Casino Royale Vinyl Review

Casino Royale reinvigorated a franchise to keep the iconic 007 fresh for new audiences and a new generation. Returning to the composer role is now long-time Bond composer David Arnold.

Like the filmmakers, Arnold’s score took a restrained approach to help shape the journey of this new James Bond. It was a reset not only on the franchise, but the character of James Bond which was reflected in the music. If you contrast Casino Royale to Arnold’s score to Tomorrow Never Dies, you get an entirely different listening experience. Equally satisfying I might add, but giving us an entirely different feel to the Bond character.

In Casino Royale we get mere glimpses of the James Bond theme throughout the film as the character slowly grows into the role. It culminates in an absolutely glorious orchestration of the James Bond theme in the track ‘The Names Bond, James Bond’ which cements the character as having earned his stripes. The earlier restraint in the film makes that moment even more powerful.

The other aspect of Bond’s character that is explored in new ways is Bond’s vulnerability. We see an entirely different side of Bond than we have before. Sure he’s fallen in love in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, but we never saw this type of raw emotion before. Arnold supports that incredible performance with a beautiful love theme.

This action-packed film gets a tremendously vibrant and kinetic score that makes your heart pump with exuberant brass that feels both classic and modern. Scenes of characters playing a card game are given an intense emotional weight through expertly crafted tension.

This score really has it all musically.

Links to the media:

Casino Royale Vinyl Soundtrack: https://amzn.to/2XfIC1Q

Casino Royale 4k Bluray: https://amzn.to/3aKesa5

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