Surely there are few examples of film music that are as instantly iconic as John Williams’ score for the original “Star Wars” theme. Whether it’s the old, familiar rush of the main title we’ve all heard so many times before, the ominous clamor of the Imperial march, or just the genuinely funky cantina jazz we hear at Mos Eisley in “A New Hope,” it feels safe to say that Williams’ music for this series ranks up there with the most recognizable pieces of film score in the history of the medium. Chances are, even if you don’t count yourself as a film nerd, you’d be able to pick up on the “Star Wars” theme if you were to overhear it somewhere.
Of course, music this powerful calls for pristine listening conditions. As someone who owns an old vinyl copy of the original “A New Hope” soundtrack, I can tell you personally that it’s a hell of an experience to sit down and listen to it from beginning to end. Which is exactly why “Star Wars” nerds the world over should rejoice at the news that Williams’ original “A New Hope” recording is getting a super-rad vinyl reissue. The release itself is nothing short of gorgeous: the records themselves are double-sided and disc-pressed, and adorned with gorgeous artwork that will make any “Star Wars” acolyte swoon with delirious joy.
Between the disc that’s literally just the Death Star and another one that’s pure Vader, I’m not sure which of the actual records themselves ends up looking cooler. What I do know is that you can pre-order the “New Hope” re-release right now for a rate of about $35 – fairly reasonable, considering what you’re purchasing – and that it will actually hit record store shelves on September 30th. “Star Wars” fans, the countdown begins now!
What’s your favorite piece of John Williams music – from the originals, or for any of the “Star Wars” films, for that matter? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below. [io9]