[2][3] The score received a positive response from critics, appreciating Giacchino's tunes as well as the incorporation of minimal cues from Williams' themes.

An expanded edition, consisting of un-edited and additional demos composed, was released on February 11, 2022, as was a 4-LP disc marketed by Mondo, was published in March 2022.

[5] Despite rumors that a contract had not been initially set in place by Lucasfilm, Desplat confirmed in an April 2016 interview that he would serve as composer for the film.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Giacchino stated: "It is a film that is in many ways a really great World War II movie, and I loved that about it.

"[9] The opening title theme was considered to be different from the previous saga films, and of the trilogies, as Giacchino believed that "It's sort of its own thing and the whole idea from the very beginning was these should be standalone movies."

It's fun, epic and emotional and although not all themes hit home and some shifts in focus regarding the villain-themes would have been in order, it's still an impressive work, even if you don't take into account that he had to write it all in four weeks.

"[14] Critic George Shaw commented "Rogue One does have its moments of themes, but they're harder to notice given how different, louder and faster paced modern movies have become.

"[17] Vann R. Newkirk of The Atlantic magazine wrote "Giacchino's sound works well for a film that strives to differentiate itself, while still announcing itself as a Star Wars movie.

"[16] Newkirk had commented "From its opening flute solo, Rogue One’s music announces the film as a full member of the canon—one that shares its sense of nostalgia with The Force Awakens.

Deviating occasionally from the slow buildup and royal fanfares of previous Star Wars scores, Giacchino uses thriller violins and thumping percussion in the film's more action-oriented scenes.

[22][23] Three days later, Mondo announced a four-disc LP album pressed on 180-gram black vinyl, which featured a new artwork by John Powell and additional liner notes.