Book Review: 'Mondo: The Art Of Soundtracks' from Insight Editions

'Mondo: The Art Of Soundtracks', written by Mo Shafeek and Spencer Hickman (Co-Creative Directors for Mondo Music and Death Waltz Recording Co), and published by Insight Editions, is the latest coffee-table artbook that showcases the original artwork produced by Austin, TX based Mondo.

This impressive 216 page hardcover artbook begins with a short foreword by Academy Award winning composer Michael Giacchino (Pixar, Star Trek, Rogue One, Spider-Man), followed by a preface and introduction by the authors, as well as a piece written by Los Angeles-based film critic and entertainment journalist, Todd Gilchrist, that goes into the details of how Mondo Music and Death Waltz Recordings began building a legacy of releasing vinyl pressings for soundtracks to films, TV, and video games, accompanied by the Mondo trademark of eye-catching original artwork.

The book is jam packed with stunning and original artwork, making full use of each thick and glossy page. Featuring over 90 pieces of art, some of the pieces being limited editions and now no longer in print, from the striking original album cover art of soundtracks for films, TV and video games like; Aliens, Halloween, Back To The Future, Adventure Time, Twin Peaks, Castlevania, and The Last Of Us and much more, to the unique designs of the coloured vinyl pressings, as well as the occasional double page spreads of the interior artwork from the gatefold album cover releases, there is plenty of eye candy to gorge over and delve into the details of each of the artworks!

The book itself is a large sized (11.75" x 11.75") hardcover edition with a hefty feel to it, with a spot varnish effect on the front and back covers, giving the feel of actual vinyl grooves, which was pretty cool! There is also an art index at the back of the book, should a particular piece stand out and you want to find out more about the what and the who about the soundtrack album.

From the well known blockbusters, to the underground cult classics, it's a great artbook that I can highly recommend for your collection if you love alternative movie art, soundtracks and album covers. Thanks to Insight Editions for providing a copy for review.

The book is released June 1 2021, and available for pre-order through Mondo, Waterstones, Forbidden Planet and all good book stores.