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Post #1236554

Author
Hal 9000
Parent topic
The ‘Custom Special Edition’ That Almost Wasn’t, But Then Was (Released)
Link to post in topic
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/1236554/action/topic#1236554
Date created
26-Aug-2018, 10:35 AM

The ‘Custom Special Editon’ of ESB will be forthcoming. It’s a fairly quick and easy project to edit, basically just cobbling together two sources from the illustrious Adywan. It’s something I would have done anyway for my own viewing enjoyment, so I may as well present it in case others may find it closer to their preferences.
Primary source is his 1997 SE Reconstruction, as the colors are the best around and it is a little closer match in quality to the 720p Revisited source. It may not be the technical pinnacle of picture quality, but it is sound and more than fits in with the 720p, cobbled-together-by-fans standard that we, sadly, have to settle for for the time being for most OT-related projects. The primary audio source is the wonderful 1997 SE theatrical DTS mix, once again. Until the OT.com eschaton, when the originals are given a proper release, this will be my final word on ESB. (Or, rather, the best that can be achieved in terms of a Special Edition version as a companion to the original theatrical.)

Video Changes, beginning from Adywan’s 1997 SE Reconstruction:

  • Used wampa escape scene from Adywan’s Revisited, which brings enhancements while retaining the pacing (and, indeed, sync) of the original version.
  • Used the conversation between Vader and the Emperor from Adywan’s Revisited, as he essentially honored the content of the original version of the scene while realizing the potential the 2004 DVD version presents.
  • Used Adywan’s Revisited to avoid a continuity error posed by the Special Edition as an expanded cityscape out a Cloud City window disappears a few shots later.
  • Recreated the original pacing of the escape from Cloud City, removing Vader departing for and arriving on his star destroyer, though leaving two brief shots of the shuttle ascending.
  • Used color corrected footage from KK650 to include the 2004 alteration of correcting Piett’s and another officer’s badges appearing on the opposite side of their uniforms.

Audio Changes, beginning from the 1997 Special Edition theatrical DTS audio mix:

  • Reinstated Luke’s line to R2 of, “You’re lucky you don’t taste very good.”
  • Used 2011 BluRay audio to include updated sound design for Slave I during its first appearance to match Episode II.
  • Removed Luke’s scream from the 1997 mix as he falls down the Cloud City shaft after his confrontation with Vader.