Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (soundtrack)

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (soundtrack)

The soundtrack to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released two weeks before the film in May 1999, and was composed by John Williams. In anticipation of the long-awaited film, the soundtrack was certified Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in the UK (where it entered the UK album charts at number 8).

Three formats were available, and a new one was released in February 2012:

• The original album released on compact disc to accompany the film (May 4, 1999). This release is a single disc containing 17 tracks from the score. Each track is edited by Williams to present the score as one would hear it in a concert suite.

• This album was also available on a two disc vinyl LP set through specialized retailers such as Star Wars Insider.

• The Two-Disc Ultimate Edition released by popular demand (November 14, 2000). This set presents the score predominately as heard in the film (with most of the edits, loops, tracked music, and post-production changes in place). Although not exactly what is heard in the film, this set was meant to be listened to as one would hear the score in the film, but is not the complete score (although it is falsely stated on the back of the set as being 'every note recorded.')

• A special re-issue of the original album to celebrate the film's 3D re-release on February 6, 2012. This version is to contain the "Duel of the Fates (Dialogue Version)" bonus track originally included on the Ultimate Edition.

None of the releases contain the entire score. Currently, no complete release has been made. The Ultimate Edition contains music not on the Album, but the Album also has music not heard on the Ultimate Edition. Both sets contain alternate takes of cues, while neither present some of the alternate takes only heard in the film.