2008 Reviewer
RobAstor
Jackson, MI

Many Changes From The Original Film Score

4 star rating

a fan of good music
Pros

    Additional Music/Changed Music


NOV
24
2008

John Williams/London Symphony Orchestra - Star Wars - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Original Soundtrack Album — 

Return Of The Jedi suffered the most musical changes of the original trilogy of Star Wars films, in my opinion.  I have the original LP.  The song sung a Jabba's palace is completely different, as well as the closing celebration music of the Ewoks and the rebels on Endor.  In the first case, it's a tough call to say that either piece of music was better than the other.  The scene itself doesn't really add that much to the film except a foreshadowing of Luke dropping through that same grate in a later scene.  In the latter instance, the music became mellow, and much more worldly.  I do think it is a better piece of music.  The rest of the score, while delievering new themes, borrows heavily from Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to make it the fantastic piece of art that it is.  I remember reading an article in 1983 where George Lucas said that Jedi was like doing a graduating thesis.  In many ways, the music reflects that same sentiment.  It was a chance for John Williams to go back and expound upon and improve some of his work, not that it needed any improvement to begin with.  At this point, however, "The Imperial March" so closely asociated with Darth Vader in The Emprie Strikes Back, now gets quoted over and over as a theme for the Empire.  This happenes in the prequel trilogy as well.  When I hear that music, I expect that Darth Vader should be on hand in the scene.  Oustanding moments on this soundtrack include, but are not limited to, the them used for Luke and Princess Leia, and "The Force Theme" taking on new meaning and feeling as Luke confronts the Emperor in the Death Star's throne room.  Once again, Star Wars fans and John Williams buffs alike will need this essential disc to complete their collection.



I_thumb_up John Williams/London Symphony Orchestra - Star Wars - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Original Soundtrack Album is recommended by RobAstor

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