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I have plenty to say about the OT/SE/DVD issue, but first I wanted to ask something about the RTJ soundtrack album.
I just bought the new 2004 CD issue of the New Hope soundtrack and a very pleased in that it is complete and the sound quality is excellent. I plan on picking up Empire and Jedi when I get the money, but there’s something that concerns me on the completeness of the Jedi album. To my understanding, the 1997 and 2004 CD issues of the New Hope and Empire soundtracks are universal, meaning that no matter what version you watch, the program on the discs remains the complete soundtrack. When looking over the Jedi soundtrack track listings for the 97 and 04 issues (same thing), I notice the same does not hold true. Just as they were in the film, “Lapti Nek” was replaced with “Jedi Rocks” and “Ewok Celebration” was replaced with “Victory Celebration”. I did research and discovered that both of the replaced songs were on the original 1983 vinyl release, and that was pretty much a highlights deal and by no means a complete soundtrack. I also found that both tracks were also available on CD at one time on a 1993 trilogy box set. The one thing I really don’t understand is the absence of the rest of the Max Rebo tracks. Where is the Sail Barge jam? Anyone who has seen the film a number of times, regardless of the version, is sure to remember it and instantly notice the omission when listening to the album. I mean, they included the Baroque Recital, so might as well include all of it if you’re going to put source music on the disk, right?
I fail to see what was going trough the compiler’s mind. I know John Williams’ score is what everyone’s in the purchase for, but why can’t we have the complete source music as well? So what is “Lapti Nek” and “Ewok Celebration” were deleted from the film, there’s plenty of space left on the disk(s) for both them and “Jedi Rocks” and “Victory Celebration”. I agree with everyone here, I can’t stand Jedi Rocks, its silly, childish and it’s almost like they threw a song and dance number into the movie. I rather it wasn’t in the film or the soundtrack at all, but as much as we all hate it, I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon. As for the other Max Rebo numbers, I just don’t understand. Usually songs are omitted from soundtrack albums because of copyright issues or space, but neither is the issue here, as its all John Williams’ work. I would much rather have had all the source music that was actually in the film instead of those archival bonus tracks they did include.
I really doubt it, but does anyone know the reason(s) why?