On the ROTJ 1997 special edition copy, does the sound quality on anyone else's track "Battle of Endor III" sound *incredibly* muffled? Or is mine just a bad print? Is it clearer on the 2004 release?

I can't speak for the 2004 release but yes - the sound is very muffled on the ROTJ score - Actually almost every cue is Muffled

Is it possible that one of the trumpet players hits a wrong note when the descending chords from the "TIE-Fighter Attack" - Motif appear at 00:19 ?
It sounds really awry to me!
But on the other hand, why would the recording department accept the cue, as if they didn't realize that someone screwed up the recording?

> Is it possible that one of the trumpet players hits a wrong note when the
> descending chords from the "TIE-Fighter Attack" - Motif appear
> at 00:19 ?
It sounds really awry to me!
But on the other hand, why
> would the recording department accept the cue, as if they didn't realize
> that someone screwed up the recording?

The trumpet goes sharp, yes. His sound starts to go outwards, and the pitch kinda goes sharp.

It's just a little off.

Yes, the trumpet does go a little too high, and you can hear him (or her, I suppose) correct it; however, I sort of like it.
I wonder why they didn't re-record that after such an obvious mistake.

> On the ROTJ 1997 special edition copy, does the sound quality on anyone
> else's track "Battle of Endor III" sound *incredibly* muffled?
> Or is mine just a bad print? Is it clearer on the 2004 release?

Yes, it's true that the ROTJ 1997 special edition sounds muffled at some tracks. I've heard also the 2004 Cd and I think It sounds a little beter (not too much), but the slightest improvement as far as the quality of the sound is appreciable.

> On the ROTJ 1997 special edition copy, does the sound quality on anyone
> else's track "Battle of Endor III" sound *incredibly* muffled?
> Or is mine just a bad print? Is it clearer on the 2004 release?

Yes - the master tapes were in terrible condition when these albums were made, and no - it's not clearer on the 2004 release, since, believe it or not, it is EXACTLY the same (down to the last click/pop) as the 1997 edition. The only difference is the cover, and the fact that the new release has none of the fantastic liner notes.

Interestingly, if you watch the "Musical Journey" DVD that came with the ROTS OST, the sound is near perfect for the original trilogy cues. This suggests to be that a much better release is possible, and I hope it comes along soon.