Important, complete release of magnificent, yet never-used soundtrack from 1983 Walt Disney production based on classic Ray Bradbury novel. Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, Diane Ladd, Pam Grier star, Jack Clayton directs, Bradbury himself scripts. Years ago, Intrada premiered dynamic, early James Horner soundtrack eventually used in film. Now, near-legendary unused score by Georges Delere gets a complete release unto its own. Delerue opens with rich, chordal motif for low brass that is simultaneously regal, unsettling. As score progresses, motif reveals itself to be variant of primary theme for Mr. Dark (Pryce) and his frightening carnival. Delerue uses theme throughout score, often in masterful disguises that include everything from eerie choral intonations to subtle woodwind treatment. Harmonically-rich, dramatic idea even gets demented, minor-key statement, recorded on large pipe organ for calliope sequence. Other ideas abound: winding, sinewy melody for strings, cor Anglais during "The First Witch", glistening water effects from bowed vibraphone for "Mirrors", haunting music box melodies, much more. Especially moving is heartfelt, memorably sad theme for strings, introduced during early bedtime scene ("Halloway's Bedroom"), then fully realized during moving father/son sequence "You'll Live Forever". Minor-key theme offers Delerue writing in his finest melodic mode. Special spotlight goes to climactic "Dark Dies" cue, providing composer opportunity to write arguably his most powerful film music ever. When fireworks are over and midget person retrieves body of Dark, Delerue * to his opening chordal motif for low brass in stroke of pure musical genius. Composer himself considered music to be amongst his all-time finest, written for massive orchestra with chorus in tow. Entire score presented in stereo, newly mixed and mastered from 2" 24-track session masters vaulted by Disney in pristine condition.