Listening to the theme play through the "Main Title" is enough to send shivers up my spine. The first time you hear it, you may hear it as just a weird little line used to open the film. However, for those of you who have grown up with the gloved killer you know that when you hear that, something bad is about to happen.

The score is comprised primarily of synthesizer, although there are moments of well-placed guitar, such as in "Laying the Traps." Bernstein weaves the simplistic nature of Halloween's influence with the pop-rock sensibilities of the then popular wave of music. The result is a score that may sound a bit dated, but still retains an edginess that cannot be dulled.

There are a few tracks that deliver an amazing amount of suspense and dread. Pay close attention to "Rod Hanged/Night Stalking," "Jail Cell," and the slow burn of "Final Search." Also of note is the insistent video-game quality of the all too brief "Terror in the Tub," and parts of "No Escape."

A Nightmare on Elm Street would prove to be Bernstein's only offering to the franchise, although his theme will forever be linked with the burned face and finger knives of Freddy Krueger.

Bottomline. This is one of the great horror film scores. It was an early experimentation in synth-scoring, and it still holds up today as seriously creepy music. Sure, there are a few moments that sound dated and perhaps a touch thin without that full orchestral sound, but those are minor complaints when what is presented works so well. If you are a fan of horror films, or good scores, this disk is definitely worth it despite the brief 33 minute runtime.

Recommended.