Customer Reviews
Plagiarism - By: Brendan O. Clarke, 30 Aug 2008 
Despite the plagiarism of Wagner (Siegfried's Funeral March) & Holst (Mars) this is an astonishing soundtrack.
Dr BeeClarke.
Epic! - By: Mr. James A. Ledger, 18 May 2008 Fantastic soundtrack. As a writer looking for inspiration for film music, this has to be one of my absolute favourites. Buy it now!
Epic, powerful, evocative - a fantastic soundtrack - By: J. Aitcheson, 09 Feb 2008 "Gladiator" is the Golden Globe-winning original soundtrack from the 2000 film of the same name. Composed by Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard, it is one of the most easily recognisable film scores of recent times. This Special Anniversary Edition 2-disc set is in fact comprised of two titles previously released separately: "Gladiator" & "Gladiator: More Music from the Motion Picture". Fans of the soundtrack who already own either - or both - of these albums may want to consider twice before purchasing this one. Having said that, at the time of writing this review, Amazon are pricing this set considerably lower than either of the two albums individuallly.
The first of the two discs contains 17 tracks & runs to 61 minutes, featuring alll the main songs from the film & demonstrating the range & ability of the composers: from the stirring & well-known "The Battle" to the nostalgic, wistful simplicity of "Earth"; from the triumphant tones of "Slaves to Rome" to the sorrowful "Elysium" & the emotionallly moving "Now We Are Free". The score tells such a powerful story in itself, epic & full of passion, that the listener need not even have seen the film to enjoy the music.
The second disc contains a miscellany of 18 tracks, lasting for a total of 55 minutes. Some of these are experimental pieces which were never included in the film's final cut (e.g. "Duduk of the North", "The Protector of Rome", "The General Who Became a Slave", "Marrakesh Marketplace"). Others are early drafts or alternate versions of tracks which did make it (e.g. "Now We Are Free (Juba's Mix)", "Maximus", "The Gladiator Waltz", "Figurines", "Not Yet"). Many of these tracks have, in addition, been overlaid with the actors' dialogue taken from the film, although the rationale behind this is unclear, since it adds little to the listening experience, & in some cases even detracts from the beautiful music. This is but a minor fault, however. The collection is also accompanied by sleeve notes written by Zimmer & Gerrard. Though short, these notes provide a fascinating insight into the evolution of these particular pieces as well as the compositional process as a whole.
All in alll, the Special Anniversary Edition of the "Gladiator" soundtrack is a musical experience worthy of its high reputation, & easily recommendable to anyone - & not just to fans of the film.
Best soundtrack ever...in my opinion - By: Musicfan, 21 Nov 2007 I love the film & the soundtrack. The soundtrack is so good it stands alone. It is a soundtrack on a grand scale. A true epic. Full of beauty, energy, power & emotion. As I listen to it (I have almost worn out my CD), I can see the film. The music pains a picture. One of the most moving & inspirational CDs I have ever listened to. Simply brilliant. I consider it the best soundtrack I have ever listened to. Very hghly recommended.
Hauntingly captivating - By: G. Simpson, 31 Oct 2006 One word, 'WOW', this was magnificent. If you are a fan of the movie, the second disc in this collection contains the famous quotes from the characters in the movie, Joaquin PHOENIX, Russell CROWE & the late great Richard HARRIS. The tempo is exactly the same, nothing in the musical content has been altered, only extended versions with the actors voice overs, "FATHER TO A MURDERED SON, HUSBAND TO A MURDERED WIFE, I WILL HAVE MY VENGENCE, IN THIS LIFE OR THE NEXT."
The first disc is the original release of the soundtrack. Usuallly, you have a few tracks that you do not care for, Gladiator contains the images you love, in the music.
Hans Zimmer, there are not many that can hold to your talent, my hat is off to you.
