James Newton Howard is one of the best out there right now, and this is him at the top of his game. Worth buying just for the five minutes of score we all heard last year in DINOSAUR's extended, no-dialogue preview. But that was literally just the beginning.

If you enjoyed Hans Zimmer's LION KING or POWER OF ONE, you will most definitely enjoy this CD... a thrilling mix of prehistoric rhythms and full-blooded orchestral writing, with hands down one of the most exciting action themes of recent memory (heard in full glory halfway through track 7, "Raptors / Stand Together").

A major work in film scoring from a composer who keeps getting better and better.


A Breathtaking score.... simply stunning!   July 9, 2000
Kelly (Alemeda whatever) (Kansas)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Simply put this is the most wonderful score I have heard since "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", another Disney movie. I may be a huge Disney fan but I won't hesitate to admit when their work is less than stellar. For example Mulan had a wonderful score but weak songs, and Hercules had cute songs, but a weak score. Anyway, this score is simply brilliant. Although there is not a single track on here with lyrics it does not matter. This is one of the most soaring awe inspiring, uplifting, sometimes even spooky (as in Raptors/Stand together) scores ever. I have not heard much of Howard's other work, save the sixth sense, but if it's anywhere near as good as this it's worth checking out. The best track by far is across the desert. A piece with a complex and pulsating rhythm that you simply canot get out of your head. Other highlights include the upbeat "The Courtship," The touching "Inner Sanctum" and the majestic "The egg Travels." Many of the tracks are backed by vocals performed by Lebo M. who supplied background cvocals in The Lion King. This really adds to it. If this score does not win best original score... WIN! I will completely lose faith in the academy.


Missing Track   October 9, 2006
Sigoriev (USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Note to buyers:
Some versions of this soundtrack contain an extra track called: "Can Somebody Tell Me Who I Am" performed by Orange Blue which is usually track number 2, but does not appear in every version. This track is used at the very end of the film, and is actually orchestrated quite nicely. It is definately something to look for when buying!


Magnificent--One of Howard's Best!   June 5, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Long after the weak script and not-too-revolutionary visuals of Disney's "Dinosaur" have vanished from your memory, one item remains--James Newton Howard's wonderful score. Even from the opening sequence, I was hooked by Howard's simple yet incredibly moving score (and was not disappointed one bit as the movie finished). "Inner Sanctum/The Nesting Grounds" and "The Egg Travels," not to mention "Raptors/Stand Together" and "Across the Desert," are some of the best tracks on the disc. I thought after Howard's haunting "Sixth Sense" and incredibly moving "Snow Falling On Cedars" scores, he could not possibly top himself. Well, he hasn't...but "Dinosaur" is just as equally moving and beautiful to listen to as his some of his best work. And his teaming with Lebo M ("The Courtship" is oozing with M's African-inspired touch) makes it all that more effective. Despite it's eerie similarities to numerous John Williams' scores (namely "Star Wars: Episode 1", "Jaws", and quite ironically, "Jurassic Park"), "Dinosaur" still manages to offer something that is a must for all scores--it can stand on its own apart from the film. I listen to the music and am reminded of the sequences and scenes of "Dinosaur," but it's not necessary to have seen the film to be moved by Howard's gorgeous music. He's just that good of a composer. Buy this CD--you will love it.