Star Wars Episode I the Phantom Menace: Violin (with Piano Acc.), Book & CD with CD (Audio) (Star Wars Instrumental Series) [Paperback]

I think the question that everyone's asking here is: "which do I buy? The traditional soundtrack release, or this very tempting `Ultimate Edition'?" I had already bought the original before discovering that there was a double-disc release, too, so I am in the position of having both and being able to examine the differences between them.

The original 1-disc version is amazing: by now, every fan of Williams' "Star Wars" music should know about the choral masterpiece `Duel of the Fates', and the subtle but emotional `Anakin's Theme'. What they don't know about is `The Arrival on Coruscant', `The Droid Battle', `The Chosen One' and `The Queen's Protectors'.

But, to fully appreciate the world that John Williams has created, I think it's essential to hear the score in its entirety. That's why I bought this set even though I had the earlier version already: it's so rare these days to be able to hear the complete score to a film, and in some cases you don't want to, but Williams is just such a genius.

He takes one through such a variety of sounds, emotions and experiences: from the tense failed negotiations on the Federation ship to the brief but brutal battle with the destroyer droids. From Jar Jar's clumsy, plodding theme and the ethereal otherworld of the Gungans' underwater city, to the militaristic, march-like invasion of Naboo.

I'll admit, some of the local music on Tatooine is a bit repetitive and superfluous at times, but I suppose it's meant to be primitive: `Cantina Band' and `Jedi Rocks' is, after all, the peak of that society's musical development! Sprinklings of `Anakin's Theme' are introduced as Anakin appears and starts planning to enter the pod-race.

The build-up to the pod-race is good, but it's a pity that the wonderful fanfare of `The Flag Parade' is so much shorter on this CD (Williams' whole composition is on the 1-disc edition). After Anakin wins the pod-race, we are treated to some triumphant music, followed by his emotional and life-changing separation from his mother.

`Anakin is Free' includes a tender woodwind section that speaks to the dilemma of a young boy wanting to achieve great things, but having to give up his family and home to do it. As we all know, the galaxy will never be the same because of it, and so his decision is punctuated by a grand, stirring rendition of the `Star Wars' theme.

Worthy of mention is that Qui-Gon also has a theme, completely absent from the original soundtrack, but noticeable in several places on this set. Another excellent device here is the Emperor's Theme, which haunts the edges of the music, giving the impression of a real `Phantom Menace' lurking in the background, waiting to strike.

Again, the music accompanying all of the political back-and-forth is quite dull, with a few exceptions, however it's well worth it when the final battle begins, and we are treated to several variations on the `Duel of the Fates'. `The Tide Turns' is, in my opinion, the best track on this 2-CD set and almost worth the price just by itself.

`The Parade' is a weird and wonderful mix of the strange musical style of the Gungans together with children scatting and laughing, harking back to the way in which the original saga ended with the party in the Ewoks' tree houses. My only complaint would be the `running-on' of the tracks, but otherwise a brilliant set!

As an avid Star Wars fan I was most eager to see the new Star Wars movie and even more excited to listen to the soundtrack. When it was first released however I have to say I was slightly disappointed with the content and arrangement of the score and felt it one of John Williams weaker scores. However, my opinion has now been pleasantly changed with the release of this superb Ultimate edition. not only does it contain every track from the movie but they are arranged individually so that you can skip directly to a particular song you like. With the added material the score really shines and although I don' rank it as my favourite score by Mr. Williams it is definitely in his top 5. I haven't stopped listening since I bought it a week ago !! As for the musical content it is very pacy interspersed with some of the loveliest melodies I have ever heard on a soundtrack album. Track 26 on CD 1 and Track 1 on CD rank among the best but the little sub-tunes which were used for backing are also most welcome. If I have one criticism it is a lack of liner notes but that is of small concern when you consider the sheer bulk of fine music here. I would recommend it to a fan of John Williams and to any collector of fine classical music. First rate

If you were frustrated at the number of missing cues on the soundtrack CD last year, then this is the disc for you! This is essentially an isolated score on CD, so every cue you heard on the film is included here. Highlights include track 5 - Fighting the Destroyer Droids, track 27 - the Pod Racer Roars to Life and on disc 2, track 1 - Anakin is Free and track 28 - The Tide Turns.

In addition, you also get some source music from the Tatooine scenes and a cheesy version of Duel of the Fates with dialogue, which is basically an audio trailer for the film. These extras are of curiosity value only to me.

Downsides? For a start there are no altenate cues like there were on the excellent RCA 2 Disc releases of the other films. Nor do we get detailed descriptions of the tracks. Packaging is quite lavish but also a little amateurish compared to the RCA discs. Since this is the score exactly how it was on the film, some of the transitions between cues are not as seamless as on the 1 disc release. This is especially noticable during the final battle, where the music jumps about all over the place. Also lacking are the concert arrangemnents of Duel of the Fates and Anakin's Theme.

In conclusion, if you want the full experience of the score of TPM, This disc is a must. But last years release also remains essential, since it contains the concert arrangements.