--Crono/Kyp
Writer/Director/Producer

Post away. I'll wait until the 20th to read everything and post my own stuff.

When I first heard 'Duel of the Fates' on 60 minutes, that oh so short burst we were allowed to hear in that most cool documentary, I got the chills. Here was a bit of music new to the star wars universe, it was deep, dark and damn moody. I loved it.
Upon hearing it in full the other week as an MP3 online I was 100% satisfied what we were going to get from williams and the LSO was going to be something quite special, and I was not wrong.

Now, not only is 'Duel of the Fates' different forthe Star Wars universe, but the entire score as a whole is, but accept this fact folks. These are not the stories we already know, these are new stories, different stories, with different settings, characters and yup, music...
I'm giving people that little warning as some may not like this score THAT much at first, but I figure once you hear this music along with the images on screen it will be accepted as Star Wars music that will become as classic as the 'A New Hope', 'Empire' and 'Jedi' scores.

It begins as Star Wars should, with the theme. Some may argue that this is Lukes theme, and to an extent I agree, as I am sure Williams would too which is why it is used so little in TPM score. How could we not have the opening scroll without this theme though? There are just some things not worth changing, this is one of them.
This first track belnds with 'The Arrival at Naboo', and this is where the difference in the orchestration that Star Wars music fans will hit you. It's more sweeping and sinister then ever this music, and it's a good way to sum up the enitre score alltogether, but onto that later. It perks up with a lovely deep bassy bit, there are a lot of strings here, LOTS!
After hearing track one then, you make think 'Indiana Jones', I did, and it was not the only time either....

Track#2 is 'Duel of the Fates', which I am sure most have all heard now. I will not say much about it. I love it to death, and it will re-appear in other cues as the score goes on.

In track#3 Williams presents us with 'Anakin's Theme', a truly beautiful composition with yes, subtle hints of the Imperial March (not as subtle as you may think actually, but nevertheless, it's a brilliant idea). This reminds me of music in Schindlers List and ET, in fact as it draws to a close with it's haunting quiet version of the Imperial March, 'Saving Private Ryan' popped into my head.
Do not let my comparisons with other Williams music sway you hear though, I an not even comparing anyway, this is a truly wonderful piece of music that I think is destined to become a favourite among us.

Track#4 I like a lot. Entitled 'Jar Jar's Introduction & Swim to Otho Gunga' it begins as a bouncy ewok parade esque little tune for this entirely computer animated character. THEN, it goes into some beautiful fantasy undersea kingdown dreamy type of music. It gest really eerie as it progresses, and it should go down well. I think The Abyss when I hear this. hehe....

'The Sith Spacecraft & The Droid Battle' is up next as track#5, and this is really good rip-roaring stuff. This is the track Williams himself has described as "dying to be the imperial march, and it's going to get there". Essentially this indeed is probably episode 1s answer to that march, I think this is another one that many will class as a fave track...It's certainly one of mine. There is a bit of 'Duel of the Fates' in this track, always a nice thing.

Next up for track#6 is 'The Trip to the Naboo Temple & And Audience With Boss Nass'. This is a grand track, signaling one of great importance, and size! this is big boomy music, lime "dum, dum, dum, dum, BIG guy coming through" stuff. It's great though, and keeps failry lightharted as pretty much all the music for Gungun characters (Boss Nass, Jar Jar, Augie) does in the score... Think these are gonna be a race of funny fella's. hehe.

Track#7 is one of my favourites on the whole score. Entitled #Arrival at Tatooine & Flag Parade' it begins with Jar Jars little ditty, then graduly becomes more sweeping before hitting a dark and important tone (sounds like "bad guy is about" music a this point actually). Soon though it hits the latter part of the track, 'The Flag Parade'. Now this is superb! It is the first of 2 real Indy type marches I love on this score. It makes me wanna leap up out of my chair and salute. It's great, loud, boomy and has great presence. Play this one loud!

Track#8 is 'He is the Chosen One'. This is a lightharted tune with a sinister edge. Listen closely to cath the odd glimpse of 'The Force Theme' (though we never wuite hear it in full on this track) and Anakin's Theme. As it goes on it gets better and better, it's moving, dark and pacey, all at the same time. Nice work John! I love this!

'Anakin Defeats Sebula' is the title for Track#9, I aplogise if one considers this a spoiler title, it's not really as form the trailers already it's damn obvious who is gonna win dat pod race. Anyhoo, this one starts off quite strangely, as if something bad is about to happen, it certainly creates a tension, but then we hit a brief beautiful busrt of 'The Force theme' before it becomes a grand parade of trumpeting leading into a tension packed string of music to accompany a segment of the pod reace in the movie. More excellent stuff, arghh, this score has no bad points!

Track#10 is 'Passage through the Planet Core'. It is another sinister one which begins with an eerie quality to it which carries on throughout the track... It's hard to describe this one really, it's atmospheric that's for sure, and it soon enough becomes a bit lightharted. I think Jar Jar is possibly in this scene, who knows, I aint on about the movie, but it goes into Gungun musical territory.

Track#11 is another good one. This is a very nice cue that lasts nearly 5 mins, it's entitled 'Watto's Deal & Kids at Play' and like many of the scores other tracks it begins as something sinister but comes into the light a bit, becomes playfull and moving. If you want 'the force theme' then this is the track to go to. While the theme only appears once in this track in the latter half it will still be apreciated, it's a beautiful deep horn version, not unlike the version heard when Lukes telles Obi Wan he "wants to become a Jedi like his fater" in A New Hope. Wonderful stuff, this is really gonna make us feel for Anakin...

"Let's have some fun with this" are the words I can imagine Williams said to Lucas with regards to track#12. 'Panaka and the Queens Protectors'. This is 100% fun stuff, heroic and darn satisfying, and oh, a quick burts of the Star Wars theme there. This is truly excellent!

Track#13 is 'Queen Amidala & The Naboo Palace'. It's yet another dark and moody track, but nevertheless, still a very good one. It's not entirely what I expected for the young queen, it's hardly Leia's theme throughout, but does hit upon some very touching moments... awww, bless.
You'll notice this track suddenyl hits upon the big bassy bit of music heard in the latter half of track 1 here, in fact it plays near identical...

Track#14 things get more and mory Indy Jones like. I think Braveheart at the start of this track 'Droid Invasion & the Apperance of Darth Maul'. The war drums echo then it leads into an Indy-esque march, possibly the best of all the marching type tracks The Phantom Menace score has to offer actually. I just keep picture hundreds of German WW2 soldiers marching across a cortyard here while Indy spies on them from a hiding place up in a tower or something. hehe, anyway, this march soon dies down as the latter half of the track comes into play, and this bit is scary people!
The music to accompany Darth Maul will make the hair on your arms stnad on end, I swear it will. It's very atmospheric and then the best happens, a deep sppoky rendition of the 'Emperors Theme' from 'Jedi' kicks in. YOU WILL BE FRIGHTENED!

Track#15 is the first of the two tracks on the score that are titled as MAJOR plot spoilers. I will not reveal thier title, if you know already, then you know, but for those who do not, allow me to just type about the music.
Begining with a bit of 'Duel of the Fates' this is a seriously fast moving tension filled piece that quickly hits a disturbing climax. It's hard to talk about when it's essentially a spoiler track, but it's both heroic and evil. Genius!

Nearly at the end now. Dang. Track#16 is probably the most moving piece of music on the score, in fact no, it IS the most moving piece of music on the score and is also quite possibly the most movie piece of Star Wars music ever. This is the 2nd of the two spoiler titled tracks, so again, no the full title will not be printed. I say full title because this like some other tracks is made up of 2 cues. The first half is 'The High Council Meeting' and here we begin with a very mellow feeling to it all. A smile will cross many a persons face however as 'Yodas Theme' pops up for 2 seconds (literally) and then a brief bit of 'The Imperial march' it progresses into the latter half of the track of which its title shall not be revealed by me. This latter half brough a tear to my eye, and I am not kidding. It truly did. I was so moved by this bit of music, not only because it is beautiful and sad, but STAR WARS IS BACK PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!! When the brief bit of the 'Force Theme' comes in along with this deep choir I was affected with both sadness and joy. It's amazing. I do not believe a single person will hate this track. It remains my favourite of the score...

Track#17, the final track is destined to cheer you up after the sadness in track 16. This is 'Augies Great Municipal Band & End Credits'. In my humble opinion Augie is great fun, it's cheery and very carnival like. I can see people hating this, shame on those who do. It's a very innocent piece. As it ends Williams again breaks out into the 'Star Wars Theme' as he did with #A New Hope', 'Empire and 'Jedi', it quickly dies down though and goes into 'Duel of the Fates' (the same recording as in track#2). Finally it all ends with a fark tone, Anakins Theme is the last tune to play and it allows the score and movie credits to die out as if the worst is to come. The eerie version of 'The Imperial March' plays us out...

This score is amazing, it is as if the music is a character itself that knows the conciquences of what is to be. Williams' subtle retun to the theme we know is a glorious touch everyone should love and the new themes will gorw on you who may be skeptical at first. Williams should be proud as once again this is another amazing achievement by him and for Star Wars music.

I am not saying I love this because I am a Star Wars fan and feel I have to, I have pointed out how different it is for Star Wars music. In it's own damn right the music on offer here is amazing.... ENJOY!

Runtime is 74 mins & 7 sec on my player. Is it long enough? No, I want more...

Dan (UK)

NP: The Phantom Menace: Motion Picture Score

PS: Bit long I know, but still, that is what I think.

I loved every minute of it, (including Augie, although it weirded me out the first time I heard that track.)

I wrote a review on my computer, and then somehow I can get my file back, and I'm not about to rewrite it all from memory. Let's just say that I love its use of thematic material. John Williams is a genius, pure and simple.

The movie is going to rock!

P.S. I’m starting to like the Darth Maul character more and more. Think I will buy his figurine! (Am I going to the dark side or what!)

NP: The Phantom Menace (Anakin's Theme)
What a beautiful piece of music!!! With that I must agree!

Reader’s Note: Now I’ve finally finished this review! It took me a few days (they usually do) for me to finish. I had fun writing this just so you know. I took a totally different approach in writing this, and if you have read my other reviews you will find this a bit different, please give me your comments if you like this style over the old one. If you have not read one of my reviews, feel free to e mail me. I have reviewed “Saving Private Ryan,” “The Thin Red Line,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and “The X-Files.”
I had “Deep Impact” but my computer crashed that night and I had to reload my system. Its on my list to review. I will have a lot of them this summer including “The Mummy” by Jerry Goldsmith and maybe “Wing Commander” by David Arnold and Kevin Kiner. If you have any ideas for me, then by all means e mail me just by clicking the e-mail button at the bottom of this post. Now on to business :-)
--Crono/Kyp (5/6/1999)

Original Review:

When “Star Wars” open in 1977 the lines where not 36 miles long like they would be today. The funny thing was that it was not even sold out the first day, it began to sell out about a week after. No one knew what to expect from this “high flying film abound good and evil.” Now 22 years later, we have seen a phenomenon sweep the world, this phenomenon is called “Star Wars fever.” One of the neat things regarding this phenomenon is John Williams’ score. He composed it having his own doubts about the film. When he scored “Star Wars: A New Hope” he said he never thought the film would be a success. Now here we are 22 years later, Williams has helmed every score for this amazing trilogy, and in this new venture, Williams has captured the essence of light and dark, good and evil in this masterful score that only he could have done.

Before I fully begin this review I would like to get rid of my distaste for some things. So let’s dispense with the bad then we will get to the good First off I was not happy about the track listings on the CD. They give away major spoilers and I don’t think that’s right. It ruins the film for some people then. I however want to see the film even more because of the track listings, I want to know how it all happens and my other complaint is like everyone else. I want more! But me guess is that “Sony Music” will release a second CD. My guess is late summer or early fall. The reason why they release single disk scores is because they don’t know how they are going to do. You might have a great score for a film, the company releases a double disk set and it doesn’t sell, the company looses money because of that. So they are doing this single disk as a “trial” run to see if it sells. If it sells then we most likely will get a second CD. If it doesn’t sell (that’s not going to happen) then we may not. Either way let’s be happy that we got a soundtrack with 74 min on it :-) Now on to the review :-)

I of course being the hyped one about the score hauled ass to my car on May 4th and jetted out of the parking lot. My friend were left in the dust to drive themselves to lunch (like they do everyday) and me, ever the crazy score guy, sped to my “Circuit City.” The ironic thing was that my friend who had graduated from my high school last year was at the soundtrack section, he was stocking the CDs! I ran over to him and said “Hock me up.” He handed me a copy, then rang me out. I want back to my car and put the CD into my “Alpine” changer, cranked the volume and braced myself. What I herd almost put me to rears. Williams new aggangement for the theme ruled, I now could sleep easier . I jetted back to school where my friend’s had lunch waiting for me. I went back to my car and scarified my lunch, “The Phantom Menace” blasting. It was like when I got “Titanic” I could not shut it off. When I’m in my car I have it on, and when I am in school I have my taped copy on. Now I am going to do something I’ve never done before, review the soundtrack track by track.
Reader’s Note: I will only give some track title’s away. The others are due to spoilers.

With track one “Star Wars Main Title and Arrival at Naboo,” Williams takes his classic theme that everyone knows and re arranges it! He cues in parts at different times and it sounded cleaner and better I think. It welcomes us back into his music as never before. The music after theme main title gives us a nice impression of the world of Naboo, a clean and rich planet filled with life.

Track two “Duel of Fates,” (a total driving song by the way) the best (one of them anyway) damn track on the whole CD! This segment suggests a lightsaber duel between who knows who. My guess between Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Darth Maul (Ray Park) in the deserts. If you have seen the first trailer when Qui-Gon Jinn is fighting with Darth Maul, that’s when this scene takes place, at least that’s my guess. The “main theme” of “The Phantom Menace” is embedded within this great track that paints the picture of good against evil for the whole film.

Next comes track three “Anakin’s Theme” (Jake Lloyd) this theme gives an introduction of the 9 year old boy who will become Darth Vader. It is a nice theme, which conveys Anakin’s innocence. But at the end it shadows of things yet to come. It plays a hint of the Darth Vador theme. When I herd that I said “Oh they’re playing with us.” This track is ment to tease the audience, and if you have not seen the other movies (I have no idea who would) it gets you thinking about what is behind that innocence and boyish face, what monster lurks in the darkness.

Now to track four “Jar Jar's Introduction and the Swim to Otoh Gunga” gives us insight into the digital character of Jar-Jar. The track is playful, it gives the listener that Jar-Jar is somewhat clumsy in what he does. Jar-Jar is a friend of Anakin. As for the Swim to Otoh Gunga I have no idea what this means because I have not seen the film yet. Some pictures that I have seen show Jar-Jar leading Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi from a forest to a lake of some kind, my guess is that this is the score of their travels. When I first herd this track it reminded me of “The Last Crusade.” Williams pulls cues form his famous Indy films that insert very well into this track.

With track five “The Sith Spacecraft and the Droid Battle,” we now hear the entrance of the Dark Jedi, Sith Lords. Their plan is to invade Naboo (that’s my guess, see trailer B) Williams uses his cues from “Jurassic Park” in this one, they are reworked to the film well. Its the kind of track that makes you scream for more. It is done well. It’s good action music.

Track six “The Trip to the Naboo Temple and the Audience with Boss Nass” it is a sort of quiet piece. The general rhythm suggests a traveling party. It again hints at themes from “The Last Crusade.” It gives the impression that the world is in need of help due to some of the epic cues. It’s very well arranged and preformed.

Track seven “The Arrival at Tatooine and the Flag Parade” it begins with Jar-Jar’s theme and goes it gives us whispers of old Star Wars themes and some new ones. It begins slow then picks up after about a 1:30. It sweeps in with a horde of grandly written score, which continues for the remainder of the track.

Track eight “He is the Chosen One” it begins with a hunting whisper of a remade force theme (at least that is what it sounds like to me) and goes into a slow sequence, this picks up a bit with the old force theme in the lead then quickly lowers back to it’s original way. Towards the end, Anakin’s theme comes into play, it then ascends up into a higher bolder theme where it ends.

Track nine (POSSABLE SPOLIER NAME) begins with a sinister themes then quickly goes into the old force theme, it then pick up and goes for the high. It has sweeping cues that reflect the grandness of the scene (what ever that may be) then goes into a state of high action music with a bit of Lost World cues and then goes once again back to it’s old theme as before. It’s fast and driving, it gets you going and thinking about the scene and what it is like. It then ends with a grand small cue from Anikin’s theme.

Track 10 “Passage through the Planet Core” is a soft cue. It suggests a dark something, but you don’t know what is yet. It hints at the force theme form time to time and give us something to think about. It is a peaceful theme, then goes into a theme that sound like awe and surprise from the cast. Using vocals at the end it picks up and suggests something is going on, it’s like chase music, its hard to say unless you see the film. Heck all this will become clear when we see the film

Track 11 “Watto’s Deal and Kids at Play,” is a quiet track, it has good themes and makes you feel good, it uses Anakin’s Theme for the main backdrop. It then sweeps up and takes us into the force theme and goes back to its quiet mode.

Now “Panaka and the Queen’s Protectors,” track 12 just is plan cool! When I first herd this I was like, “oh hell yes!” It uses the “Duel of Fates” theme as well as the “Star Wars” theme and some great action cues. William’s fans be pleased, this is a great track that gives tribute to his style. The track is full of great well-arranged music.

Track 13 “Queen Amindala and The Naboo Palace,” is a dark track, but it has it good side as well. It just is one of those tracks that make you feel all weird. It has Anakin’s Theme in it so I assume this is played when Queen Amidala and Anakin meet for the first time. About two minutes into the track a grand display of sound is played. It is a moving well-played cue. You also can hear a little bit of “ET” in there.

Track 14 (POSSABLE SPOLIER NAME) is just plan cool. It gives the darkness “Sith” theme. It’s a real Darth Maul track It has heavy cues with the sound of the “Indy” moves again (yes “The Last Crusade). It then goes into to play some old theme, you know the famous “Emperor Theme” from “Return of the Jedi.” Heck you could call that Darth Maul’s theme if you wanted. It then ends with a small bit of the “Duel of Fates” sequence, a very nice ending too

Track 15 (POSSABLE SPOLIER NAME) one of the coolest tracks on the whole damn CD It starts right out with a “Duel of Fates” cue and goes fight into what only can be a lighsaber duel. The music is fast paced and powerful. It then about two minutes begins a haunting whisper noise, it’s really freaky when you’re all alone in the dark, but it works. After that it goes to use more from “Duel of Fates.” The track is one of my favorites.

Track 16 (POSSABLE SPOLIER NAME) it’s a sad sounding track, but it work well. It’s a great cue. It uses a small bit of “Saving Private Ryan” in the beginning then goes into the force theme then does into the “Imperial March” theme for a few seconds then just back. It end’s with a great haunting cue by the choir. Its another really good track.

Track 17 “Augie’s Great Municipal Band and End Credits” by far the best track on the CD. I was very surprised by this after the quiet track before it. In this (the first two minutes) the London Children’s Choir sings a great cue! I bet we can imagine Jar-Jar doing something in this scene It then goes into the old normal “Star Wars” end credit theme and after that comes a replay of “Duel of Fates”, and “Anikin’s Theme.”

This score is one of my favorites. I like it a lot better then the old scores. My favorite tracks on this would have to be Track 2,3,5,12,14,15,16,17 but hey the whole CD is good I hope you have enjoyed reading this, I had a blast writing it. It took me a few days, but it was worth every minute My teacher and classmates think I am weird, but hey I like writing review for you guys to read If you find any mistakes please e mail me by clicking the like below

If Every Sega Does Have A Beginning, then this is it

Rating *****/***** (5 out of 5 stars)

--Crono/Kyp
Writer/Director/Producer

NP: The Phantom Menace
Review Verison: v1.0b.4