Return of the Jedi: The Original Soundtrack Release (Polydor 811 767-2), 1986

Although a bit better than the original Empire release, this CD suffers also from poor labeling and vast incompleteness. Many of the tracks are in "concert arrangement" and do not appear in the film. The one memorable track on this CD is the one ca lled "Rebel Briefing." In reality this is the music that is heard just after the destruction of the death star and includes Vader's cremation scene. Missing from this release is the much desired initial dueling sequence between Luke and Vader. Lapti Nek i s a horrible song, and in the middle of the release, it ruins what little listening value this CD has. By all means, skip it. **

Return of the Jedi (selections): "Out of this World" The Boston Pops, Williams Conducting (Philips 411 185-2), 1986

On a CD that also contains music from Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Alien and E.T., four tracks from Return of the Jedi appear at the end. All four are in "concert arrangement" (so they don't appear as they do in the film), but they are performed well. The sound quality is good and over fifteen minutes of Jedi music is included: "Parade of the Ewoks," "Jabba the Hutt," "Luke and Leia," and "The Forest Battle." Because of the limited selection of films represent ed, I think this release is rather dull, except, of course, for the Battlestar Galactica theme. **

Return of the Jedi: Charles Gerhardt Conducting (RCA 60767-2), 1991

This CD contains 46 minutes of music, most of which released before. At the time, "Fight in the Dungeon" and "Heroic Ewok" were new items, but now they too have been released in their original form. Many of the tracks are concert arrangements. The opening titles are followed by an abbreviated version of "Approaching the Death Star." Overall, this release is not as complete as Empire, although sound quality still is good. ***

Return of the Jedi: The Anthology Release (Fox 11012-2), late 1993

I believe that this anthology did the most justice to Return of the Jedi. Newly released were the scenes involving Darth Vader and the Imperial March. "Fight in the Dungeon," "The Emperor Arrives," "The Death of Yoda," "Final Duel," and "Through th e Flames" are all critical tracks that appear for the first time here. Also, on the 4th "extra" CD, good Jedi tracks are included: "The Fleet Goes into Hyperspace," "Faking the Code," and "Brother and Sister" (yes! Finally something other than the concert version!). An enormous wealth of unreleased music from Jedi made this anthology worth its price. Also: Lapti Nek is placed on the 4th CD, which was a relief to many. ****