by Me. @filmscorefans
In college, I should have majored in movie trailers. This was before Youtube and the cloud, so countless hours and gigs were spent downloading these expensive commercials onto my computer. Had I known they'd all be made available on IMDB just a few short years later, I could have actually done well in college. Don't get me wrong, I did OK, but I'm pretty sure I was considered the dumb one in my circle of friends. Thanks a lot www.movie-list.com.
But it was an easy trap to fall into. Film advertising experienced a renaissance in the early 2000's. Trust me, this era was the first time you ever heard someone say, "The trailer was better than the movie." Go back and watch some trailers from the 80's and 90's. They look like they just patched together scraps from the editing room floor. Apparently, I'm a trailer snob. Is that a thing?
But it was an easy trap to fall into. Film advertising experienced a renaissance in the early 2000's. Trust me, this era was the first time you ever heard someone say, "The trailer was better than the movie." Go back and watch some trailers from the 80's and 90's. They look like they just patched together scraps from the editing room floor. Apparently, I'm a trailer snob. Is that a thing?
I found their choice of title font quite pretentious.
So what makes up a great trailer? Glad you asked. I've done extensive research. (See the paragraph about college above.) I think it comes down to a few things: The music. The music. And then, a little pinch of music.
Today, trailers have original scores written for them. Companies like X-Ray Dog, Immediate Music, and Two Steps From Hell seem to dominate the business. I say good for them. There's some great stuff out there. But, part of me just loves it when a production company goes into their library and finds some older film music that can be put to good use.
Want to take a trip down memory lane? Here we go. Here are some of the best film trailers that feature fantastic use of music. The producer on each of these films has earned a high five!
Today, trailers have original scores written for them. Companies like X-Ray Dog, Immediate Music, and Two Steps From Hell seem to dominate the business. I say good for them. There's some great stuff out there. But, part of me just loves it when a production company goes into their library and finds some older film music that can be put to good use.
Want to take a trip down memory lane? Here we go. Here are some of the best film trailers that feature fantastic use of music. The producer on each of these films has earned a high five!
INTERSTELLAR
What You're Hearing: Evey Reborn from V For Vendetta by Dario Marianelli
This is the trailer that got me thinking about the great impact music can have in trailers. I no longer spend my free time (and class time) watching them like I did in college. But, I must have watched this one 10 times the first day it came out.
When I first saw V For Vendetta, I was completely caught off guard by the music. I expected Don Davis, but got so much more. The scene where Evey steps out onto the balcony in the rain gave me chills. In my opinion: no great acting, directing, or writing was to blame. That music was just perfect. So often, I hear music that builds, and builds, and builds.... and then subsides because that's what the scene calls for. Not this time. Marianelli is set loose and the orchestra gets take this cue to it's fullest potential.
When I bought the album, I listened to the track called "Valerie." My memory of the film was a little off, so I thought I had just listened to balcony scene. I was disapointed. Why had the music hit me so hard in the film but seemed so different on the album? The answer is that I'm stupid. The next track (the correct one) came on and immediately destroyed my emotional well-being. I balled. Got a problem with that? Great music deserves something as strong as a laughter or tears. Talk about repeating something... that track was on automatic repeat for the next month.
This is the trailer that got me thinking about the great impact music can have in trailers. I no longer spend my free time (and class time) watching them like I did in college. But, I must have watched this one 10 times the first day it came out.
When I first saw V For Vendetta, I was completely caught off guard by the music. I expected Don Davis, but got so much more. The scene where Evey steps out onto the balcony in the rain gave me chills. In my opinion: no great acting, directing, or writing was to blame. That music was just perfect. So often, I hear music that builds, and builds, and builds.... and then subsides because that's what the scene calls for. Not this time. Marianelli is set loose and the orchestra gets take this cue to it's fullest potential.
When I bought the album, I listened to the track called "Valerie." My memory of the film was a little off, so I thought I had just listened to balcony scene. I was disapointed. Why had the music hit me so hard in the film but seemed so different on the album? The answer is that I'm stupid. The next track (the correct one) came on and immediately destroyed my emotional well-being. I balled. Got a problem with that? Great music deserves something as strong as a laughter or tears. Talk about repeating something... that track was on automatic repeat for the next month.
Pearl Harbor
What You're Hearing: Journey To the Line from The Thin Red Line by Hans Zimmer
Recommended by @Gleason4plus5
I want my $10 back. I blame this teaser. I thought I was in for an epic and serious look at the attack that brought America into World War II. I got one of the strangest love triangle movies ever.
But when Hans Zimmer does it right, he does it right. This track is one amazing slow build. He makes you wait, and wait, and then wait some more. And it is worth every moment.
Recommended by @Gleason4plus5
I want my $10 back. I blame this teaser. I thought I was in for an epic and serious look at the attack that brought America into World War II. I got one of the strangest love triangle movies ever.
But when Hans Zimmer does it right, he does it right. This track is one amazing slow build. He makes you wait, and wait, and then wait some more. And it is worth every moment.
Star Trek
What You're Hearing: Freedom Fighters by Two Steps From Hell
As discussed before, I'm a Trek fan. So when this came out, I was completely blown away. I was one of those folks frantically searching the Youtube comment sections for the name of the tune. It was my first experience with Two Steps From Hell, and I totally dig almost everything I've heard from them. Some might call it simple and exploitative. I just call it honest movie fun.
And how about the lines they chose to feature? "You're father was captain of a starship for 12 minutes..." "Yeah we do." "Fire everything!!" Probably one of my favorite trailers ever. It made me a believer in the JJ-verse.
P.S. - Every time I do anything, I now run my hands through my hair and stare at someone like Sulu.
As discussed before, I'm a Trek fan. So when this came out, I was completely blown away. I was one of those folks frantically searching the Youtube comment sections for the name of the tune. It was my first experience with Two Steps From Hell, and I totally dig almost everything I've heard from them. Some might call it simple and exploitative. I just call it honest movie fun.
And how about the lines they chose to feature? "You're father was captain of a starship for 12 minutes..." "Yeah we do." "Fire everything!!" Probably one of my favorite trailers ever. It made me a believer in the JJ-verse.
P.S. - Every time I do anything, I now run my hands through my hair and stare at someone like Sulu.
Superman returns
What You're Hearing: The Planet Krypton from Superman by John Williams
I'm embarrassed to say that this trailer was my introduction to this cue from the original Superman film. Of course, I knew the main title and love theme, but I had never given the full score much attention. They couldn't have picked a better cue for this mess of a random clip show. It clearly got the message across: this is the Superman you remember. Just... it doesn't look as silly as something from the 1970s. The trailer completely convinced me that this would be the best superhero movie ever. Cannot lose.
How'd that work out? Lois Lane wants to marry Cyclops. Wait.. wah...??
I'm embarrassed to say that this trailer was my introduction to this cue from the original Superman film. Of course, I knew the main title and love theme, but I had never given the full score much attention. They couldn't have picked a better cue for this mess of a random clip show. It clearly got the message across: this is the Superman you remember. Just... it doesn't look as silly as something from the 1970s. The trailer completely convinced me that this would be the best superhero movie ever. Cannot lose.
How'd that work out? Lois Lane wants to marry Cyclops. Wait.. wah...??
The Old Republic
What You're Hearing: John Williams themes masterfully edited together.
I'm a recovering gamer. I got out right before the graphics became amazing and video games became cool. Perfect timing. I stopped with the Gamecube, but the last PC game I really got into was the original Knights of the Old Republic. Jeremy Soule's score for this game was revolutionary to me. Full orchestra, and altered by gameplay. I spent hours trying to find recordings of this score by any means necessary. Bastilla's theme - get to know it.
But, this trailer for the MMO folllow up, seemed to say they were taking things to a whole new level. I've never played the game, or even seen one second of gameplay footage. I prefer a trusty broom handle as my make believe light saber. But I imagine it has to be great. Unless this is the beginning of the "trailer was better than the game" era?
I'm a recovering gamer. I got out right before the graphics became amazing and video games became cool. Perfect timing. I stopped with the Gamecube, but the last PC game I really got into was the original Knights of the Old Republic. Jeremy Soule's score for this game was revolutionary to me. Full orchestra, and altered by gameplay. I spent hours trying to find recordings of this score by any means necessary. Bastilla's theme - get to know it.
But, this trailer for the MMO folllow up, seemed to say they were taking things to a whole new level. I've never played the game, or even seen one second of gameplay footage. I prefer a trusty broom handle as my make believe light saber. But I imagine it has to be great. Unless this is the beginning of the "trailer was better than the game" era?
Inception
What You're Hearing: BWAAAAAAAHHH. (The Dream Is Collapsing)
Recommended by: @TebogoSRZ
Like it or hate it, it spawned a new standard for sound in film trailers.
Recommended by: @TebogoSRZ
Like it or hate it, it spawned a new standard for sound in film trailers.
Lord of the Rings: return of the King
What You're Hearing: Howard Shore themes masterfully edited together.
I think this trilogy's music is the Star Wars of my generation. For most film score fans anyway. Each time a new movie came out, we were absolutely going to experience a continuation of the themes we loved, but also be introduced into new material for new characters and plot lines. This trailer stuck out in my mind because it is the first time I heard Gondor's theme. After the Hobbits, the Fellowship, Saruman, Rohan, and countless others... I wasn't sure that Howard Shore had another "hit" in him. I new it would be good, but how could one film series include MORE amazing themes? Star Wars and Harry Potter were that reliable. And this trailer proved to me that LOTR belongs in that amazing company.
I think this trilogy's music is the Star Wars of my generation. For most film score fans anyway. Each time a new movie came out, we were absolutely going to experience a continuation of the themes we loved, but also be introduced into new material for new characters and plot lines. This trailer stuck out in my mind because it is the first time I heard Gondor's theme. After the Hobbits, the Fellowship, Saruman, Rohan, and countless others... I wasn't sure that Howard Shore had another "hit" in him. I new it would be good, but how could one film series include MORE amazing themes? Star Wars and Harry Potter were that reliable. And this trailer proved to me that LOTR belongs in that amazing company.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
What You're Hearing: mix of Cliff Eidelman's score
Recommended by @ScottDavid_34
My favorite Trek score. My favorite Trek movie. Had to be included. Just a great mix of original music from the film. Enough said.
Recommended by @ScottDavid_34
My favorite Trek score. My favorite Trek movie. Had to be included. Just a great mix of original music from the film. Enough said.
The Man of Steel
What You're Hearing: Original Music, sounds a lot like "What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World?"
Superman did it to me again. Just about 7 years in the past, another trailer mentioned above convinced me that I was in for the greatest movie all time. This one had Christopher Nolan and an even better trailer going for it.
This was another video that sent me directly to the Youtube comment sections, but no information on the music could be found. It was Erik Woods over at (the amazing) www.cinematicsound.net that let me know it was original music from Zimmer. Oh sweet! An entire score that sounds like this? Sign me up. This score and film would be beyond epic , plus just as well written, directed, and shot as the Dark Knight Trilogy. Cannot lose.
How did that work out? Superman kills millions, and then breaks the dude's neck to save one family. Makes sense.
Superman did it to me again. Just about 7 years in the past, another trailer mentioned above convinced me that I was in for the greatest movie all time. This one had Christopher Nolan and an even better trailer going for it.
This was another video that sent me directly to the Youtube comment sections, but no information on the music could be found. It was Erik Woods over at (the amazing) www.cinematicsound.net that let me know it was original music from Zimmer. Oh sweet! An entire score that sounds like this? Sign me up. This score and film would be beyond epic , plus just as well written, directed, and shot as the Dark Knight Trilogy. Cannot lose.
How did that work out? Superman kills millions, and then breaks the dude's neck to save one family. Makes sense.
Superman and I have a lot of things to iron out. It's been a rocky relationship.
But how do you tell a guy that can burn a hole in your head with his eyes... that HE needs to change?
Also... is light saber one word or two?
But how do you tell a guy that can burn a hole in your head with his eyes... that HE needs to change?
Also... is light saber one word or two?
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