One of the biggest selling points of Blumhouse/Universal’s upcomingHalloweenreboot is that franchise mastermindJohn Carpenterhas given the production his blessing (which was hardly the case with the majority of theHalloweensequels, as the filmmaker bowed out afterHalloween III: Season of the Witch). In addition to giving the film a thumbs-up, he’s involved as both an executive producer and primary composer. Part of the appeal of the originalHalloweenwas its infectious 5/4 metered synth score, so fans are excited to hear a fresh reimagining of the classic soundtrack. While some were recently duped by a fan mix of theHalloweentheme that emerged on Soundcloud, today, we’re getting our first actual taste of the new score, along with details for the soundtrack’s release.
The album will be released by Sacred Bones records, who released today’s sample along with a statement that reads, in part:
“The new soundtrack pays homage to theclassic Halloween scorethat Carpenter composed and recorded in 1978, when he forever changed the course of horror cinema and synthesizer music with his low-budget masterpiece. Several new versions of theiconic main themeserve as the pulse of Green’s film, its familiar 5/4 refrain stabbing through the soundtrack like the Shape’s knife. The rest of the soundtrack is just as enthralling, incorporating everything from atmospheric synth whooshes to eerie piano-driven pieces toskittering electronic percussion. While the new score was made with a few more resources than Carpenter’s famously shoestring original, its musical spirit was preserved.”
Sacred Bones has four different versions of the soundtrack available for pre-order. First up is the amazing looking Limited “Art Edition” which features clear with orange Inset color vinyl. There are only 2000 of these available, and they retail at a reasonable $26. There is also the Limited Edition orange vinyl LP that runs $22. There is the standard edition black vinyl LP for $19. And for old school 90s fans, you can also get the soundtrack in a jewel case CD for just $14.
Waxwork Records is offering a special variant that features Mask White, Jumpsuit Blue, and Blood Red Swirl vinyl for $25, but it does not include the Michael Myers poster. There are a number of other variants available too that include the Red and Black Splatter “Art Edition” only available in the John Carpenter Tour, the Pumpkin Orange Vinyl available at US Indie Shops, the Bloody Knife Vinyl available at UK Indie Shops, the Orange and White Starburst Vinyl available only at Newbury Comics, the Dirty Bloody Mask Vinyl available only at FYE, the Orange and Black Starburst Vinyl available at Rough Trade, the Half Black/Half Orange Vinyl which is a Rocket (Australia) Exclusive, and then the Bloody Pumpkin Vinyl which you can only find at Books-a-Million.
The album will hit online and brick-and-mortar retailers on October 19th, the same date Blumhouse’sHalloweenarrives in US theaters. The timing also coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the originalHalloween, released in 1978 and widely credited with igniting the slasher craze of the 1980s. Sacred Bones is producing 2,000 copies of a special “art edition” which includes an alternate movie poster illustrated by Chris Bilheimer and pressed into clear vinyl with a “pumpkin orange” insert; the price is $26.
Halloween2018 is directed by David-Gordon Green from a script he co-scribed with his frequent collaborator Danny McBride. The film reunites Jamie Lee Curtis with original Michael Myers actor Nick Castle for what’s been billed as a battle royale 40 years in the making. While October is always like Christmas for horror fans, this is Halloween is shaping up to be legendary! you may pre-order your copy ofHalloween2018’s soundtrack atSacred Bones Records.
