Lamentizer
01-12-2013, 10:19 PM
Hello everyone. This is Lamentizer. I'm here with my first review. This one is about the soundtracks of Star Wars. I'm going to give and honest review for each one. I'm putting aside everything that people say, "the music sound mutted", "it's not the film score", "it sucks", "George Lucas ruined my childhood". I really don't care. I'm a big Star Wars, and I love the music. John Williams is The God Of Music.
Each review will have the following format:
1. About the score.
2. My favorite tracks. (The songs listed will be in no order of likeness)
3. How the music fits to the scenes.
4. My final score.
If I think of others, I'll add them.
It's kind of hard to say which is my favorite film. I have to say that I have 2 favorite Star Wars movies, since there are 2 trilogies. But still, it's very hard to choose.
I'm going to review the soundtracks in the order that the films were released. To me that makes sense. I'm also going to review other Star Wars soundtracks. With all that said, lets get down to business (to defeat the Huns)! Sorry, couldn't resist the Mulan pun. Anyways....
Any questions or comments would be nice.
Episode IV: A New Hope
~ About The Score ~
John Williams' score for Episode IV was recorded over 8 sessions at Anvil Studios in Denham, England on March 5, 8–12, 15 and 16, 1977. The London Symphony Orchestra performed the score with Williams himself conducting. Because of popular demand, a score was released in 1997, and again in 2004 for the Special Edition DVD release.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
All the songs in Episode IV are amazing. 24 tracks are included on 2 discs.
1. Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner - the main theme of Star Wars is just so....kick ass. No composer can make such an epic opening song without it sounding like it's been based off the main theme of Star Wars
2. Ben's Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter attack - the opening cue is so sad, but awesome at the same. I sometimes listen to the 1st 36 seconds over and over and over again.
3. The Battle Of Yavin - 1st off, the soundtrack has a blooper. Look at the track listing on the back cover and on the panel on the foldable cover. Yes, that right. They both say THE BATLE OF YAVIN. Battle spelt with only 1 "t". Anyways, this song just has the words "kick-ass" and "epic-ness" written all over it.
4. Hidden takes of the Star Wars theme - I love how they included the different takes of the theme. It's just sad that the final version doesn't have that ka-shing to the 1st few seconds like it does on Takes 16-18.
[a few more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
1. The Battle Of Yavin - this piece is so rememberable. Every time i listen to this song, the dialogue just plays in my head. All wings report in. Pull up! He's got me tight! I can't shake him! Blast it Wedge/Biggs, where are you? It came from behind. I have you now. And so on. The only thing I miss from this piece is that the Rebel Fanfare was omitted from the 2004 DVD.
2. Ben Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter Attack - same as The Battle Of Yavin, every time I listen to this song I want to scream "No" just as Luke did. The 1st part is such a sad music piece and it fits the scene because it holds that motif of sadness as well as anger and determination.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
Since this was John Williams 1st Star Wars score, there are the goods and the bads. I love how the soundtrack includes deleted cues, like the beginning of Landspeeder Search/Attack Of The Sand People. One thing that I wish that Williams had done for The Battle Of Yavin was have a bigger and louder drum play with the instrument clash when Biggs dies. Other than that, John Williams has done a excellent job at his first Star Wars score, pulling melodies from all the corners of the galaxy. I'd give it a 10\10 rating.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
~ About The Score ~
Episode V's score was recorded over 18 sessions at the Anvil Studios. There were 3 days in December 1979 and 6 days in January 1980. This score is remembered most by "The Imperial March". Because of popular demand, a score was released in 1997, and again in 2004 for the Special Edition DVD release. This release featured cues that were cut as well as how it was intended to sound, before scenes were cut which caused cues to be replaced or deleted.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
1. Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth - My most favorite part of this whole song is the omitted strings at about 3:45-4:21. I've come to call this cue "Shadows Of The Empire Menu" because it's the song that plays on the game menus of the old Nintendo 64 game Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire.
2. The Battle Of Hoth - This epic and evil sounding piece just fits the Hoth battle. The only thing keeping this song from being how it was featured in the film is a small measure of The Imperial March which is suppose to play at 11:21.
3. The Imperial March - This song is used in all the episodes but IV. In my opinion, it's just slightly overused. Don't get me wrong, I love the song. But I think that it doesn't have to play every time we see Vader or a character speak about Vader.
4. The Clash Of Lightsabers - The beginning sparkle sound is also used in Episode III, but at a different pitch. The song title has "Lightsaber" in it, but it mostly plays when Leia and her group are running down the hallways trying to reach Han. But anyways, this song just has evil and dark written all over it. Yeah!
5. The Rebel Fleet/End Title - Even if this song isn't quite what is heard in the movie, it's one lovely melody. Beginning with the Force theme and going right into Han's theme. The ending of this song gives you feeling that Luke and Leia's journey isn't over.
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
This is kind of hard to do, due to the fact that cues were deleted. But I'll give it a shot.
1. The Battle Of Hoth - just like The Battle Of Yavin, this song is also remembered by the dramatic effects that Williams has written. Every time I hear this song, the dialogue plays in my head. Keep tight and low. Dack! Dack! One more pass! Wow, that got him. This is it! Hobbie, I've been hit! If any other song was tracked from Episode IV, the mood of the whole battle woulf be changed.
2. The Asteroid Field - This crazy song fits with the crazy asteroid sequence. Whenever there a TIE Fighter explodes, the song as includes some sort of "explosion" music effect, wether it's drums or cymbals. The ending is perfect because it give the tone of "we're safe...for now..."
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
Despite what people say about it "sounding muted", "it was recorded quickly", "certain cue aren't present" "it's not all the music originally written", the soundtrack includes cues that were omitted from the final film. At least a 1\4 of the score was omitted from the film. Yet, most people do not look at that. People say that it's not every note recorded. Well, it should be obvious - even the Episode IV soundtrack does not include every little piece that Williams wrote, even if it's a 2 bar love version of the Main Title. But I ignore all those bad things. If you don't like the music, i suggest that you stop reading, go to you soundtrack collection, find all the soundtracks that you hate, and set them on your garage floor and smash them with a sledge hammer and melt all the tiny pieces together to for a sculpture of your worst nightmare. I'd give this soundtrack a 9\10. Why 11\10. Why 11? All because the soundtrack included those awesome omitted cues.
Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi
Just like the 2 previous scores, Episode VI's score was recorded at the Abbey Road studios, this time during the months of January and February 1983. The movie score was so grand that it won another Oscar nomination for John Williams. Episode IV is the largest score of all the Star Wars films.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
This score, in my opinion, is the best of the Original Trilogy.
1. The Pit Of Carkoon\Sail Barge Assault - This song is actually extended than the version heard in the final film, probably to restore music that would have been omitted because a short shot was also deleted from the fight. This track just has "whoop-ass soup" written all over it. From the uses of The Force Theme to the uses of Luke's Theme, the action doesn't stop - until 6:02, cause that's when the song ends. Tears.
2. Sail Barge Assault (Alternate) - This track is also used in the Radio Drama for Episode IV, playing during the Barge fight. I have mixed feelings on this one. It doesn't really use any popular Star Wars themes, seeing how it was written before they kept re-filming the fight sequence. But it is awesome the listen to.
3. Parade Of The Ewoks - This track is so...cute sounding. Really. Dudedu Dudedu Dededededu Dududu Dududu dudududuuuuuu. That's my lyrics for the piece. It's song shows who powerful those fur balls really are.
4. The Battle Of Endor I\II\III - These 3 tracks hold the power of the end of the saga. Endor I is my favorite cause of the segment where the Fleet exits hyperspace, all the Rebel fighters call in, and "It's a Trap!"
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
1. Main Title\Approaching The Death Star\Tatooine Rendezvous - This song fits well because it not only has The Imperial March, but i has an attitude of "Vader is upset and is not happy with you lack of progress". Somewhere, I believe around the 5 or 6 minute mark, included an omitted cue for a scene when Luke was construction his Lightsaber. This omitted cue sounds so mysterious, it's almost creepy.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
[coming soon]
Shadows Of The Empire
~ About The Score ~
Shadows Of The Empire was a multi-media project created by Lucas Arts to tell a story between stories. The project was a big success, toys were made, a novel and comic books were written, a Nintendo 64 and PC video game was released, as well as a soundtrack. It was a movie without the movie. The roughly 60 minute score was conducted by McNeely, and was performed by the 90-piece Royal Scottish National Orchestra and 150-piece Chorus in Glasgow, Scotland in early 1996. 10 pieces of music were written, all telling the story of key events of the story.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
All I can say it that all the tracks are my favorite.
1. Night Skies - First off, most people think that McNelly used the Force Theme and The Imperial March to make the soundtrack popular, that is 100% FALSE. The two themes are used in this piece because of the scene this song would play. This song would appear as Darth Vader learns the history of Xizor's family.
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
Since the score isn't based on a movie, it's hard to see how the music would work if there was a movie. But all the songs composed have that feel of a story in a galaxy far, far away.
1. Night Skies - This cue plays when Vader learns about Xizor's family and the history of Black Sun. The tracks uses The Imperial March and Xizor's Theme. In reality, The version of The Imperial March that plays in this song, out of all the movie scores, is the calmest ever.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
[coming soon]
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode I: The Ultimate Edition
Episode II: Attack Of The Clones
Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
The Clone Wars
Episodes VII, VIII, IX
[don't expect anything for a while. LOL.]
Each review will have the following format:
1. About the score.
2. My favorite tracks. (The songs listed will be in no order of likeness)
3. How the music fits to the scenes.
4. My final score.
If I think of others, I'll add them.
It's kind of hard to say which is my favorite film. I have to say that I have 2 favorite Star Wars movies, since there are 2 trilogies. But still, it's very hard to choose.
I'm going to review the soundtracks in the order that the films were released. To me that makes sense. I'm also going to review other Star Wars soundtracks. With all that said, lets get down to business (to defeat the Huns)! Sorry, couldn't resist the Mulan pun. Anyways....
Any questions or comments would be nice.
Episode IV: A New Hope
~ About The Score ~
John Williams' score for Episode IV was recorded over 8 sessions at Anvil Studios in Denham, England on March 5, 8–12, 15 and 16, 1977. The London Symphony Orchestra performed the score with Williams himself conducting. Because of popular demand, a score was released in 1997, and again in 2004 for the Special Edition DVD release.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
All the songs in Episode IV are amazing. 24 tracks are included on 2 discs.
1. Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner - the main theme of Star Wars is just so....kick ass. No composer can make such an epic opening song without it sounding like it's been based off the main theme of Star Wars
2. Ben's Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter attack - the opening cue is so sad, but awesome at the same. I sometimes listen to the 1st 36 seconds over and over and over again.
3. The Battle Of Yavin - 1st off, the soundtrack has a blooper. Look at the track listing on the back cover and on the panel on the foldable cover. Yes, that right. They both say THE BATLE OF YAVIN. Battle spelt with only 1 "t". Anyways, this song just has the words "kick-ass" and "epic-ness" written all over it.
4. Hidden takes of the Star Wars theme - I love how they included the different takes of the theme. It's just sad that the final version doesn't have that ka-shing to the 1st few seconds like it does on Takes 16-18.
[a few more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
1. The Battle Of Yavin - this piece is so rememberable. Every time i listen to this song, the dialogue just plays in my head. All wings report in. Pull up! He's got me tight! I can't shake him! Blast it Wedge/Biggs, where are you? It came from behind. I have you now. And so on. The only thing I miss from this piece is that the Rebel Fanfare was omitted from the 2004 DVD.
2. Ben Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter Attack - same as The Battle Of Yavin, every time I listen to this song I want to scream "No" just as Luke did. The 1st part is such a sad music piece and it fits the scene because it holds that motif of sadness as well as anger and determination.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
Since this was John Williams 1st Star Wars score, there are the goods and the bads. I love how the soundtrack includes deleted cues, like the beginning of Landspeeder Search/Attack Of The Sand People. One thing that I wish that Williams had done for The Battle Of Yavin was have a bigger and louder drum play with the instrument clash when Biggs dies. Other than that, John Williams has done a excellent job at his first Star Wars score, pulling melodies from all the corners of the galaxy. I'd give it a 10\10 rating.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
~ About The Score ~
Episode V's score was recorded over 18 sessions at the Anvil Studios. There were 3 days in December 1979 and 6 days in January 1980. This score is remembered most by "The Imperial March". Because of popular demand, a score was released in 1997, and again in 2004 for the Special Edition DVD release. This release featured cues that were cut as well as how it was intended to sound, before scenes were cut which caused cues to be replaced or deleted.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
1. Main Title/The Ice Planet Hoth - My most favorite part of this whole song is the omitted strings at about 3:45-4:21. I've come to call this cue "Shadows Of The Empire Menu" because it's the song that plays on the game menus of the old Nintendo 64 game Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire.
2. The Battle Of Hoth - This epic and evil sounding piece just fits the Hoth battle. The only thing keeping this song from being how it was featured in the film is a small measure of The Imperial March which is suppose to play at 11:21.
3. The Imperial March - This song is used in all the episodes but IV. In my opinion, it's just slightly overused. Don't get me wrong, I love the song. But I think that it doesn't have to play every time we see Vader or a character speak about Vader.
4. The Clash Of Lightsabers - The beginning sparkle sound is also used in Episode III, but at a different pitch. The song title has "Lightsaber" in it, but it mostly plays when Leia and her group are running down the hallways trying to reach Han. But anyways, this song just has evil and dark written all over it. Yeah!
5. The Rebel Fleet/End Title - Even if this song isn't quite what is heard in the movie, it's one lovely melody. Beginning with the Force theme and going right into Han's theme. The ending of this song gives you feeling that Luke and Leia's journey isn't over.
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
This is kind of hard to do, due to the fact that cues were deleted. But I'll give it a shot.
1. The Battle Of Hoth - just like The Battle Of Yavin, this song is also remembered by the dramatic effects that Williams has written. Every time I hear this song, the dialogue plays in my head. Keep tight and low. Dack! Dack! One more pass! Wow, that got him. This is it! Hobbie, I've been hit! If any other song was tracked from Episode IV, the mood of the whole battle woulf be changed.
2. The Asteroid Field - This crazy song fits with the crazy asteroid sequence. Whenever there a TIE Fighter explodes, the song as includes some sort of "explosion" music effect, wether it's drums or cymbals. The ending is perfect because it give the tone of "we're safe...for now..."
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
Despite what people say about it "sounding muted", "it was recorded quickly", "certain cue aren't present" "it's not all the music originally written", the soundtrack includes cues that were omitted from the final film. At least a 1\4 of the score was omitted from the film. Yet, most people do not look at that. People say that it's not every note recorded. Well, it should be obvious - even the Episode IV soundtrack does not include every little piece that Williams wrote, even if it's a 2 bar love version of the Main Title. But I ignore all those bad things. If you don't like the music, i suggest that you stop reading, go to you soundtrack collection, find all the soundtracks that you hate, and set them on your garage floor and smash them with a sledge hammer and melt all the tiny pieces together to for a sculpture of your worst nightmare. I'd give this soundtrack a 9\10. Why 11\10. Why 11? All because the soundtrack included those awesome omitted cues.
Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi
Just like the 2 previous scores, Episode VI's score was recorded at the Abbey Road studios, this time during the months of January and February 1983. The movie score was so grand that it won another Oscar nomination for John Williams. Episode IV is the largest score of all the Star Wars films.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
This score, in my opinion, is the best of the Original Trilogy.
1. The Pit Of Carkoon\Sail Barge Assault - This song is actually extended than the version heard in the final film, probably to restore music that would have been omitted because a short shot was also deleted from the fight. This track just has "whoop-ass soup" written all over it. From the uses of The Force Theme to the uses of Luke's Theme, the action doesn't stop - until 6:02, cause that's when the song ends. Tears.
2. Sail Barge Assault (Alternate) - This track is also used in the Radio Drama for Episode IV, playing during the Barge fight. I have mixed feelings on this one. It doesn't really use any popular Star Wars themes, seeing how it was written before they kept re-filming the fight sequence. But it is awesome the listen to.
3. Parade Of The Ewoks - This track is so...cute sounding. Really. Dudedu Dudedu Dededededu Dududu Dududu dudududuuuuuu. That's my lyrics for the piece. It's song shows who powerful those fur balls really are.
4. The Battle Of Endor I\II\III - These 3 tracks hold the power of the end of the saga. Endor I is my favorite cause of the segment where the Fleet exits hyperspace, all the Rebel fighters call in, and "It's a Trap!"
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
1. Main Title\Approaching The Death Star\Tatooine Rendezvous - This song fits well because it not only has The Imperial March, but i has an attitude of "Vader is upset and is not happy with you lack of progress". Somewhere, I believe around the 5 or 6 minute mark, included an omitted cue for a scene when Luke was construction his Lightsaber. This omitted cue sounds so mysterious, it's almost creepy.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
[coming soon]
Shadows Of The Empire
~ About The Score ~
Shadows Of The Empire was a multi-media project created by Lucas Arts to tell a story between stories. The project was a big success, toys were made, a novel and comic books were written, a Nintendo 64 and PC video game was released, as well as a soundtrack. It was a movie without the movie. The roughly 60 minute score was conducted by McNeely, and was performed by the 90-piece Royal Scottish National Orchestra and 150-piece Chorus in Glasgow, Scotland in early 1996. 10 pieces of music were written, all telling the story of key events of the story.
~ My Favorite Tracks ~
All I can say it that all the tracks are my favorite.
1. Night Skies - First off, most people think that McNelly used the Force Theme and The Imperial March to make the soundtrack popular, that is 100% FALSE. The two themes are used in this piece because of the scene this song would play. This song would appear as Darth Vader learns the history of Xizor's family.
[more coming soon]
~ How the Music Fits To The Scenes ~
Since the score isn't based on a movie, it's hard to see how the music would work if there was a movie. But all the songs composed have that feel of a story in a galaxy far, far away.
1. Night Skies - This cue plays when Vader learns about Xizor's family and the history of Black Sun. The tracks uses The Imperial March and Xizor's Theme. In reality, The version of The Imperial March that plays in this song, out of all the movie scores, is the calmest ever.
[more coming soon]
~ My Final Score ~
[coming soon]
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode I: The Ultimate Edition
Episode II: Attack Of The Clones
Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
The Clone Wars
Episodes VII, VIII, IX
[don't expect anything for a while. LOL.]