Customer Reviews

Experiment in Terror (1962 Film)

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4 star:		(5)
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I have no idea about the PA "Chiller Thriller" but in Chicago during the early 1970's we had CREATURE FEATURES. A Saturday night favorite showing old monster movies. Mancini's experiment in terror was the theme song and a voice-over done by then WGN newsman Marty McNeely added to the creepy-ness.

Don't be fooled into buying the MOON RAYS version. If you type in Creature Features Amazon pulls up their less than thrilling CD. The MOON RAYS aren't bad for backyard gatherings, a child's birthday party or pool parties, but if you want the REAL Creature Features song, then you need Mancini's Experiment in terror! Sorry to say I have never seen the movie this is from, but does it really matter? BTW, WGN needs to release a DVD of greatest moments such as Family Classics beginnings, Ray Rayner and Garfield Goose, not to mention Marty doing his opening for the above.

Now this is the kind of Mancini I like. Very inventive music with lots of drama,suspence and surprise. The music fits the movie,but you have to see the movie to have a good experience. This is what I enjoyed about Henry Mancini,s music is when he performed for movies or TV shows, that,s when he was creative and talented. Thank You R.F.

This CD is a quirky, cool, delight. Fans of Mancini who are expecting something in the vein of "Breakfast At Tiffany's" or "The Pink Panther" may be disappointed, but true Mancini aficionados will want this in their collection. Added bonus for those who grew up in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area; The title song was the theme song for "Chiller Theater", The late-night horror movie show that ran for years on Channel 11 at 11:30 PM on Saturdays during the 60s and early 70s. Real trivia buffs will note this show was hosted by "Chilly Billy" Cardille, who played the newsman in George Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead" and who is the father of "Day Of The Dead" star Lori Cardille.

Great weird, moody, haunting Mancini, but too many chirpy old-timey music tracks. Well worth getting though.

I don't suppose anyone would happen to know who plays the two lovely flute solos on the opening track? Might be Ronny Lang and Ted Nash (Sr.)? Stuff like this should really list the credits!

If you are familiar with the works of Henry Mancini, then you pretty much know what to expect. Whether or not you are , this CD is an audio delight. It has great arrangements and orchestration. As with all of his soundtracks, he knows how to illustrate a mood with sound. This disc should not disappoint the Mancini lover (as I am) or someone new to the music of one of the greatest soundtrack masters ever. Buy with confidence!

Henry Mancini was the perfect choice to score this movie as he captured the essence of San Francisco and the elements of a teriffic film. There are many different types of music in this soundtrack based on the elements of the film and as usual, Mancini captures all of them. Be prepared for a lot of different sounds but both Jazz and Blues are the heart of what Mancini does best. A great album and a great film.

I remember the "Chiller Theater Theme" only too well. Except it was the Al Caiola version with it's abrasive saxophone sound that sent the chills down your spine. That one's a bit hard to find these days. Mancini's original is quite eerie, nevertheless, if you can imagine Mancini's music sounding eerie. Although he relies on simple motifs, he has a way with subtley and nuance. He seems to be able to achieve any effect he wants. Other notable performances of the "Experiment in Terror" theme include The Blue Hawaiians, Fantomas, Laika and the Cosmonauts, and Jimmy Forrest and the Oliver Nelson Band.