Whatever your opinion of Lucas' films' cash-hoovering marketing tactics, there's little doubt that this "Ultimate Edition" of John Wiliams' fourth foray into that galaxy far, far away will be of certain interest to both rapacious Star Wars fans and aficionados of Williams' exquisite styling. A formidable two-disc set, with 68 tracks in chronological order over two hours, this score, like the film itself, lacks the iconic freshness of A New Hope (the first Star Wars film) and is hindered by forgivable self-plagiarism. However, it's undoubtedly an accomplished, enjoyable work, with Williams showcasing his strengths with impressive ease, and therefore, easily worthy of the Star Wars brand. This is especially true with this meatier version, where Williams' new themes mingle comfortably and effectively with the first trilogy's classic motifs such as the Main Title fanfare and the Force theme. His renowned technique for leitmotif gets a wonderfully subtle example with the string-driven "Anakin's Theme" (End Credits) in which the sweepingly innocent chorus is given a forbidding coda with the briefest snatch of the "Imperial Theme" from The Empire Strikes Back. With its Wagnerian chorus, courtesy of a 180-strong choir chanting Sanskrit, "Duel of the Fates" remains the score's high-point, giving the film's climactic lightsabre duels the apocalyptic urgency they deserve. Elsewhere, Williams imbues "The Flag Parade" with some Ben Hur bombast, while "Escape From Naboo" is thrilling, adrenalised fare. Ending with a fun, dialogue version of "Duel of The Fates", this is an impressive and exhaustive collection, confirming that Williams' lush, vivid themes define Lucas' universe as much as the special effects. --Danny Graydon
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Outstanding Outstanding, regardless of what you think about the movie. There is no way to take in all the nuances in all the cues from just watching the movie, and in comparison to a package like this, the original sountrack release sounds horribly butchered. There is not a single emotion that Williams failes to capture or convey, all in the span of a single film (which is not to mention the range exemplified in his entire works). It is perhaps telling that listening to a complete soundtrack like this is infinitely... more info
The Ultimate Experience I have had all the original star wars soundtracks since their release in 1997 along with the special edition premiers, the Phantom Menace was the first film of the saga that I was actually alive for when it premiered (I'm only 18). The score itself is excellent, it is no where near as good as the orginals, but it is still brilliant. Whilst listening to this album you can truly appreciate the full power of John Williams and the London Symphonic Orchestra. A few of the reviews have critisced the albums... more info
Novelty, but that soon wears off. As a fan of Williams music, I rushed to get this double CD after owning the first release of the soundtrack for some time. You get hooked on the idea that "everything" is included on this one. It is. But the more i play this, the more i now prefer Williams arrangements on the original and find myself playing that one more often. People often criticize Williams and other composers like Goldsmith for doing such arrangements and ommiting huge chunks of their scores (sometimes this is a good criticism and some... more info
This is the soundtrack you have been looking for! I bought the original Phantom Menace soundtrack as soon as I had seen the movie because although the movie didn't qute live up to my expectations, John Williams' score most certainly did. When I saw that this version was being released not too long after I thought it was just a shameless marketing ploy to grab a few more pounds from my rapidly emptying pockets. However, this soundtrack version is a lot better than the original. It's got all the themes and cues exactly as you hear them in the movie, as well... more info
Tracks:
Fox Fanfare
Star Wars Main Title [Treachery Within the Federation-Invasion of Naboo
Boarding the Federation Battleship [Treachery Within the Federation-Inv
Death Warrant for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan [Treachery Within the Federation]
Fighting the Destroyer Droids [Treachery Within the Federation-Invasion
Queen Amidala Warns the Federatin [Treachery Within the Federation ...
Droid Invasion [Treachery Within the Federation-The Invasion of Na]
Swimming to Otoh Gunga [Underwater Adventure]
Inside the Bubble City [Underwater Adventure]
Attack of the Giant Fish [Underwater Adventure]
Darth Sidious [Darth Sidious and the Passage Through the Planet C]
Giant Squid and the Attack on Theed [On to Naboo and the Rescue of the
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Resue the Queen [On to Naboo and the Rescue of the
Fighting the Guards [On to Naboo and the Rescue of the Queen]
Escape from Naboo [On to Naboo and the Rescue of the Queen]
Enter Darth Maul [On to Naboo and the Rescue of the Queen]
