Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End Reviews

• As Adventure-Packed As The Movie...

  
  By A3RCUB9ASI0UAY on 2007-05-28
  I'm a huge Zimmer fan, and he has really lived up to expectations with this soundtrack. The music is just amazing: I could listen to it forever, and still not feel that I know it from start to finish. It's full of twists and turns, epic melodies and silly moments that don't cease to entertain. And listening to it really does put you back into the movie - it messes with your head. In a good way!
  
  I also love that there are some choral bits in this album (The Brethren Court, I Don't Think Now is the Best Time).
  
  On to the piece-by-piece run-through:
  
  1. Hoist the Colours - 9.5/10: I love this. The boy's song, the drums and other pirates in the background, all make for a beautiful, haunting way to start off the soundtrack. I only wish they'd included more of it on the CD.
  2. Singapore - 7/10: It's not my favorite because it's rather slow in places, but eventually it moves into that adventurous, swooping music that you'd expect.
  3. At Wit's End - 10/10: Brilliant! This serves as an intro to the action in the film. All the various themes are mixed in to make for beautiful, epic music.
  4. Multiple Jack's - 7.5/10: This is really weird - it includes odd instrumental choices for a pirate movie. But it also works very well, because hey, it's about Jack Sparrow.
  5. Up Is Down - 8/10: Upbeat and playful, it gives you hints of the main themes.
  6. I See Dead People In Boats - 9/10: Slow and haunting. Love the string instruments.
  7. The Brethren Court - 8/10: Bits of the chorus and occassional increases in tempo make it work.
  8. Parlay - 7.5/10: A little odd as it slinks into a sort of cowboy-style, but it keeps you on your toes.
  9. Calpyso - 8/10: It becomes stronger a little past half-way.
  10. What Shall We Die For: 10/10: It's short and very powerful - one of my favorites.
  11. I Don't Think Now Is the Best Time - 10/10: This is the biggie of the album. It manages to fit everything in for the climactic scene. Huge, grand, and epic.
  12. One Day - 10/10: This contains a lovely new melody that I love. Bittersweet.
  13. Drink Up Me Hearties - 9.5/10: The return to the original pirate theme is a great end to the soundtrack and movie.
  
  

• Zimmer's Full Broadside for "At World's End"

  
  By A2VOIE123XM7T5 on 2007-05-29
  Once again there have been comments that Hans Zimmer and director Gore Verbinski have relied on "film score by committee" for "Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End," including some input by Verbinski himself on "Hoist the Colours," and that is just fine because it all comes together with a full broadside both on the soundtrack recording and on the screen. This is easily the best of the three "Pirates" scores, and may be one of the very best efforts by Zimmer. To begin Zimmer integrates the main themes from the previous two films (and gives another tongue-in-cheek nod to Ennio Moricone), but he also presents a full fusillade of new themes. He also goes back to the basics of a pretty much full orchestra treatment (with chorus) which is exactly what you want in a swashbuckler. And indeed this is a fine swashbuckling and romantic effort from ominous beginning to heartrending end that runs right up the mizzen with Alfred Newman, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Max Steiner, and of late even James Horner. This is a more complex and dynamic score than we have seen with the "Pirates" series that yields the necessary musical backdrop to a varied tapestry on the screen from the gallows hoisted in the Caribbean to Singapore (a great theme and treatment here), to the rolling seas (a soaring theme here especially in "What Shall We Die For"), with an amazing jig on a turning deck ("Up is Down") just for fun. But it all comes together with a broad theme essentially for Elizabeth and Will. Of course it frolics as well, Jack Sparrow is well represented musically and this provides the essential continuing thread that sews all of the film's tatters together, and may be setting the course for a fourth venture. Beautifully produced (with a fair and representative amount of the score) and very nicely packaged by Walt Disney Records.
  
  

• Drink Up, Me Hearties!! Drink Up!

  
  By A348W79I52WU9C on 2007-05-22
  I'm a long-time fan of Hans Zimmer. Needless to say I have been waiting with anticipation for this soundtrack after hearing previews and clips a couple weeks ago.
  
  I believe that some people who were really in love with the first soundtrack's lightheartedness and hijinks may find this one a bit of a disappointment (and perhaps maybe not). While many of the old themes are used in the span of the entire CD, they are relied upon far less than the previous two, with the obvious exception of Jack's theme. We do, however, hear the old themes, but in different ways. Davy Jones' theme is indeed played on a music box in "At Wit's End" but then it shifts into a moving symphonic rendition. And the East India Trading Company theme, or Beckett's Theme, is given a new feel from the original dulcimer- an electric guitar ("Parley").
  
  It is very epic- as is Hans Zimmer's way, I could hear cues from such movies as The da Vinci Code, King Arthur, and even a tone or two that reminded me of Gladiator. Regardless, this CD definitely has its own feel- there are parts of it that sound vast and whimsical, upbeat and playful, romantic and lighthearted, creepy and dank, and of course, silly and drunk, as is most noticeable in "Multiple Jacks."
  
  The new romantic theme, which is introduced in "At Wit's End," is beautiful and flowing. In fact, it seems a bit surprising on this particular soundtrack, given the feel of the other two soundtracks. It has an ethereal flair to it, and is very orchestral and full.
  
  However, I am loathe to compare this to the other two because of the fact, mainly, that the movie has not officially been released yet, and it's obviously an entirely seperate movie. I can already imagine the scenes in which these songs appear, but I also don't want to get a set image in my head to ruin the anticipation of the movie.
  
  A refreshing and interesting addition, perhaps most of all, is the new pirate shanty (or "dirge," as it were), "Hoist The Colours." It is a short song, relying on drums, that begins with a lone child singing rather hesitantly, then the chorus grows as other pirates (I assume- what else would they be?) join in. This basic, and primary, theme is repeated several times throughout the soundtrack, usually at the climatic points of the songs. Along with this song, the Asian influences in the song "Singapore" (and others) offer a new touch of worldliness to this soundtrack, something that was not utilized before.
  
  Every song on this CD is wonderful. My personal favorites are "Drink Up Me Hearties," "At Wit's End," and "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time" because these three, in my own opinion, are incredibly dauntless.
  
  The release of this SUPERB soundtrack only makes it worse to wait another 2 days for the movie. :)
  
  

• Epic!

  
  By A3NAGSO5ZMSCGE on 2007-05-22
  Wow, I just bought this score from iTunes and all I can say is that I am very impressed! There is a very epic feeling to this Pirates album, but of course it still has the same pirate feel from the last two scores as well. I am honestly not disappointed in any track on the entire album.
  
  I only listened to it all the way through once, but my early favorites are:
  -Singapore
  -Calypso
  -What Shall We Die For
  -Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho
  
  Bottom line is that if you like the Pirates movies or scores, there's a good chance you'll like this. I know that I did. I am very impressed with this score and easily give it 5 out of 5.
  
  

• Great soundtrack...BUT...

  
  By A1MHH2EIIALK5A on 2007-05-24
  I have to admit, this is a great score from Hans Zimmer. Being a big fan of most of his work I expected great things from this disc, and it delivered on all of my hopes. The overall tone of the album is different than Dead Man's Chest or the Black Pearl soundtrack. It seems (to me anyway) that the music is bigger and much more dramatic than the previous scores. Zimmer uses instruments that I've rarely heard in his work, such as a piccolo and flute. This disc represents one of the most well rounded recordings of his to date.
  
  As has already been pointed out by other reviewers At Wit's End and I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time are incredible tracks. I'd like to include I See Dead People In Boats and Singapore in that short list of standouts. Multiple Jacks is also a very good bit of music, albeit with a strange mix of rather exotic instruments. Up Is Down has a certain playfulness that I really enjoy as well.
  
  I have to admit however that I have one complaint about this compilation. The music that is playing in the last minute or so of the trailer is not included. The music in question picks up when the first glimpse of the sea battle starts. It is an incredible bit of music that plays prominently for nearly a third of the trailer yet didn't make the cut on this disc. I'm absolutely shocked by this. My understanding was that I Don't Think Now Is Best Time runs around 26 minutes in the film and I believe this "phantom" music came from there. I could be wrong but that's where I think it would fit. Anyway, it's a shame that Disney (or whoever is responsible) edited this out of the soundtrack. The disc runs fifty-six minutes so it's not a question of available time, there was plenty.
  
  That might sound like a small complaint (and it is) but the track in question was an absolutely stunning piece of music. With that said, I will repeat that what is here is undeniably the best score released for any of the three films. I just guess I'll have to wait until the extended version of the soundtrack comes out (which I believe I read was going to happen for all three films)...
  
  ***UPDATE***
  
  After watching the film over the weekend I was just as surprised to find that the musical piece referenced above is also missing from the film itself. Not just the soundtrack. Why do they do this? After looking at some other reviews it seems I'm not the only one who was looking forward to hearing this.
  
  
• Classic & Poignant, Pirates Concludes with a musical bang
  By A2NNTNC715AJ50 on 2007-05-26
  I loved the score for the 1st Pirates movie and I was disappointed in the score for the 2nd, but in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Hans Zimmer has exceeded expectations. I found this score to be powerful, refreshing and classic. There was much less of the percussion and electronics that drove the score to Dead Man's Chest and much more orchestrational work. I liked how Zimmer took the song in the first track and made it the main theme of this score, while incorporating themese from the previous 2 films. Well Done.
  
  
• Amazing. Simply amazing.
  By ALZFETN7SJBRI on 2007-05-28
  Very, very rarely do I write reviews for music here on Amazon - it is, after all, quite the subjective subject.
  
  But the exception here is that the score to this third installment of the Pirates line of films is absolutely stunning, and so much so that I just have to blabber about it.
  
  (7/21/07: editing this review to add a track-by-track for those interested):
  
  1. Hoist the Colours (7/10): Hauntingly beautiful, and pretty unique as far as Pirates score work goes. Bested by several tracks here, but unique nonetheless.
  
  2. Singapore (6/10): Don't much like this one, personally, but it fits the film well. I will say, though, that there is one standout piece of music around ~1:50 that isn't heard anywhere else in this score, and that in itself, however short, makes it worth a listen.
  
  3. At Wit's End (10/10): GORGEOUS. Dramatic orchestral work turns into the chime theme we first saw long ago, and that itself turns into a pretty driving couple of minutes to bring this track to a close in powerful fashion (yes, the kind that makes you skip back to listen to it over and over).
  
  4. Multiple Jacks (5/10): A necessary track for the film, but in terms of listening, I don't particularly care for it.
  
  5. Up is Down (8/10): Catchy, upbeat theme with a powerful conclusion; among the better tracks of the score, even if it is a little short.
  
  6. I See Dead People in Boats (8/10): Beautiful, somehow more classical-sounding (as if in a Beethoven quartet at a couple of short places...?) piece; extremely well put together with great range of thematic material, and an ending few minutes that will send chills up your spine.
  
  7. The Breathren Court (6/10): Meh. There is a brief choral section right in the middle of this that makes it worth a listen, but beyond that, it's not exactly a highlight.
  
  8. Parlay (6/10): Unique in terms of instrumentation, and with a driving orchestral beat near the end that stands out, but otherwise not terribly noteworthy.
  
  9. Calypso (6/10): Again, choral section in the middle of the piece stands out, but this and the preceding two tracks are quickly eclipsed by the following...
  
  10. What Shall We Die For (10/10): Beautifully put together with a driving string section; this one quickly develops into a leading piece for the climax of the film. The choral work that ends this is another one of those chills-up-the-spine moments for the album, and it blends seamlessly into...
  
  11. I Don't Think Now is the Best Time (10/10): I don't even know where to start. The beginning two minutes of this are iffy, but from around 2:55 to the end at 10:45 or so, it's stunningly beautiful. Once again, choral work around the 6:00 mark makes me wish there were more reprises of that short theme in the score, and... and... oh, the hell with it. Zimmer will be up late at night trying to top this one.
  
  12. One Day (10/10): Another dramatic few minutes of music followed by some charmingly beautiful counterpoint. The other reviewers that mention the new theme here are correct - it's absolutely beautiful.
  
  13. Drink Up Me Hearties (10/10): Perfect end to the film (here's to hoping for a #4...). The return to the theme seen in the middle of "Jack Sparrow" from the previous score is well-placed, as is the use of the original Pirates theme. Soaring strings lead the orchestra to an end here - how sad to say - and it's magnificently well done.
  
  --
  
  This third score is reason enough to see the film again (and again). It's a far more orchestral set of music than #2 was, and it is arguably better-written in terms of capturing a film in music. There are a few new motifs - charming, gorgeous, awe-inspiring motifs - that are heard from time to time throughout the film, and a decent amount of the thematic material from the first two films reappears here, as well.
  
  Essentially, it is as if Zimmer took all that was right with the scores to Pirates 1 and 2, slightly improved it, added new music that rivaled the best of the previous films, and masterfully added them together. But here, somehow, the whole is most definitely greater than the sum of its parts.
  
  Highly, highly recommended. If the music from the first two films interested you at all, you're bound to love much of this one.
  
  
• awesome
  By A3UBCX8K6LP1OM on 2007-05-22
  This is a beautiful cd especially the last two tracks. A totaly emotional suite. Everyone should buy.
  
  
• Not a review but a plea...
  By A2O0PSL1ZZJXFQ on 2007-05-30
  If at all possible when "reviewing" discs, or anything else on here how about sticking to an actual review? Too often I see people post useless crap that has nothing to do with the product itself. I suppose this "review" could be included in that as well. My point is this, review the material and leave it at that. Nothing is more frustrating than sitting down to read this stuff only to find someone bashing Hans Zimmer (or whoever else) instead of giving an actual opinion of the material presented. Just my two cents. Feel free to let the hate begin as I know this will spark some controversy.
  
  For what it's worth, the soundtrack is great!
  
  
• The Best of the Three Pirate Scores
  By A2WB4OWBUH2VQX on 2007-10-05
  I was mildly disappointed with the Dead Man's Chest soundtrack (especially that horrible remix at the end.) So, I waited to buy the 3rd soundtrack, not knowing what to expect. But I must say...WOW!
  This is the most moving and beautiful of the 3 pirate soundtracks. Did I say beautiful? Yes, I did. I have listened to it over and over again. I highly recommend this over the other Pirate movie scores. I rate this one right up with Zimmer's masterpieces "Gladiator" and "Batman Begins".
  
  
• Awesome!!!
  By A32SQ8NVKD4GCR on 2007-05-22
  This is a fantstic addition to the Pirates of the Caribbean scores. MUST BUY!!! Anyone who loves is movie, or loves Hans Zimmer needs to add this to their collection!
  
  
• Amazing!
  By A3BXY9K2TWFWCB on 2007-05-22
  I am a huge Pirates fan, and the scores from these movies were the first scores I had ever listened to. Needless to say, they are all amazing, but this one stands out. It is very different from the original two, incorporating very little of the common themes heard on the others. The sounds are fantastic - suspenseful, magical, enthusiastic, fun, exciting, and I could keep going!! A must-buy for Pirates and Zimmer fans alike!
  
  
• AWESOME Score!
  By A1O81FLRG50RHQ on 2007-05-24
  I'm a huge Zimmer fan. I believe my favorite of his scores has been GLADIATOR -- until now. This is an incredibly fun, unique score that avoids all the "sequel" pitfalls. From the unique, "Hoist the Colors," to the Mozart-ish "Calypso," with a orchestra runs through a series of ascending scales as the choir accompanies, all the way to the grand finale, "Drink Up Me Hearties," this score is not to be missed.
  
  The classical composers of old -- Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, etc. -- would be proud of Zimmer's work, and they would be simply have to say, "Well done!"
  
  Kudos, Mr. Zimmer!
  
  
• The best yet!
  By A2RS8R3RAFA8OV on 2007-05-25
  I bought this soundtrack last week on the 14th at my local Target. I immediately began listening to it, and was completely blown away. What I had once thought of as Pirates of the Caribbean music was no longer that: it was a masterwork, with much fuller orchestration than ever before. I must say that this CD is definitely the best of the three, it includes all the "Pirates" music you grew to love upon listening to the first two, plus a whole lot more. The adventurous/epic theme heard first at the beginning of "At Wit's End" is brilliant, and by the time you have listened through to the end of the soundtrack, or even the first few tracks, you will not easily have forgotten it. My only complaint is the cover. It seems to have been very cheaply made, and could easily break. Some of my favorite tracks on the soundtrack are, in order of appearance on the disc:
  "At Wit's End"
  "Up Is Down"
  "I See Dead People In Boats"
  "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time"
  "Drink Up Me Hearties"
  
  Overall this is an extremely good soundtrack with the greatest score of the three. A true must for every "Pirates" fan! You will not be disappointed!
  
  
• This soundtrack Is very good and Is very Rrich and Dynamic
  By A7Y6AVS576M03 on 2007-11-05
  I like this soundtrack. I just enjoy listening to it repeatedly. The early sections of this soundtrack are eerie and have a great mystical quality about them reaching out from the mysterious Far East. It is very good. I still wonder how much involvement Hans Zimmer had with this recording. I love the final cut which comes full circle with the Jack Sparrow theme.
  
  
• Love the CD, hate the packaging
  By ANL1ZCALTSN0O on 2007-05-23
  Why do the record companies think we like the paper cases? They are cheap and flimsy. I've had this CD for only a few hours, and the case is already showing some wear.
  
  Warner Home Video finally stopped using their "snapper" cases on DVDs for this very reason.
  
  
• Beautiful Score
  By AUTXV6B2ZT0EK on 2007-05-25
  Definitely the best of all the Pirates soundtracks, Hans Zimmer outdoes himself, as always. I've listened to this soundtrack about 12 times already...only got it a few days ago. Each of the songs has a wonderful uniqueness and possesses its own quality. While listening to each you can imagine what is happening, whether or not you've yet to see the film. An absolutely wonderful piece, all classical and Pirates fans must hear it.
  
  
• A HUGE improvement from the second
  By AQDQVC3SBCOA3 on 2007-05-25
  To begin, I want to give a little background. I loved, and still do love, the first "Pirates" score. Yes, I know it was a bunch of electronics. Yes, I know that the CD had less than 50 minutes of music on it. But, you know what? It was really, really fun! The themes were awesome! You can't beat "The Medallion Calls". Definitely one of my favorite piece of music of all time. As far as Dead Man's Chest goes, I used to love it (especially track 2, "The Kraken"). But as time went on, I slowly started to like it less and less, until finally I couldn't stand it.
  
  (If you want to skip my boring story, skip this paragraph)
  
  So, about a week ago, I finally heard the clips to this soundtrack. I was flipping out. It was like, wow. Then I must have heard them over about fifteen times each (I'm serious). And I waited, and waited, and waited, for that number 22. I called up Wal-mart, and that crap store told me that they have Dead Man's Chest and Curse of the Black Pearl, but no At World's End. Possibly the most popular score right now, and they didn't take the time to get it immediately? Pathetic. Anyway, I bought it off of Amazon on Tuesday, and got it on Wednesday. How did I get it so fast? Well, I started the "Amazon Prime" trial, chose one day shipping (an extra four bucks), and waited almost all day on Wednesday for the UPS truck to come.
  
  So, what do I think of this score?
  
  
  
  -On it's Own: Incredible
  
  -Compared to Curse of the Black Pearl: This is probably better, but I love the first one as well. They sound completely different, so you can't really compare them.
  
  -Compared to Dead Man's Chest: At World's End is plain out better, better, and better.
  
  
  
  I am seriously going crazy over this score. Dead Man's Chest, though not ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE, pales in comparison to this. Just pales. It seems like Zimmer used the electronics very lightly on this one, as the only track with them really pronounced is "Parlay".
  
  Compared to Dead Man's Chest, the original themes aren't constantly present. This is actually a good thing, as we don't hear the same thing over and over again. However, when I do hear them once in a while, it's great. The themes for Davy Jones and Jack Sparrow are present as well, though not overwhelmingly.
  
  It is so hard to pick the tracks that I liked most. Overall, "At Wit's End" and "I Don't Think Now is the Best Time" may be the best. But I also LOVE "Singapore," "Up is Down," "I See Dead People in Boats," "What Shall We Die For," "One Day," and "Drink Up Me Hearties." "Hoist the Colors" is great, too. True pirate music for once. In short, the ones I liked the least are "Multiple Jacks," "The Brethren Court," "Parlay," and "Calypso." I'm not going to go into great detail of all the tracks; if you want that, go to soundtracks.com and read their intensely long review.
  
  Who is this score for? Those who liked the heavy use of electronics in COTBP may not like this one, for the simple reason that it is much more instrumental. But if you can get away from the rock-type sounds, then this is amazing. Those who didn't like DMC (for reasons I can understand), and have been waiting impatiently for this one to come out, then you WON'T be disappointed. And for those of you who have neither COTBP or DMC, give it a shot (no, don't shoot it).
  
  
• At Wit's End
  By A2PSKCZ60O3PFJ on 2007-05-26
  (contains spoilers if you haven't seen the movie)
  
  -Long John Zimmer and his crew close out the Pirates saga with a highly entertaining score. This time around we get to hear some things we never thought we'd hear in a Jerry Bruckheimer movie like oboes *shock* bassoons *bigger shock* and a great love theme that doesn't suck. *even bigger shock*
  
  -Every album has that one moment that you become obsessed with and for me it's "At Wit's End". The 2:01 minute mark on the track "At Wit's End" in which a boy soprano *or female singer* joined by choir and other dreamlike instruments play this lovely little melody that just makes your heart melt, is pound for pound the best piece of filmmusic I've heard all year. I just love how mysterious and ominous it is. It's played in the movie for the sequence when Barbosa and Calyp....oops I mean Tia Dialma are talking about the mysterious nature of the underworld that they are traveling. In the movie, you can hardly hear it since it's a dialog scene but on the album you can hear it in all its orgasmic glory. It's the highlight on the album for me. That track also includes the music for the sequence when Jones is playing his organ and starts crying as he remembers his precious Calypso and also for the sequence when Barbosa and Co. face the waterfall.
  
  -Other tracks that are addictive as all hell are the tracks "Up Is Down", "Parlay", "Calypso", "What Shall We Die For", "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time", "One Day", and "Drink Up Me Hearties".
  
  -"Up is Down" is the fun little piece that accompanies the scene in the movie when Jack and his crew are trying to turn the ship upside down. At first I wasn't a huge fan of this but after seeing it in context with the movie it's really great now. "Parlay" is great track that accompanies the scene when Jack, Elizabeth and Barbosa come face to face with Will, Davy Jones, and Beckett. It's a wild west moment in the movie and Zimmer takes full advantage of that by paying a very cool homage to one of his idols Ennio Morricone. "Calypso" is another beautiful track that accompanies the scene when Calypso regains her powers and does something pretty cool that I can't reveal for fear of spoiling the movie for those that haven't seen it. The wonderful choral stuff around the 1:07 mark is I think for the part when she keeps getting larger and larger.
  
  -"What Shall We Die For" is a great inspirational cue that can be best described as classic Zimmer. The last 30 secs. contains some very enjoyable choir moments. "I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time" is an enjoyable action cue. "One Day" is my third favorite track which plays out the aftermath of the big battle. It's very heroic and typical Zimmer stuff which is very cool. We also get a full presentation of the love theme in the last remaining moments of that track. The album closes with "Drink Up Me Hearties" which as you can guess goes with the end of the movie as Jack sails off to his next adventure. If you ever wanted to hear an orchestral version of "He's A Pirate" then you'll get your wish with "Drink Up Me Hearties".
  
  -I wasn't a huge fan of the past score. Apart from "Hello Beastie" and the concert presentation of "Jack Sparrow" I didn't care much for the score for "Dead Man's Chest", but I love the score to this movie. All the mistakes with the past ones like annoying droning synths and loud stuff that sounds like noise more than music are all gone in favor of a rich and very enveloping score. If you listen to it without watching the movie it will seem rather bland, but after you watch the movie and understand why Zimmer made some odd decisions the music and actually makes one want to watch the movie again.
  becomes very entertaining
  
  -I don't think anyone will call this the greatest film score of all time, but it is very fun and does contain some very memorable cues that make you feel like standing up and saluting and some so hauntingly beautiful that you can't stop listening to it *cough* At Wit's End *cough*
  
  
  
• It was an amazing cd
  By A1BUE9M2YJV3RP on 2007-05-26
  I was plesently surprised by this cd. I thought it was better then Dead Man's Chest but I still like the Black Pearl more.
  Hoist the Colours- 4.5/5 I just wish it were longer, you hear pieces of it throughout but I swear it was longer in the movie
  Singapore- 5/5 traditional pirates song with oriental instruments mixed in
  At Wit's End- 5/5 one of the best songs on the cd
  Multiple Jacks- 4/5 not everyones cup of tea, its good don't get me wrong but a bit werid, but considering the scene....
  Up is Down- 4.5/5 its a fun song, it took me awhile to like, i didn't like it till after I saw the movie
  I See Dead People in Boats- 5/5 lovely sad piece, it can be haunting, it gets energetic the last few minutes
  The Brethren Court- 4/5 has some of Multiple Jacks in it then there is some haunting singing and then fun music thats like carnival music but not...just listen to the song
  Parlay 4/5 its good but i usually skip over this song
  Calypso- 4/5 my least favorite song, but I still like it
  What Shall We Di For- 5/5 one of my favorites, uplifting song
  I Don't Think Now is The Best Time- 5/5 the best song (to me) i just wish it were longer
  One Day- 5/5 I really like this song, its sad and calm which is a nice break from the last song
  Drink up me Hearties- 5/5 one of my favorites, maybe the second best song after I Don't Think Now is The Best Time
  Overall its a good cd, but I just wish they put every song on the cd. I know it would be like two disks or something, but there are songs or part of songs thats missing that I wish they put on the cd.
  
  
• Another Zimmer mixed bag
  By AQQVZOG125C3W on 2007-05-28
  Even if I knew nothing about the Pirates franchise's soundtracks, it was obvious to me within about 30 minutes of sitting down to see the film this weekend that Hans Zimmer was the composer. I don't know if that is a good thing or not - I suppose it depends not only on what you think of Zimmer's work but what you expect from movie soundtrack composition itself. The music works very well with this movie. There were times when I was really quite entertained by the sound work in this film - unlike more "serious" adventure movie soundtracks Zimmer has done in the past, this one has moments of comedy, as when Jack interacts with himself; but at other times it is the same Zimmer cliches, as in the scenes that correspond to the tracks titled "Up is Down" and "Drink Up Me Hearties". But, as is often typical of Zimmer soundtracks, there were times when I found the recycling from other movies quite distracting. In fact, by the time the movie had ended and I was walking out of the theater, the accompanying music was almost identical to Zimmer's battle scene music in Gladiator. I am ambivalent in the end - there is enough originality at times in this soundtrack to delite, but it is a mixed bag full of Zimmer cliches used over and over again in movie after movie as well.
  
  
• Unprecedented
  By A2T8A5EOBVAE7Z on 2007-06-12
  Definitely sets a appropriately rich, epic, dramatic tone for the film, and also an excellent listen as audio alone.
  
  The percentage of addicting tracks on this CD far exceed that of the other two Pirates scores.
  
  This is without doubt one of the most intense and vibrant film scores I have encountered to date. And it isn't just one or two good tracks, it's a vast majority of them that simply blows me away. It really is hard for me to find music that sends chills up my spine like this does.
  
  
• Zimmer outdoes himself again. A stunning & mostly original score.
  By A3AT03ZVFI995D on 2007-06-17
  Zimmer has outdone himself yet again. This is one of his most beautiful scores.
  
  It's particularly impressive that he did not do what most composers of third-movies-in-a-trilogy do (even though it has good reason): rest on already-established themes. Sure, he keys in the themes from 1 & 2 where appropriate, with delightful variations, but this score is mostly original. So many stirring themes, yet all of a piece for these movies.
  
  Listening to the score on its own, you can better appreciate its dramatic support of the film, particularly in how he built so much of it off of the song penned by screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (and co-scored by director Gore Verbinski) that's so integral to the story.
  
  The orchestrations, particularly in "At Wit's End," "Up Is Down" and "One Day," are beautiful. I could listen to "One Day" endlessly. The Morricone tribute "Parlay" is terrific as well, enhancing the spaghetti western visual inspiration in the film.
  
  (One regret: there is a beautiful new theme played briefly in the film that does not appear on the soundtrack, which is odd since there's certainly room on the disc. I believe it's during the climax, but I'll need to see it again to be sure.)
  
  Buy this score now. It's stunning.
  
  
• The best of the three?
  By A2Y7W2GLV1XWYV on 2007-07-03
  I love this CD, in my opinion it is the best of the three movies and it certainly benefits from the full orchestral treatment.
  
  I have no knowledge of musical theory but very much enjoy the way that the differing themes appear throughout the soundtrack and how, when they are played on varying instruments and to changed tempos, they present such different feelings. It is also fun to be able to recognise themes that have appeared in the soundtracks for the first and second movies.
  
  If you are a fan of movie soundtracks I would definitely recommend Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
  
  
• Beyond words
  By A1H3CSCXGOJK0A on 2007-07-08
  I can't even explain how I feel about the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks, especially the third disc. I can't imagine how someone can be so talented to be able to connect you to the story through this music, I just really can't understand. "At Wit's End" is definitely a masterpiece, however every single song on this disc, along with all the others are absolutely outstanding. I love soundtracks, but I am aware of Hans's talent, and knowing he was one of the composers of these tracks I knew it would be a win win situation, and I knew I was not to be disappointed. I have never caught myself listening to a soundtrack..over and over.....and over again. Literally, I even watch the movies over and over so that I can listen to the soundtracks on it. Amazing stuff, just like I said, BEYOND WORDS!!
  
  
• The soundtrack to "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End" is great!
  By A3LZBOBV9H1HDV on 2007-05-23
  The soundtrack to "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End" is great! This is an great score from Hans Zimmer. It's more subdued than "Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest", but, still an interesting score and an interesting listen.
  
  Track Listing
  1. Hoist The Colours
  2. Singapore
  3. At Wit's End
  4. Multiple Jacks
  5. Up Is Down
  6. I See Dead People In Boats
  7. The Brethren Court
  8. Parlay
  9. Calypso
  10. What Shall We Die For
  11. I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time
  12. One Day
  13. Drink Up Me Hearties
  
  
• Ahoy! This be the best of the 3!!!!!
  By A3BC6FSEJ0HINK on 2007-05-26
  Brilliant! Zimmer is a genius composer, and with the latest POTC movie Zimmer releases what could be one of his best adventure scores yet! The entire cd is as swashbuckling as the third movie itself and there is never a dull moment on the entire cd. Zimmer brilliantly expands on the original "Pirates" theme, building excitement and emotion with every passing track.
  The love theme is beautiful and the last four tracks on the cd will knock your socks off! The only negative is that the cd is too short. Disney is notorious for skimping on their soundtracks when it comes to an original score releases. This soundtrack deserves to be released in its glorious entirety, and I only hope that one day and expanded version of this soundtrack will be released.
  
  
• The Best Movie Soundtrack Out There!!!!!
  By AZ2MFR8XHGUPE on 2007-05-27
  I am so packed with school and work, that I do not have time to come rate movies and soundtracks online, BUT... This soundtrack is worth taking some time out of my day. In my honest opinion this sound sets Zimmer at a new mark of not only being the best composer but the best at making music come to life. I listen to this CD at work, in my car, on my IPOD, I even put it as background music when I'm playing computer games. I honestly recommend this soundtrack to everyone, even if your new to soundtracks, this is a great milestone.
  
  - Hoist the Colours (4.5 of 5)
  Seems longer in the movie, but I still enjoy listening to it...
  
  - Singapore (5 of 5)
  Nice oriental mix, fast paced, great intro for Jack's Theme Song
  
  - At Wit's End (5 of 5)
  Very nicely composed song, good intro for Davy Jones
  
  - Multiple Jacks (4 of 5)
  Listening to this track can make you delusional like Jack... But I still like it...
  
  - Up is Down (6 of 5)
  My favorite track on this CD, it is filled with fun and excitement... #1 Track on CD!!!
  
  - I See Dead People in Boats (4 of 5)
  Scary and haunting, watch the movie and you'll understand. The middle is freaky, but it gets better.
  
  - The Brethren Court (4 of 5)
  Interesting song.... confusing but interesting
  
  - Parlay (5 of 5)
  Nice themed song has a lot of meaning to it. Even without watching the movie you could feel what is supposed to be going on in the movie. I like this track
  
  - Calypso (3.5 of 5)
  Nice introduction, scary middle, slow ending... Still good though, fits in perfectly with the movie..
  
  - What Shall We Die For (5 of 5)
  Very strong song, well composed, great song to lift your mood. I wish I was longer
  
  - I Don't Think Now is The Best Time (6 of 5)
  Very good song, this song is king of like a rundown of other tracks, very nicely composed, around the 8 minute mark the song reaches its "greatness point". It also has an extended version of the love theme in it.
  
  - One Day (6 of 5)
  Superb song, has a very nice lengthy romantic part to it, great relaxation music.
  
  - Drink up me Hearties (6 of 5)
  The final credits theme song. This song summaries the whole 55 min of music into 4:31. It brings back memories from The Curse of the Black Pearl. The Original Theme!!!
  
  They need to make an extended version of this soundtrack, like they did for Gladiator, I would be the first one to buy it. Zimmer truly makes his music come to life. This is the soundtrack that will have you humming all day... TRUST ME
  
  
  
• Amazing!
  By A37OLOXR2WR6Z1 on 2007-05-27
  After seeing At World's End I was desperate to purchase the soundtrack. I think that this is the best soundtrack of the three. It incorporates themes from all of them, except on a much larger, more epic scale. It also adds new styles, such as in "The Bretheren Court" and "Singapore." The global nature of the film allowed for music from different cultures to be incorporated, which I very much enjoy. Hans Zimmer and crew have done an amazing job and I am not disappointed in the least. I was also quite pleased to see on the insert that Gore Verbinsky played the guitar for the recording. The CD case is paper, making it somewhat flimsy, but I am not too bothered by it. The insert contains many photos from the movie, including production photos, which I found quite interesting and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone who is a fan of film scores or who just enjoys captivating, epic music. It is one of Zimmer's best works yet!
  
  
• Sure it's the best score ever ...
  By A21M6XJHHBQSEC on 2007-05-25
  ... if you have never listened to Debney, or Korngold, or Herrmann, or Williams. Everything in life is relative. Compared to the previous two installments, "At World's End" is a top-notch orchestral work.
  Compared to other entries in the genre, or music written for a similar kind of film, this ship has no sails, its crew is starving to death, and the captain shoots leaks into its sides himself.
  
  For those who already know my reviews for the other two Pirates scores this won't be surprising, but I don't really like this score. Which is a great improvement over Dead Man's Chest, though, which I genuinely hate.
  I heard it the first time and found it okay. Then a second time, a third, a fourth time. And each time it got worse.
  Zimmer's principal idea for "Hoist The Colours" is good, and it may be the only truly original track on the album. That and the World's End theme, which heavily reminds me of Titanic. The rest is typical Zimmer, which means it varies between "noise", "padding", "static", "loud", "extremely loud", and "one-more-minute-and-my-ears-bleed loud" - the Hans Zimmer equivalent of the traditional p-mp-mf-f-ff-fff.
  
  Established themes from Dead Man's Chest, "Jack Sparrow" and "Davy Jones", for better or worse, return here, and don't do much or go someplace new. The themes don't resolve, and quite understandably so, since they had neither much substance, nor any remarkable versatility from the get go. They are not strong enough to survive outside of Zimmer's comfortable approach to all of his scores. This approach of overly simplistic chord progressions and über-harmonic movements not only lack style and substance, it also proves that any children's song can sound heroic or dramatic with sufficiently bombastic orchestrations.
  And this approach is applied to every theme, no matter how big or small. Only Zimmer can, or should I say dares, to take a relatively small idea of romance between two people and make it sound as important as a historic war.
  Subtlety is still a word unknown to Zimmer.
  
  And there's only so much bombast a score can hammer on your ears with, until you don't believe in the score's intelligence anymore.
  Hans Zimmer himself calls this score flamboyant and "swashbuckling". But the music says something different. But Zimmer can't be flamboyant because he insists on his masculine style of overboarding and overbearing brass and percussion. The best he can do is achieve a sense of overly dramatic adventure.
  
  I know people in the theatre are going to laugh long and hard when they see Will and Elizabeth marrying to the tones of Tara's Theme from Gone With The Wind. Is this a conscious decision from Zimmer? How can anyone write such music and not see the blatant similarity, not to say rip-off?
  Then, Zimmer says he didn't want Singapore to sound too asian. I can't imagine music sounding more asian than "Singapore". Listen to Memoirs Of A Geisha and hear how delicate chinese music can be interwoven with our music styles. Some may say it's a wrong comparison, but these are the standards Hans Zimmer has to be measured by. And he's lightyears away from it, that's the cruel "truth" (in the vaguest meaning of the word).
  
  What else? Music from Dead Man's Chest being recycled note for note and instrument for instrument in "I don't think now is the best time", choir pieces that sound like they've been edited into the film from The Da Vinci Code, cues like "Up Is Down" and "Multiple Jacks" that seem to more satisfy the desires of the composer than the needs of the film ... who knows? Maybe a couple of co-writers had the chance to go wild on one of these ...
  And it all suffers from the usual horn overkill. Zimmer says he doesn't use samples very often. Very well, as absurd as that subjectively sounds to me, so be it. He's interested in unusual recording techniques. Very well, so be it. But it doesn't matter whether the horns play in the back of the hall, in front, left, right, dead center, on a balcony or through a toilet bowl - as long as the notes that come out are still bad, as long as the orchestration is still dull, the score will be dull, too.
  
  I can't believe, and I mean this in the strongest possible meaning of this expression, that Hans Zimmer has been working on this score since last October.
  It's maybe "as flamboyant as Hans Zimmer gets", but it's defintely not flamboyant in the traditional meaning of the word. To pompously announce "I can write swashbuckling music in my sleep, it's easy", and then come out with something like At World's End is not only insulting, it's an embarassment to the whole film score world.
  No wonder truly inventive film scores can't get a foot, or even the big toe, into mainstream, when Pirates Of The Caribbean is presented as the ultimate incarnation of swashbuckling music.
  And now the main argument of all PotC defenders, that the music is perfect because the movie doesn't want to be pure pirate films, doesn't count anymore, too. Because Hans Zimmer recently proclaimed it as "swashbuckling music" himself.
  
  
  

• Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
• Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Bring Me That Horizon: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean
• Transformers - The Score