logo Sign In

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released) — Page 8

Author
Time
Post link
That's a very fascinating idea, Jeten. I might try my hand at that sequence of events once I have the technology (hopefully by the end of the summer), just for the sake of seeing how it would flow. But for now I'm with Trooperman in NO Yoda saber dueling (in Episode 2 at least), although I'm all for Force Lightning.

Now let me bring up something that's been on my mind for a long time. Qui-Gon Jinn is my favorite Jedi. My friends actually give me a lot of grief because of it, His extremely brief presence in AotC was great in that we know he's still around in some capacity, but it's execution left a lot to be desired. "Anakin" was so obviously lifted from TPM, and was featured in the trailer no less. "No!" was a HORRIBLE Neeson impersonation, and sounded nothing like him. My idea is to, by use of Qui-Gon's dialogue in Clone Wars or Neeson from another film, alter the use of Qui-Gon's voice in Episode 2. Thoughts on that?
Author
Time
Post link
Trooperman, we've gotta exchange notes. I completed my Ep II re-edit while this whole thread has been going on. yet I managed to miss it entirely. I'm not kidding when I say I almost called it "Shroud of the Dark Side" but ended up calling it "Path to the Dark Side" instead because of space constraints. No idea you had similar thoughts going on.

I've read through some of this thread and I've done some of these edits, but of course, not all, and some others instead.

I really want to see your version now.

I'll start a thread for all my re-edits when they're ready in the next couple of weeks or whenever. ROTJ has been out there for some time. Ep II is done, but not released (sitting here mocking me). Ep I and IV are awaiting crawls and then they're done (Ep IV is just a fix to the title card, fear not).
I am fluent in over six million forms of procrastination.
Author
Time
Post link
That's what I was thinking, Bizzle.

Besides. Most of the Douku fights were done with a stunt double anyway, so it wouldnt' matter whether he could fight or not.

4

Author
Time
Post link
This is one of the more ridiculous statements I've ever read in these forums.

I would be upset about this, but in a previous post you made it clear that you believe all the problems with AOTC can be fixed with the forward button on the remote control. So clearly we're coming from two completely different perspectives. You evidently enjoy the current prequels a lot more than I do. I'm not exactly a "prequel hater", but let's just say I'm probably way more cynical than a lot of other fans.

Even so, that statement probably didn't express the idea I wanted to get across. What I should have said is: The lightsaber duel in Episode II is poor compared to the others in the saga. I concluded that it possibly had something to do with Christopher Lee's role as the Sith instead of Ray Park. Call it a ridiculous statement.....but all of that aside, it's not a good fight.

Also understand that I am actually creating this edit for my own personal enjoyment. Although I love feedback and ideas on how to improve it, this isn't exactly a democracy. I'll probably not do something against my better judgement for the sake of the others. Now, if a copy of this happens to find its way onto MySpleen or something like that, then I wouldn't mind too much

So...

The rocks etc Dooku uses the force to fall on Yoda look really fake, and I would kinda do it so they were cut out as well. I don't really like the bit when Dooku escapes because of Yoda using the force, so it would be really good (and kinda impossible) if you could cut it so the bit when Anakin jumps over to save Obi Wan, could you cut that so Anakin actually jumps to save Yoda and then Dooku cuts off Anakin's arm and uses the force to chuck him next to Obi Wan, then you see Dooku getting on his ship? I understand that this would take a long time to make it work, and to delete all the bits before it.

Really good idea. That would solve a lot of problems with the scene. Besides, even though you'd still see Yoda with a lightsaber, it wouldn't really be as corny. Anyhow, there's probably no getting around Yoda with a saber in ROTS.

I'll see if I can edit it like that next weekend, for kicks.

"No!" was a HORRIBLE Neeson impersonation, and sounded nothing like him. My idea is to, by use of Qui-Gon's dialogue in Clone Wars or Neeson from another film, alter the use of Qui-Gon's voice in Episode 2. Thoughts on that?


Really, really really good idea. That impersonation of him saying, "No," was so bad I didn't even know who's voice it was supposed to be. However, I haven't watched a lot of other Neeson movies (only "Les Miserables") so I don't know where to find a clip of him saying "No." If I can't, though, I'll just cut it; it sounds awful.

Trooperman, we've gotta exchange notes. I completed my Ep II re-edit while this whole thread has been going on. yet I managed to miss it entirely. I'm not kidding when I say I almost called it "Shroud of the Dark Side" but ended up calling it "Path to the Dark Side" instead because of space constraints. No idea you had similar thoughts going on.


I'd love to hear your ideas. I also know you're probably more tech-savy than me, so I have a question: What software did you use to do your soft wipes?

Another tech-note:

The reason I haven't started my final cut yet is

A. I'm still working on a stereo mix without Hayden's voice; it's going incredibly well, but it's kind of a slow process
B. I'm going to be getting rid of my current video card (it's garbage) and go with an NVIDIA card before I start the final cut. One of many problems with my current card is that the system is playing (and rendering) all .vob's at the incorrect speed when converting to .mpg. My card is old; maybe it just isn't compatible with XP?

I also need to pick up the ROTS soundtrack and the "Sketches on Star Wars" CD.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Oh, and one more very important thing:

Do any of you know where to buy the AOTC CD with the bonus track containing the piece JW wrote for the original conveyer belt sequence (before the droids were put in), but was deleted from the final film (to be replaced with tracked music? Because this would be very useful; I could even experiment with cutting that sequence to match how it originally was, so that the music would be perfectly synchronized.

Does anyone know where to find this? Most of the discs do not have this track.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
I know you said you didn't want to give out personal details, but I'll gladly make a copy of the Sketches on Star Wars CD for you - that is only if the CD is OOP or you can't find it, as I don't want to get in any trouble on the boards for mentioning such things.

To contact me outside the forum, for trades and such my email address is my OT.com username @gmail.com

Author
Time
Post link
Trooperman: That disc was a Target exclusive. I'm not sure they're still stocked at those Targets, either, it might have been a "one time only" type thing.

Also, that cue wasn't totally cut. It's very audible during that sequence, although yes, it is chopped up a fair amount. But it wasn't deleted. The most easy place to spot it is when Anakin is trapped under the droid arm as the chopping machines are closing in on him.

I would be upset about this, but in a previous post you made it clear that you believe all the problems with AOTC can be fixed with the forward button on the remote control.


You shouldn't be upset about it, partially because Chris Lee is known as one of the best swordsmen ever put to screen, but mostly because the fight AS IT WAS SHOT was pretty good--it suffered in the editing. Blame Burtt and Lucas for that one. Also, a lot of the swordfighting was also done by an expert stunt double himself, so either way--criticizing Christopher Lee's swordfighting shows a mild ignorance of the man's history and the history of the movie itself, knowledge that might serve you well if you're going to go about taking the time to re-edit it for yourself.

And if this swordfight bothers you so much, I wonder what you're planning to do with the ANH swordfight, which is technically the WORST swordfight in the movies. Is that getting axed too, or is the well-written dialog (note sarcasm) too great to consider deleting that, considering your reasoning for deleting Dooku and Yoda?

And aside from your idea that your voice acting is better than Christensen's (a notion I seriously doubt, otherwise you'd be getting paid for it) all you're essentially doing is using your own fast forward button, you're just doing it in a computer and tarting it up a little with some Adobe After Effects.
The Best Show You've Never Heard
Author
Time
Post link
I have an MP3 of the Conveyor Belt track... not the actual CD, but may help in a temp track and with the whole pre-editing stage.

To contact me outside the forum, for trades and such my email address is my OT.com username @gmail.com

Author
Time
Post link
ANH swordfight, which is technically the WORST swordfight in the movies.
I totally agree with that. I'm afraid I got a couple of facts wrong - my imagination obviously isn't as good as I thought it was. When I said the rocks falling on Yoda, although that is also terrible, I think I meant the weird thing that falls on Anakin and Obi Wan more, because the stuff coming off it looks terrrrrrribly fake.
If no-one can see the Force, is it really there?
Author
Time
Post link
Trooperman--

You are one ambitious dude. I love to read about your plans and the way you phrase your intentions. Makes me think it's gonna be great.

I suggested up-thread that Anakin should have a different sense of motivation when we meet him: Obi Wan should be holding him back from running off to save his mom. Here's my idea (sorry it's long):

The concept is to replace Anakin's brash, disobedient characterization with quiet and mysterious. I want to change the Anakin/Obi Wan relationship. Currently, Obi Wan is patient and forgiving of Anakin's head strong behavior. My suggestions make Obi Wan overly disciplining and Anakin obedient, but mysterious.

This fits Obi Wan's hesitation about Anakin in Episode I. If Obi Wan worries to Qui Gon that "the boy's dangerous, they can all sense it, why can't you?" Then why wouldn't he reign this brat in? He would. Maybe even a little too much.

So, here's my strategy (I'm using MagFan's Episode II as a starting point-- maybe the release version contains opportunities I'm not seeing, but MagFan's treatment gives this stuff a good boost, especially as regards Jar Jar):

We first see Anakin and Obi Wan in the elevator traveling up to Padme's. Obi Wan says Anakin seems nervous, Anakin says "Not at all" cut to: -- "You're sweating, relax. Take a deep breath..." Then CUT out of the scene before we know what's bothering Anakin.

They meet Padme and she finally notices Anakin. Padme: "Anni?" (cut the "My goodness you've grown")
Anakin steps forward with a new line (covered by cutting to Padme): "At your service... Senator."
Padme smiles and leads them to the seating area, saying she thinks this is unnecessary.

Typho explains the situation and Obi Wan says "We're here to protect you Senator, not
to start an investigation." -- CUT any quibbling with Anakin. Anakin watches and says nothing.

Create a pause to indicate the difference between what Padme is asking for and what Obi Wan is offering. Use their different gazes to indicate that there is something unsaid between these characters.

Padme finally finishes the conversation by replying: "Perhaps with merely your presence the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now if you will excuse me, I will retire."

They separate and Anakin stops beside Jar Jar. CUT the line "She hardly even recognized me Jar Jar" and just let him silently watch Padme leave the room. Then he says the line "She's forgotten me completely." This makes him more mature and smart. It reveals all his emotions, but stops him from looking so out-of-control.

Then Obi Wan scolds him "Anakin, you're focusing on the negative again. Be mindful of your thoughts." And try to CUT out of the scene before saying "she was pleased to see us" if you can.

The next scene to adjust is Obi Wan and Anakin guarding Padme as she sleeps. Let it start as Obi Wan enters to find Anakin. He asks what's up and Anakin says "Quiet as a tomb." Cut his next line "I don't like just waiting...etc." Go straight to "She programmed Artoo to warn us if there's an intruder," and cut in to see Padme asleep. "I can sense everything going on in that room." Let this be the Jedi's plan as they rely on their senses to detect anything Artoo can't -- avoid the idea that Anakin has some unapproved plan to use Padme as bait -- it undermines Obi Wan.

When we come back to Anakin and Obi Wan, Anakin's on the terrace. "You look tired," says Obi Wan. Anakin: "I don't sleep well anymore." Obi Wan: "Because of your mother?" Anakin: "I don't know why I keep dreaming about her now. I haven't seen her since I was little." Obi Wan: "Dreams pass in time"

Then CUT as Anakin moves inside and Obi Wan continues: "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken..."

As we CUT into Padme's chamber, Obi Wan continues berating Anakin using dialogue from their previously cut exchange in front of Padme. Obi Wan: "We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin. And you will pay attention to my lead... and you will learn your place, young one."

Cutting back to Anakin -- he senses the intruder in Padme's chamber -- Obi Wan does too and they leap into action.

What this does is establish the problem between Anakin and Obi Wan as stemming from his dreams about his mother. It says they've had to talk about it before and it's threatening the training. Later, when Anakin blames Obi Wan and the Jedi's for not trusting him, we'll know he's referring to this.

I would go through the rest of the movie and adjust Anakin and Obi Wan where ever possible to reduce Anakin's insubordination and increase Obi-Wan's hardness.

The last piece I want to complete this thread needs to be created. I don't know exactly how. It is this: We NEED to SEE Shmi in danger and KNOW it's from Anakin's dreams.

The pieces exist I believe of Anakin squirming in a bed, troubled by his dreams. Superimposing the first image we get of Shmi tied up over that for a few frames creates the bit we need. Then drop it into the story at the FIRST possible opportunity. The sooner the better because it informs everything Anakin does.

I hope I'm being clear and sounding sane. I just know this version of Anakin makes me root for him in the love story and everywhere else. It follows up the young Episode I Anakin better and sets up why he would turn away from the Jedi and toward a "secret" love. That's what was supposed to happen in this movie.

Good luck!

Author
Time
Post link
I like your ideas man. That would be an interesting take on those scenes. Maybe you should whip up an edit of your own.
Author
Time
Post link
The last piece I want to complete this thread needs to be created. I don't know exactly how. It is this: We NEED to SEE Shmi in danger and KNOW it's from Anakin's dreams.

This would be really really cool and really fun to do. When I made a film which had a dream in, I zoomed in on the actor's face at the start, cutting to a slomo monochrome movie with the contrast turned down of what is in the dream. You could even add some particle clouds round the edges of the shot. It looks really good, and it is quite easy to do.

Another thing specifying a dream is to use hue/ saturation and turn the saturation waaay down and click "colourize". Then change the colour to a deep red/ blue/ green/ yellow, etc. It shows that it is not really there.

Yet another thing that can work is you can turn the contrast up. This makes it look fake and weird.
If no-one can see the Force, is it really there?
Author
Time
Post link
Originally posted by: Commander Courage
"During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet." - Al Gore


And today he got an award for it from the inventors!
Author
Time
Post link
Originally posted by: Rebel11_38
I like your ideas man. That would be an interesting take on those scenes. Maybe you should whip up an edit of your own.


The days of me "whipping up an edit" are far ahead of me, my friend. But damn if it doesn't look like fun. MagFan is now a huge contributor to Star Wars in my book. I think Trooperman will be too!

Author
Time
Post link
MTHaslett- Wow. Wonderful, wonderful ideas. Please post ANYTHING else you can think of to help me out, because these are great. I especially love the idea of superimposing the image of Shmi bound up over the shot of Anakin's nightmare. That will be very powerful.


Then CUT as Anakin moves inside and Obi Wan continues: "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken..."

Yes, so now, the dialogue is about Anakin's mother, not Padme.

Then Obi Wan scolds him "Anakin, you're focusing on the negative again. Be mindful of your thoughts." And try to CUT out of the scene before saying "she was pleased to see us" if you can.

I can do that by cutting in a quick front shot of Jar-Jar (back shot of Anakin), and then end the scene with Anakin walking towards the window, after looking back at Obi-Wan.


I hope I'm being clear and sounding sane. I just know this version of Anakin makes me root for him in the love story and everywhere else. It follows up the young Episode I Anakin better and sets up why he would turn away from the Jedi and toward a "secret" love. That's what was supposed to happen in this movie.

I agree completely. Episode II in its current state makes the whole prequel trilogy very weak, no matter how good ROTS is, because Anakin's motivation is not understood and is very weird. I like the ideas of trimming him so as to be quieter and smarter, and making Obi-Wan more controlling. It makes it more Obi-Wan's fault that Anakin turned to the dark side than before, fitting in with his dialogue in the OT about his mistakes in training Anakin.

But if this can be pulled off, it will create much more sympathy for Anakin and make Ep. III all the more tragic.

I have an MP3 of the Conveyor Belt track... not the actual CD, but may help in a temp track and with the whole pre-editing stage.


Do you know if it's available anywhere on the Net right now?

And if this swordfight bothers you so much, I wonder what you're planning to do with the ANH swordfight, which is technically the WORST swordfight in the movies. Is that getting axed too, or is the well-written dialog (note sarcasm) too great to consider deleting that, considering your reasoning for deleting Dooku and Yoda?


I'm not editing the OT.

your idea that your voice acting is better than Christensen's (a notion I seriously doubt, otherwise you'd be getting paid for it)


Ha ha! But seriously, no more comments like that until you actually hear it; methinks you will be surprised (in a good way).


Again, thank you all so much for all these great ideas. In the past week or two, people have given me so many ideas (alternate Geonsian subtitles, better developement for Dooku, advice on the final duel, and now this great outline for how to improve Anakin's character. In the weeks ahead, after ROTS comes out, I would also love your input on how to better tie in this movie with that one (music, dialogue, anything).

Thanks!

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Then CUT as Anakin moves inside and Obi Wan continues: "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken..."



Yes, so now, the dialogue is about Anakin's mother, not Padme.
/Quote

Exactly! As I look over the rest of the story, the rest will play better with just this much adjustment. I would go a lot farther in this direction though because there are so many "extra" beats of Anakin's lack-of-discipline. His every lecherous approach to Padme and smart remark to Obi Wan should be considered ripe for extraction. The best Anakin will be a straight forward Anakin who simply cracks under the pressure of his dreams and runs off to save his mom -- but is too late. Then (without telling Padme that he "killed women and children") he wins Padme's heart with his own sincerity. He allows her to pursuade him to help Obi Wan and they nearly die together and confess their love.

Author
Time
Post link
As I am removing Hayden Christiansen's dialogue from the new sound mix, I am also rewriting some of my plans regarding the Kamino scenes. Something that bothered me about the film is how easily all the Jedi seem to accept an army of clones, of slaves. Obi-Wan nods his head, agrees with what Lama-Su says, says, "Very impressive", etc. This isn't right; the Jedi are more ethical than that and they would be much more concerned about using clones.

Now, I'm considering subtitling Lama-Su (using a foreign track), or perhaps just redubbing him entirely, as much of his dialogue is merely voice-over while clones are being showed. Then, using a couple clips of Obi-Wan's voice from various scenes (out of context), it could make Obi-Wan more skeptical of the whole idea.

Beginning of scene.

Lama-Su: Moral implications? (chuckles). That is something I would have expected from a Jedi. (finishes chuckling). We don't concern ourselves with that here, Master Kenobi.

Obi-Wan: I see.

(scene progresses, perhaps resequenced)

Obi-Wan: Growth acceleration?
Lama-Su: Oh yes, it's essential. Otherwise a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Now we can do it in half that time.
Obi-Wan: Really. (not impressed).

Also, in this scene, Boba Fett is Jango's natural son, not an unaltered clone. Therefore it makes even more sense that Boba Fett would have a different voice than Jango (going by the original version of TESB).

Another problem: What is to be done about the scene with Anakin and Padme (I killed them. They're dead. Every damned one of them. And not just the men. But the women. And the children, too. etc. I hate them!) Although dramatically a very good scene (and shows the Darth Vader side), it sets up the incredible question: why did Padme fall in LOVE with this muderous psycho?

Padme: To be angry is to be human.

Yes, it's OK, Anakin. Even though you're turning into a cold-blooded Sith murderer, everyone has bad days.

Come on! However, cutting this means the audience doesn't know Anakin slaughtered everyone. It also means Padme doesn't know.

Perhaps after seeing Ep. III, I'll be able to make a better judgement on this.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Re: the "tell me you love to kill children cause it makes me hot" scene --

It's a tricky situation and needs the kind of massaging that the "you can enter me into the podrace" scene got in MagFan's Episode I edit.

A lot of the action here is phony-- Hayden is unconvincing as he "fixes" that machine. The metaphore that he can "fix things" so why couldn't he "fix his mom" is pretty tired. Then the revelation that he killed everyone really should have been the last thing these two "lovers" ever said to each other.

But if I may suggest some cuts by cutting up the dialogue, I think the scene can be romantic if we just let it be "Padme comforts a tormented Anakin." The one major revelation can be that he blames Obi-Wan for his mother dying.

INTERIOR: TATOOINE, HOMESTEAD, GARAGE - DAY

PADMÉ comes in with a tray of food. ANAKIN is standing at a
workbench, repairing a part of the speeder bike.

PADMÉ: I brought you something. Are you hungry?

PADMÉ puts the tray down. Anakin is tormented, but silent until...

ANAKIN: (angry) Someday I will be... I will be
the most powerful Jedi ever! I promise you, I will even
learn to stop people from dying.

PADMÉ: Anakin...

ANAKIN: (furious) It's all Obi-Wan's fault.

ANAKIN hurls the wrench across the garage. It CLATTERS to
the floor. He looks at his trembling hands. PADMÉ stares at
him, shocked.

PADMÉ: Annie, what's wrong?

There is silence for a moment, then ANAKIN breaks down,
sobbing. PADMÉ takes him into her arms.

ANAKIN: Why do I hate them? I didn't... I couldn't... I
couldn't control myself. I... I don't want to hate them...
But I just can't forgive them.

PADMÉ: Ssshhh... you're human.

ANAKIN: No, I'm a Jedi. I know I'm better than this. I'm
sorry, I'm so sorry!

PADMÉ: You're like everyone else...

PADMÉ rocks him, and ANAKIN weeps.

Note: I got this dialogue from an online script -- it may not be accurate, but I think these beats get you through the scene much better. It doesn't really matter whether he killed the women and children or not. It doesn't matter if he confesses to Padme -- he's clearly filled with shame and pain, and Padme assumes it's over his mother's death. They bond over this misery. That will allow the scene to work because that's a natural emotion. The twist in the scene is the way he blames Obi Wan, but ultimately tries to take responsibility himself. That makes him smarter and more noble.

P.S. -- I'm seeing Ep III on Sunday (lucky me!) so I'll start thinking in a bigger context that evening...

Author
Time
Post link
Update: I'm using the original Binary Sunset cue from SW, but not during the search montage; I'm using it in the dark scene when Anakin finds his mother's tent. Starting it a few seconds before the beginning, into the last few secs of the Dooku/Separatist Obi-Wan spying scene, it actually synchronizes with the following scene in beautiful (but unexpected) ways. For example, the music peaks precisely at the moment that Anakin turns on his lightsaber to cut through the tent. This scene is now far better than before, simply because the percussive music was replaced with more emotional dramatic music that builds up to something. It works very well.

Tech Note: In case any of you were wondering how I'm replacing most of the Anakin dialogue, this is how I've done it:

1. Split surround track into 5 channels: front, front-left, front-right, rear-right, rear-left.
2. Create three stereo tracks: downmix of all channels (base mix), stereo of front-right/front-left, and stereo of rear-right/rear-left
3. Look at area at which dialogue is to be removed. Check front channel stereo. If the dialogue is still intact, go to rear channel stereo and check that. Use the best track.
4. Use SoundForge to zoom in to each track you are using, in the same view: one on top of the other
5. Replace chunk of base mix with the corresponding chunk in the front or rear stereo.
6. In front/rear stereo, take chunk before cut segment. Fade in.
7. Take corresponding chunck in the base mix. Fade out.
8. Mix the "fade in" chunk from the front/rear stereo into its proper place in the base mix. This makes any change of atmosphere or sound quality between base mix and front/rear stereo smooth.
9. Reverse process is used to gradually fade back into the base mix. Only understand that you cannot detect a fade, because as one is fading out, another is fading in at the exact same rate. Works seamlessly.
10. And if the change is too noticeable or jarring, then I experiment with overlaying a steady background sound effect to tie everything together, or else attempting to extract specific background noise from the base mix which I can then lay over the parts with replaced dialogue.

This process makes mix sound very professional when done; it sounds like it's always been that way.

Couple little changes in sound mix so far:
1. The decoy's line has been muted at the beginning. The lieutenant just says, "We're making our final approach into Coruscant" and then turns around to walk away.
2. Alarm beeping can be heard in right speaker during this shot
3. "There was no danger at all". Explosion has been beefed up considerably using ... a Star Trek explosion (*gasp*). It's quite good, though, and you would never be able to tell it.
4. "Thank you, Master Windu" by Padme has been buried in the sound mix. It isn't an important line and is read badly. The main focus here is Palpatine's sideways glance anyway. And on top of this, it works because there was a change in camera angle. The fact that it is almost inaudible can be contributed to this.

It's coming, guys! These things just take a lot of time.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Oh, and to MTHaslett- that's a really good idea for the garage scene, the only problem being that some of the Padme dialogue you have did not appear in the final film. Good idea, though. So you are proposing keeping the "It's all Obi-Wan's fault" rant, but not the "I killed them" rant. And I have to agree with that. One change that I'm going to make, though, is one that will actually fit in better with your changes in place.

Anakin: It's all Obi-Wan's fault. He's jealous. He held me back!

This is much more significant because Anakin is directly saying that Obi-Wan kept him from saving his mother. Now, the anger that is building up towards Obi-Wan is making more sense.

And I also agree that the "fixing things" dialogue from Anakin is canned and pretty corny. It will be cut.

Thanks for the input, everybody, and I welcome more at any time.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Not that there's anything wrong with making your own cut of a movie per say,


but does anyone else find it extremely hypocritical to condemn lucas for making minor alterations to the movies he created yet at the same time claim that you can and should improve on his vision by cutting up his work, making massive creative changes, and re-configuring it to fit your needs?

that said, your project sounds cool, but it seems to conflict with the general vibe of originaltrilogy.com just a bit
Author
Time
Post link
Originally posted by: Drumstick
that said, your project sounds cool, but it seems to conflict with the general vibe of originaltrilogy.com just a bit

If this were prequeltrilogy.com then yes. But it's not, it's originaltrilogy.com.
Author
Time
Post link
1. This site is about preserving the original trilogy, not the original prequels, which stink in their current condition (IMO)
2. This is non-profit
3. I am not denying the original prequels exist, nor am I attempting to replace them with my edits. They are simply offered as an alternative for anyone who doesn't like the PT in its current state.
4. My editing specifically is meant not to make the films look newer, as the goal of the SE was; it is to age them, to make them feel older and more like the OT.

So in a way, even though I'm chopping the films up worse than Lucas, they are the prequels, and the work I'm doing is bringing them closer to the OT, and not farther from it.

So it really isn't hypocritical. And I'm changing his "vision" because I don't like it; however if you don't like my work, then no damage is done. You have the option of watching the others.

Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side

Emperor Jar-Jar
“Back when we made Star Wars, we just couldn’t make Palpatine as evil as we intended. Now, thanks to the miracles of technology, it is finally possible. Finally, I’ve created the movies that I originally imagined.” -George Lucas on the 2007 Extra Extra Special HD-DVD Edition

Author
Time
Post link
Originally posted by: Trooperman
One change that I'm going to make, though, is one that will actually fit in better with your changes in place.

Anakin: It's all Obi-Wan's fault. He's jealous. He held me back!

This is much more significant because Anakin is directly saying that Obi-Wan kept him from saving his mother. Now, the anger that is building up towards Obi-Wan is making more sense.



Sounds good.

The next challenge for this new Anakin story is to get him to move his emotions smoothly from the funeral of his mother to the rescue of Obi Wan -- whom he kinda, sorta blames for the death of his mother.

The emotional journey of Anakin in this movie needs to be along these lines: A) Anakin feels confused and held back by not being allowed to act on his dreams B) Anakin falls dangerously in love with Padme C) Anakin lets loose his rage when he finds his mom dead D) Anakin lets Padme lead him to a kind of mature acceptance, if not peace.

So when Padme challenges Anakin to come with her to save Obi Wan, I wonder if it can become a kind of "awakening of the Force" scene. If Anakin can begin the scene, receiving Obi-Wan's message in a very down and defeated frame of mind (i.e. with sad music) -- a frame of mind which Padme pushes him out of. I think this could happen if she simply starts leaving to save Obi Wan without Anakin stopping her to discussing it as he does now. Their discussion has to happen differently. Anakin can listen as she says "He gave you strict orders to protect me and I'm going to save Obi Wan..." Then lay in some of the Force music before he smiles or get out of there without him smiling or...

Not sure that's a great solution, but I have to say-- having now seen Ep III -- Obi Wan and Anakin's friendship is real and awesome in the new movie. It should have it's roots in this one -- and it seems like Anakin has to make the journey from blaming Obi Wan to trying to transcend that point of view.

Other than that point, this edit fits beautifully as a set up for Ep III.

BTW, Ep III has visual design and sound cues for the dream you're trying to construct of Anakin seeing Shmi tied up. This is one change that will make Ep II and Ep III fit together better in quite a few ways.

I can't wait for you to see Ep III.