DVDizzy Forum

In regards to the songs, I'm just gonna wait for the movie as well.

The only one I've heard is We Know The Way, since it's in the trailer, and I watched the clip on YouTube as well. I agree that it sounds like a Phil Collins song from Brother Bear, which I'm generally not a fan of. Though I don't find the lyrics nearly as cringe-worthy, so that's a plus?

But hey, I'm a pretty big fan of the songs from Princess and the Frog, so maybe I'll have the opposite reaction as the rest of you guys.... I've never heard anything from Hamilton or anything else from Miranda, so I'll be going into it not really knowing what to expect.

- Spanish version of "How Far I'll Go": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsI7co5OWtg

- The version of "We Know The Way" performed at the premiere (features the extra lines that were recently posted on Te Vaka's Facebook page): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbUvuhwyy9k

- Featurettes about the film's songs:
. Disney’s Moana – Behind the Scenes: Rythm Of The Culture
. Disney’s Moana – Behind the Scenes: We Know the Way
. Disney’s Moana – Behind the Scenes: How Far I'll Go

- Some new footage in these videos:
. Disney’s 'Moana' | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8vYFG6C2qg
. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGFzgS2JtIs
. https://www.instagram.com/p/BM7vI38A36z/

- New stills:
. http://img1.c.yinyuetai.com/user/editor ... 10_0x0.jpg
. http://img1.oss.ifensi.com/2016/1117/20 ... 747698.jpg
. http://img1.oss.ifensi.com/2016/1117/20 ... 745623.jpg
. http://img1.oss.ifensi.com/2016/1117/20 ... 853736.jpg
. http://img1.oss.ifensi.com/2016/1117/20 ... 717197.jpg

- Two drawings by Jin Kim: http://cosmoanimato.tumblr.com/post/153 ... ky-to-be-a

- Drawings by John Musker and Tom Bancroft:
. https://www.instagram.com/p/BM698ioAS8K/
. https://www.instagram.com/p/BM6t_F4ATqC/

- Video of the Moana art on display at Walt Disney Studios: https://www.instagram.com/p/BM70lpEhaGN/

- "The Art of Moana" book review (includes photos and a video): http://www.parkablogs.com/content/book- ... t-of-moana

After relistening to everything about twice now, I think my appreciation for LLM's songs here definitely has been growing. I keep on noticing new things within the lyrics and compositions with each new listen. One distinct thing I've definitely come to admire is how authentic Auli'i Cravalho's voice is for her character. Yes, her delivery isn't pitch-perfect all the time, but I think that's the point. She's supposed to come off as an inexperienced teenager who is unsure of herself during the first "How Far I'll Go", and then as her character develops and the soundtrack progresses her singing voice noticeably gains control and power. At least, I think that's the point, given what I've heard about the storyline. If she was Broadway-veteran-quality in her first song like most other Disney princesses, the emotional impact of the reprise of "How Far I'll Go" as well "I Am Moana" would definitely be lessened.

Yeah, I'll now embrace the idea that I adore this soundtrack, and I'm unashamed. I was afraid of coming off as a shallow fangirl before, but I don't care anymore. Sure, there's no "Let it Go"-esque showstopper song that soars above the rest of the soundtrack, but I'm glad. Everyone who I've seen talk about the soundtrack seems to have a differing opinion on what the best song from it is, and that's because most of the songs are worthwhile and meaningful, much like the best 90s-era Disney musicals. Plus, judging by reviews I'm sure the songs will be only elevated by the visuals. I almost regret listening to the soundtrack before seeing it in theatres, which is something I didn't feel when I listened to the Frozen soundtrack before seeing that in theatres. There are definite moments in Moana's soundtrack that I wish I could have been surprised by, but it's too late for that now.

blackcauldron85 wrote: I thought Hans Zimmer worked on TLK, & Mark Mancina did Tarzan & Brother Bear...(but TLK score is pretty magnificent).

Mark Mancina actually was part of TLK's music department and apparently arranged some of the songs/score. So, he is probably part of the reason why TLK's score is so magnificent. It's no wonder he was hired to do Tarzan after that.

Disney's secrets to creating living volcano Te Ká in 'Moana'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heb4OwigfIM

A look at how Disney gave water a little sass in 'Moana'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NldkLGYYJKg

How Disney's 'Moana' created water for its most effects-filled film ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HG8IA-2TI

Tangled wrote:Mark Mancina actually was part of TLK's music department and apparently arranged some of the songs/score. So, he is probably part of the reason why TLK's score is so magnificent. It's no wonder he was hired to do Tarzan after that.

Oooh! I had no idea! Thanks!

So I am listening to the soundtrack, namely the outtakes.

And call me crazy, but I think the cut song "More" (link) would have been the better I want song over "How Far I'll Go". Although I do appreciate the genuineness and vulnerability of the latter, I think the melody is less memorable than "More".

Tangled wrote:After relistening to everything about twice now, I think my appreciation for LLM's songs here definitely has been growing. I keep on noticing new things within the lyrics and compositions with each new listen. One distinct thing I've definitely come to admire is how authentic Auli'i Cravalho's voice is for her character. Yes, her delivery isn't pitch-perfect all the time, but I think that's the point. She's supposed to come off as an inexperienced teenager who is unsure of herself during the first "How Far I'll Go", and then as her character develops and the soundtrack progresses her singing voice noticeably gains control and power. At least, I think that's the point, given what I've heard about the storyline. If she was Broadway-veteran-quality in her first song like most other Disney princesses, the emotional impact of the reprise of "How Far I'll Go" as well "I Am Moana" would definitely be lessened.

Yeah, I'll now embrace the idea that I adore this soundtrack, and I'm unashamed. I was afraid of coming off as a shallow fangirl before, but I don't care anymore. Sure, there's no "Let it Go"-esque showstopper song that soars above the rest of the soundtrack, but I'm glad. Everyone who I've seen talk about the soundtrack seems to have a differing opinion on what the best song from it is, and that's because most of the songs are worthwhile and meaningful, much like the best 90s-era Disney musicals. Plus, judging by reviews I'm sure the songs will be only elevated by the visuals. I almost regret listening to the soundtrack before seeing it in theatres, which is something I didn't feel when I listened to the Frozen soundtrack before seeing that in theatres. There are definite moments in Moana's soundtrack that I wish I could have been surprised by, but it's too late for that now.

blackcauldron85 wrote: I thought Hans Zimmer worked on TLK, & Mark Mancina did Tarzan & Brother Bear...(but TLK score is pretty magnificent).

Mark Mancina actually was part of TLK's music department and apparently arranged some of the songs/score. So, he is probably part of the reason why TLK's score is so magnificent. It's no wonder he was hired to do Tarzan after that.

I agree. I think the best thing I can say about his songs is that they demand to be heard more than once, but I think it's going to be one of those Disney movies where the songs work really well in context of the movie, rather than on a soundtrack.

Tangled wrote:I know that the focus is on Lin-Manuel Miranda, but Mark Mancina was truly the winner of the soundtrack here. His score is exquisitely peak 90s-Disney while still fitting the setting perfectly. It met my expectations from his excellent work on Tarzan. I also forgot how much I missed backing choirs. The orchestrations are what definitely elevated the songs beyond Tangled and most of Frozen for me personally. In my opinion, Tangled suffered from struggling to find a musical identity while Frozen just felt like it was playing it safe while only having one really good, standout song (Let it Go, which itself suffered from being in the first third of the film. No musical number past that could remotely compare to that scene). Meanwhile, Moana’s music all fits well together, songs and score, and it seems to knowingly save the best for later on in the film.

Agreed. I remember reading or hearing a comment from someone who felt a clear tonal shift (though I remember it as "shit's about to happen") when "Let It Go" started to play, as there was no piano track up until that very moment. The Moana soundtrack is thankfully quite cohesive in comparison, especially through its repetitions ("Where you are" → "We know where we are, We know who we are" → "Do you know who you are" → "This is not who you are", etc.) and reprises.

Musical Master wrote:I agree. I think the best thing I can say about his songs is that they demand to be heard more than once, but I think it's going to be one of those Disney movies where the songs work really well in context of the movie, rather than on a soundtrack.

Pretty much this. I was disappointed with the lack of a showstopper at first, but I'm liking it much more upon repeat listens.
Still don't think "We Know The Way" holds a candle to "The Circle of Life" or "He Mele No Lilo" or "Vuelie" though, if those are even comparable.

I'm warming up to "You're Welcome", but for once I actually prefer the pop (R&B?) version to the movie version. I didn't even realize The Rock rapped in the movie version.

I spent the whole weekend listening to the songs... and while I have softened up to some, it also went the other way around.

So I didn't listen to the whole soundtrack, just the big pieces.

1. Where you are
2. How far I'll go
3. We know the way
4. How Far I'll go reprise
5. You're Welcome
6. Shiny


So I actually like "Where You Are" the most, along with the reprise of How Far I'll go.... I'm starting to soften up to "How Far I'll go" and I guess "You're welcome" is okay.


Shiny is just bad.... I mean... the lyrics are just so bad.. Like how were they approved??

Maui!
Now it's time to kick your hiney
Ever seen someone so Shiny

I will sparkle like a wealthy woman's nec, Just a sec

Like... WHAT??!! Seriously, those lyrics were approved and recorded and produced.

How I miss Stephen Schwartz and Howard Ashman.

Anyways, in some miraculous way, the movie is coming Nov. 24 in the UAE! The only Middle East country to get it at the same time as the US (others are releasing it mid-december). So I can't wait to see it!

Yeah there is just no excuse for Shiny.

It's really, really bad. I read a review referring to it as the movie's Be Our Guest... lol

Having listened to the soundtrack a few times I'd have to say I warmed up most to "I Am Moana". Well written and beautifully sung. The standout for me.

Disney's 'Moana' helping women animators make strides
http://www.freep.com/story/entertainmen ... /94020146/
(via animationguildblog.blogspot.com)

Warm Regards wrote:And call me crazy, but I think the cut song "More" would have been the better I want song over "How Far I'll Go". Although I do appreciate the genuineness and vulnerability of the latter, I think the melody is less memorable than "More".

The song has a catchy tune but it's a mess structurally. Characters interrupt Moana's singing, there are abrupt shifts and stops, and random rapping. That's why I prefer the "More" reprise. Incidentally, it's the only song from the outtakes that I enjoyed. The others are absolutely horrible and were rightfully cut.

PatrickvD wrote:Having listened to the soundtrack a few times I'd have to say I warmed up most to "I Am Moana". Well written and beautifully sung. The standout for me.

I think it's going to be the standout for everyone. Reprises always leave an impression. Even though towards the end Cravalho gets a little off-key and yell-y, it's the most captivating track in the soundtrack.

- New TV spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV20vfNzw1w

- New promo clip: https://twitter.com/DisneyMoana/status/ ... 5017780225

- Interview with Moana screenwriter Jared Bush at D23 Destination D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZurGeED87Zk

- Scans from the soundtrack booklet: http://dj066rapunz3l.tumblr.com/post/15 ... out-how-to#

- More Moana paintings for the Gallery Nucleus’ An Art Tribute to the Disney Films of Ron Clements and John Musker:
' http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/featur ... a#/slide/1
' https://twitter.com/DisneyInsider/statu ... 09?lang=es
' https://www.instagram.com/p/BM-Y_gwhzL7/
' https://www.instagram.com/p/BMexNkJBIN7/
' https://www.instagram.com/p/BM9Hz6ihDiv/
' https://www.instagram.com/p/BNBKHKBFp-U/
' https://www.instagram.com/p/BNBSnDql_Nc/

- Third and last Moana-themed plane unveiled: http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/3375 ... d-makeover

To give my thoughts about the soundtrack: I've already stated what I thought of the songs, so I will practically repeat myself. But it's funny that those which I expected to like least (You're Welcome and Shiny), are the ones who I actually ended up to like the most (despite that it's embarassing to admit to like the latter). Where You Are is disappointingly generic, as is We Know The Way. How Far I'll Go would've been at least better if it was played in a F chord through the whole song (as the last part of the song was). The opening chant, Tulou Tagaloa, is amazing, though I wonder if it must be a Te Waka song which wasn't written for the movie in the first place. I Am Moana and Know Who You Are are okay, though, despite the first part of the former being too sappy.

But what's even more disappointing is the score itself. I actually like Mark Mancina and he did a fine job with the score's for Tarzan and Brother Bear. But after listening to the entire score, I find most of the cues quite underwhelming. But perhaps the good cues are still in the movie. The sore is obviously more rooted in Polynesian music, more so than Frozen was with it's source material (and yes, I've ranted about that before, but Frozen's awfully generic score truly missed it). And yes, the chants does truly remind me of those in The Lion King, though it may seem shallow, but still (and to nitpick folks, let's not forget that Hans Zimmer was the one who scored that score).

More reviews have come in today and it's still very positive notices. I'm glad that John Musker and Ron Clements have another hit on their hands.

Count me in as someone who loves this soundtrack, possibly even more than Frozen, which had very high highs but still some mediocre filler to me (Frozen Heart, In Summer, Reindeer Are Better Than People, and even Do You Want to Build a Snowman never really were things I could listen to over and over again). Maybe there won't be a song that breaks through like Let It Go, but I think there's more of a cohesive theme and feel, more consistency, and more clever lyrics. Moana's songs also seem less front-loaded than Frozen based on the lyrical content, but I haven't seen the film yet to know for sure. The songs at the end are so stunningly beautiful though, and Frozen's last number is...the troll song ...which I actually love but it always felt like something was missing at the end.

Where You Are - like I and others have said, somewhat reminiscent of "Belle" in that it introduces the setting/characters and shows how the lead may not fit in. Something about this song is very familiar and "Broadway ensemble" to me, in a good way. I can't get it out of my head.

How Far I'll Go - I liked the full version of the song a lot more than the short clips of the chorus that leaked, and definitely more than Alessia's version. I have to disagree with the people saying they hate Auli'i's voice. It's very pretty, emotive, and age appropriate in my opinion. And the reprise is amaaaazing.

We Know The Way - Not a top standout to me like it's being promoted but I like it a lot.

You're Welcome - Confused by the visceral hatred of this song. There have been much worse celebrity guest stars singing in Disney films than The Rock, and the song has a very charming earnest quality despite being a song completely about bragging. The rap works in that context as well.

Shiny - Unlike You're Welcome, I do understand why this song doesn't work for everyone. I wasn't sure at first either, but I actually love it after a couple listens, lol. Some of the lyrics are hilarious and I can definitely feel the David Bowie influence, which is something Jemaine talked about. That helps it stand out as unique for a Disney villain song to me even if the style isn't everyone's cup of tea.

I Am Moana - I can't wait to see this part of the film. It sounds so dramatic, beautiful, and amazing. Just wow.

Know Who You Are - short but absolutely gorgeous and haunting.


I absolutely adore all the tribal choirs and backgrounds so that cultural context also helps with my appreciation of the soundtrack, and gives it a more cohesive vibe. Frozen and Tangled had little cultural footing in the music, which can add a lot in my opinion.

New TV spots and promo clips:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNFWbU2D1_e/
https://twitter.com/DisneyMoana/status/ ... 0812457984
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHSQrf4j53U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrUXMWojO5U
https://twitter.com/DisneyMoana/status/ ... 0006606848

FYC ads:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Ob0AAOSw4 ... -l1600.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5MQAAOSwc ... -l1600.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xtIAAOSw4 ... -l1600.jpg

Some new artwork:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNE-U3jBre5/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNFKTmXg86I/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNFyPCgBxoi/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNA_W_bByW5/

Videos from the London premiere:
Moana UK Premiere Interview - Auli'i Cravalho
Moana UK Premiere Interview - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Moana UK Premiere Interview - Nicole Scherzinger
Opetaia Foa'i Sings "We Know The Way" At Moana UK Premiere

And some new articles:

Moana Directors Tease Disney Easter Eggs In Film
http://screenrant.com/moana-interview-r ... hn-musker/

Moana Originally Focused On The Rock's Character, Here's Why Disney Changed It
http://www.cinemablend.com/news/1587820/

‘Moana’: Dwayne Johnson & Lin-Manuel Miranda Got Emotional on Seeing the Finished Film
http://collider.com/moana-dwayne-johnso ... interview/

Making Waves: The Makers of ‘Moana’ on Disney’s Latest Animated Adventure
http://pro.boxoffice.com/making-waves-m ... adventure/

How Moana Preserves Disney’s Tradition of Hand-Drawn Animation
http://www.cbr.com/how-moana-preserves- ... animation/

http://www.cbr.com/how-moana-preserves- ... animation/

While Disney hasn’t produced a 2D-animated feature since 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog” — which Clements and Musker directed, naturally — hand-drawn animation is alive and well at the studio.

That is a lie. THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE FRIGGIN LIE!

JTurner wrote:http://www.cbr.com/how-moana-preserves- ... animation/

While Disney hasn’t produced a 2D-animated feature since 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog” — which Clements and Musker directed, naturally — hand-drawn animation is alive and well at the studio.

That is a lie. THAT IS AN ABSOLUTE FRIGGIN LIE!

I know, right?

Everyone knows Winnie the Pooh 2011 was the last hand drawn film from Disney.

yeah they love pushing these kinds of articles to give the impression that 2d isnt dead at Disney.

so they love and respect 2d and its alive and well at the studio huh? ok how about they make a 2d animated film then?

*waits for barrage of excuses as to why they just cant make one."

Unless you count Enchanted 2? Provided that film will be using 2D for its segments. Either way it WOULD be interesting to see that film do well and see if it increases audiences' interest in handdrawn.