One crucial component often completely overlooked when analysing Episode I is that the soundtrack matches the original films in terms of evoking the grandiose and epic quality, which elevates Star Wars beyond other franchises. The Invasion of Naboo score and Duel of Fates werent just two of the musical highlights of the prequels but stand out highlights of the entire trilogy, and in the case of Duel of the Fates, its early release was a major contributing factor to raising expectations that the film might actually live up to the hype. John Williams is as indispensable a figure on the Star Wars creative team as is inconceviable, and the prospect of more Williams Star Wars music is justification alone for these films being made.
5. Ben Burtt
Far from being just a sound effects guru, Ben Burtt is arguably as indispensable to Star Wars as Williams, and his return to the fold for a seventh time is welcome news indeed. So much of the iconic recognisability of Star Wars is attributable to sound, from the hum of lightsabers to the screeching howl of a TIE-Fighter and of course Darth Vader's signature asthmatic breath of doom - and those are just the obvious ones. If you think about the soundscape that Burtt has created, from alien dialects, to laser cannons and the bestial grunts of fantastical creatures, it becomes apparent how vital his contribution has been.
As well as the odd article, I apply my "special mind" to scriptwriting for Comics, Films and Games... Oh and I cut down trees, I skip and jump, I like to press wild flow'rs, I put on women's clothing, and hang around in bars.
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