User Reviews

Although titled "A Musical Journey", this DVD ( that acts as a bonous disc to the soundtrack to "Episode III" ) is much more. Hosted by Ian McDiarmid, who stole the show in "Revenge of the Sith" & "Return of the Jedi", w/ his over-the-top portrayal of Dantius Palpatine, this disc tells the story, in its chronological order, using select tracks from the six film scores ( a 'greatest hits', if you will ). W/ McDiarmid's narration, the best of the best scenes from all of the films, & the always-stunning score, this 71 minute feature is a wonderfuly edited synopsis of the entire "Star Wars Saga".

Interesting to note, this program is an excellent way to introduce the films to those who are interested, yet un-educated in what is the "Star Wars Saga". I experimented this theory w/ a friend who knows only a bit about "Star Wars". By the time the credits were rolling, she wanted not only to see the six films, but to view "A Musical Journey" again.

Also, it does bring to light, full-circle, what Lucas wants us to know, i.e., the reason he made the prequel trilogy ; that the "Star Wars Saga" is about the rise, fall & redemption Anakin Skywalker, as opposed to Luke. This puts to shame many of the 'bonouses' which we, as consumers are now overwhelmed w/, thanks to the invention of digital audio/video. For the casual fan, this is a real treat that will put the story into simple perspective. For the die-hard fan ( like myself ), this is a must-have in your collection. To me, almost as important as owning the films themselves.

For any musicians out there, it's a nice touch that McDiarmid was filmed @ London's Abby Road Studio.

As not only a huge Star Wars fan but a huge movie score fan this score was a must to own! In My opinion I think that movie score and movie composers don't get the attention and credit that they deserve. Many of the movie score critics are actually bashing John Willimas' wonderful and awesome score to the new film in the Star Wars saga which to My understanding is deplorable. When I found out that the new score was coming out with a bonus DVD I thought that was so cool! The host is Ian McDiarmid AKA Supreme Chancellor Palpatine AKA Emperor Palpatine! Throughout each special music video you see clips of the films, dialog and sound effects from the films as well! You couldn't ask for a better deal! I will list the chapters on this bonus DVD and a brief comment on each one plus a small review of the score itself.

Chapter: Title:

1. A Long Time Ago: 20th Century Fox Fanfare: Star Wars Main Title 'from Star Wars': Just like the beginning of each Star Wars film you hear the 20th Century Fox Fanfare music by Alfred Newman and see the beautiful blue words say Long Time Ago in a Galaxy far far Away! 2. Dark Forces Conspire: Duel of the Fates from 'Episode I: The Phantom Menace': This was a must to be on this disc! One of the greatest pieces of music ever written! 3. A Hero Rises: Anakin's Theme from 'Episode I: The Phantom Menace': This is truly one of the most wonderful pieces of music Williams has written. It so fantastic I cry whenever I listen it! 4. A Fateful Love: Across the Stars 'from Episode II: Attack of the Clones': Truly one of the most spectacular love themes ever! Bar none! 5. A Hero Falls from 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith': I am really pleased with this new and extraordinary theme! You can just see the explosive battle between Anikan Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi! Unbelievable stuff! 6. An Empire Is Forged: The Imperial March 'from Episode V: The Empire Strike Back': One of the most themes ever heard! Nuff said! 7. A Planet That Is Farthest From: The Dune Sea of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler from 'Star Wars': I am really surprised that this one is one this special DVD. Its My opinion but I think that its very similar like Igor Stravinsky's great piece 'The Rite Of Spring'! 8. An Unlikely Alliance: Binary Sunset/Cantina Band from 'Star Wars': Binary Sunset is one of the emotional pieces Williams has ever written then it turns into the fun Cantina Band music! 9. A Defender Emerges: Princess Leia's Theme from 'Star Wars': Right here is one beautiful piece of music! 10. A Daring Rescue: Ben's Death/Tie Fighter Attack from 'Star Wars': Another that is like two tracks in one. Ben's Death is very emotional and Tie Fighter Attack is really a heroic piece. 11. A Jedi Is Trained: Yoda's Theme from 'Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back': This is really one of the most special themes ever heard! 12. A Narrow Escape: The Asteroid Field from 'Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back': My goodness, this piece is so outstanding! Its always been one of My favorites! Its epic, colorful, and astoundingly exciting! 13. A Bond Unbroken: Luke and Leia from 'Episode VI: Return of the Jedi': Again, here is one beautiful piece of music! 14. A Sanctuary Moon: The Forest Battle 'from Episode VI: Return of the Jedi': I don't know what other people think but in My opinion is arguably John Willams' greatest piece of music! Its got just everything! 15. A Life Redeemed: Light of the Force from 'Episode VI: Return of the Jedi': This is great piece of music. Its really superb. 16. A New Day Dawns: Throne Room/Finale from 'Episode IV: A New Hope': One of the most famous Star Wars themes and the DVD end with this one just like the original film! 1. Star Wars and The Revenge: You hear the great Star Wars theme and then BOOM! You are immediately in some big time space battle music! This one of the best Williams has composed! 2. Anakin's Dream: Emotional track has a bit of Across the Stars in it! 3. Battle Of The Heroes: Like i said above I am really pleased with this new and extraordinary theme! You can just see the explosive battle between Anikan Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi! Unbelievable stuff! 4. Anakin's Betrayal: Really emotional but really excellent! 5. General Grievous: This is an incredible track and really fun and action packed! Some of the music is very vicious. 6. Palpatine's Teachings: Dark and mysterious is this track! 7. Grievous and the Droids: Another action packed track! 8. Padme's Ruminations: This is really an unusual piece of music. The voice is something else! Its really great! 9. Anakin vs. Obi-Wan: A continuation of Battle of the Heroes. A bit different with the Darth Vader theme! 10. Anakin's Dark Deeds: Again, Really emotional but really excellent! 11. Enter Lord Vader: An emotional but great action Que! 12. The Immolation Scene: really sad sounding but great! 13. Grievous Speaks to Lord Sidious: yet another great one! 14. The Birth Of The Twins and Padme's Destiny: This one is really good and Qui-Gon's funeral music is apart of the track. 15. A New Hope and End Credits. What a way to end it! The thirteen plus minute track has many of the motifs present from Episode IV: A New Hope and it does contain Battle of the Heroes! I hope you have enjoy My review here. If you are a Star Wars fan, John Williams fan, and/or a film score fan in general then be sure to buy this at Amazon.com because in My opinion this maybe his greatest score to date! Plus you get a bonus DVD that's well over an hour in length! I strongly recommend it!