John Carpenter – Halloween (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I think the jacket design is supposed to resemble the rainy night that Michael escapes from Smith's Grove. Cool concept, just a bit hard to see the artwork. I think the inside should of had the Smith's Grove sign and Michael driving away in the car. Aside from this, the record looks and sounds great.

IMO, the artwork cover effect is interesting. I understand most of the people reporting it's hard to see Mike when you hold the cover in your hand; at night it's almost impossible to see Mike. But on sunny days, Mike is more easily viewable. Depending the way you're tilting the cover, Mike is completely hidden (the space between the drops becoming foggy, it's like if you're focusing on a window) or he's showing up behind that "fake window". I guess the artwork was made this way for that purpose.

For overall pressing quality, this is a solid release. It's hard to believe how good it sounds given it was taken from a nearly 40 year old mono film reel. My only issue is with the cover. I didn't think it made any sense when they posted it online, but having it in hand seems worse. The contrast is way too dark and you can barely see Michaels face unless it is held at the prefect angle under a bright light. I wish they had come up with a better design for the cover, but the quality is top-notch.