John Williams, London Symphony Orchestra - Star Wars: A New Hope: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Special Edition)

There is no soundtrack composer working today more talented or consistent than John Williams, and the Star Wars trilogy represents some of his finest work. Though he uses few major themes (mostly tied to specific characters, signaling when they appear on the screen or do something important), there's also enough variety in the incidental music to keep things interesting. From the instantly recognizable opening music to the medley that accompanies the closing credits, this is excellent work that perfectly captures the innocence and sense of adventure of the film. At the same time, the Star Wars score stands up very well as a piece of music on its own. --Genevieve Williams Amazon.com

Great Movie Soundtracks

To me this is one of the greatest soundtracks ever produced. If you are a Star Wars fan then this is for you. This CD sounds great!! This is some of the most evocative, exciting and entertaining music in the history of movies. Like the movies themselves, this soundtrack will keep you on the edge of your seat, crying, laughing and smiling the entire time and brings to mind the images of the movies as if you were watching it while listening. This soundtrack belongs in your collection of Star Wars memorabilia. John Williams and the London Symphony have a masterpiece in this soundtrack and you will listen again and again enjoying it more each and every time you listen. February 8, 2008

Excellent!!

I have three words: BUY THIS ANTHOLOGY. It is John Williams at his greatest in my opinion. It is Star Wars at its greatest. The "Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" is so awesome. Actually, ALL of it is awesome. "The Throne Room" is among my favorites of the tracks. Really, this anthology encompasses the epic of Star Wars. January 9, 2007

Great soundtrack!

This is a great recording of John William's soundtrack for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The LSO plays very well. The music is very good, and has many memorable themes throughout the soundtrack. This is one of my favorite soundtracks! You should listen to it if you haven't. December 30, 2006

An Incredible Compilation!

I recieved this set for my Birthday a few years ago, and this, (along with my other Star Wars and John Williams CD's) remains at the front of my CD collection. It's mixtures and arrangements of the score are truly the best, (helmed by John Williams himself) and the London Symphony plays wonderfully.

When all is said and done, these are perfection. July 20, 2006

A mixed bag from an audiophile perspective...

Audiophiles, take note -- portions of this anthology sound like they were hastily transferred to digital from a second or third generation copy of the master tapes. There is audible tape dropout in certain parts, as well as some hiss. Now hiss, in and of itself is not a big deal -- I actually prefer that it be left in, for the most part. But the dropouts are unforgivable. I've also heard an occasional crackling distortion, either from the original tapes or digital clipping. This recording was made in 1977, not 1957... why should there be these problems? This stuff is all too audible through a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-880 headphones.

Anyway, I haven't heard other remastered editions, but I recommend avoiding this one for the most part. Certain songs sound excellent, but many are marred by master tape issues to the point where they become difficult to listen to through good headphones, breaking the mood of the piece. November 12, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...