Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

by John Williams

Overview

The original intent behind the release of the three Special Edition soundtracks was to place all of the available Star Wars music on the market and in the hands of fans. Though this collection includes new music from the Special Edition of the film -- previously unreleased music, a concert suite, and an alternate version of the music for the assault on Jabba the Hutt's sail barge -- it unfortunately doesn't include the original Sy Snootles track or the original Ewok celebration track. The music for Return of the Jedi is presented chronologically, with source music and alternate cues tucked away at the end of each disc, making those particular cuts easier to ignore (highly recommended in the case of the overbearing "Jedi Rocks," a new song composed for the Special Edition). Alas, ignoring John Williams' insipid, Yanni-like new addition to the score, "Victory Celebration," is only possible if you also manage to ignore the end title music. While the original celebration music, with its chorus line of demented Ewok voices, was no great joy, at least it had some interesting musical qualities. Despite its uninformative sleeve notes, this collection has a lot going for it. Musically, it sounds gorgeous; Williams turned in a score incorporating layer upon layer of thematic elements, risking a tendency toward composing music that was too ornate. Frills and trills abound, but Williams avoided allowing the score to be buried in them. Having the music assembled as a continuous master provides the listener with a more organic flow and a better listening experience overall, while the remixing and remastering have improved the sound and dynamic range enormously. Despite the missing music, this is definitely the version to have. ~ Steven McDonald

Product Details

Release Date:	05/04/2018
Label:	Walt Disney
UPC:	0050087364243

Tracks

1. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Main Title (The Story Continues)
2. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Into the Trap
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Luke and Leia
4. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Parade of the Ewoks
5. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Han Solo Returns (At the Court of Jabba the Hutt)
6. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Lapti Nek (Jabba's Palace Band)
7. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~The Forest Battle
8. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Rebel Briefing
9. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~The Emperor
10. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~The Return of the Jedi
11. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~Ewok Celebration and Finale

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Williams   Primary Artist,Conductor
Michelle Gruska   Primary Artist
London Symphony Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
John "Buddy" Williams   Conductor

Technical Credits

Eric Tomlinson   Audio Engineer,Engineer
John Williams   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Ken Wannberg   Supervising Music Editor
Alfred Newman   Composer
Tommy Vicari   Remixing
Meghan Foley   Design
Herbert W. Spencer   Orchestration
Laura Kszan   Editorial Production
Jonathan Allen   Engineer
Sean Evans   Art Direction,Design
Lionel Newman   Recording Supervision
Jerry Hey   Arranger,Composer
Nick Redman   Producer
Isobel Griffiths   Orchestra Contractor
London Symphony Orchestra   Performer
Shawn Murphy   Remixing
Tom Cavanaugh   Project Coordinator
Michael Matessino   Editing,Assembly,Supervisor
Tim Vicari   Remixing
John "Buddy" Williams   Composer,Producer
Michelle Errante   Product Manager
Megan Foley   Design
Daniel Hersch   Mastering,Transfers,Digital Editing,Digital Transfers