Fright Night: Still Holds Up...Especially the Score!

Alright score fiends, let's talk Fright Night (1985). I revisited this one the other night, and while the campy 80s horror vibe is definitely strong (helloooo Roddy McDowall!), the thing that REALLY stood out to me was Brad Fiedel's score. Seriously, it's SO good. Like, genuinely innovative for its time, blending synths and orchestra in a way that feels both creepy and, dare I say, kinda romantic? Think Jerry Dandrige's seductive charm but turned into music. Specifically, the main theme is killer, obviously. But I also love the cues during the transformation scenes and whenever Evil Ed's around; they are just so perfectly unsettling. It's one of those scores that really elevates the film, especially since some of the effects are a little...dated (looking at you, bat transformation!). But Fiedel manages to make even the cheesier moments feel legitimately scary. And speaking of Jerry, Chris Sarandon's performance is iconic, right? That voice! Anyway, back to the music... I think what makes Fiedel's work on Fright Night so special is how he uses the score to really get inside Charley's head. You feel his paranoia and his growing terror through the music, which is a testament to the score's effectiveness. I think I'm gonna have to hunt down a good vinyl copy of this one - my digital version isn't cutting it anymore. Anyone else agree that Fiedel deserves way more recognition? Anyway, what are your thoughts on the movie and, more importantly, the score? Let me know! Maybe I'm just having a major nostalgia kick, but I think Fright Night has aged remarkably well, largely thanks to its music. It's a fun ride, and the music really pulls you in. I mean, COME ON, it's got everything you want in a good horror soundtrack!