Poltergeist: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Poltergeist: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
by Jerry Goldsmith [Compact Disc 782.14 Pol]

Though the movie itself can sometimes veer into the area of cheesiness now, after almost 30 years, the soundtrack to this classic horror film is one of the most memorable movie soundtracks I've ever heard. Legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith (Patton, Star Trek the Motion Picture, Chinatown, The Wind and the Lion and dozens more) uses a variety of musical styles, combining the charming with the creepy, fairytale-like with horrific. Carol Ann's theme, and the track "Rebirth" will send a frisson of discomfort up your spine. "Night of the Beast" and "Escape From Suburbia", as the family tries to flee from their cursed home, and just downright terrifying. I would easily rank this accomplished soundtrack among the finest from any horror film of the past 60 years, including John Williams' unforgettable score to Jaws, Danny Elfman's scores to Edward Scissorshands, or even Goldsmith's own original Planet of the Apes or The Omen (for which he won the Oscar). Just hearing the little piano theme from the end of the movie, with the overlaid children's laughter, creeps me out. If you're a fan of movie music, you can't miss this one!. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try some of Goldsmith's other soundtracks, particularly The Omen.] -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available as the original movie on DVD.]

[ official Jerry Goldsmith web site ]

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