Back catalogue: Classical

Review: Danny Elfman's score for Batman '89 remains one of the most iconic and influential superhero soundtracks ever created. Released as a collector's edition by Mondo, this reissue features Elfman's monumental work, expertly conducted by Shirley Walker and performed by The Sinfonia of London. Elfman's theme, with its haunting, ascendant four-note motif, perfectly encapsulates the duality of Bruce Wayne and set the benchmark for superhero film scores. This vinyl reissue, pressed on 'Butterfly Effect' vinyl, is accompanied by a graphic novel continuation of the Batman story, making it a great collectable for fans of the 1989 film and Elfman's music. Elfman's ability to blend operatic grandeur with intense action shines throughout the score, notably in tracks like 'Charge of the Batmobile' and 'First Confrontation.' The playful, waltz-inspired theme for Jack Nicholson's Joker adds a layer of dark humor to the soundtrack, contrasting beautifully with the film's darker, more brooding moments. Complementing the release are stunning new artworks by Jiro Fujita and Paolo Rivera. This reissue, produced by Neil S. Bulk and mastered by James Plotkin, honors the legacy of Elfman's career-defining score, which has stood the test of time as the definitive sound of Gotham's Dark Knight.