Barnes & Noble
This fantasy adventure, based on author Philip Pullman's bestselling, award-winning novel, is set in an enchanting alternative world similar to Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. The musical score is by award-winning composer Alexandre Desplat (The Painted Veil, Syriana), with an end-title song written and performed by Kate Bush.
All Music Guide
For the children's fantasy adventure The Golden Compass, Alexandre Desplat delivers his most sweeping score to date -- this is music rich in ideas, approaches, and textures, and if at times it moves in too many opposing directions, it nevertheless derives consistency from the depth and purity of the composer's vision. Desplat's bold, richly appointed melodies are ideally matched to the symphonic grandeur of the arrangements -- the action themes crackle with energy and suspense, and even the more intimate moments benefit from the larger-than-life scale, underlining the epic drama of the onscreen narrative. Jason Ankeny