Ultimate Edition

Review by Mark Newbold

One of the most eagerly awaited soundtracks of recent years came to the shelves in early May 1999 and sold just over one million copies.  That, of course, was Episode I – The Phantom Menace, a collection of various tracks culled from the largest grossing motion picture of 1999.  But what of the tracks that failed to make that selection?   The remaining examples of John Williams’ genius that so many Star Wars fans would be itching to hear?

Well, here they are.  Sixty-eight tracks, over 120 minutes of music presented in neon-blue flip-over packaging adorned with the grimacing visage of Lord Darth Maul on the cover.  A double disk package presenting the films music in chronological order following the exact cues of the movie itself and a booklet presenting images never before seen.

And John Williams outdoes himself.  How this film wasn’t even nominated for an Academy Award is a mystery, the various ebbs and flows of the music on a level with anything he’s produced before.

The music follows in themes much like the movie.  Naboo themes are distinct from Tatooine themes.  Coruscant and the Jedi Temple have a sense of grandeur that sweeps the film through those scenes and back to Naboo for the tragic and triumphant finale.  And presented here for the first time is a track not utilised in the movie, Desert Winds, as well as the Duel of the Fates overlaid with dialogue from the film itself.

All in all a great example of a soundtrack.  Whilst in no way on a par with the BMG Special Edition releases from 1997 the Ultimate Edition is well worth the price and worth seeking out.