There’s something magical about that familiar Star Wars fanfare. Adults become children again, and restless kids settle down and lock their eyes on the screen. Over the years, John Williams’ iconic score has been interlaced into seven feature films, a radio drama, and two animated series. It’s become a cinematic touchstone, a near-perfect merger of action and sound, responsible for the enjoyable escapism experienced by several generations.
Far-away galaxy devotees and vinyl aficionados in all likelihood already have at least one copy of the Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope soundtrack, either lovingly worn with scratches and hisses or tucked away for safe-keeping (or both). A brand new picture disc, which combines the visual and sonic elements of the saga, may just earn an honored place in many fans’ collections.
Blastr brings news (by way of The Force) of a two record set which captures the sound and the fury of the franchise. The first slab of vinyl displays the menacing dark side of the Force, featuring everyone’s favorite non-moon, the Death Star on the A-side. Flip the record and Darth Vader’s menacing mug will spin right ’round the turntable. The second disc brings fans back to the heroic spirit, both in tone and in image highlighting the rousing X-Wing attack sequence and a blaster/bow-caster toting Han Solo and Chewbacca on the B-side.
Force fanatics drooling for a copy will have to keep their dark side urges in check, though. The double disc set retails for roughly $35, but it won’t be available until September 30. Fortunately, the records are currently available for pre-order through Amazon.
Star Wars, like vinyl, experienced several elongated dips in popularity. During the dark times, the saga and the medium were kept alive by the fire in the hearts of devotees. Fortunately, both have entered into exciting new chapters as the next generation rediscovers the magic of Star Wars and the rich tones of records. The new two disc set will be gratifying for many old timers – especially those who fondly recall sitting on the edge of their bed, gazing beyond the record sleeve into cosmic realms as the stains of Williams’ score crackled through the speakers. It’s also ideal for those just uncovering the Star Wars Universe and the audio gold of vinyl.
In an era when just about everything can be digitally enhanced, there’s just something about an organic feel which can’t be replicated with CGI. The latest wave of Star Wars filmmakers understand that and chose to include more practical and blended effects in their stories. The same rings true for a classical score – despite John Carpenter’s ’80s synth awesomeness. And while it’s a shame that John Williams won’t score Lucasfilm’s first standalone, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, fans can enjoy his stunning soundscapes in The Force Awakens as well as throughout Episodes VIII and IX.
Next: John Williams Begins Scoring Episode 8 Next Month
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII on December 15, 2017, the Han Solo Star Wars Anthology film on May 25, 2018, Star Wars: Episode IX in 2019, and the third Star Wars Anthology film in 2020.
