Just saw the film for the third time - it will be my last time seeing it in a theater. This time I saw it in 70mm IMAX, so I think I’ve experienced most of the high-end formats. I’d say that as much as I personally tend to like 3D, for this film the 70mm film looked better. It made it look more real, more like a “war” film (as someone said earlier). It’s also a fairly dark film (in color), and the 2D 70mm was easier to actually see.
I noticed a couple of things I missed before:
First, each time they use the Death Star, they specify “single laser”. This is consistent with the full reveal of its power being left for episode 4.
Frink says that Vader rejected Krennik’s plea – I think he actually accepted it. After choking him, he pointedly calls him “director” Krennik, and Krennik smiles as he recovers. So Vader made it clear that he still considers him in charge - for now. However, as we see, Krennik decides to travel to Skarif, and Tarkin pulls the rug out from under him. Tarkin is more than happy to destroy Skarif because it kills two birds with one stone - destroys the plans the rebels are after, and gets Krennik out of the way.
The music chosen for the scene when the Star Destroyer crashes through the shield is really brilliant. Rather than a triumphant exciting piece, a beautiful ballad plays. Fabulous!
I agree with Anchorhead about the too-fast cuts. But this is a problem with lots of movies today. Everything is quick, quick, quick. Makes we wonder if these actors could sustain a scene longer than 2 seconds. And I also agree that Saw’s character is ridiculous.
The scene when Chirrut is dying and Baze comforts him by affirming his mantra remains the most convincing single acting moment in the film, to me. It is really a sweet moment.
Other than that, Krennik and K2SO have the strongest parts. Jyn is positively wooden.