Van Helsing (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

With an appropriate lack of subtlety, Silvestri seasons the action-set pieces with some gloomy, Herrmann-esque brass, jolting doses of massed percussion, the occasional shrieking choral homage to Carmina Burana--and (for some ears) precious too little of Franz Waxman's haunting, neo-Romantic horror-film lyricism. But then, overwrought popcorn epics call for overwrought popcorn scores, and the bold, epic scale of Silvestri's music can't be denied; it has as much alternately jolting/nervous energy as a double-dose of caffeine. Enhanced CD features include an interactive game trailer, gameplaying clues, a photo gallery and preview of a comic book merchandising tie-in. --Jerry McCulley, Amazon.com