Walt Disney

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Toy Story. Randy Newman wrote for the score for this 1995 classic. As the first feature length Pixar film, this one is often most remembered for its striking visuals. What is often overlooked is the great contribution Newman made with his score. Newman really nails it by emulating the great storytelling on the screen. The film was joint effort between Disney and Pixar. Up to this point, a kids film associate with Disney with an almost entirely orchestral score was unheard of. Bucking the trend worked well and the film is better for it.

The genius of Newman here is he manages to make the score highly programmatic without being cartoonish. He takes it from thinly score and subtle to driving, heavy, and dramatic within an instant. This is a favorite of ours. Enjoy!

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Toy Story on Amazon

Toy Story on iTunes

The Incredibles (Widescreen Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Starring Craig Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Sarah Vowell

Buy on Amazon

This week on Film Score Friday we listen to the score from The Incredibles. This Michael Giacchino score was his first collaboration with Pixar. Before we dig into this score, we have to share something sad. The great Michael Kamen was originally set to score this film. He passed away around the time of production. Although we would have loved one more Kamen score, Giacchino made a masterpiece with this one.

The film takes cues from 1960s films like James Bond. The score takes this same approach of feel with bright brass and jazz elements. In the same way Goldfinger alternates between straight and swing at times, The Incredibles moves effortlessly between both motifs. The score emulates all the best parts of a James Bond score while still creating something new.

“Brad wanted that analog sound...that sixties kind of a sound. Brass definitely does sound better on tape than it does on digital. ”

— The film recording engineer on the sound, Brad Bird, the director wanted

The score is think in a good way with 8 Horns and 2 Tubas plus the usual players. Rick Baptist plays lead Trumpet on this score and wails. He talked in later interviews about how much fun this score was and it comes through in his playing.

Is The Incredibles your favorite Pixar score? Let us know in the comments.

Mentioned in this Post

The Incredibles on Amazon

The Incredibles on iTunes