It took me a few listens to THE FRIGHTENERS to realize and appreciate what a clever theme Danny Elfman conjured up. The entire score is shrouded with very dark and menacing overtones. A person must also take into consideration the entire film is about the Grim Reaper returning and wrongfully ripping the souls from innocent victims. With THE FRIGHTENERS, Elfman returns to some of the same fun and witty style of his ground-breaking score to BEETLEJUICE. The track titled, "Poltergeists" is one song that exhibits these particular attributes.

Elfman uses an instrument that he has utilized very little if any in his career; the harpsichord. Having it playing along with the rest of the orchestra really sets the mood quite effectively. Some of my favorite moments in this score are the lullingly quiet ones. Overall, in my opinion, the finest track on THE FRIGHTENERS is "Victim #38." This is the music that accompanies the scene where Frank Bannister witnesses the Grim Reaper tear the soul out of the man in the restaurant bathroom. Towards the climax, an angelic choir bursts in and continues until the man's spirit has completed its journey into the light.

Some severe critics of Danny Elfman's compositions have cited this score as nothing but a blatant, themeless rehash of BATMAN RETURNS. Definately not true in the least. This score is filled with lots of musical flavor and an outstanding main theme. I consider THE FRIGHTENERS one of Elfman's most creative and satisfying scoring achievements. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in enjoyment.

Running Time: approx. 41 min.

1. Intro/Titles
2. The "Lads"
3. Poltergeists
4. Victim #38
5. Who's Next
6. The Garden
7. Chilly
8. Time
9. Patty's Place
10. Flashbacks
11. Patty Attack
12. Frank's Wife
13. Doom
14. Heaven
15. Don't Fear the Reaper(performed by the Mutton Birds)

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