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As I said, I seem to be in the extreme minority (though I know I've seen others talk about it now and again) and yes I do understand that sometimes (though not always) it's 'include or or the release doesn't happen at all)', but I just continue to fail to understand the draw. Especially when there's plenty of releases that don't have them yet people don't seem to clamor for the album (like for instance Jurassic Park or Batman Returns). In general, I just don't understand the fascination with the original album programs, in general. The music is what's important. I mean, I can't imagine a release that featured a second disc of a score never released before with "here's what it might have looked like were it released at the time of the film!" and being the same music would go over too well. So why does it matter that it was released? I haven't been keeping score (heh), but some of the album presentations are rerecordings, and therefore valuable of remastering attention.
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I would buy IV - VI "Ultimate Editions". Although I'm happy with the Sony 2 CD-Sets, I was quiet dissatisfied with "The Imperial March". It sounded weak, like Vader with a sniff, that's why I ordered lately Sony's "The Best of Star Wars" CD from the 1990's. I remember myself, that here the march is much more powerful (maybe a better mix or a new recording, I don't know that). But a question: is such a good idea with "Star Wars Ultimate Editions" a real possibility? Beside the mandatory licence troubles... are there tapes with alternates and tapes with better recordings? I think Sony did a good job with their 2 CD-Sets. Maybe they used the best stuff available already?
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I find the RCA/Sony version a tad harsher than the Arista, but the RCA/Sony version does have more clarity, and I prefer to hear it complete, although I do like the album as well. The RCA/Sony versions of Empire and Jedi do not sound anywhere near as good as the Arista set.
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So when comparing the previous releases you get a general consensus that the RCA releases offer more clarity and possible come from better elements, while the Arista set has better mixing and balancing, and a more "pleasant" sound. I think this is why we are still talking about and clamoring for a definitive release of these iconic scores after nearly 40 years. I can understand Matessino remaining hush about all of this if he is possibly working on them, or involved in some way with their release. But it would be nice if he could chime in about the chances of him getting to work his magic on these scores, the way they deserve. We've been really blessed with his involvement and the label's involvement with other John Williams scores. I wonder if there is something in the works as we speak.
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The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey
Episode 46 - Star Wars October 23, 2019 https://thebatonpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-46-star-wars/ This episode of The Baton is all about Star Wars and its monumental score by John Williams. Settle in as host Jeff Commings talks with Sir Clive Gillinson, who played cello on the original 1977 soundtrack. He relives some memories of playing the music and why Williams made such an impression on the London Symphony Orchestra that he returned to conduct multiple scores with the group. Also on the show is a discussion of the effectiveness of the main theme by Chris Hatt, who talks about the musical notes that make the score sound familiar and yet a bit unpredictable. Commings and Hatt also discuss their favorite scenes in the movie and resurrect the once-popular Star Wars Disco hit from 1977. The Entire Baton Episodes https://thebatonpodcast.podbean.com/
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