Thing was, there was this one massive explosion shot that faded to white with Jar Jar flying in the air, then another shot much later of him flying and rolling on the ground. It made sense to edit out everything in between as the result is quite seamless.

I thought earlier today that a really bold move in Ep II would have been to go from the first scene in Palp's office straight to the Jedi Council ordering Anakin to take Amidala to Naboo. This would almost completely work if you cut short the line that says "Perhaps and old friend [like Master Kenobi]." The only problem then would be why Obi-Wan is chasing Jango, as the dart wouldn't enter the storyline.

I didn't go nearly this extreme with Ep II.