Danny Elfman Music For A Darkened Theatre: Volume Two Soundtrack CD

Engineers include: Shawn Murphy, Bobby Fernandez, Bill Jackson.
Audio Mixers: Shawn Murphy; Bill Jackson; Bobby Fernandez .
Editors: Ellen Segal; Curt Sobel; John Lasalandra; Bob Badami.
Photographer: Michael Wilson .
Six years after the first volume, MCA offered an extensive two-disc dose of Danny Elfman's score evolution. Rather than focus on oddities anon Elfman's penchant for eccentricity, this collection spotlights many of his mainstream and dramatic works. The entire first disc is devoted to excerpts from five of his major film scores, and the second disc features excerpts from five additional films, as well as a host of rare and previously unreleased work. One of the many gems within the set is the original demo version of "This Is Halloween" from THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. The set is intriguing in that it highlights films one would not immediately attribute to Elfman, such as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, SOMMERSBY, BLACK BEAUTY, and DEAD PRESIDENTS. However, the inclusion of selections from these films only augments Elfman's credibility as a versatile composer.
This two-disc set offers a superb overview of Elfman's innovative and evocative film music. In addition to compositions for Edward Scissorhands, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman Returns, Pee-Wee's Playhouse and Black Beauty, the collection also includes seven unissued tracks. ~ Jason Ankeny