- Reinstate Jabba the Hutt at the podrace. Despite what I may have said, my real intention was to preserve the reveal of his appearance in ROTJ, going against the project’s goals. I don’t mind the Jabba cameo, so I think it deserves to be put back in for this final version.
…- Reinstate Sebulba skidding to a stop rather than implying his death.
…- Ask lovely forum members for help getting the day-for-night scene looking better.
Although I really loved your cut of the podrace—especially with the added ‘Shadows’ music—there were a few things I would have kept. Glad to hear you’re reinstating Jabba and Sebulba. I’d like to suggest that the jawa’s “tee-dee” and Sebulba’s “poodoo” be put back in also. I know some consider them part of the many rather silly and immature things in this movie, but I don’t think they breach the precedent set by the charm and humor of the OT. (The timing and delivery of the “poodoo” line is so perfect, that I find it one of the few successful jokes in the film.)
As for Anakin and Padme’s first kiss… Have you considered just cutting it entirely? I once did my own personal 3-in-1 PT cut that omitted this scene, and I think the subplot of their romance works just fine without it, and makes the “I love you” and kiss in the arena more meaningful.
On the other hand, NeverarGreat’s sample of this footage looks amazing, and I wouldn’t want to see such good work go to waste. It’s your edit, of course, and I’m sure whatever you decide will work well with the final product.