I think it is time to give Return of the Jedi some attention. Up to this point, I had drawn a line around the OT, not wanting to do fan edits of them (excluding hybridizing the OOT and SE versions). However, there are some positive changes to make to ROTJ. I cannot give an ETA for this project’s completion, but it will certainly be!
For this version, my two goals are to hybridize the Despecialized Edition and BluRay versions, and prune the film gently to keep its tone from going off the rails. Anyone is welcome to throw out suggestions, though keep in mind that I don’t want to radically alter the movie. The changelist will likely increase.
Obviously, this edit will benefit from the prior work of others, such as Darthrush, Q2, Spence, and especially Harmy.
As you can see below, I do not have a slam-dunk source identified for the 2004 or 2011 version roughly matching the picture of the Despecialized version. Can anyone recommend a source to use? I am not great with color correction, but if there are overall changes I can make to the BluRay footage to get it in the ballpark, let me know. I am not a stickler with colors, but I want the sources used to come together well. If anyone who knows how wished to run the BluRay (or relevant portions) through a color matcher with the Despecialized Edition, that would be the best option. I’m open to input on this.
Sources:
Despecialized Edition v2.5
[Unidentified source for 2011/2004 version color corrected to roughly match Despecialized]
'97 DTS 5.1 audio (processed by CapableMetal to be appropriate for home video)
(The good thing about using Despecialized is that it is GOUT-synced, and I can merely keep around the other sources used in order to be able to export new versions whenever Harmy puts out major revisions to that project.)
From the Despecialized as a base, Special Edition changes to be included:
Possibly add Oola falling into rancor pit, though retaining no other SE elements of the scene
Recomposited Rancor scene
Bantha herd and fixed sail barge FX
Recomposited Boba Fett flying toward the barge with an out-of-control jetpack
Rope around Han’s ankles as he dangles from the skiff
Recomposited final shot of the sail barge sequence, conversation between Han, Leia, and Luke in space including blue R2 and recomposited ships, also the following recomposited establishing shot of the Death Star
Recomposited ghost of Obi-Wan
Use at least two specific recomposited shots of the space battle
Use SE for shots of the Emperor in his chair to remove slugs
Recomposited shot of Emperor falling down the shaft
Anakin’s unmasking without eyebrows
Possibly show the fleet moving away from the Death Star right before it explodes
NEW CHANGES:
Fan edit title card (followed by OOT 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm logos)
Trim down Bib Fortuna and 3PO’s conversation
Remove 3PO’s, “Look, Captain Solo! And he’s still frozen in carbonite.”
Less laughter from Salacious Crumb
Remove gonk droid screaming, and if anyone capable volunteers, it’d be wonderful to have the steam and the hot iron actually sync up
Remove subtitle for “I want fifty thousand. No less.” if possible, with differing sources needing to closely match very similar shots
Remove sarlacc burp after eating Boba Fett (an earlier burp by the frog creature outside Jabba’s palace will stay)
Possibly remove either Han and Lando’s conversation before the rebel briefing
Remove Han’s, “Good luck. You’re gonna need it.”
Possibly remove unnecessary scene in which the Emperor essentially tells Vader to go wait in the car
Han doesn’t step on a twig, and the trooper reacts to Chewie’s growl
Remove Han’s, “I hope she’s all right.”
Remove R2 electrocuting an ewok
Cut to next scene partway through 3PO’s narrative to the ewoks, possibly using, “Yes, R2, I was just coming to that” as a transition after moving it to later in his tale
Remove a strong sense of jealousy from Han after Luke and Leia’s conversation
Possibly remove cutting back to Paploo after he speeds off on one of the bikes
Remove Tarzan yell
After the Death Star blows up, remove Han’s jealousy