Star Wars: The Original Soundtrack Release (Polydor 800 096-2), 1986

Although this 2-CD set contained the exact same music as the LP release, it is rather non-descript. I personally believe that it contained enough music from the film to satisfy most people, but agree that the sound quality is poor. The tracks are out of sequence and sometimes mislabelled. With the series of new releases featuring enhanced sound and completeness, I really see no reason to buy this set. **

Star Wars (selections): "Cinema Gala" Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra (London 417 846-2), 1988

This rare release not only features a bunch of languages on the cover, but also some good, solid music. It includes, the Main Title concert suite, Leia's Theme, The Little People/The Cantina Band, The Battle Sequence, and the Throne Room/End Titles (about 30 minutes total). The performances are good --although rather slow in tempo at times-- and the sound quality is equally good. The CD also includes about 13 minutes of music from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Overall, I wouldn't get excited about it, but those who are starved for more Star Wars performances might want to look into it. ***

Star Wars: Charles Gerhardt Conducting (RCA 2698-2-RG), 1989

As I remember, this Gerhardt release (which I managed to lose somehow --hence no cover) is not much different from the Cinema Gala CD just above. It features music from both Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, with almost identical track listings. The one highlight of this CD is the track "Here They Come!" which includes the falcon vs the TIE fighters sequence. Otherwise, this Gerhardt CD is not as good as the subsequent Empire and Jedi ones. **

Star Wars: The Anthology Release (Fox 11012-2), late 1993

The anthology didn't add much new material to the original score. Perhaps the most notable were the Imperial attack sequences at the beginning, the destruction of Alderaan, and the prepeartions for battle at the end. Thankfully, the cantina band songs are both placed on the fourth CD, and not in the middle of the orchestral music. The sound quality is better, but still not digitally remastered. This version should be adequate for most people. ****