STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1999)

So we’ve heard how the Star Wars franchise aims to milk every cent out of unknowing fans. As if the prequels (will anyone ever forgive George Lucas for creating Jar Jar Binks?) were not enough to piss purists off, we had the 3D version of Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (more to come in the following years, we are sure) released in cinemas recently. With that, comes the re release of the soundtrack album.

Fans who already own the 1999 version of the soundtrack may want to know that this edition contains an additional track “Duel of the Fate (Dialogue Version)” where you can hear Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman’s sexily cold voice never fails to enchant), Yoda, Mace Windu and Qui Gon reciting some of the best lines from the movie. Oh, if you are a true fan, you probably would know that this track was on the 2000 “Ultimate Edition”.

And hence the conclusion we are drawing here – this edition of the soundtrack is for new fans.

Do not be mistaken, we love the music composed by John Williams. The score he has created for all six Star Wars movies are marvelous. Never will we hear another fantasy score filled with so much wonder, magic and awe. Here, “Duel of the Fates” creates a grand sense of terror to the most unknowing listener, while “Anakin’s Theme” is tenderly sweet and affecting.

Elsewhere, be impressed with the action packed “The Sith Spacecraft and The Droid Battle” and the majestically splendid “The Arrival at Tatooine and The Flag Parade”. “The Droid Invasion and The Appearance of Darth Maul” is ominously set up to a grandiosely dark finale, while “Qui Gon’s Noble End” brings the story to a tragic end. And we haven’t forgotten the oddly joyful “Angie’s Great Municipal Band and End Credits” – it’s one cue you can imagine party confetti floating all around you, before the nostalgic end credits theme comes on.

If there’s any reason why you haven’t heard the maestro’s work on the otherwise widely panned movie, this is the time to.

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (18) Duel of the Fates (Dialogue Version)

Review by John Li