How to Train Your Dragon is a MASTERCLASS in Theme Writing

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[rockyrakun]

Nothing gives me goosebumps like "Test Drive" the sheer feeling of adventure, freedom, and exploration it evokes is unmatched IMO.

[AudrieGreywind]

What makes the film's soundtrack even more underrated is the fact that John Powell is often regarded as someone who hasn't seen a lot of success/isn't skilled enough to be considered a great composer. Meanwhile he created one of the most brilliant scores in all of cinematic history and everyone overlooks it.

This entire franchise is an underrated masterpiece in my opinion.

[Shadow-rzpb]

That moment when Hickup just goes "Danger! Screw the Cheat Sheet!" And just runs off instinct, it gives me chills.

[raevynwoods]

I'm a big soundtrack-listener, because I love the combination between the orchestral instruments and the very clear storytelling. The score of How to Train your Dragon was the reason I got into it all, mostly because of Forbidden Friendship. I remember seeing the movie for the first time, watching that scene, and thinking "wow, I wish I could listen to the film music separately, it's so beautiful." This was before I even knew the word soundtrack existed.
Thanks for the analysis, it was great seeing my love for this music shared by you in this video.

[Ani]

HTTYD is my favourite movie of all time, and that's in no small part thanks to the music. I've yet to come across another piece of music that moves me as HUGELY as HTTYD's does, be that due to nostalgia or something more.

[jdawgtor]

The fact that Hiccup's theme and Toothless's theme are used separately for most of the movie UNTIL that moment in Test Drive where it becomes ONE MELODY to show they have now bonded and gained each others trust is just musical brilliance!

(Edit): Wow thanks for all the likes!

[derekhasabrain]

In my sophomore year of high school, I was in marching band, and one of our scores that year was from HTTYD, and it's still my favorite performance the marching band has ever done to this day. We won 1st in every competition that year, plus every possible additional trophy. An absolute clean sweep. I still get goosebumps thinking about it

[llazarrus]

It doesn't matter how many times I hear Test Drive, it ALWAYS makes me cry. The most amazing piece of film score I have ever heard.

[the_furf_of_july]

I think another key aspect of what makes test drive so amazing is that they implicated toothless as the strings and hiccup as the brass. The reason the peak hits so hard is because BOTH instruments are playing the theme in unison for once.

[puddlemereunited]

ALSO on the brilliance of John Powell, that “Test Drive” theme that combines toothless and hiccup’s motifs is played in several keys throughout the trilogy, mostly ranging from Db to E. But the VERY last track in the third movie (Once There Were Dragons) where Hiccup and Toothless meet each other’s families and fly off to a “future where one day dragons and humans can coexist together”, we hear the Test Drive theme rise up to F major, its highest key yet! I love the symbolism behind the highest key of the theme and Hiccup and Toothless rising to the highest point in their journey together before going their separate ways. SO good

[nathancroud]

My absolute favorite part of Test Drive is the shift between themes based on control. Toothless' theme plays when he's in control, specifically at the beginning and end of the scene, where they're just gliding. It also plays when he's using his wings as a parachute. Hiccup is simply a passenger at these points, and has no control over the flying. But Hiccup's theme comes in whenever he takes control and starts flying along with Toothless. Finally, when Hiccup tosses the cheat sheet and decides to trust Toothless, you hear the triumphant side of his score as they fly through the rocks. It's an amazing piece of work, truly. This series as a whole is my favorite among all animated movie series.

[burnedbytheword]

The fact that you planned, wrote for, and practiced for this video and you STILL showed so much excitement for Test Drive is a credit to the brilliance of the composition and orchestration and its destined fusion with the animation into possibly the highest point of the genre. Thank you so much!

[goatboy_]

I think it is safe to say "Test Drive" is one of THE BEST cinematic music compositions of all time. It both makes me feel hopeful and excited while making me nearly tear up when I'm not even sure why. It's just beautiful and perfectly wrote.

[adacskipper]

Man, 10 years later and that scene still sends chills up my spine. Its gotta be one of the best animated scenes ever.

[Firomus]

I love the sheer joy on Charles' face throughout the entire time he was talking about Test Drive. The song just gets you feeling things

[techheadiv]

"Test Drive" is in my workout playlist. Whenever it comes on, it brings a goosebump-filled helping of epic motivation to finish the set, keep up the pace, or hold plank a little while longer.

[OrojinMusic]

This is one of my favorite soundtracks and made me fall in love with John Powell as a composer. My wife and I had "from the dancing and dreaming" from HTTYD2 as our first dance in our wedding.

[melodyonrepeat]

The test drive scene makes me emotional, even when you’re talking over it. This film is amazing.

[HBoyle]

Twelve years later, this film is still in my top ten. The animation is gorgeous, the story is wonderful, but the music is GOD TIER and I still cry at Test Drive 🥺🥺🥺

[KaneyoriHK]

There's a constant sort of brass or strings that makes it instantly recognizable as HTTYD. It's iconic. The music is just so itself that I appreciate.