This is a true cinema masterpiece, however, as with Erotikon and Sherlock Jr to name just two, the soundtrack accompanying it is plainly and simply diabolical. I ended up turning it down as low as possible as it was a distraction rather than an enhancement.
Life isn't a rehearsal, so make this one your best performance
I really liked the KLT soundtrack, and I also see the film as utilizing many elements from the horror genre. (ominous atmosphere, mysterious characters, impending death/doom, ect.)
I have not seen the other version of the film. The fact that I love the organ as an stand alone instrument makes me very curious to hear/see both soundtracks.
i was flipping through the channels late last night and saw this movie. the whole reason it had really caught my attention was becasue of the music. i thought it was great.
Not sure of the specific soundtrack which was in the version I saw, but it did not spoil my viewing experience. The Phantom Carriage was brilliantly directed in storyline and characterisation.
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".
Just finished watching a TCM airing of this fantastic movie. I didn't catch the specifics about the new score, other than to note that it's from 1998. I LOVE the new score, think it's FANTASTIC, and consider it PERFECTLY suited to this movie! I enjoyed the score every bit as much as the movie. It's EXCEPTIONAL!
The TCM broadcast used the more traditional 1998 score by Matti Bye. The OP was probably referring to the 2008 score by the music group KTL that was specially recorded for the Region-2 DVD by Tartan Video. The upcoming Criterion DVD & Blu-ray will have both scores. Samples of the KTL score: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=phantom+carriage+ktl&a q=f
I now newly own a copy of the Criterion release of this movie that includes both of the scores. I can totally see why people hate the KTL score. I last night spot-checked various parts of the movie, playing it, and agree it's absolutely attrocious!
That's interesting! - I think the KTL score was flawless... expressing the movie's mood very right.
I fully agree with you. Perhaps it's a bit over the top at times, when some scenes don't really need "scary" music, but I loved it all the same. I'm glad that the DVD gives you the option of choosing, but I always watch it with the KTL score. I know it wasn't meant to be a horror movie, but it contains some of the most frightening scenes ever, right on the very top with -for instance- Nosferatu, and the contemporary music -IMHO- certainly improves the viewing.
Animal crackers in my soup Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
well, the soundtrack isn't necessarily the kind of "audio-illustration" that follows every scene registering it's mood automatically; especially in a silent movies, it rather works as its "resounding concept". That's the reason I prefer the KTL version definitely.
I turned the score (KTL) off after about 10 minutes, it was doing my head in and felt really jarring with the mood that I felt the film needed. Not having listened to it all the way though, I can't say if it improved, which is possible, or even if it's a good piece of music in it's own right, which is also possible, but I was happy not to have it with me as I watched the film.
You probably put it on high volume that may ruin the experience. The score should be on a low volume, then you may appreciate it. He who has ears to hear, let him hear...