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Info: Has anyone watched 'The Blackened Mantle'? (a 3-in-1 Prequel Edit by Darth Lunar)

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Hello!

So I’m new on this forum, but I’ve been pretty invested in the Star Wars fan edit universe for awhile. I’ve watched L8WRTR and HAL 9000’s alternate cuts of the prequels. I’ve seen Adywan’s “two can play at that game, Lucas” Edition of Star Wars. And, of course, I have cherished Harmy’s despecialized gifts to the world; texting friends in all caps, “You have to come over and watch Star Wars with me!! I got the unaltered originals in HD!! No more fucking CGI dewbacks!!!”

So I wasn’t sure how exactly to introduce myself here. You guys are like MVP Star Wars fans! All of your work is pretty cool! The last thing I wanna do on a forum filled with hardcore Star Wars fans that constantly discuss and debate minuscule details about movies that at the end of the day are merely family films designed for escapism and mindless entertainment… is seem uncool
So anyway, after combing through the threads and not finding mention of this rather recent edit, I figured that would be my best approach to the popular kids table.
 

Have you seen this??

Link Removed by moderator - please read the Fan Edit / Preservation Forum Rules and FAQ
 

I caught wind of it a couple weeks ago, and I’m in awe that it’s not catching more recognition. This guy, an editor named Darth Lunar, rewrote the script, man… He, he just changed the game.

A non-linear cut of the prequel trilogy that utilizes a brand new script by substituting the Japanese dub in the audio and rewriting the subtitles. If that’s not cool, then I’m not cool, and I just told you how I don’t want to be uncool! With these changes he creates new character arcs, recurring story motifs, and an overall stronger narrative, in my opinion. The themes of revenge, control, and destiny are heavy in this edit! And maybe it’s just the Japanese dub, but it also really feels like a straight-up Kurosawa samurai movie!! …or maybe I’m just racist. I dunno. I don’t think I am.

The most pertinent dilemma of this cut, however, is that if you speak Japanese, you will not be able to sit through this edit. It’d be like two dialogues are clashing in your brain. You’d have to just mute the video. On that note, I think getting an isolated score version of this edit would be pretty cool. Another problem is the length. Some trimming could definitely benefit this. All in all though, this is definitely worth watching.

Check It Out!

 

Information for ‘The Blackened Mantle’: https://letterboxd.com/film/star-wars-the-blackened-mantle

Some information by Darth Lunar (the editor of ‘The Blackened Mantle’): https://grimrukh.com/other-projects (ask him for a link)

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The Japanese voice actors are so much more compelling I like some of the dialogue changes. I would like to see this as a three film edit rather than cutting back and forth though.

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I saw it twice last week and yes, I really enjoyed it. Love how Anakin and Padme’s relationship isn’t secret from the Jedi Order anymore and I also loved how you never got to see Yoda wielding a lightsaber (except for when he used it in self defence at Kashyyyk) and his battle against Sidious wasn’t included either.

I thought the flashbacks were fine actually. Don’t know how much crap you could throw out to still keep them at 3 films IMHO. I’m just glad we got no Jar Jar antics, no Pod Racing, Anakin destroying the Trade Federation ship etc. And having Darth Maul becoming Grievous was pretty clever too. Did I say I love the new dialogue?! I love the new dialogue. It’s like The Hidden Fortress all over again. 😊

Also downloaded the 1080p file from the link provided too.

“Did you know, the word ‘gullible’ is not in the dictionary?! Look it up.”

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Yeah, this is a pretty great edit, it actually managed to remain compelling throughout. I still think some of the mindless action sequences (such as Obi-wan chasing Grevious with a lizard) could be cut without much problem, and the flashbacks sometimes cause more confusion than anything. I think a more streamlined and chronological version would be better, though I do think it would add to the narrative if a few flashbacks to Anakin’s childhood remained near the end of the film. Also, not sure why midichlorians were left in.

I really liked Maul turning into Grevious, it would be brilliant if it was better executed. I also loved the line near the end where Anakin shares with Obi-wan his final vision. It finally brings the saga full circle without feeling shoehorned in.

You probably don’t recognize me because of the red arm.
Episode 9 Rewrite, The Starlight Project (Released!) and ANH Technicolor Project (Released!)

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Like I have mentioned on another thread, the voice acting was superb. Those Japanese voice actors knew what they were doing. But altered story was sometimes great and sometimes it seemed like a hit and miss. It was good overall.

I really didn’t like flashbacks (they just seem like all over the place) and I really hated Darth Maul turning into Grevious though. Just a personal preference, but those two should have stayed separate characters.

I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away..

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I support the Maul/Grievous merge (I would have called them both Darth Vader just to muddy the waters even further). The PT suffers from villain pop-up. Maul and Grievous aren’t characters, they are level bosses. Merging them gives the other characters an accumulated history with what these shapes stand for so in a sense making them more like characters or rather a character.

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Hello eveyone! I am a long time lurker of this forum and I signed up just to comment this thread.

I caught wind of this fan edit last week and it blew my mind.
Not only the new script is great, but it also gave me a new level of appreciation for what good is in the prequel trilogy.
For example I did not stand the cg in the original prequels, but watching this I almost did not notice it.

This is my personal prequel movie from now on.

The only thing I did not like was the missing title crawl… so I am adding it myself!
I will upload the altered edit (with italian subtitles, crawl etc) on my youtube channel.
I am also editing the movie in the same way but in english. I will put a link for the download in the description of my video when it will be ready.

Keep in mind I am not an editor so my additions won’t be top-notch quality, but I’m doing my best.

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I managed to find the MEGA link for the 1080p mp4 version. But it’s only 140MB larger than the 720p avi?