The Nightmare before Christmas

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

If one thing is unlimited, then its the creativity of Tim Burton, and by that comes Danny Elfman. I say this is perhaps the best partnership since forever, at times I wonder if even Steven Spielberg and John Williams's pairing is as matched to each other then this, but I think its got to do with the basic quality that the real quirkiness of Burton always is heard too in Elfman's scoring, and in each project as well. So as well to the stunning animated visuals and story of The Nightmare before Christmas. Around this time also The Corpse Bride (using the same technique) is unleashed and its only to wonder if Elfman would tackle everything the way he handless it here, singing, scoring, writing the lyrics, being the chameleon of the group. But he handles it with joy and above all brilliance, since this score is a pure Elfman fanatic joyous occasion. From the first to the last second, everything breathes Elfman and it will speak especially to the big fans of him. It starts with a wonderful pairing of themes already then, 'Overture' unleashes directly the joyous theme of one of its winning songs, namely 'What's This', sung by Elfman its the instrumental version here that sounds good along with 'Jack Lament Song', in the Edward Scissorhands style. Patrick Stewart narrates tracks 2 and 19 and flow wonderfully in the score without an abruption, only making 'This is Halloween' even more a darn cool song, full of festivity but then on the light comical darker side, the lyrics are fun and the theme cool. 'Jack's Lament' is again a song sung by Elfman and you hear he still got what it takes, perhaps to do that he breathes life into the character of Jack. 'Doctor Finklestein / In the Forest' has Sally's theme, a dark dancing tuba for the doctor and the constant toying of Jack's theme, before the festivity really begins.

Heard magically in that track, 'What's This' really comes to life in this piece, full of prancing joy and amazement, Elfman gives it his best. 'Jack and Sally Montage' is the longest score cue, and shows wonderful signs of Jack and Sally's themes, on the Edward instrumentation manner, either through band or accordion, the growing fanfares near the end show Elfman at his best again. Its not always festivity, the songs I mean but they stay entertaining, 'Jack's Obsession' starts on a downbeat tone but the upbeat climax promises more, and that promise is heard menacingly in 'Kidnap Sandy Claws', where 3 little children sing as high as they can on a catchy tune. 'Nabbed' has the Kidnap melody showing itself frequently during Elfman's score, but its for me the real boogy mambo and Oingo Boingo style of 'Oogie Boogie's Song' that makes it all the more fun, piano, jazzy tones and an endless fun secure this as the most rambunctious piece of the CD, but also a load of fun. 'Christmas Eve Montage' reveals for the firs time some Elfman choir, and some louder music using Jack's theme in a more marching manner, along with the What's This tune. 'To the Rescue' shows more the dancing song tunes, marching What's This tune with the Jack's Lament. 'Finale / Reprise' has a more happy atmosphere, Halloween song and What's This are sung more wondrous yet mysterious in the Edward manner, but its the soothing finish of his material that shows how a master closes a piece he alone has created. A score related song repertoire is held in the final tracks, showing all the tunes at work again, without the singers. To tell the truth, there is much to like of The Nightmare before Christmas, using a repertoire of wonderful songs in both astonishing singing as instrumental versions, tying everything together flawlessly, you'll miss even the slightest hint of its personality if you don't pay attention. Making The Nightmare before Christmas a riot on screen as on disc, and shows Elfman in form on this one, themes aplenty and singers in their darkest form, the CD forms one unique quality, it takes you to Halloween Town singing alongside Elfman and his dancing puppeteers.

Score: ***1/2
Songs: ****

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Overture * (1.47) Excellent Track

2. Opening ** (0.57)

3. This Is Halloween (3.16) Excellent Track

4. Jack's Lament (3.13)

5. Doctor Finklestein / In The Forest * (2.35)

6. What's This? (3.07) Excellent Track

7. Town Meeting Song (2.55)

8. Jack And Sally Montage * (5.16)

9. Jack's Obsession (2.46)

10. Kidnap The Sandy Claws (3.02) Excellent Track

11. Making Christmas (3.57)

12. Nabbed * (3.04)

13. Oogie Boogie's Song (3.17) Excellent Track

14. Sally's Song (1.47)

15. Christmas Eve Montage (2.10)

16. Poor Jack (2.33)

17. To The Rescue * (3.38)

18. Finale / Reprise (2.44) Excellent Track

19. Closing ** (1.25)

20. End Title * (1.12)

21. Bonus Theme Montage * (3.54)

* Original score by Danny Elfman

** Dialogue by Patrick Stewart

Total Length: 54.50

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Danny Elfman ===