Incredible Soundtrack #19: Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (Kamen)

The music attached to a film creates the environment, I believe, moreso than the literal environment depicted through the visuals...

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was discussed only within the last year when Ridley Scotts versio of Robin Hood was released. One thing which Scott's version did not have - was a good soundtrack. Michael Kamen's score for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is immediately recognisable. Even now, prior to every Disney film, the theme rings over the Disney titles. Or at least all my Blu-Ray's start with this music.

1. Overture and a Prisoner of the Crusades - This is the song which is used in the Disney openings. In the film, it plays over a very slow pan across the Bayeux Tapestry. Wihtout music, it could appear boring and uninteresting ... but with this epic music it gives the 2D tapestry life and energy. As if history may appear flat and 2D, the reality is that it was filled with adventure and excitement. A brilliant start to the film.




7. Marian at the Waterfall - Back in 2002 I purchased a CD which included a broad range of tracks from Universal soundtracks. I vividly remember seeing this track 'from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' and, as I didn't have the soundtrack at the time, I was keen to have tracks from the soundtrack. It was not the song I thought, but a sweeter, sensitive version of the love theme from the film. The more I listened the more I enjoyed the almot-tudor sound to the music.




9. Everything I Do (I Do It For You) (Bryan Adams) - How many weeks was this at the Number #1 spot for? It spent sixteen weeks at the number #1 spot in the UK and it has been covered by artists including Hank Marvin, Henry Mancini, Brandy and Faith Hill and Katherine Jenkins. And The Wombats. A great song and, the original, played during the credits remains strong... but, personally, for a long time I got Kevin Costner and Bryan Adams mixed up.