Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Star Wars cycle, George Lucas's stellar pop parable cum merchandising blitzkrieg, has long since made history as an unparalleled cinematic-cultural-marketing phenomena; somewhere Billy Jack should be in one envious, ass-kickin' mood. Phantom Menace, easily the most eagerly anticipated film of the '90s, returns to the saga's roots and allows Lucas to flesh out the history of some of the fable's core characters and conjure up a dazzling new cast of cohorts, antagonists, and alien realms for them to interact with and in. Thus, all composer John Williams had to do was essentially reinvent the world's most popular wheel. The film-scoring legend has admirably risen to that daunting challenge, delivering an inventive score whose dynamics should surprise and delight even the most ardent SW fanatic. The Main Title and a few oh-so-sparing bars of a familiar Jedi theme are all that remains from the original trilogy's lexicon, Williams having evolved the saga's musical language, stylistic reach, and orchestral palette with masterful subtlety. The composer's most ambitious surprise is the welcome addition of strong choral elements, which he uses in ways both majestic ("Duel of the Fates") and menacing ("Passage Through the Planet's Core"). And though the film revolves around a young boy (Anakin Skywalker, who will grow to be both corrupted and redeemed as Darth Vader), the only flirtation with cloying sentimentality comes with the innocently loping "Jar Jar's Introduction." In the tradition of the Cantina and Max Rebo's Band of the previous trilogy, Williams and Lucas close out this musical installment with "Augie's Municipal Band," a Carnivale-esque romp that segues grandly into the composer's swelling title music. Williams may be the master of a grand scoring tradition, but Phantom Menace is gratifying evidence that he seldom plays it safe--even when the Force is with him. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Bought Only For "Duel of Fates"

Yea, I did. I love that song and found this album for less than $1 so I went ahead and bought it. Most of the track are excellent including the last one. Worth the money! October 1, 2008

Listen To It You Must. Love It You Will.

All 6 of the Star Wars soundtracks
composed and conducted by John Williams
are great, but this one is unbelievable.

It's in a whole film score league of its own.
It's one of my favorite soundtracks
from a motion picture.

I haven't heard the ultimate two disc edition yet,
but if it is more of the same quality music,
even better.

London Symphony Orchestra, London Voices,
New London Children's Choir
- the force is with you.

If you enjoy film scores in general
and the works of John Williams in particular,
you will want this recording in your collection
because you will listen to it often.
March 22, 2008

Star Wars Soundtrack... It is what it is

Purchased this soundtrack simply to record a couple of tracks from it. Not into classical musit, therefore it is what it is. January 2, 2008

The Beginning of Star Wars

Say what you will about Episode I, we're talking about the music here. John Williams composed the music for every single Star Wars film. In 1999, when we found out he would return to score the prequel trilogy, it was great news. With this album, Williams has breathed new life and created new music for a series that began about 30 years ago. My review is slightly biased, as this is the first orchestral soundtrack to enter my library, and has a special place. I am truly surprised at the lack of Awards recognition. If you are a John Williams fan, a Star Wars fan, or a film score fan, this is highly recommended. November 23, 2007

Excellent

Beautiful music. If you enjoy the movies and listening to film scores, I highly suggest this album August 29, 2007

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