More Soundtracks by Danny Elfman
Reviewed by Scott - Grade: B Brilliant combination of Elfman's voice and his music against a dark comedy.
Tim Burton's fantastic animated creation The Nightmare Before Christmas is an incredible journey that
mashes together two holidays (Halloween and Christmas) for a fun filled tale of Jack the Pumpkin King.
The score is filled with Elfman's trademark sounds that combine large orchestral assemblies with a dash of rock band
style fun with an ecclectic cast of characters. More of a broadway show with lots of singing and narration, the score melds
beautifully with the narrative and tells the tale of the movie across the length of the soundtrack. The main focus of the score is on
Jack and his longing for something new for the citizens of Halloween. He toils with the concepts of Christmas and decides to bring
Sandy Claws to Halloween town.
Jack also has a strange friendship with Sally that grows into something more as the film goes on. These pieces are pure 90's Elfman, orchestral strings, xylophone, and strumming of a bass with low tuba and percussion
combining to create a dark bond of love between them.
The strength of this score lies in Elfman's own voice and I could not possibly imagine anyone else singing the part of Jack (note Chris Sarandon played the part of Jack's voice). It is dark, soft and somber in one moment, but
blasts into a dark evil tone in a split second. It is great. The best track on this score is Finale / Reprise at 1:20 when Jack and Sally finally get together. The visuals are stunning in the film and Elfman's voice sends chills
up my spine every time I hear it. It is a touching end to the film and sends both Jack and Sally into the full moonlight of love.
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