George Bruns' score for the 1961 animated classic 101 Dalmatians remains one of the most spirited Disney soundtracks from the company's heyday. A playful, jazz-inspired effort rich in superb action cues, it largely sidesteps the schmaltz and sentimentality that defines so much of the studio's musical output. Between the bebop-influenced writing of the "Overture" and the sprightly piano improvisations of "A Beautiful Spring Day,"
Bruns proves a gifted interpreter of jazz idioms, and even his large-scale orchestral themes emphasize brass over strings to further emphasize the music's bold, dramatic sensibilities. He's equally adept with comedy and suspense, mixing them most effectively on
101 Dalmatians' most memorable tune, "Cruella de Vil." [Disney's 2002 reissue features digitally remastered sound and a handful of bonus cuts.] ~ Jason Ankeny