfman/(Depp) pairing (or trio) has been a profitable and impressive one in the past. With outings such as THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, BEETLEJUICE, SLEEPY HOLLOW, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, I am amazed at what an outstanding director and composer/conductor can do together.
  
  CORPSE BRIDE is certainly no exception. Elfman's talent pours from this impressive compilation of ditties and instrumental pieces set in the Gothic-like days of yore. Victor and Victoria, who have never met, are set to be wed, and their families react differently to this occasion in the track entitled "According to Plan." This delightfully funny and rich tune sets the stage for the rest of the album, which contains a mix of several more vocal tracks and many instrumental tunes.
  
  The gothic feel prevails elsewhere on the album, with liberal use of the harpsichord and organ. Instrumentals such as "In the Forest," "Moon Dance," and "Finale" ooze with gothic mystique and a sense of times gone by. Each time, Elfman captures the essence of emotion and action from the film, translating it flawlessly into music, both with and without words.
  
  In the moving "Tears to Shed," Helena Bonham Carter laments the Corpse Bride's dilemma with humor and a touch of sorrow. Elfman himself voices Bonejangles, who belts out "Remains of the Day" with jazzy style. The final vocal track, "The Wedding Song" is a melliflous mix of styles that sends the listener on a truly marvelous journey. Its exciting, allegro pace is full of transitions as those involved with the wedding take turns sharing their points-of-view -- all building to a truly magnificent and brilliant cadence.
  
  I must say that I disagree with the Amazon reviewer's opinion that this album shows Elfman overextending himself. While the soundtrack to CHARLIE... was most excellent, CORPSE BRIDE runs in a different musical vein. Its style, while often satirical and humorous, is distinctly old-worldly; perhaps even other-worldly. The notion that Elfman has overextended himself simply isn't the case -- the orchestrations here are rich and full, the lyrics clever and appropriate for all ages, and the overall ambience created by the album is one of slightly spooky, very kooky fun.
  
  Elfman's delicate touch and distinctive style should not be missed here. You won't regret the chuckles you'll get from the vocal performances, nor will you the humming you'll do as you continue to sing the tunes to yourself long after you're done listening. Very highly recommended.
  
  

• Victorian Meets Jazz In A Wonderful CD

  
  By A3I0LDLRJVPH4Z on 2005-09-23
  This soundtrack is wonderful! It lives up to Danny Elfman's astouding career easily. Let's go through the songs:
  
  1)Main Titles- A great opening piece. The mysterious elements blend seamlessly with the Victorian sound Elfman plays with throughout the movie.
  
  2)According to Plan- You know a song is good when it entertains and informs at the same time! It's tons of fun to hear these wonderful British actors singing together.
  
  3)Victor's Piano Solo- Pretty self-explanatory. Beautiful tune.
  
  4)Into The Forest- A soft beginning turns into a tune of wonderment, soon followed by ringing notes of terror. Classic Elfman heard here--very cool.
  
  5)Remains of the Day- The song where Elfman's voice shines, it is also the introduction of jazz into the story. A highly morbid song, sang with happy sounding music, is always awesome and welcome in Burton/Elfman collaborations. (My personal favorite!)
  
  6)Casting A Spell- Another song that blends mystery with some Victorian. Eerie, yet... catching.
  
  7) Moon dance- This song is beautiful, and has a very creative tune. It brings curiousity to my mind, for some reason.
  
  8)Victor's Deception- The music portrays many emotions in this song--from horror vibes at the beginning to sweet and sad in the end.
  
  9)Tears To Shed- I love this song as well! 8 provides a perfect introduction. Helena Bonham Carter's voice is full of emotion, and Jane Horrocks and Enn Reitel have wonderful character voices that make the song what it is.
  
  10)Victoria's Escape- Full of Victorian Horror music, with some pretty melodies played in the middle.
  
  11)The Piano Duet- Excellent. Just excellent. This piece is just so cool; especially near the end. The voices at the end are very cool too.
  
  12)New Arrival- A very short, very jazzy piece. Catchy.
  
  13)Victoria's Wedding- An interesting piece, with rapidly changing emotions. A happy ending is there.
  
  14)The Wedding Song- The fourth and last lyrical piece. This one is absolutely wonderful! At times slow, at others fast, it's always a happy excitable smash.
  
  15)The Party Arrives- This song seems to have a different tune every couple seconds-it seems to describe everyone arriving, one by one. Very cool.
  
  16)Victor's Wedding-At times, it is quiet and almost morose, but eventually, the happiness can be heard coming back. It's filled with hope and joy, with only a touch of sadness.
  
  17)Barkis's Bummer- Very low note song. Mysterious with a touch of fear. Intriguing chords.
  
  18)The Finale- This is the lightest song on the soundtrack. You can feel the happy ending in each individual note.
  
  19) and 20) End Credits parts 1&2- A very fun way to watch the credits. Jazzy, cool, and a good summary of the songs heard throughout the movie.
  
  Bonus Tracks- Excellent interpretations of songs from the movie-it could pass for a jazz act!
  
  This is an excellent soundtrack! Trust me, you won't regret buying it.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Danny Elfman is My Hero

  
  By A3FHUWL8CZDCNJ on 2006-01-05
  Let's face it, he's the master of opening titles. The opening to this score will not disappoint! I love how it starts like a fairy tale then changes into a monotonous, gray tune that at the same time is still really pretty.
  
  The harpsichord rules this album for the most part, the majority of the music being awesome Baroque/Victorian/Gothic scores...they're simply astounding. Bits of 20's style jazz is sprinkled throughout. It's cool and relaxed and so much fun!
  
  A few highlights (besides the Main Titles):
  Victor's Piano Solo- a calming, Beethoven-esque piano piece with a, erm, rather abrupt ending.
  Moon Dance- comparable to Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands, but has more of an ethereal beauty to it.
  Piano Duet- Just listen to it.
  New Arrival- I think it's about 30 or 40 seconds long, but it's this amazing blast of jazz!
  Finale- beautiful...Danny Elfman rocks the finales all the time, too.
  End Credits Part 1- Lovely. Amazing cello and piano stuff here.
  
  Then there are four additional jazz songs by "Bonejangles and His Bone Boys". You won't regret buying this!
  
  
  

• Dark, Beautiful, Humorous, and Touching

  
  By on 2005-11-10
  I got this soundtrack on October 15, since I was totally dying to see the movie and I read a bunch of reviews fot the album on this website, reading that it was really good. So I went to Tower Records and bought this soundtrack along with a $20.00 gift card as a birthday present for my BFF. I listened to this soundtrack right when I got home, and I LOVED IT!! Right when I put the CD into my CD player, put on my earphones, and turned on the CD player, I heard the main titles for the first time. It was a gorgeous melody, and I listened to the whole CD. I enjoyed every single track, even though a few weren't that impressive, such as track #12)New Arrival, and the Bonus Tracks From Bonejangles and His Bone Boys. But some of the songs were very special to me, and I'm thrilled to hear that Corpse Bride is an animated musical, since I love those kind of movies as a toddler, and still do as a 12-year-old. However, it's disappointing that there's only 4 songs with lyrics when I bet Danny Elfman could've composed even more awesome songs with lyrics for this movie. But if he did do that, then it would take longer to animate this movie, considering how the producers took about a decade to film this movie. Anyway, here's what I say about my favorite songs, which I listen to almost every night before I sleep.
  
  1)Main Titles: This was a great beginning to the album, with a lot of sweet instrument playing this piece and a great, touching melody.
  
  2)According To Plan: I was really, really impressed with this song. I loved how Victor's and Victoria's parents were fussing over the arranged wedding in this catchy, amusing song. I just LOVE that clever line that goes, "and that's why everything, every last little thing, every single, tiny, microscopic, little thing must gooooooooo according to plan!"
  
  3)Victor's Piano Solo: Wow. I was so moved by this piece. It's so beautiful, it took my breath away. Since I didn't see the movie yet, I visualized Victor playing his solo in private in a Victorian parlor with warm sunshine streaming from a window upon him and his piano.
  
  5)Remains of the Day: I love the jazzy, upbeat melody and singing that Bonejangles sings to Victor about the tragic story of Emily the Corpse Bride. Two thumbs up for the creative lyrics!
  
  9)Tears To Shed: The parts when the Black Widow and the Maggot sing are amusing and a little cheesy, but Emily, who is voiced by the beautiful actress Helena Bonham Carter, sings so beautifully and I can hear the sadness reflected in her voice. I love the flute that plays in the background when she sings.
  
  11)The Piano Duet: It's SO beautiful, especially when it switches from the melody of Tears To Shed to this beautiful, moving melody with a quick beat. I can see why people wished the piano pieces were longer.
  
  14)The Wedding Song: I can see why people say this is their least favorite song on the soundtrack. I used to think it was lame and weird, but I like it now. My favorite part is when the female singers sing about how Emily the Corpse Bride has arrived and that her dream of marriage has come true.
  
  18)The Finale: Gorgeous piece. It's touching and perfect for the ending of a great story.
  
  19)End Credits Part 1: I liked this piece a little better than the Main Titles. It's very beautiful, how it started out with a solemn solo by the piano with a instrument that sounds like the windchimes, and then long, sad notes from the cello. The violins and violas were beautiful, and I loved it when the flute played, since I'm a flute player myself.
  
  I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!!! I haven't seen the movie yet, and people say it's weird, but this is totally the kind of movies I love to watch!Customers, if you're a freak for Corpse Bride, or if you haven't seen the movie and you're dying to see it, I recommend this item to you. I hope you'll enjoy this soundtrack as much as I do!
  
  

• I am so sad that this was such a let down.

  
  By A21VGNU5959O85 on 2005-10-03
  The soundtrack to The Corpse Bride, left me melancholy, because i had high hopes for the film, and the music. I am not going to get into the film at this juncture. The music was formulaic for Elfman, and i dont understand how you could go from Nightmare before christmas...a great jumping off point and 12 years later not go one up on this film? The songs were boring, the lyrics were water thin, and the melodies were nothing new. I understand that Elfman has his own sound, I have loved him since Oingo Boingo, I adore his movie scores, but this one didnt make the grade with me. The only song i can say was "okay" was the one where elfman actually sings and tells the story of the corpse bride to Victor, and even that left me wanting more.When I left the theater after seeing Nightmare before christmas, I couldnt get the songs out of my head I think i hummed "making christmas" for about 4 years, After getting into my car 5 minutes after this movie ended, i couldnt hum you a single melody.....
  
  
• Can a Heart Still Break Once It Has Stopped Beating?
  By A1F2K0U35T9B2H on 2005-09-29
  The Corpse Bride is a visually stunning piece of stop motion, but as with many of Tim Burton's film, it is the talent of Danny Elfman that really gives it the kick it needs. And what a kick it is.
  
  The Corpse Bride doesn't have nearly as many vocal tracks as Nightmare Before Christmas (only 4) which was sort of disappointing. Perhaps it was unnecessary, as some of our key characters express themselves pretty clearly in their shy ways and don't need a song. Still, I'm a sucker for singing along, so I'm quite thankful for the grand, stylish, jazzy tune of "Remains of the Day," my favorite song on the album, sang by Mr. Elfman himself, amongst others. Other vocals include "According to Plan," which sets up our story, "Tears to Shed" with a lovely chorus by Helena Bonham Carter, and "The Wedding Song" in which we reach the climax of our story. Fine tracks, to be sure.
  
  As I said, our main characters are pretty introverted and thus more emphasis was placed on the instrumentals. "The Piano Duet" has to be my favorite piece, and I agree with those that say they wish it was longer. "Victor's Piano Solo" is also excellent. The background music is perfect for the film, each song lending to the fantastic, ethereal character thereof. The "Main Titles" are akin to Edward Scissorhands. Most of the songs are quiet and dreamy, with the exception of "The Party Arrives" and the 42-second "New Arrival," and will remind you of every detail of the snowy, gray world of The Corpse Bride.
  
  As a bonus, there are 4 tracks not in the movie, played in the style of the character Bonejangles' band. These are lots of fun and a nice added treat.
  
  Overall, this is a well-constructed album and recommended to any fan of the film, Danny Elfman, or those with a taste for soft orchestral music.
  
  
• Non Hot Topic Teen
  By A32QCSD0XVNWJR on 2006-02-17
  I thought the music for the film was amazing. Danny Elfman is a genius and will be remembered for a long time.
  
  Now, since the review is out of the way, Iwill say that I am not a regular Hot Topic shopper and I am not an overweight goth chick and I like this Soundtrack so for those people who gave the movie and soundtrack one star and say only the HT shoppers will enjoy it. Blow it out your @$$.
  
  
• My two cents
  By A164KYGUBC1CIW on 2005-09-25
  I just gotta say...I absolutely love the piano solo and duet and wish they were longer!!
  This movie and soundtrack are great! Still not quite Nightmare before Christmas...
  but dang close.
  I love the return to the Edward Scissorhands/Sleepy Hollow sound....can't get enough of that gothic stuff and the jazz is awesome!
  BUT THIS! You will love it guaranteed!
  
  
• Typical Posseur Goth Drivel
  By A11EQ2TAGTPQDB on 2005-10-05
  So Tim Burton and Danny Elfman have once again demonstrated how stale their creativity really is. They have one theme, and even if they try to drift from it, it leaks in. That theme? Gothic.
  
  Well, they tried the forumla that worked on me before (Nightmare Before Christmas), and re-worked the style into a new story, Corpse Bride. Too bad it's not interesting. The film was an extreme let down, and the music...gah
  
  The music where characters sang seemed so unbelievably half-hearted.
  
  And the instrumentals? Let me say this: Did you like Danny Elfman's instrumentals in Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and the Nightmare before christmas? Good, because you'll be hearing them again, blended together, for "Corpse Bride"
  
  Skip this, the movie and the CD.
  
  But, if you regularly shop at "Hot Topic", you won't listen to a word I say, will you?
  
  
• Another great whimsical soundtrack from Danny Elfman
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2005-11-26
  Danny Elfman is perhaps the most underappreciated composers in the music industry. His work on soundtracks like "Batman" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is perhaps the best examples of his talent as a composer. His latest work "Corpse Bride" is another great soundtrack to add to his body of soundtracks. The music on the soundtrack is a good combination of haunting and playful melodies. The actors in the film all contribute to the vocals on the album and surprisingly they were all good, especially Helena Bonham Carter who really stood out with me on the gorgeous ballad "Tears to Shed". "The Wedding Song" is a loud, over the top number which is another favorite track of mine. My favorite moment in the song when the guests starts singing about the bride. I especially loved the instrumental tracks like "Victor's Piano Solo" and "The Piano Duet". The four bonus tracks by Bonejangles and his Bone Boys are fun songs. When I saw the film, I thought the musical numbers were a bit over the top and annoying but as I listened to them again, I was surprised to find myself enjoying them more so. I love this movie and I love the music just as much now.
  
  
• Dark, Eerily Beautiful, Touching, and Magical
  By A3V6V8ETISQ5WK on 2006-10-14
  I got this soundtrack on October 15, 2005, Saturday, since I was totally dying to see the movie (back then, I hadn't seen the movie, and I was totally dying too) and I read a bunch of reviews fot the album on amazon.com, and listening to some of the song samples. Lots of reviews told me that it was really good. So I went to Tower Records and bought this soundtrack along with a $20.00 gift card as a birthday present for one of my best friends. I listened to this soundtrack right when I got home, and I LOVED IT!! Right when I put the CD into my CD player, put on my earphones, and turned on the CD player, I heard the main titles for the first time. Worrying a few times that it might not be good and that I had wasted my money, I was pleased to hear that the first track, the main title, was a gorgeous melody, and I listened to the whole CD. I enjoyed every single track, and this is one of the few CDs in which I enjoy every single songs. But some of the songs were very special to me, and I'm thrilled to hear that Corpse Bride is an animated musical, since I love those kind of movies as a toddler, and still do as a 13-year-old. However, it's disappointing that there's only 4 songs with lyrics when I bet Danny Elfman could've composed even more awesome songs with lyrics for this movie. But if he did do that, then it would take longer to animate this movie, considering how the producers took about a decade to film this movie. And I really wish that the piano pieces were longer and had an actual ending. Anyway, here's what I say about the tracks.
  
  1) Main Titles: This was a great beginning to the album, with a lot of sweet instruments playing this piece and a great, touching melody. It was eerie, gorgeous beyond words can describe, and soothing. I loved the ticking of the clock in the middle of the song.
  
  2) According To Plan: I was really, really impressed with this song. I loved how Victor's and Victoria's parents were fussing over the arranged wedding in this catchy, amusing song. I just LOVE that clever line that goes, "and that's why everything, every last little thing, every single, tiny, microscopic, little thing must gooooooooo according to plan!"
  
  3) Victor's Piano Solo: Wow. I was so moved by this piece. It's so beautiful, it took my breath away. Sometimes I repeat this song. Before watching the movie, I visualized Victor playing his solo in private in a Victorian parlor with warm sunshine streaming from a window upon him and his piano. It sounds better on the soundtrack than it does in the movie.
  
  4) Into the Forest: A great beginning, and it was really relaxing to listen to. Until the part when the music gets really eerie and silent, and then, IT'S LOUD! And the choir begins singing notes in these eerie voices. This is music is played during the scene in which Victor goes to the forest to practice his vows and accidentally ends up marrying Emily the Corpse Bride.
  
  5) Remains of the Day: I love the jazzy, upbeat melody and singing that Bonejangles sings to Victor about the tragic story of Emily the Corpse Bride. Two thumbs up for the creative lyrics!
  
  6) Casting a Spell: Uh, not so great. Kinda boring, but also pretty eerie and kinda dark-sounding. But a bit cool.
  
  7) Moon Dance: This track is sooooooo relaxing, beautiful, and sweet. I've heard it's kinda similar to the song "Ice Dance" from Edward Scissorhands. But I love this. I can just picture Emily dancing happily.
  
  8) Victor's Deception: Another song I'm not very impressed with. But I love the part in this song when Victor and Victoria see each other again and talk and lean in for a kiss.
  
  9) Tears To Shed: The parts when the Black Widow and the Maggot sing are amusing and but little cheesy. Emily, who is voiced by the beautiful actress Helena Bonham Carter, sings so beautifully and I can hear the sadness reflected in her voice, except she isn't the best singer, though. I love the flute that plays in the background when she sings.
  
  10) Victoria's Escape: I love this one! I love the end of this song, because it's pretty eerie-sounding and dark. It's the part when Victoria goes into the church and begs Pastor Galswell to help Victor.
  
  11)The Piano Duet: It's SO beautiful, especially when it switches from the melody of Tears To Shed to this beautiful, moving melody with a quicker beat. I can see why people wished the piano pieces were longer.
  
  12) New Arrival: I love how this song blasts into my ears. It's about 40 seconds of lively jazz music.
  
  13) Victoria's Wedding: An interesting song. The scene where Victoria is married to Barkis and Victor grieves over his loss of losing his opportunity to marry her and decides to marry Emily instead.
  
  14)The Wedding Song: I can see why people say this is their least favorite song on the soundtrack. I used to think it was lame and weird, but I like it now. My favorite part is when the female singers sing about how Emily the Corpse Bride has arrived and that her dream of marriage has come true.
  
  15) The Party Arrives: Eh, an okay song, I guess. Not so interesting.
  
  16) Victor's Wedding: Love, love this one! I love it when it comes to the part when Emily tells Victor how she loves her, but she couldn't marry him because she felt Victoria was the one for him. And then Victor and Victoria are reunited. It makes me wanna cry.
  
  17) Barkis's Bummer: I didn't like this one. It's of Barkis entering the church, tries to take away Victoria, sees the Emily, the woman he murdered, fights with Victor, and gets poisoned.
  
  18) The Finale: Gorgeous piece. It's touching and perfect for the ending of a great story. Before seeing the movie, I visualized a wedding ceremony between Victor and Victoria taking place, Emily dissolving into butterflies on a balcony, and Victor and Victoria gaily leaving the church with confetti and rice showering them, with the newlyweds getting onto a horse-drawn carriage, leaving the church to start their new, married life, with the camera closing in on a graveyard. And then the credits come in.
  
  19) End Credits Part 1: I liked this piece a little better than the Main Titles. It's very beautiful, how it started out with a solemn solo by the piano with a instrument that sounds like the windchimes, and then long, sad notes from the cello. The violins and violas were beautiful, and I loved it when the flute played, since I'm a flute player myself. Once, tears came into my eyes as I was listening to it. It's just totally moving.
  
  20) End Credits Part 2: The second part of the credits sounds great! It's jazzy, fun, wild, and great to dance to. It's kinda like the first part of the end credits represents the Land of the Living and the second part represents the Land of the Dead.
  
  BONUS TRACKS FROM BONEJANGLES AND HIS BONE BOYS
  (these songs were not played in the movie. I don't know why they were included on the soundtrack, but who cares! These are great too!)
  
  21) Ball & Socket Lounge Music #1 (Band Version): Great song. Fun, lively, and I love the piano that plays at the beginning. I wish I knew how to play the piano and that I could play this song.
  
  22) Remains of the Day (Combo Lounge Version): A different version of the song "Remains of the Day," but no singing or anything. Just jazzy music. I prefer the original song.
  
  23) Ball & Socket Loung Music #2: Love this one!!!!! It's really lively, fun, and just great to dance to. Pretty short, though.
  
  24) Ball & Socket Lounge Music #1 (Combo Version): Eh, I prefer the band version of this song.
  
  I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!!! And the movie is just equally wicked cool. People, if you're a freak for Corpse Bride, or if you haven't seen the movie and you're dying to see it, or just some Tim Burton fan, I recommend this item to you!!! I hope you'll enjoy this soundtrack as much as I do!
  
  
• Danny Elfman's CORPSE BRIDE
  By A1KAJUE3K6DTG9 on 2005-10-19
  Wow. How do I begin?? Danny Elfman did an amazing, if not completely original, job on this crazy soundtrack. I say not completely original; he quotes himself from other scores such as Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and others. There certainly is one original factor, though, the harpsichord that he uses all the way through is a perfect touch. Twangy and crazy.
  The storyline of the actual movie is pretty obvious if you listen to the lyrics of the four songs (According to Plan, Remains of the Day, Tears to Shed, and The Wedding Song). The whole thing is a slightly weird mixture between Elfman's regular charismatic but soundtrack-y music (no duh) and jazz. I don't know if it works completely, but it sounds good in the end.
  Here are some of the ones that stand out.
  2)According to Plan:
  5 stars. Really cool beginning, also like the switch between the two families singing with different attitudes towards the wedding..
  9)Tears to Shed:
  5 stars. My personal favorite. I really like the obscure beat and repetitiveness. Also, the feeling in Helena Bonham Carter's voice is amazing; she sounds like she is truly so depressed that she would kill herself if she wasn't already dead. Also, the lyrics of her singing part are full of sadness.
  14)The Wedding Song:
  4 stars. I like it, but it drags on a little...also the lyrics aren't the best.
  22)Remains of the Day (Combo Lounge Version):
  2 1/2 stars. I actually don't like it that much. Why can't they just have a new song, or don't? Why do they have to use a song they already have used, and change it a little?
  
  All in all, there's a lot of music that is just OK and not very memorable -- but the ones that are really good are REALLY good and they make up for it. Also, the ones that aren't that great aren't that great in comparison to the rest of the score; it's not like they're horrible. The ones that are pretty good but not great have bits in them that are great, so don't skip them if you listen to the CD.It's a good soundtrack. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!
  
  
• This is another ingenous work of Elfman's
  By A2VM8KVJFL786B on 2006-03-16
  after hearing the songs all cut up on the film the originals will be a relief. the opening is definitally setting the opening for the following song "According to Plan". all the songs just add to the mood of the film especially the jazzy showstopper "Remains of the day".
  
  
• Excellent again
  By A2NF1VNT0D1AB0 on 2006-05-20
  When will Elfman get his due credit? The man is one of the most versitile composers of his day, and has not been awarded a thing. Personally I think that Nightmare before Christmas was his best. But Corpse Bride was fantastic. He know how to fit into Burton's visions perfectly.
  
  
• Good but not great
  By A29C7Y04IV3A8O on 2005-09-24
  Recently seeing the movie, I can tell that Danny Elfman may have been a bet pressed to put out this soundtrack, but even though the music isn't quite as catchy as some of his past efforts, it doesn't delude from the fact that the soundtrack is still good, very good.
  
  The songs that seemed most strange and out of place in the movie are the "zany" songs. Although the songs are still good, the sheer weirdness of it throws off the flow of the story a bit, until it gets to the end, where the zany music complaments the story supurbly.
  
  The songs that REALLY shine are the slower, more dramatic songs. For instance, Victors Piano Solo, is a soft, eerie and yet surprisingly calming Beethoven-esque piano suite which is simply ravishing. It sweeps like Beethovens Moon-light Sonata and then turns into it's own creation. This song is one of my favorites.
  
  The other piano theme, The Piano Duet is a simple yet equally beautiful piece which helps bring out the 2 charectors of Victor and the Corpse Bride. The theme begins as very melancholy and then evolves into a lively, more romantic piece and finally ends on a Jazzy note.
  
  The soundtrack was defintily wonderful and the every piece was intresting, even though some of the songs were a little mis-placed.
  
  Songs like "Tears to Shed" had an uplifting feel to them, but then quieted down and became sad as the Corpse Bride told how she was still heart-broken. The music tied everything together and without it, you might never have sympathized with the poor Undead girl. The music truly brought the story together and explained everything with a certain light that only Burton and Elfman are capable of.
  
  The soundtrack is a definite hit for fans of Elfman and Burtons work and is sure to be a memorable peice in anyones collection.
  
  
• Has a very "Disney" feel to it!
  By A9QXVJYKCFPNH on 2005-10-03
  I'm a fan of good Disney movie music. While this movie is not "Disney"... the music, in my opinion, captures that same emotion. I enjoyed the soundtrack (especially the score and the solo piano songs) and the movie was fun too. ;)
  
  Elfman is a great composer. The score in this soundtrack reminds me of several different movies; Edward Scissorhands, Shrek, Beetlejuice, and that song "Portabello Road" from Bedknobs and Broomsticks (for some reason). It has that dark-happy, Disney's Haunted Mansion feel to it. Not quite as strong, but still very good. A solid 4 star soundtrack.
  
  Well, there's my 2 and a half cents.
  
  
• Dark, beautiful, mysterious, clever, and moving, with a touch of humor
  By on 2005-10-16
  I just got this album yesterday, and MAN, IT'S ONE OF THE BEST I'VE EVER HEARD!! I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm just dying to see it. It really made me happy to know that the movie is an animated musical, because I just LOVE animated musicals, and Disney used to make totally awesome animated musicals.
  Anyway, about this soundtrack, it's very good, with a beautiful, mysterious piece to start out at the beginning of the soundtrack (main titles, track #1). Then, on track #2, (according to plan), it was very amusing and cool, about how Victor's and Victoria's parents were fussing over how the wedding must go according to the plan, and I just totally enjoy that clever line when they sing, "every tiny, microscopic, little thing must go according to plan." On track #3 (victor's piano solo), the piece was very beautiful and moving, except for the end, when victor cries out and accidently hits a sour note. Oh yes, and track #5 (remains of the day) was TOTALLY AWESOME!!!! Bonejangles did a totally great job on telling the sad story of the fate of the corpse bride, and everything sounded SO lively and made me dance and sing along. Whoever wrote the lyrics should totally get an award for "most creative lyric of 2005." If I was able to, I'd give this movie more than just a mere five stars!
  Well, i just can't wait to see the movie. I know I'm totally gonna love it!
  
  
• Coolness
  By A2933585Z1YPPC on 2005-10-27
  Well it's Danny Elfman so obviously I could never give him anything less than a five. Like most music he has composed for Tim Burton films, the Corpse Bride soundtrack has a wintery, eerie, and haunting sound; creepy angelic choir and everything. My only complaint is I wish there were more songs with actual lyrics in them, like "According To Plan", "Tears To Shed", "The Wedding Song" and "Remains Of The Day." The purely intrumental songs are great too but those are my favorites. "According To Plan" is exceptionally catchy. I wouldn't recommend listening to it at all unless you can deal with it getting stuck in your head for about three days afterwards.
  
  
• Excellent again.
  By A1P8ZI6DJQO765 on 2005-11-07
  When will Elfman get his due credit. The man is one of the most versitile composers of his day, and has not been awarded a thing. Personally I think that Nightmare before Christmas was his best. But Corpse Bride was fantastic. He know how to fit into Burton's visions perfectly.
  
  
• Wonderful soundtrack wonderful movie!
  By on 2005-11-26
  I love this movie. I wish it was still on the cinema. These songs are genius. Danny Elfman you've done it again. Tim Burton helped a bit too. Victor is the heart and soul of the film and the soundtrack. Alas I do not have it, but maybe my dad will buy it for Christmas so My friend Claire and i can sing the songs all of the time!
  
  Victor's piano solo is wonderful. It's so sweet and from seeing the movie, very well presented too!
  
  
• Great
  By A180VDNA70I8OG on 2006-02-03
  The music of the movie is just great, and you can't expect less than that. While listening to this CD, you'll probably remember some songs of "The Nightmare before Christmas", all of them as great as in that movie (especially the "Wedding song"), though this time the CD contains only a few lyrics, being score everything else. The music fits perfectly for the movie, and most of the melodies are really pleasent to hear. And at the end, there are bonus tracks that include some jazz-swing instrumental melodies that evoke the song "Reamins of the Day".
  
  And for those, like me, who play the piano, you'll get really excited when listening to the piano solos. Belive me: you'll run to surf the net to get the sheet music. Defenetly worth your money.
  
  
• ugh
  By A39FJDNDNKPSS8 on 2006-04-01
  Oh how I wish Victor's Piano Solo and The Piano Duet were longer and had actual endings. :(
  
  Good soundtrack nonetheless. Danny Elfman has once again proved to us all that he IS in fact a musical genius. I especially like The Finale.
  
  The instrumental tracks are so beautiful.
  
  
• TO DIE FOR!!!!
  By AIZX8XYJHC48H on 2005-09-23
  Elfman has done it again, another outstanding soundtack to a soon-to-be-classic film. Contrary to the Amazon review, I think there is not a dud among these songs and find the soundtrack flawless. The soft flowing themes, the vibrant upbeat moments and the bonus tracks-WOW!! The best soundtrack so far this year and maybe in the last 10 years and Elfman's finest moment. I give 10 stars if allowed. A must have...
  
  
• Drop dead cool!!!
  By A1QC6XMOJYA10M on 2005-09-25
  dont mind my pun. Anywho, I jsut got the soundtrack and I must say it is wonderful. But just a few little nicks that dont really matter, like how the harpsicord (used alot throughout the movie) is not a victorian instrument, that was a Baroque instrument. But like I said that doesnt really matter or take away in anyway the quality of this amazing soundtrack. Besides the piano songs (which every one likes including me, they are my favorite) But I also love the bonus jazz tracks songs #21-24. Buy this soundtrack now!!! it is really good!!!!
  
  
• Brilliant Score To A Gothic Comedy
  By A1JUYF5D6TFFHB on 2005-11-01
  Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is a follow-up to Nightmare Before Christmas. This soundtrack is Danny Elfman's greatest work in quite a long while. The music sounds like a dark musical and is bouncy, atmospheric and moody. Listen to "According to Plan" sung by Brit actors Albert Finney and Joanna Lumley. They perfectly capture the ironic statement that the living Victorian people, with their austerity, repression and fastidious obscessions with mores and etiquette, are dull and more dead than alive while the dead in the Underworld are a jolly, raucous bunch. Danny Elfman, from the 80's group Oingo-Boingo, plays a Singing Skeleton and has genuine fun singing "Remains of the Day" which recounts the tale of the jilted and murdered Corpse Bride. Victor's Piano and the Piano Duet are romantic piano pieces and modern classical music. I even mistook it for some classical piece when I first heard it. This is a great soundtrack but I can't wait until the DVD release.
  
  
• A nice score. Good songs too. But still it could be better.
  By A33LVL5NCO5ZY4 on 2005-11-09
  The CORPSE BRIDE score by Danny Elfman is a very nice score and brings good songs too, but it could be a lot better on my opinion. Some of the tracks seem to have been sucked out of previous works from this talented and gifted composer, although the final result is quite reasonable. The score has a great opening track. I recommend the CD to all, but be aware not to expect something inovative.
  
  
• Excellent Soundtrack
  By A1Z0RICZFBHLPN on 2005-11-16
  Danny Elfman and Tim Burton have done it again! This CD is excellent. Its creepy in parts and funny in others and it just works so well with the movie. Now, there are people out there who just wanted this to be The Nightmare Before Christmas part 2 and it isnt so they're mad and gave it bad reviews, but dont listen to them. This is a wonderful soundtrack and you really should buy it. You wont be sorry.
  
  
• Absolutely
  By A1TB20E1ZQLK4N on 2006-01-03
  I hadn't seen A Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, or much other than Charlie and the Chocolate Factory before I was introduced to Danny Elfman. I'm glad I went and saw Corpse Bride because with the opening song, I knew the soundtrack was going to be perfect for the movie. The Piano Duet is my favorite on the whole CD. I turned to my friend in the theater and said,"I'm getting the soundtrack just for that song". Unfortunetely I haven't been able to do so yet, but I will be soon. Most of the sountracks have been sold out so I haven't been able to buy it and felt that waiting a few days was simply too long. Then I forgot about it. Until now. It's an awesome soundtrack, don't miss an opportunity to hear excellent piano and synthesizer sounds mixed with some New Orleans style jazz.
  
  
• Corpse Rocks!
  By A2BBS7R6CB5CET on 2006-01-15
  Danny Elfman is an absolute genius. His compilation captures the true essence of the movie. Fun to blast in my Jeep!
  
  
• M-E-H meh
  By A2XMDQ8PEYR1O0 on 2006-01-26
  The actual songs (ie all lyrical ones) on this album are forgettable and boring. The best part about this entire album is the background music such as the haunting,"Moon Dance". In accepting this the album is worth a purchase for any Elfman fan.
  
  

• Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Tim Burton's Corpse Bride [Blu-ray]
• Edward Scissorhands: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Beetlejuice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• Sleepy Hollow: Music from the Motion Picture