Edward Scissorhands

Danny Elfman

 
" Magical Musical Snow is coming down from the castle "

Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release

Treasured by both Elfman fanatics and regular film music fans, Edward Scissorhands by Danny Elfman is easily one of his best creations to date. Not only the fact that it listens splendidly on CD, but also the effect it has inside the wondrous fantasy tale of Burton, it's popularity lies therefore both deep in the hearts of those who hear or see it accompanied by visual shots of Burton's imaginative mind. The reason why so many people love it is simple, the hair raising magic it creates for Edward's character is beyond words, and the slightly off beat sounds that the suburbanites receive is equally fitting for the place. So without a doubt, it is one of those spine tingling listening experiences that does just everything right when you know what it all represents and accompanies during the film.

I always loved the score during the film and that's why I always loved its effect during the listen on disc. Edward Scissorhands holds some of the best material the composer has ever written, and it is a recommendation for whoever loves fantasy with a bit of dark and emotional color.

The score is actually divided into two pieces, the one that beholds Edward's discovery of the human out door life and that which underscores the human rejection against Edward and his different lifestyle. The first is of course a lot more lively and even upbeat at times. It starts with the introduction pieces which hold unto themselves a lot of magic like "Storytime" (with its fantasy sounding choir and the first touch of the wonderful main theme). Furthermore "Beautiful New World / Home Sweet Home" is alive and kicking in wondrous effect. And even a bit of nostalgia and difference fits perfectly with pieces such as track 5 and 6.

"Ice Dance" is then one of the first magical experiences covering the main theme, and it will leave you breathless during the movie itself. Another excellent highlight which I have come to appreciate is "Death", this due to the wonderful string work, sad choir and climax of despair. Still, Elfman remains himself and I can accept a piece like "The Tide Turns" because it simply connects every feeling that has been shown onto the screen during all this time. And yes, that means as well the dark frenetic touches in "The Final Confrontation".

It is however not the way we need to finish a fantasy tale. I tell you this because there's one thing that will make Edward Scissorhands even more unforgettable. "Farewell" is lovely but the brilliance in "The Grand Finale" will leave without air this time. It is truly one of the most striking finales I have ever heard. Danny Elfman unleashes a powerful orchestral and choral performance of the main theme, and while I barely recommend a CD for one track alone, I'll do it now. This CD makes the entire purchase worth it.

Not only is the entire score a textbook example of a soundtrack that enhances every emotional part of the movie, it also has everything that made fans fall in love with Elfman in the first place. Don't consider his more experimental side of the late '90 the top of his game, because when he's scoring drama then he's at the top of his game. Edward Scissorhands is a tale of fantasy that speaks with music so vividly you can't help but feel all warm back inside.

Tracklisting

1. Introduction Titles (2.36)
2. Storytime (2.35) Excellent track
3. Castle on the Hill (6.24)
4. Beautiful New World / Home Sweet Home (2.04)
5. The Cookie Factory (2.14)
6.Ballet De Suburbia (Suite) (1.17)
7. Ice Dance (1.44) Excellent track
8. Etiquette Lesson (1.37)
9. Edward the Barber (3.18)
10. Esmeralda (0.25)
11. Death (3.30) Excellent track
12. The Tide Turns (5.30)
13. The Final Confrontation (2.16)
14. Farewell (2.45)
15. The Grand Finale (3.23) Excellent track
16. The End (4.45)
17. With These Hands: Tom Jones (2.41)

Total Length: 49.20
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(total of 51 votes - average 4.8/5)

Released by

MCA Records MCAD 10133 (regular release 1990)

Conducted by

Shirley Walker

Orchestrations by

Steve Bartek

Performed by

The Paulist Choristers of California