Customer Reviews

Heathers: Original Soundtrack

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Composed by David Newman, the original motion picture soundtrack to "Heathers" is probably one of his best ever. Newman, who comes from the same talented family that gave us Randy Newman (his brother), composed the score to Heathers, probably not knowing how memorable that film would become with teen audiences. His score which includes elements that are suspenseful ("Forest Chase"), mischief ("Into The Cafeteria"), and eeriness ("J. D.'s Bomb") is a film score classic. His decision to use a harmonica in certain scenes gives the film both a feeling of darkness and the unknown as the main characters begin to eliminate the school's most popular (yet hated) students.

If you were a fan of the film, then the soundtrack is a must have. My only disappointment was that the album's producers decided not to include the tracks by Doris Day (the opening song "Que Sera Sera"), the closing song (Sly & the Family Stone's version of "Que Sera Sera") and the most popular song in the film, "Teenage Suicide: Don't Do It!". Regardlessly, this is one of the best film scores released in the last decade.

I ordered this CD from Amazon.com, and although this is only the instrumental score.. it's great! I love popping it in occasionally whilst doing work or relaxing and listening to some of the great funky 80s'ish Heathers tunes. A must for any fan of David Newman and definitely the film Heathers. A collectible! To discuss the soundtrack, or the movie - join the discussion list, email heathers-subscribe@onelist.com

I have forced myself, at one point, to buy a copy of this soundtrack for a fairly low price, and I was surprised to hear what it offered...


David Newman ("Little Monsters," "Throw Momma From the Train," "Malone...") is responsible for the a score to which I consider haunting, suspenseful, melodic, and even... jumpy at times.

His score is composed of synthesizers, electric percussion, and the use of a typical harmonica; I definitely tip my hat off for the harmonica cues.

When I heard some of this music, I was personally surprised to: (a) see the cost of such an item, where as something similar would cost more than a month's worth of groceries, and (b) find the more "rarer" side of David Newman - I say that because he is barely known for any of his electronic works in the past.

However, had it not been for Mr. Newman's (David) brilliant score, chances are the soundtrack rating would probably receive a 4; I say this on account that Varese Sarabande - this soundtrack's label - refused to include the multiple variants of "Que Sera Sera," and let us not forget the infamous tune by Don Dixon (or the fictional band, "BIG FUN,") entitled, "Teenage Suicide (Don't Do It)."


Anyway, there you have it... another review from yours truly.

Regardless of the slight flaw courtesy of VSD (Varese Sarabande), this soundtrack deserves a 5!


-Albert

Songs Include :
1. Strip Croquet
2. Suicide Note
3. J.D. Blows Up
4. The Forest
5. You're Beautiful
6. Martha Dumptruck
7. Third Funeral
8. Veronica and J.D.
9. First Funeral
10. The Dorm
11. Back To School
12. Forest Chase
13. Heather's Locker
14. Veronica's Shower
15. Into The Cafeteria
16. Veronica's Dream
17. J.D.'s Final Stand
18. Dorm Party
19. Croquet
20. Second Funeral
21. Poor Little Heather
22. J.D.'s Bomb
23. Petition Montage

I think David Newman did a brilliant job here, well, that and the fact I love the film. It may be an instrumental score but there is a vibrant 80's feel. You'll love it...