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Review: Jack Foley
ARGUE what you will about the merits of the Star Wars prequels,
but one thing has remained consistently strong throughout - that
is the music of John Williams.
So while it remains to be seen whether Episode III: Revenge
of the Sith can live up the ridiculously high expectancy
surrounding it, the good news is that score-wise, Williams has
not let fans down.
Revenge of the Sith features a new score by the five-times Oscar
winner, who has also served as composer and conductor for each
of the previous chapters in the saga.
And it comes complete with an exclusive collector's DVD - Star
Wars: A Musical Journey - that takes viewers on a musical
and visual journey through all six films from the most popular
movie saga of all-time.
Returning to Revenge of the Sith itself, however, Williams'
score contains all of the essential ingredients you would expect
from such a landmark film in the series, from the world-famous
Star Wars fanfare which sets things in motion, to the darker elements,
such as Anakin vs Obi-Wan and Enter Lord Vader.
The names of the tracks alone set the pulse racing, yet Williams'
score certainly suggests that the film is going to deliver on
its big moments (if nothing else).
Together with the London Symphony Orchestra (the same orchestra
that recorded the original Star Wars score 28 years ago), Williams
has created a soundtrack that is both rousing and emotional, and
one which effectively conveys Anakin Skywalker's journey towards
the dark side of The Force.
The impending sense of tragedy is effectively conveyed in Anakin's
Dream, which builds slowly towards several high-tempo moments,
while a haunting use of vocals serves to make Padme's Ruminations
feel particularly foreboding.
The orchestra gets into full swing for some of the bigger moments,
such as Battle of the Heroes early on, or Grievous
And The Droids, but it is the final part of the CD which
really comes into its own, as the conclusion everyone has been
waiting to see finally manifests itself.
Throughout, however, Williams utilises the themes and musical
motives that link Revenge of the Sith with his earlier
scores, ensuring that a welcome sense of familiarity remains even
during the darkest moments.
As such, it's refreshing to hear that Star
Wars fanfare return for the 13-minute finale, A New Hope and
End Credits (Medley), which brings things to a suitably rousing
conclusion.
It is now up to George Lucas to ensure that his film can match
the high standards set by Williams' fantastic score.
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