Ghostbusters (Original Score)

by Jason Ankeny Given the massive popularity of the 1984 feature Ghostbusters as well as Ray Parker, Jr.'s attendant theme song, it's somewhat surprising that composer Elmer Bernstein's original score never received an official release until this limited Varese Sarabande Soundtrack Club edition finally appeared in the spring of 2006. Epic in both sound and scale, this thunderous orchestral work exceeds 70 minutes, precious little of which actually made it into the final cut. It nevertheless ranks among Bernstein's most dazzling and entertaining efforts, evoking the widescreen wonder of its source material. As titles like "Earthquake," "Attack," and "Judgment Day" portend, Bernstein eloquently communicates the film's apocalyptic climax, but it's the quieter, comedic moments where Ghostbusters truly sings. His melodies beautifully complement the wit and creativity of the onscreen narrative.