David Newman's scores are often better than the films. And although Critters is no exception, I actually enjoy this film. It knows when to take itself seriously and when to poke fun at the genre. The score is playful at times with some inventive synth "skittering". But the main reason this remains one of my favorite David Newman scores is the "family theme". A mournful theme for solo trumpet that anchors the viewer's sympathy for the family. This Intrada cd expands upon the orginal LP by adding the great prologue music, which segues into the pastoral Americana title music.