Attack of the Clones introduces Anakin and Padme's 'Across the Stars' love theme, where Williams creates more sweeping romance and foreboding danger than Lucas could wring from his actors' cringeworthy performances. The cultural cache of memorable tunes dips off from there. Important Easter eggs pop up too, like on 'Anakin's Theme,' which ends with some 'Imperial March' foreshadowing. The Phantom Menace includes the most iconic song from the prequels, the apocalyptic 'Duel of the Fates,' yet also contains some playful whimsy, choral singing, and global instrumentation for the newly introduced worlds of Naboo and Tatooine. The set is understandably lopsided: the less memorable music from the prequels claims just three discs, though diehards and fans looking to delve deeper into Williams' work will be rewarded.
Star Wars: The Ultimate Soundtrack Collection is a monster: 11 discs spanning the originals, the prequels, a 'best-of' theme collection for instant gratification, and interviews with composer John Williams and Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford. With the mammoth cultural fanfare surrounding the release of The Force Awakens, the timing for a massive reissue was a good idea.
