Jurassic Park III

Composer: Don Davis (Original Themes by John Williams)
Lable (Release Year): Decca (2001)
Availability: ****
Rating: ***1/2

There is no surprise that John Williams does not continue his Jurassic Park franchise, especially when Steven Spielberg is not directing the third installment (and busy working with Williams on A.I.). After some twists and turns, Don Davis got the nod from Williams and took on the project. I am not particularly a Don Davis fan (yet) but I am a big fan of his scores to the The Warriors of Virtue and The Matrix. My expectation for him is neither high or low. Davis has a tough task of picking up where the maestro left off and I think he did a good job.

Davis actually picked up where Jurassic Park left off rather than The Lost World. None of the themes and motifs from The Lost World were used and not to mention those jungle rhythm. The two major themes from Jurassic Park were used quite often in JP III. David also composed a theme of his own for the new characters. The CD starts off with "Isla Sorna Sailing Situation". It has a Williams type ominous feel. Angelic choir was used as the backdrop to strengthen the mysterious atmosphere. The triumphant theme (not the lyrical main theme) from JP also appears briefly in several places. Then the triumphant theme makes its full symphonic appearance in "The Dinosaur Fly-By". It sounds similar to the original with a slightly different arrangement. "Cooper's Last Stand" is a short but quite exciting piece with blasting horns. The triumphant theme appears briefly once again. Also, the chaotic style from The Matrix can be heard briefly in the middle. "The Raptor Room" starts with a peaceful angelic music but suddenly turns into another bombastic action cue and subsequently carries onto "Raptor Repartee". Also, the JP theme appears for the first time briefly at the end. After a sequence of action cues, the French horn section introduces a new lyrical lullaby type theme in "Tree People." I call it the "Kirby Family Theme." "Pteranodon Habitat" is a rather low key ominous track and the family theme appears briefly once again. The bombastic action cues returns in "Tiny Pecking Pteranodons" and "Billy Oblivion". More techniques used in the The Matrix can be heard clearly: the quick tonguing trumpets, chaotic horns, etc. In addition, there are moments that resemble John Williams' tone. The JP main theme is quoted fully for the first time in "Brachiosaurus On The Back". It, naturally, reminds me of the track "My Friend, The Brachiosaurus" from the original Jurassic Park soundtrack. After a long built up, the family theme makes a grand symphonic entry in "Nash Calling." It is no doubt a highlight. Despite being the longest, "Bone Man Ben" is not the most interesting track except for the last minute. At the end, an uplifting march rendition of the triumphant theme can be heard. It is an intelligent and vivid rendition. The CD is worth checking out just for it. "Frenzy Fuselage" and "Clash of Extinction" are bombastic action cues similar to "Tiny Pecking Pteranodons". The Last track "The Hat Returns/End Credits" is the grand reprise of the Jurassic Park theme, the march rendition of the triumphant theme, and the family theme. By the way, JP3 is neither a Disney or family film, so I don't know what in the world is Randy Newman's playful song doing in it. It just doesn't match Davis' score.

In general, Davis used John Williams' themes adequately and the variations are excellent. At the same time, he created a new theme for the Kirby family that stands out among the 2 original themes. It is rousing & bombastic and has its memorable moments. However, I still like The Matrix or The Warriors of Virtue more. Also, they are more memorable as an entirety then JP3. Nonetheless, it in definitely worth checking out and great effort of him can clearly be felt.

The bonus enhanced CD materials are rather uninteresting. They contain, trailers, photos, a dino chart, and an amazingly short (200 words?) interview with Don Davis.



    Track Listing:
  1. Isla Sorna Sailing Situation (4:23)
  2. The Dinosaur Fly-By (2:15)
  3. Cooper's Last Stand (2:01)
  4. The Raptor Room (2:35)
  5. Raptor Repartee (3:06)
  6. Three People (2:04)
  7. Pteranodon Habitat (3:04)
  8. Tiny Pecking Pteranodons (3:38)
  9. Billy Oblivion (2:51)
  10. Brachiosaurus On The Bank (2:07)
  11. Nash Calling (3:38)
  12. Bone Man Ben (7:20)
  13. Frenzy Fuselage (4:01)
  14. Clash of Extinction (1:42)
  15. The Hat Returns/End Credits (5:10)
  16. Randy Newman - Big Hat, No Cattle (4:26)
    Total Time: 54:21
Review Date: 7/11/01

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