STAR WARS: CRIMSON EMPIRE

Here is yet another extension of the Star Wars saga. This one takes place after the death of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader (who appear in flashbacks) and details the fate of the Crimson Guard, bodyguards of the Emperor. One of the guards is attempting to seize power, and another is working to stop him. This is the first entry in a series, but it wraps up part of the plot and doesn't leave the listener hanging. Though one can criticize the story as predictable and forced, the audio dramatization is brilliantly executed. We find all the marvelous background sounds of STAR WARS, as well as the stirring music and nicely selected actors. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]