I first bought the soundtrack back in the 60s, with 14 tracks.  This edition is an "expanded edition," with 18 tracks. More is better, right? Not necessarily. I prefer the original order of tracks with the expanded Carousel Waltz (7 min.) opening the record in place of this version, that starts with the audio opening of the picture (2 min.), with Gordon MacRae and the "starkeeper." It is unnecessary, especially considering that this musical is considered by most (including me) as the best Rodgers & Hammerstein score, but a less-than-ideal story (based on the depressing "Lilliom"). Track two is the abbreviated Carousel Waltz (under 2 min.), that played during opening credits (the full Waltz is played at the end). Two ballet sequences are added, June is Bustin' Out All Over Ballet, and "Ballet," the sequence with Louise (Billie and Julie's teenage daughter). The "June" ballet is interesting but is marred by the sounds of the chorus' shoes on the stage floor during the dance! It was obviously just lifted from the film soundtrack. The latter "Ballet" is actually a nice addition, with a varied version of the Carousel Waltz, with a calliope effect making it sound like a real carousel; very atmospheric. It ends with the "shame on you!" dialogue of taunts from Julie's classmates.  I own the original soundtrack (Angel/Musical Heritage Society) on CD preserving the original LP sequence. I was going to purchase this "expanded edition" but changed my mind and just downloaded the two ballets.
This is in my mind Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest score, and the film soundtrack is the best version out there with Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae along with Barbara Ruick, Robert Rounseville,in the lead roles, and Claramae Turner ("When you walk through a storm"), all professionally trained singers, very unusual in movie versions of musicals, which often prefer marquee movie stars over singers.
Despite my minor criticism of some of the tracks or their order, this is still a "must-buy" CD for lovers of classic Broadway theatre.
I first bought the soundtrack back in the 60s, with 14 tracks. This edition is an "expanded edition," with 18 tracks. More is better, right? Not necessarily. I prefer the original order of tracks with the expanded Carousel Waltz (7 min. ) opening the record in place of this version, that starts with the audio opening of the picture (2 min. ), with Gordon MacRae and the "starkeeper. " It is unnecessary, especially considering that this musical is considered by most (including me) as the best Rodgers & Hammerstein score, but a less-than-ideal story (based on the depressing "Lilliom"). Track two is the abbreviated Carousel Waltz (under 2 min. ), that played during opening credits (the full Waltz is played at the end). Two ballet sequences are added, June is Bustin' Out All Over Ballet, and "Ballet," the sequence with Louise (Billie and Julie's teenage daughter). The "June" ballet is interesting but is marred by the sounds of the chorus' shoes on the stage floor during the dance! It was obviously just lifted from the film soundtrack. The latter "Ballet" is actually a nice addition, with a varied version of the Carousel Waltz, with a calliope effect making it sound like a real carousel; very atmospheric. It ends with the "shame on you! " dialogue of taunts from Julie's classmates. I own the original soundtrack (Angel/Musical Heritage Society) on CD preserving the original LP sequence. I was going to purchase this "expanded edition" but changed my mind and just downloaded the two ballets. This is in my mind Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest score, and the film soundtrack is the best version out there with Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae along with Barbara Ruick, Robert Rounseville,in the lead roles, and Claramae Turner ("When you walk through a storm"), all professionally trained singers, very unusual in movie versions of musicals, which often prefer marquee movie stars over singers. Despite my minor criticism of some of the tracks or their order, this is still a "must-buy" CD for lovers of classic Broadway theatre.