UK
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista CE 1
- Format
- 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Single Sided
John WilliamsTheme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"
Vinyl pressings
Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"
by John Williams · 1977
37 pressings19 countriesDiscoThemeClassicalStage & Screen
Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"
31 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 14 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
UK
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista ARIST 177
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
ARIST 177 A // 1 ∇ 420 04 11A side runout, stamped
ARIST 177 B // 1 ∇ 420 04 11B side runout, stamped
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AS 0300Arista ASO 300
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Santa Maria Pressing
- Runout / matrix
2518-S 1A [TML-S] SVariant 1Side A Runout, etched [stamped]
2519-S [TML-S] 1E SSVariant 1Side B Runout, etched [stamped]
S 2518-S 1A [TML-S] SVariant 2 Side A Runout, etched [stamped]
2519-S [TML-S] 1AS SIVariant 2 Side B Runout, etched [stamped]
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista ASO 300Arista AS 0300
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Styrene · Terre Haute Pressing
- Runout / matrix
2518-S-3 TML-M T1 TSide A runout, variant 1
2519-S-4 TML-S T1Side B runout, variant 1
T 2518-S-3 TML-S TIISide A runout, variant 2
T 2519-S-1 TML-M TIISide B runout, variant 2
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista AS 0300
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo · Pitman Pressing
- Runout / matrix
2518-S X TML-SSide A Etch (Variant 1)
2519-S X TML-SSide B Etch (Variant 1)
p 2518-S TML-MA-Side Runout Etching (Variant 2)
p 2519-S x TML-SB-Side Runout Etching (Variant 2)
US
1977- Label and catalog number
- Arista 2525-SL
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 37 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s37 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | Arista AR-11638First year7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided | 7", Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided |
| 1977 | Australia | Arista AR-11640First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Australia | Arista AR 11640 / Arista AR-11640First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Brazil | Arista AR-31051First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Canada | Arista AS 0300First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Canada | Arista AS 9500First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Chile | Arista 1399First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Guatemala | Arista 4394First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Ireland | Arista ARIST 177First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Italy | Arista 3C 006 60390 / Arista 3 C 006-60390First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Japan | Arista 6RS-50First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Japan | Arista IER-20389First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Arista 5N 006-60 390First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | New Zealand | Arista ATA 300First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Philippines | Arista AR-30174First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
Tracklist
- ATheme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"
- BNocturnal Pursuit
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" are there?
37 vinyl pressings of Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" are listed here, from 19 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
When was Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, US, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is Arista CE 1.
How do I tell if my copy of Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CE 1, ARIST 177, AS 0300, ASO 300) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Theme From "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
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