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Complete SW soundtrack box set: vinyl, CD and apparently hi-res

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http://www.starwars.com/news/sony-classical-to-release-ultimate-editions-of-original-star-wars-soundtracks

The big interesting news is the hi-res release. That would indicate new work being done...unless the 2004 CDs which were merely a repackaging of the loud 1997 discs did indeed have some DSD processing going on for an abandoned SACD release.

Still, the hi-res files could be without loudness which would make for the best official versions of the non-LP material that's been released...

No mention of any additional material other than bonus interviews. And of course there's the now-obligatory overpriced vinyl boxset aimed at hipsters.

VADER!? WHERE THE HELL IS MY MOCHA LATTE? -Palpy on a very bad day.
“George didn’t think there was any future in dead Han toys.”-Harrison Ford
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"high definition downloads" could mean anything. Until the reviews come in, I expect whatever the most recent versions of the soundtracks are, but bundled together.

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It's possible to like your music in an analog format and not be a hipster. ;)

Maybe they'll borrow an idea from the Beatles' box set, and have a version on a USB drive shaped like the Death Star?

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Where were you in '77?

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I suppose Yub Nub is out of the question?

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I'm just hoping for the CD edition, we get the complete scores for II and III.

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If they're using the original album art, I presume it's on there?

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Where were you in '77?

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SilverWook said:

If they're using the original album art, I presume it's on there?

Exactly my point; are they re-releasing the original soundtracks as released in 77, 80 and 83? Certainly using the artwork.

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The wording seems vague, "original artwork" might just mean using the old poster. Content-wise, this could be great or some lame repackaging of the existing stuff. 

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Reissuing the 1993 anthology material would be nice for those who don't already have it.

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Where were you in '77?

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They should. Otherwise it's a dirty tactic.

Ol’ George has the GOUT, I see.

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Baronlando said:

The wording seems vague, "original artwork" might just mean using the old poster. Content-wise, this could be great or some lame repackaging of the existing stuff. 

There's a picture, it actually is the original album art for each of the OT soundtracks.

I am interested in the content as well. The Amazon listing is curious. The CD tracks appear to be the same as the previously released CDs (meaning SE). But the Vinyl and iTunes list tracks from the original soundtrack releases.

More important is probably the quality. The Return of the Jedi CDs sound particularly less than stellar. I wonder if this release will be any better.

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I find it interesting that Lapti Nek and Ewok Celebration are going to be resurrected after all these years.

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 (Edited)

unamochilla2 said:

I find it interesting that Lapti Nek and Ewok Celebration are going to be resurrected after all these years.

I guess since they're free from Lucas, Sony is making full use of the remaining years that they have the rights.

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I can't believe it took this long for the OT soundtracks to get a vinyl reissue. I saw a brand new LP of the TPM soundtrack at a record store a few months ago and was dismayed to learn that there were no plans at that point to release the originals, and the only ones available on Amazon are used copies from the initial run from private sellers. Hopefully these are made available individually at some point, because I don't intend to drop $230 on a box set that I only actually want half of.

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I believe Sony is unable to release the complete scores.  Disney will most likely release the expanded scores when Sony's contract runs out (either 2017 or 2019).  Therefore, we get another set of re-releases and probably will again for the 40th anniversary of the original film.  I'm glad the vinyls are getting reissued.

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Digital Bits has some more... bits:

And in other news, Sony Music and Sony Classical have just announced that they’re re-issuing all 6 of John William’s classic Star Wars film soundtracks on vinyl box set (SRP $229.98), CD/DVD box set ($74.98), and lossless digital download (192kHz/24bit – no lossless download link is yet available, but we suspect HD Tracks and Pono Music will have it available). There’s also a “Mastered for iTunes” version available on iTunes for $49.99. Worldwide street date for all is 1/8/2016.


So vinyl, CD, lossless, and iTunes. If those CD cases are like the Beatles releases where they're miniature versions of the original soundtracks, I might have to get them.

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What's the difference between all these digital downloads?

Ol’ George has the GOUT, I see.

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http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/aug/21/mp3-cd-24-bit-audio-music-hi-res

In my opinion, it depends on how you want to listen to them. If you're in a recording studio with perfect speakers, you'll want lossless. If you're in a car or at home listening casually, a CD will be just fine. If you're listening on in-ear headphones while you're jogging, MP3 is fine.

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Did we ever get to the bottom why the Amazon CD soundtracks are special edition (Jedi Rocks & Victory) and the MP3s and vinyl are Theatrical (Lapti Nek & Yub Nub)?