John Williams (4), The London Symphony Orchestra – Star Wars

John Williams (4) - Star Wars album cover

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Genre:	Classical, Stage & Screen
Style:	Soundtrack, Score, Neo-Romantic
Year:	1977

Tracklist

		Main Title	5:20
		Imperial Attack	6:10
		Princess Leia's Theme	4:18
		The Desert And The Robot Auction	2:51
		Ben's Death And TIE Fighter Attack	3:46
		The Little People Work	4:02
		Rescue Of The Princess	4:46
		Inner City	4:12
		Cantina Band	2:44
		The Land Of The Sand People	2:50
		Mouse Robot And Blasting Off	4:01
		The Return Home	2:46
		The Walls Converge	4:37
		The Princess Appears	4:04
		The Last Battle	12:05
		The Throne Room And End Title	5:28

Credits (92)

A. Griffiths*
Bass
B. Mollinson*
Bass
G. Newson*
Bass
G. Neal*
Bass
J. Cooper*
Bass
P. Dimitroff*
Bass

Notes

Original soundtrack the 1977 film "Star Wars" (later renamed/rebranded/remarketed as "Episode IV: A New Hope" within the Star Wars saga).

Has distinction of being the only "Star Wars" OST to be distributed by the film distributor's own record label - 20th Century Fox Records. Later two film's sequels' soundtracks were distributed by RSO, as 20th Century Fox Records fell into financial difficulties, and was finally liquidated in 1981 (with its musical catalogue being sold to PolyGram).

Original 1977 USA pressings are on 20th Century Records, which was rebranded in 1978 as 20th Century Fox Records, so those pressings date from the late-1970s to very early-1980s. 20th Century Fox Records pressings which list RCA distribution are circa 1979-1981. The repressings from later in the 1980s are on RSO.

Tracks A1 (in its shorter form) and B5 were also released on 7 inch single.

First expanded release was available as part of the 1993 4-CD compilation set Star Wars Trilogy (The Original Soundtrack Anthology), but the most comprehensive version so far (supposedly including the complete, remastered film score) was released by BMG in 1997, coinciding with the "Special Edition" release of the original film trilogy. This 2-CD set was re-released by Sony with different artwork in 2004, 2007 (in The Music Of Star Wars box set), 2015, and 2016 (in Star Wars: The Ultimate Soundtrack Collection box set).

In 2016, the original 1977 album was remastered from the original analog masters and reissued on vinyl, including full artwork reproduction. It was also released on hi-res digital. In 2017, this remaster was reissued again, on Walt Disney Records for the first time, in standard-res digital only, and later on vinyl again for the 40th anniversary.

In 2018, a new remaster was created from the film mixes with edits matching the original soundtrack release. This remaster was issued on CD and hi-res digital in 2018, and on vinyl in 2020 and 2021.

Versions

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181 versions

Image	,	–			In Your Collection, Wantlist, or Inventory	Version Details	Data Quality
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Terre Haute Pressing, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 2T-541	US	1977	US — 1977	Recently Edited
	Krieg Der Sterne - Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 699	Germany	1977	Germany — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	Polydor – 2658 151, Polydor – 2479 298	Germany	1977	Germany — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Stereo, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 679, 20th Century Records – 9199 148 / 9	Netherlands	1977	Netherlands — 1977	Recently Edited
	Bande Originale Du Film "Star Wars" 2×LP, Stereo, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – STEC 264/65, Disc'Az – STEC 264/65	France	1977	France — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – BTD 541	UK	1977	UK — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Quality Records Pressing	20th Century Records – 2209-541	Canada	1977	Canada — 1977
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album	20th Century Records – 9199 148	Netherlands	1977	Netherlands — 1977	Recently Edited
	La Guerra De Las Galaxias (Star Wars) (Banda Sonora Original De La Película) 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 24.0020/6, 20th Century Records – 24.0020/6 F-G	Spain	1977	Spain — 1977	New Submission
	Guerre Stellari = Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 707 A, 20th Century Records – 9199 148, 20th Century Records – 9199 149 +1 more label...	Italy	1977	Italy — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) 2×LP	20th Century Records – DLPL 459/60	South Africa	1977	South Africa — 1977	New Submission
	Krieg Der Sterne - Star Wars 2×LP, Club Edition	Phonogram – 66 938 2, 20th Century Records – 66 938 2	Germany	1977	Germany — 1977
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album	20th Century Records – L 45753/4, 20th Century Records – L-45,753, 20th Century Records – L-45,754 +1 more label...	Australia	1977	Australia — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – FMW-37/38	Japan	1977	Japan — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars Cassette, Album	20th Century Records – 5209-541	Canada	1977	Canada — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album	20th Century Records – L45753/4	New Zealand	1977	New Zealand — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) 2×LP, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 9199 148	Netherlands	1977	Netherlands — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars Cassette, Album, Club Edition	20th Century Records – TWC2 541	US	1977	US — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 8-Track Cartridge, Album, Club Edition	20th Century Records – TW82 541, 20th Century Records – TW8-2-541	US	1977	US — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 8-Track Cartridge, Album, Blue	20th Century Records – 82-541	US	1977	US — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars Reel-To-Reel, 3 ¾ ips, ¼", 4-Track Stereo, 7" Cine Reel, Album, Club Edition	20th Century Records – 1R2 6693	US	1977	US — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album	20th Century Records – 2209-541	Canada	1977	Canada — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) 2×LP, Album, Stickered Sleeve	20th Century Records – BTD 541	UK	1977	UK — 1977	New Submission
	A Guerra Das Estrelas "Star Wars" (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) 2×LP	20th Century Records – MOV-66.002	Portugal	1977	Portugal — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 679	Greece	1977	Greece — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 679	Greece	1977	Greece — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 8-Track Cartridge, Album	20th Century Records – 8209-541	Canada	1977	Canada — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 8-Track Cartridge, Album	20th Century Records – Y8BTD 541	UK	1977	UK — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) 2×LP	20th Century Records – BTD 541-1/2	Brazil	1977	Brazil — 1977	New Submission
	La Guerra De Las Galaxias (Star Wars) (Banda Sonora Original De La Película) 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 24.0020/6	Spain	1977	Spain — 1977	New Submission
	La Guerra De Las Galaxias (Star Wars) (Banda Sonora Original De La Película) 2×Cassette, Album, Stereo, Box	20th Century Records – 52.0514/3	Spain	1977	Spain — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 679, 20th Century Records – 9199 148 / 9	Netherlands	1977	Netherlands — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – 2T-541	US	1977	US — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Promo, Stereo	20th Century Records – 9199 148, 20th Century Records – 9199 149	Netherlands	1977	Netherlands — 1977	Recently Edited
	La Guerra De Las Galaxias 2×LP, Album, Stereo, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – 110.012	Venezuela	1977	Venezuela — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – 6641 679	Norway	1977	Norway — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars 2×LP, Album, Gatefold Sleeve	20th Century Records – 6641 679	India	1977	India — 1977	New Submission
	Star Wars = Guerra Nas Estrêlas (Original Soundtrack) 2×LP, Album, Gatefold	20th Century Records – 6641 759	Brazil	1977	Brazil — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars Cassette, Album, Stereo, Dolby	20th Century Records – ZCBTD 541	UK	1977	UK — 1977	Recently Edited
	Star Wars Cassette, Album, Club Edition	20th Century Records – TWC2 541	US	1977	US — 1977	New Submission

Reviews

Show All 67 Reviews

clickspin Jan 13, 2023
referencing Star Wars: A New Hope (40th Anniversary) (2×LP, Album, Remastered, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Etched, Remastered, Hologram, Box Set, Album, Special Edition, Collector's Edition) D002624801
The packaging is fun and the book printing quality looks high, though the record jacket/ page storage is a little unwieldy. I haven't had much issue with the GZ Media pressing quality, but the slap hazard way the vinyl discs were treated before packaging is unacceptable. Several of my discs have deep gouges across the tracks that affect playability.
mikeSF_ Dec 17, 2022
Edited 3 months ago
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album, Stereo, Santa Maria Press) 2T-541
Of course you need this in your collection. The compositions and arranging are so beautiful, and expertly performed.

Just realized the similarity between end of Leia's Theme and Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade (Prince and Young princess). Also plenty of influence by Holst "The Planets" and Respighi's "The Pines of Rome". Classical listeners will find much to enjoy here.

Pressing is great. No complaints. Came with poster.
kurniik Nov 10, 2022
referencing Star Wars / A New Hope = スター・ウォーズ / 新たなる希望 (2×LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered) UWJD-9019/20
The original Japanese presses sound a lot better, both New Hope and Empire Strikes Back.
CitizenKane7 Jun 23, 2022
referencing Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) = スターウォーズ（20世紀のオリジナルサウンドトラック-フォックスフィルム） (2×LP, Album, Repress, Stereo, Academy awards commemorative edition, Gatefold Sleeve) FMW 37/8
My copy sounds great, a very dynamic pressing with a nice clear sound throughout. Nothing too harsh in the treble or too weak in the bass.
Newbie2thee May 16, 2022
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album, Terre Haute Pressing, Gatefold) 2T-541
2lp album set still has the insert of Themes..the orchestra..main title everything from side1 track1-side4 track2 on 1side and on the otherside there's the introduction as to how the story came about who played what in the orchestra..also tidbits of info on where it was recorded w/date and remixed:) extremely informative...anyway someone needs this!!!!
Adam_A Apr 2, 2022
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album, Quality Records Pressing) 2209-541
When naming the main characters from Star Wars, you also have to put "John Williams' soundtrack" aside names like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. It is such an integral piece to the movies and elevates them beyond their scope. This original is also one of the most important and influential soundtracks, steering the industry back towards grand, symphonic suites (though modern synth soundtracks would persist right alongside as well). Every track is unforgettable and full of imagination. The secondary pieces from the cantina are the only things that feel out of place, but only if because they were firmly placed in the background during the film. But it's nice to hear them this up close as well.

Not a bad presentation of the material, even if this is a 45-year-old master. I've got the remastered versions on CD, and don't feel the music suffers at all listening to it on the original vinyl. Love the included poster!
slacklustre Mar 10, 2022
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album) L45753/4
In my version, The Princess Appears is incorrectly included on the label for side D - anyone else have this?
blokenamedblake Feb 1, 2022
Edited 10 months ago
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album) L 45753/4
My copy has side 1 and 4 on one disc, and sides 2 and 3 on the other. Came with the poster and "The Star Wars" on the spine. Sounds great for a 2nd hand pickup.

Listened to on a Pro-ject DC Evo with Ortofon 2m Blue, through a Cambridge Audio Evo 150, and outputting from Klipsch Heresy IV.
SartoriTangier Jan 10, 2022
Edited one year ago
referencing Star Wars (The Original Soundtrack From The 20th Century-Fox Film) = スターウォーズ（20世紀のオリジナルサウンドトラック-フォックスフィルム） (2×LP, Album, Repress, Stereo, Academy awards commemorative edition, Gatefold Sleeve) FMW 37/8
5 stars for the fact that this is one of the most recognized movie soundtracks ever, but 2 stars for the fact that this (particular) pressing sounds really flat and lacking any sonic depth. You really have to crank the volume to even get the sound to flow.

I don’t have a clean US or any other pressing to test this on, but as far as I can tell, the later remasters of the album sound so much better.
Sumogirl Jan 6, 2022
referencing Star Wars (2×LP, Album, Stereo, Santa Maria Press) 2T-541
This is purely instrumental John William's score. It's fascinating to listen to after all these years as you really get a sense of how music sets the mood and how themes for specific characters are re-used to help us associate specific refrains with specific characters and emotions.

You can pretty much see the movie in your mind's eye while listening to it.