Varèse Sarabande Records release a special edition soundtrack of James Newton Howard's score for Dreamcatcher (2003). The score has been expanded to 96 minutes. This 2-CD Deluxe Edition was released previously in a Stephen King boxed set, but this is its debut as a stand-alone release. Dreamcatcher tells the story of four young friends who perform a heroic act – and are changed forever by the uncanny powers they gain in return. Years later the friends, now men, are on a hunting trip in the Maine woods when they are overtaken by a blizzard in which something much more ominous moves. Challenged to stop an alien force, the friends must first prevent the slaughter of innocent civilians by a military vigilante, then overcome a threat to the bond between them...

This special edition reissue of James Newton Howard's score for Dreamcatcher (2003) contains 36 tracks (1 hr, 35 min, 59 sec) and is presented as a 2-disc set. It's a soundtrack I've not listened to in quite some time and I was surprised to discover that not only is it better than I remember, but that the additional tracks aren't just filler material. There's something of merit on almost each segment of music.

This edition was previous available as part of the label's 2017 Stephen King Soundtrack Collection. So, obviously, if you own that then there's no point in picking this release up. However, if you own the original single disc release from 2003, then it's worth adding this deluxe edition to your collection. Newton Howard rarely disappoints.

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Darren Rea