Soundtracks Reviews

Soundtrack Review: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (The Complete Recordings)

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 18, 2007, 23:27 GMT

This five-disc set caps off the "complete recordings" series, which offers extensive versions of Howard Shore\'s score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The main problem lays in its being the last installment: Most of the main characters, along with their themes, have been introduced in the previous two sets, creating a certain sense of familiarity. But there is still plenty to please fans here, and then some. Though ...more

The Lord of the Rings trilogy from director Peter Jackson has an unseen character that populates each film.  Although you’ve never seen it, you’ve definitely heard it.  If you thought I was talking about Hobbit number one, Peter Jackson, then you’d be wrong.  Howard Shore’s fabulous soundtrack has been the audio accompaniment to one of the greatest film trilogies in cinematic history. 

Return of the King marks the final release in the epic “complete recordings” series from the films.  We get to hear every lick of music that Shore composed for the final film and the tracks are full of majesty, adventure, and a whole host of other emotions.  It may also bring disappointment in the fact that this is the final installment (save for the Hobbit if that ever gets out of development hell and Shore is asked back) in this grand musical achievement. 

However, don’t pity Shore too much since he took home booty from his plundering (3 Oscars, 4 Grammy Awards, and 2 Golden Globes) – all well deserved.  His work in Return of the King and the rest is stunning. 

This set contains the entire score of Return of the King, totaling nearly four hours, across four CDs with a fifth containing a DVD-audio version in surround sound.  There are also liner notes from Doug Adams (author of the forthcoming book Music of the Lord of the Rings). 

This set is an excellent topper to a fine sonic achievement and well worth the price.