Jerry Goldsmith – Gremlins (Original Motion Picture Score)

A lovely and deluxe pressing, that has incredible, beautiful, packaging. I think that if I ever found a mogwai in an weird old man's junk shop, I would definitely buy it and wet it a little bit, because all the extra mogwais that came out would make good Christmas presents for my friends and loved ones. Plus this would save me a lot of money that I could spend on a nice surprise for my lovely girlfriend, like a cosy dressing gown, with matching slippers. But I would be so sure to tell each recipient "While you can cherish this new cute pet I have got for you, please DO NOT feed it after midnight!!" because, as when mogwais turn into gremlins, they are very frightening and naughty creatures!!

Beautiful artwork and great copy, without clicks or parasite noises (It is to be specified, because it is not always the case at Mondo) ! A real pleasure !

One could argue that the stark minimalism of Alien, the horns of Patton or Planet Of The Apes are more iconic but I say that Gremlins is easily Goldsmith's most identifiable score. Spielberg has Williams. Zemeckis has Silvestri. Dante's man was Goldsmith and this was the first score in an unbreakable partnership that would last until Goldsmith's death in 2004.

Gremlins isn't a perfect score, at least not in comparison to the superior sequel. The film is a classic but the score falls just short of a 5/5 as it is a little too synthy and thus sounds dated in some parts as a result. It works well in the movie for the most part but I feel that just a slightly stronger orchestral backing would have made all the difference. If the meowing cat sounds were removed in favor of tense strings then we'd certainly have a perfect score, and maybe Mrs. Deagle's theme too. In contrast to Spielberg's and Zemeckis' high-key style Dante and cinematographer John Hora shot the movie in a dark, grubby style which really works in its favor. Goldsmith's cold, haunting synth is completely appropriate in this regard, so don't think I am totally dissing his work here.

With over 70 minutes of score this complete album from 2011, 27 years after the movie's release, is what fans have been wanting for decades though casual movie fans will already be familiar with the lovely Gizmo theme, and, most famously, the Gremlins Rag - a demented circus fanfare of anarchy and mayhem, the sound of delightful destruction and cheerful chaos. It's an absolute blast and one of my favorite things ever. I've been humming that tune since I was a little kid and it was one of the first melodies I learned how to play on a piano.

As an Xmas score it's okay. There are quotations from Silent Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen but the true nature of the sound is not Yuletide but dark, nasty comedy and in that regard it delivers all it needs to and more. I can't exaggerate just how good the Gremlin Rag is. If you've ever seen an orchestra performing it live you'll notice that everyone is doing so with a huge smile on their faces.

Any Goldsmith or Gremlins fan will probably already own this, if not it is indeed a necessary purchase. A vinyl edition is available for you lucky people with the money for such luxuries.

Amazing audio quality. Crystal clear sound on my hi fi setup. Trully recommended, incredible artwork and presentation.
Sun light does not have a permanent impact, hence expose your copies to the sun without any fear.

Pretty good sound quality for the swirl vinyl color and pressing plant (GZ). Some crackles here and there, but nothing I wouldn't expect. Innovative and very pretty artwork. A must-have for Gremlins maniacs and soundtrack collectors - especially because first time the complete(!) score is released on vinyl.

I unboxed this and took it outside to show the color change. Here is my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtkKJ7turJI

Is the color change permanent or can it be reversed?

Comes also in a version 1984 with only 7 tracks from the David Geffen Company GED 24044...