And why? Part of the reason is nostalgia; the Haunted Mansion itself has, I'm sure, served as an introduction for many children into the world of the macabre. A related factor is the attraction's approchable nature: it's a little intimidating, but not terrifying; atmospheric, but not suffocating; eerie, but not startling. Paul Frees's voiceover work as the Ghost Host is crowning example of its kind and echoes the nature of the ride--his low, dulcet tones are as soothing as they are threatening.

Though "Disneyland" is easily the most appealing track here, this album is the body of a CD possessed by the soul of a DVD. It features outtakes and audial paths-not-taken from the voice artists and musicians, Walt Disney joking about the attraction he wouldn't live to see, and radio ads from the ride's release, among other extras. The ads serve something of a double duty; since Disneyland's Haunted Mansion preceeded many of the people who visit this website, the ads provide a look at how the attraction was marketed before it became an institution.

Track six, which features Vincent Price's take on the role of the Ghost Host, is a gem. It was recorded for but never used in Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris, and I'm glad that's the case. Though it's an entertaining piece, with a fresh approach to the Mansion's theme music by John Debney, Price's voice is just too well-known and would have detracted from the effect of the attraction.

It's hard for me to pick apart this album from a critical standpoint; I'm far too stoked by the ride itself, which set the gold standard for approachable dark rides, to not recuse myself on the grounds of being an unobjective critic. So as a not impartial reviewer, let me say that if you can get it, this is a must-have for fans of the Haunted Mansion.