It's a difficult decission... I love the first three scores (episodes IV, V and VI). In fact I was introduced to film music through the first STAR WARS movie. I'm less interested in the last three chapters (episodes I, II and III).

I think STAR WARS, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and THE RETURN OF THE JEDI together conform a wonderful and cohesive symphonic work. Anyway, if I had to chose only one, I'd probably pick the second film (episode V, I suppose), THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Favourite film and favourite score. I think this is the most original among the six Williams' scores: The imperial march is absolutely outstanding, Yoda's theme is a delight, the love theme for Han and Leia is beautiful, and the battle in the snow music is highly original...

Yes, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is my favourite score.

And what about your preferences, lavrul111?

Greetings,
Angel

angeldibujo, November 3, 2008; 12:56 PM

Do you mean actual tracks heard in the movies or their released materials, specifically?

I'm very partial to the extended dual-disc release for Episode I. (Even though I've read that even it is incomplete/different from what is actually in the movie.) I was so into despite it's flaws, and the music was integral in me loving it so much. Totally new themes that fit well.

I do like Ep II's material, it was different, maybe too different. Still good. First & only electric guitar I've ever heard in a SW score. I'm a big softy, but the romantic theme wasn't that touching for me. I just felt that if others got it, it was good enough for me. Reusing the droid army theme was inappropriately used for the clone armies. Though it transitioned well in the final sequence as battleships take off from Coruscant. I also never suspected they'd use the dark-side theme to show how vile Anakin's deeds on Tattooine were. Still feels too strong for me. Too far away from O-Trilogy for that, maybe just me though.

Ep III, Hmm. Everything that stunk about that film was audio in nature. The released soundtrack, which is very different from a score to me, was incomplete. Duel of the Fates was in the movie. Put it on the CD for release, thank you! hehe I angst on that a lot. Also the droids spoke in high-pitched voices. Wuh? I had just come from playing "Republic Commando" for the pc. Those super battle droids are badass, very tough and sound menacing. You duck back behind corners when you hear them growl. But in the film they sound like tiny guido-droids who want their rent money for the month. (BTW, R. Commando has a great score too, even if some may not like video game soundtracks.) Also the Cd release has music from Ep IV in it. Finishes ruining the soundtrack/score by being there. This ain't a happy movie! Again, why??

Ep IV. Is very special. With this one you can tell the 'last three' films are telling a different story with different music. Rather the mood is different. 'Uh oh. Big empire after everyone you care for. Time to hide and kick butt from the shadows.' Ep I was a tale of a vast society not quite willing to accept those who protect it, not even from the giant tick using the system for it's own gain. Music relays that. Ep IV is about freedom-fighters harnessing do-or-die attitudes in the face of extermination i.e. the 'assault on the Death Star' track.

Ep V. You see how dark it can really get, all the while learning the real tricks to victory. Kinda like the vicious valley one goes through in rehab, hitting rock bottom before seeing the way out. heheh

Ep VI It all culminates. Though no themes from the earlier era/movies come out, you still get the sense that everything you need to do can be dome to the IV-VI themes. The Force theme is fully realized with Luke gets that lovely green blade in his hand. You even see him grin. Like it's Go-Time! It builds up and releases, as does his potential to be a magnificent hero is realized. In the previous films it was hinted at. The Force theme ends almost abruptly in them. I noticed when I came back to Ep VI and heard it full-on. I thought "This is now my favorite scene in the film." I always knew there was something just more dope about Ep VI than the others. Luke is back and he's got the Force as his ally. Halt, evil-doers!
But...
If it's not broken, don't fix it. I am in full support of the older musical material. (As well as the older footage.) Anything SE is anathema to me regarding Ep VI. "Jedi Rocks" as odd a name that is, can go! Even with reggae playing now, I can recall the theme Sy Snootles originally sang. The older ewok theme....I think that they aced it before I even knew what was being sang in that climactic theme. You can't beat "celebrate the light" as a lyric & sang so well it was nothing but background music to me for 2 decades. Then I got it in the 90's. The 1990's!
But then this revisionistic SE version was sold to us & I was in shock and disgust! How dare,...wtf?..., fill in the censor-blank. I am vehemently against that 'new-age' SW music. Celebrate the light fits perfectly. [ding ding] <>

Clone Wars...hmmm. I gotta admit I was rather looking forward to learning audio-sampling software so I could replace the score for this movie, with the score from R.Commando; but that is a game of and about soldiers, not Jedi. I was not flattered at all by the music in Clone Wars. It was all just...not SW. I can't even recall it. It made no good impression with me.

I listen to Ep I so much more than the rest. It's more complete is reason #1. The rest are all great. Ok Ep III's "Battle of the Heroes" is good, but I can't feel it like I should. Memories of wimpy droids and plot-line loop-holes, and SW continuity were bombarding me by the time Ep III came out. Just me being me I wager. I don't listen to IV-VI much for fear of wearing them out. But those 3 are still as delicious and precious as ever. Clone Wars? What's that? ;)

I'm waiting for some kind of rerelease for Ep's II & III. I'll be much happier and put in part III again, if they do that. They are doing it for Indy right now. (November 11th, nudge nudge.)

(sorry for the essay.) :/

nball, November 3, 2008; 1:13 PM

The Empire strikes back is my favorite, so is the film. The music is a symphony for film. It has all elements a good score needs. a smashing main theme that is a classic and will be played worldwide over a hundred years from now. (originaly from Star Wars of course)
The imperial march is the best march Williams ever wrote. -Midway comes close- in my opinion.
A great love theme, Yoda has a good theme too. The score is perfect. And the LSO did a great job.

Sijbold Tonkens

s.tonkens, November 4, 2008; 2:23 AM

I love them all, though if I could only choose one it would have to be The Empire Strikes Back.

Dark and brooding and complete in every way. A great listening experience.

The cue 'Rescue from Cloud City' is one of my favourites of all time.

groovemachine, November 5, 2008; 2:55 PM

I agree....THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is the best and my fave (the recent trilogy scores by Williams are nice, but IMHO repetitive). I love the two TESB tracks "Yoda and The Force" (when Yoda levitates Luke's X-wing out of the swamp), and of course the music for Luke and Vader's fight in Cloud City.

kriegerg69, November 11, 2008; 11:45 PM