Enchanted Reviews

• IN A WORD, ENCHANTING!

  
  By A1LXO4DUE5LL02 on 2007-11-21
  The genius of Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) is in tying in the songs to the storyline and therefore advancing the art of both. Not only is the score one of the best I've heard recently but the lyrics to the songs are well derived and help to keep the film's pace. The optimism embraced by the song 'Ever Ever After' that Mr. Menken wrote especially for Carrie Underwood is so very hopeful and charming.
  
  The three musical set-pieces had the audience applauding at the end of each one of them. I'm giving this a 5 Star rating based on a critical listening of the entire CD and that's my 2 cents!
  
  You will not be disappointed if you buy this.
  
  Also note that the CD I received is an 'Enhanced' CD which happily contains as a bonus the 'Ever Ever After' music video that you may have viewed here on Amazon with the ever-lovely Carrie Underwood.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  

• Disney Magic

  
  By A2CNQ1JV16GHW2 on 2007-11-26
  It's been a long time since I've been to a movie and thought "I can't wait to hear the soundtrack again," but "Enchanted" was such a case. Alan Menken, as usual, has provided a terrifically evocative score, and the songs he's written with Stephen Schwartz are joyful, witty and oh-so tuneful. And they're a perfect compliment to the film itself, which is an absolute charmer. (Full disclosure: I worked on "Enchanted"; but trust me, you don't always love the films you work on.) Admittedly, the songs work better IN the film, accompanied by the gorgeous animation or spot-on performances by Amy Adams and James Marsden (or the clever pop-up sequence that runs over "Ever Ever After"); but this is a small qualification. I do suggest you see the film first, so you'll have a context in which to enjoy the score. But I bet that after you do, you'll buy the soundtrack.
  
  

• Songs great, instrumentals great but.....

  
  By A3W25DGQAN3BCA on 2008-03-09
  The songs are great and before you know it you are singing along. The instrumentals are lovely as always. How the cd was put together is very dissappointing. Instead of the music telling the story of Enchanted as is done on both the Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid cds, the music for Enchanted was put on the cd in a divided fashion. On this cd, the music with lyrics are all first then all the instrumentals are next finishing with the single song "that's amore" sung by James Marsden. What a shame. When listening to a soundtrack the music ques in scenes and emotions without the visuals. Out of sequence, the music looses its flow and no longer tells the story. Also is the fact out of like 15 songs, only 6 have words. Again if the music followed the movie, this would not be so apparent. For children, it makes the instrumentals seem very very long after the fun of singing the songs.
  
  

• Walked right out of the movie and bought the soundtrack!

  
  By A1ZMER36DJ3E41 on 2007-11-29
  I spent the day after Thanksgiving treating my 60 year old mother and 5 year old daughter to the movie "Enchanted." At its closing, all 3 of us walked out of the film singing "That's How You Know." And we kept on singing it throughout the weekend, so much that I gave in to my daughter's request for the soundtrack. We are big Carrie Underwood fans, however she's not the reason we fell in love with the tunes from the movie. Alan Menken is a genius...I give him credit because credit is due!What could have been contrived and cheesy is instead magical and dare I say it? OK, I will...it is enchanting! I was very surprised and pleased with the vocal talents of both Amy Adams (who is simply delightful on screen and on the soundtrack) and James Marsden. Not since "Beauty and the Beast" have I instantly fell in love with a Disney film score, and I have to confess that "Enchanted" ranks right up there on my personal list of all-time Disney faves!
  
  

• Disappointed

  
  By A2PZN4RX3H3YF4 on 2007-11-21
  Note: this is a review of the soundtrack, not the movie.
  
  I've been excited about this movie since I first heard Alan Menken was going to be involved. I grew up on and love his Disney work, and was sure I'd love this. Well, I have to say I was disappointed.
  
  When it comes to soundtracks, the songs can be good because they remind you of the feelings you got watching the movie, and/or they can be good strictly of their own merit. I heard the "Beauty and the Beast" soundtrack and "The Little Mermaid" soundtrack before I saw the corresponding films, and they amazed me all the same. This soundtrack is good for reminding one of the film, but as a stand-alone soundtrack, it tends to fall flat. The songs are okay, but I won't be listening to them when I have other Disney soundtracks on my ipod.
  
  I think this is the first time I've liked an album's instrumental songs more than its lyrical numbers. My favorite is the Enchanted Suite. Of the songs with lyrics, I'd have to say "So Close" reaches the bar the best.
  
  An okay soundtrack, had there not been two years of hype; but as it is, it fell very short of my expectations.
  
  
• "Disney's magic" I've been missing
  By A1HCS5U8FB392A on 2007-11-24
  I think I'm not the only one who feel that current Disney's animation didn't have the quality as it's predecessor. You saw it in the movie, and then you forget it. Some say 3D animation is the caused. But I've always believe that's not the factor.
  
  Disney's animation change it's formula by asking people like Phill Collins to do the whole music. Don't get me wrong, Phill music is great. I love his music too. But what we miss is the broadway feel in Disney's Animation. I always love the formula when artist like Celine Dion, Peabo Bryson, or others sing the credit tittle at the credit tittle end. It gives a plus in the soundtrack too. You got two version of the song, and usually, they both great.
  
  Well, that didn't happened in Enchanted. Carrie Underwood didn't perform the same song as it is in the movie for the end tittle credit. But watching the movie prove my believe. Even when the song's like how does she know or happy working song performed not in animation form, you can feel "Disney's Magic" and sing along.
  I finally can play new Disney songs while I working along with the classics.
  
  I wish Disney will do another full length animation with this kind of soundtrack again. After all Disney is all about wishes come true... :)
  
  
• How Do You Know That He Loves You?
  By ARJIAB8SLWAOU on 2007-12-27
  The "Enchanted" soundtrack features six vocal tunes from the film and nine great instrumental pieces. The music is by Alan Menken (composer for such hits as "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast") with the songs written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell," Disney's very own "Johnny and the Sprites.") There are a lot of great songs, but the best is "That's How You Know." This is a show-stopper, featuring Amy Adams (Giselle), but also several other vocalists, including some great Jamaican singers. Other songs include, among others, "True Love's Kiss" (an over-the-top but amusing number), "Ever Ever After" (album version performed by "American Idol"'s Carrie Underwood) and "That's Amore" (the only non-original song on the album, written by Jack Brooks and Harry Warren) and performed (mainly) by James Marsden.
  
  Overall, the soundtrack shines just as well the film does. Definitely another dose of Disney magic.
  
  This enhanced version of the "Enchanted" soundtrack includes CD-ROM bonus features. Place it into your computer for a music video version of "Ever Ever After," performed by Carrie Underwood. Additionally, the liner notes include the lyrics for all the songs from the film, as well as selected photos.
  
  
  P.S.: Listen for strains of "Beauty and the Beast" during the opening of the instrumental tune "Nathaniel and Pip."
  
  
• What about Idina
  By A3VQP3HELDUSHH on 2007-12-28
  I just saw the movie. I loved many of the songs, and the movie was adorable. I just don't understand why you would have a person like Idina Menzel in a musical movie, and not use her in any of the songs.
  What a disappointment to miss out on that talent. I realize her character in the movie would not have been the type to be involved in a song, but they should have created a piece that could have been in the credits
  
  
• Songs you'll remember
  By A8S11VP9Z36D6 on 2007-12-15
  It has been a long time since I've left the theater wanting to purchase the soundtrack for a movie that I've seen. "Enchanted" has a number of songs that will stay in your head (in a good way!) and have you humming them once you've heard them. Both Amy Adams (Giselle) and James Marsden (Prince Edward) do a wondeful job of singing the songs themselves; although music purists may scoff at some of Adams' phrasings, she gives a vocal performance that evokes the magic of past Disney princesses and overcomes any flaws that one could find with her voice. The CD presents the "hit" songs first, and then follows up with a number of underscoring pieces. "True Love's Kiss" and "Happy Working Song" owe more than a nod in spirit to "Snow White"; they definitely remind one of the type of song you'd expect to hear from a Disney animated movie. "That's How You Know" is more of a bridge song from the animated world to NYC's Central Park; with its calypso beat and huge chorus, the roving production number is something you'd expect from a Broadway Show (which I have heard is a possibility for this movie) and not an animated film. "So Close" is the love song/ballad of the movie, and signifies Giselle's full-blown transition into the modern world. In the context of the movie, the song is extremely moving as you watch the performances of Adams and Patrick Dempsey (Robert), but even on the CD, it is able to stand alone. "Ever Ever After" is the Carrie Underwood 100% pop music hit. This CD features the music video of the song, which also turns Carrie into an animated Disney character. Animated or live action, Underwood's wholesome beauty could qualify her as a Disney princess. Although on the soundtrack, the blaring beat of this song seems out of place, it fits perfectly when seen in the context of the movie. The rest of the soundtrack is enjoyable, and even more so for those who have seen the film. The underscoring for "Nathaniel and Pip" actually contains a few rifts from "Beauty and The Beast." The Enchanted Suite is a nice orchestral medley of favorites from the film and was used for the end titles/exit music. "That's Amore" is a pleasant remake of the Dean Martin classic, sung by James Marsden (Prince Edward), in the same hammy over-the-top cartoonish style of his character. Menken and Schwartz have crafted a memorable group of songs for this movie. If you are a fan of Disney movies or light & catchy hummable songs, this soundtrack is for you.
  
  
• Does not stand on its own
  By A1J1CM8RNPO268 on 2007-11-24
  The Enchanted movie was great fun, but I find the soundtrack alone uninteresting and rather boring. Perhaps this is because much of the fun of the movie is in Disney making gentle fun of its animated musicals. The movie ends up being much more of a comedy than a musical. The songs are not great songs on their own, only fun in the context of the movie, as "homages" (don't dare call them parodies even if they are) to some of the truly memorable songs from Disney's great animated musicals.
  
  
• See the movie instead
  By ANGO5A1CGHA7X on 2007-12-05
  My family loved the movie, even my husband, but the soundtrack is primarily instrumentals. I asked my daughter to skip to the next song, and skip, and skip, and skip. There's nothing to listen to, or very little. The movie is great, but the soundtrack leaves a bit to be desired.
  
  
• The Music from the Movie.
  By A96K1ZGW56S2I on 2007-12-09
  The ENCHANTED soundtrack is typical of a Disney soundtracks in a couple of ways. First, the songs are by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz who have worked together several times before for Disney projects. Secondly, the cd is mostly instrumentals and only has six vocal songs. My favorite songs on the album are:
  
  "Happy Working Song"--a parody of the typical song between Disney princesses and animals as they work together to complete a task.
  
  "That's How You Know"--another parody, but one that's done so well it actually works as a straight, non-humorous song.
  
  "Ever, Ever After"--the pop ballad of the album. Carrie Underwood sings it and I won't say anything bad about her.
  
  "Enchanted Suite"--an instrumental number that enhances the overall mood of the film and gives listeners who haven't seen the movie and idea about what it's about.
  
  The soundtrack doesn't stand very well on its own as works of music separate from the film, but people who have seen the film will enjoy it.
  
  
• Lovely!
  By A1TOT4W2FUUIJ2 on 2007-12-16
  When I heard(a long time ago) Alan Menken was giving up the chance to compose the score of "The Princess and the Frog", Disney's long waited return to traditional animation, in order to make the music from "Enchanted·, I said to myself," I hope is worth it", and It was.
  The delightfully flashy and extravagant songs are a perfect match for the already delightfully flashy and extravagant film.
  From "True Love's Kiss" to "Ever Ever After", the Disney tributes are endless and Menken/Schwartz wit's just amazing.
  It's a pity though, we haven't got the chance to hear the track "Enchanted", song by the hilarious Prince Edward(Marsden) and Nancy Tremaine(Idina Menzel and her gorgeous voice), a song that never make it to the film's final cut(I'm looking foward for the DVD).
  A "must buy" for every Disney fan(myself among them)
  
  
• Enchanted is Enchanting
  By A2VPE82Y2Y1M3 on 2008-01-01
  A very clever and witty quasi-musical with many nods and winks to Disney classics, all done with adult and kids in mind.
  
  
• Stands up on it's own.................!
  By AM0BN7UT9ZVGV on 2007-12-05
  The Enchanted soundtrack really charmed my little sister. It has her singing at the top of voice and dancing around her room. This is a charming and sophisticated little recording of the best musical moments from the film. I even find myself wiggling every so often to some of Alan Menken's tunes, it's embarrassing to be sure but if your just looking to be entertained then this soundtrack will no doubt please you, your sister and your children and reduce the most masculine of men to just wiggling.
  
  
• Enchanting
  By AE3R22OUWRDP4 on 2007-12-08
  To be honest, the only reason I wanted to see "Enchanted" was because I loved Stephen Schwartz's musicals "Children of Eden" and "Wicked." The man is a brilliant lyricist, able to pack wit, emotional power and meaning all together in a few short lines.
  
  My only disappointment is that he and Alan Menken only created three really memorable songs for "Enchanted." I think "That's How You Know" is the greatest musical number ever captured on film. My children and I have started the habit of playing "Happy Working Song" and seeing if we can quickly tidy up a room together before the song is over. "Ever, Ever After" really captured the message and made for a soaring ending to the film. But the other songs were not quite up to par with the rest. I know "True Love's Kiss" was meant to be cheesy, and it succeeded in that and nothing else. There was some other song, but I've entirely forgotten it. The score itself is enjoyable to listen to, but not quite as moving as, say, the score for "Little Mermaid."
  
  I am most glad I bought the CD because now I have the little lyrics booklet so I can sing along with my favorites. It will also help tide me over until the DVD comes out.
  
  
• Great Songs!
  By A2HA38L5ZJLRAH on 2007-12-09
  I took my daughter and her friends to see this movie, and we all loved it. You know the songs are great when you can't get them out of your head. I was going to get my daughter the CD for Christmas, but broke down and bought it early because we both wanted to listen to the songs again right away! The three main "showtunes" are charming,witty, and beautifully sung by the next great musical star (why isn't she on Broadway?)Amy Adams. "True Love's Kiss" is a tuneful,gentle parody of Snow White, as is "Happy Working Song". Some of the clever lyrics to the latter made me laugh out loud. "That's How You Know" has an infectious joyousness to it that puts me into a good mood every time I hear it. The Carrie Underwood song "Ever After" is a good song, and the song "So Close" was an unexpectedly beautiful ballad sung by newcomer John McLaughlin. James Marsden has an amazing voice which is heard in a duet with Amy Adams, and in the song "That's Amore". The rest of the CD is instrumental background music, which I happen to enjoy, but I've noticed some reviewers are complaining about it. The thing is, that's the whole point of a soundtrack album - there's always going to be some of that included. In any case, I heartily recommend the CD - and, if you haven't seen the movie yet - what are you waiting for?! Go!
  
  
• Enchanting !
  By A1XMMIP11MZCGN on 2007-12-12
  Disney has reached a new maturity. For more than eighty years, the studio has enchanted us with its tales of fantasy and fun. No other source can compare to Disney's quality and consistency to cast a spell and steal our hearts. The world of Disney is a beloved place where we have always found happily-ever-afters. But what if the formula were reversed? What if a beautiful princess, an evil witch and a handsome prince came to visit us? Now we know!
  
  Needless to say, a princess does visit us, and Disney's latest feature, Enchanted, takes us along for her amazing ride. This is not another cookie-cutter princess movie. Enchanted's six reel sojourn is an endlessly clever homage to all of Disneyana. Masterful satire both honors and pokes fun at all that preceded it. You'll delight and savor every minute!
  
  This Disney princess can not only survive a trip to Manhattan, she can thrive there! Just ask Giselle, played effortlessly by Amy Adams. She first appears as a 'toon direct from Disney central casting. Evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) sends her off into peril pushing her into a wishing well that ends in Times Square. Suddenly, Giselle is no longer a 2-D character; she's an innocent 3-D royal lady, fully-costumed, in the middle of Manhattan. Giselle's adventures in The Big Apple are a perfect stage for Amy Adams' comic brilliance. How she kept a straight face throughout these scenes I'll never know, but she should receive an Oscar for her portrayal.
  
  As anyone who has visited a Disney theme park would know, they are experts at glorious enthusiastic parades filled with jubilant characters. This joy has been artfully captured in a masterpiece musical gem, "That's How You Know," staged in New York's Central Park. Hundreds of actors, in brilliant costume, never miss a beat of their complex choreography from location to location. Watch Princess Giselle as she leads her entourage like a Pied Piper. What a magnificent moment in movies!
  
  I won't add spoilers here, but there is a very happy ending! Giselle's devoted (and nutty) Prince Edward (James Marsden) shows off his comedic flair. Wait until you see where he finds his magic mirror! Gray's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey shines as the straight-man romantic divorce lawyer who doubles as Giselle's knight in shining armor. Watch how he becomes enchanted himself! Susan Sarandon plays a most-wicked queen and a delicious ugly evil witch. Both of her characters should win awards for makeup and effects. You will be running from shiny red apples long after you see her dastardly offering to Princess Giselle.
  
  Speaking of critters, another wonderful musical number, "Happy Working Song," may just change your mind about pigeons, rats and cockroaches. They can sing and dance and clean the nastiest bachelor pad you've ever seen. The cutting-edge computer graphics and special effects are first rate. Enchanted's finale, "Ever, Ever After," provides the backdrop for a perfect ending crooned by hot newcomer Carrie Underwood. The score was written primarily by legendary songsmiths Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. I guarantee you'll be humming long after the final credits end.
  
  Enchanted is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves a Disney flick. Watch it four or five times (and make sure you bring your kids!) Each viewing will reveal more and more nuance and tribute for your delight and discovery! (See if you can pick out the performances of Disney regulars Julie Andrews, Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara!) It would make a perfect romantic first-date movie, too! My advice: Go now while you can still see it on the big screen. You are certain to fall under its spell! Then, buy the soundtrack and whistle while you work. Great fun!
  
  
  
• Polished, well-crafted, fun.
  By ANPKXDHSI2AWS on 2007-12-14
  This is a classic, brilliant soundtrack. The songs are faithful to the story and, indeed, even advance the cause of the narrative. Every song is well-crafted, well-produced, and enjoyable. If you like solid, well-done scores, you'll like this.
  
  
• Fairytalish!!
  By A3P7TUAGIEY4QR on 2007-12-23
  Wauw what a great cd. As always great music by Alan Menken, but the true hit song on his record is So Close by Jon McLaughlin. What an amazing and beautifully written song. I have been listening to it for the 20th time today and haven't gotten sick of it. Truly beautiful. The song That's How You Know by Amy Adams is also a true Disney classic and is very fun and disney like. This album has all the magic a true disney soundtrack needs to have. I am not disappointed!!
  
  
• Great CD
  By A2T0PL1I0YJ5HU on 2008-01-18
  I got this for my fiancée because she loved the movie so much. She listens to this all the time and loves it. Great purchase.
  
  
• It isn't all that Enchanted
  By A1DKU5ALF9GQB4 on 2007-11-28
  I saw the movie and it was great so I decided to check out the soundtrack... it was ok.. I only like a few songs on the CD. Carrie Underwood's song Ever Ever After is really nice. The only other one I like is the Thats how you know song. I like that those two songs...
  
  
• Awesome Soundtrack!
  By AXVE0KC3DR68W on 2008-01-09
  What a great soundtrack! The movie is great and the soundtrack is a wonderful way for you to take it on the go.
  
  
• The biggest show-stopper since Do Re Mi
  By A5EQEVZKILN53 on 2008-01-10
  "That's How You Know" is the biggest show-stopper since "Do Re Mi" in Sound of Music. Hopefully Enchanted will be made into a Broadway musical so that people can enthusiasitcally applaud after the song is over. It took everything I had to NOT applaud in the crowded movie theater when that song ended. Menken took a cue from his own "Kiss The Girl" in The Little Mermaid and employed a Jamaican sound to drive the infectious melodies that make this song so happy and fun. Menken seems to work wonderfully with Schwartz. I hope they continue on more projects together. Their previous Pocohontas and Hunchback of Notre Dame are excellent scores as well. It is rare to leave a theater these days and have a smile on your face remembering how great the songs made you feel.
  My 5-year old daughter dances and sings to the first three songs day after day. If you want to feel happy, listen to this soundtrack.
  
  
• Enchanted Soundtrack
  By A2ILCVESRHKN2V on 2008-01-18
  My three year old loved the movie Enchanted, so we got her the soundtrack for Christmas.
  
  The first four tracks are fabulous and fun - straight from the movie, but then a very long stretch of background music from the whole movie follows and it isn't really that fun to listen to.
  
  
• Enchanted CD
  By A3HB16D8DR1FX on 2008-01-20
  If you loved the movie, the CD is worth buying. The music is good to great. However, the music with the movie was better.
  
  
• I am enchanted with Enchanted!
  By AKTW0M2PMZ07F on 2008-02-08
  The soundtrack to Enchanted has new and different songs with the timeless and classic Menken style. I have always loved Alan Menken's music, and he continues a fantastic career with more classic, gorgeous Disney music. I adore this soundtrack! I highly recommend it to anyone who loved the movie. You will be just as satisfied listening to the score as you were watching the movie.
  
  
• A MUST HAVE
  By A164D2XQ1U63X5 on 2008-02-13
  Enjoyed the movie so much have now purchased the CD and this beautiful book for the granddaughter. She was thrilled and the locket provided was an extra special surprise to her. The photos from the movie are beautiful and help you to relive the film.
  
  
• Enchanting
  By A145EDBZDAYY7L on 2008-02-18
  The soundtrack to the film Enchanted is enchanting. The first five songs are symbolic of classic Disney fairytales with a modern twist and a somewhat self-mocking approach. Amy Adams is as sweet a singer as she is an actress and radiates in all of her performances, as does James Marsden (Prince Edward). The other tracks make up the score of the film and are composed by multi-Oscar winners Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz - who worked on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules - and are beautiful creations that compliment the songs perfectly. The soundtrack has already rightly received three Oscar nominations and is an essential part of any soundtrack or Enchanted lover.
  
  
• Even a Non-Disney Fan Admits This Movie and Music is Good!
  By A171E42ZDFDM86 on 2008-02-23
  When I first saw the preview of Enchanted in cinemas, I thought, "Oh Lord. Disney is so past its heyday, it's even resorted to satirizing itself to come up with new content!" However, I went along to a film screening of this at a children's party and I am totally in love with this film. Amy Adams is an actress that I have noticed in "supporting roles" for a long time - as the assistant in "Charlie Wilson's War", a bit role in "Catch Me If You Can", I've always thought her interesting and hoped she got a larger role. I didn't even recognize her as the lead in this movie, and I am totally blown away by her singing voice. James Marsden is another supporting actor whom I've always thought was cool - and although in this film he reprises his role in Superman Returns as the "Tier 2" lead man, I'm glad he got the lead in "27 Dresses". And he sings, too! This is a complex satire and the feminists would go crazy dissecting it. A fun uplifting film.
  
  

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