Latest version changes:
- I have to start here since this is my biggest update… After the extended time off, much consideration, and then getting back into the editing room on this film and the trilogy as a whole… I have decided that after all, I do in fact agree with those of you who thought this edit would be better without the Hosnian system destruction. You were right. I have completely re-cut how Starkiller base is destroyed in its firing sequence, but does not actually get the laser off. The battle between Kylo and Rey is happening around these events, while Starkiller crumbles as it attempts to fire. It works better, it really does. Would love for you all to give it another go with this scene sequencing and see what you think.
Updated the [NeverarGreat] Starlight edit scenes I used to his latest release:
- Added [NeverarGreat] island sketch to Rey’s hut
- Feathered a few of the linear wipes to have that Star Wars transition feel
- Added the [SirRidley] concept of Rey seeing the Island as she looks out into the Jakku sand
- Replaced old [NeverarGreat] Poe interrogation scene with latest version
- Added [NeverarGreat] audio about the senate into the Resistance briefing scene
- Added the extended version of Kylo visiting the falcon [NeverarGreat]
- Added the [NeverarGreat] Sith eyes to Rey.
- Added [NeverarGreat] TR-8R audio to Lightsaber Finn v stormtrooper (this is incredible work!)
- Swapped the opening scene order to show Jakku environment before Rey scavenging + a slight color correction to these scenes but nowhere near final. Really want to make Jakku feel less like Tatooine but I’m not there yet. I somewhat like the white-sand effect from other editors, but it doesn’t work with the day/night cycle effects I’ve put into place in other scenes. (I have seen concept effects with Jakku sand being a dark grey with a yellow sky and it looks incredible, maybe one day…)
- Reworked a lot of shots in the final saber lock sequence to better demonstrate in my cut how Rey doesn’t necessarily beat Kylo, just pushes him away long enough for the planet to separate them.
- Added the [SirRidley] restored scene of Han putting his dice back on the Falcon.
- Reorganized some of the scenes in Rey’s escape from her Starkiller cell
- Further edited new voicelines of Palpatine and Luke into Rey’s numerous dreams
- Removed the Maz line about Chewie being her boyfriend
- Reworked the walkway scene with Kylo and Han to better nail some musical notes as well integrate the [NeverarGreat] Han/Leia voicelines. When I now play Kylo’s theme right at a key point he really appears like a beast out of hell as Starkiller burns around him. Kylo is a scary dude in this edit. Transitions right into Leia mourning for a heart-wrenching contrast.
And the final major change:
- I added some new visual effects and additional scenes to Rey’s final dream sequence, further indicating the it is in fact a dream. I have also cut out the portion of the dream with her handing the lightsaber to Luke (this will be remedied in my TLJ version). Now Luke locks eyes with her, and suddenly she jolts awake in real life, presumably with knowledge that will help R2 + BB find Luke. I think I nailed this dream sequence and it will bring a ton of unity and cohesion into the beginning of Episode 8.
(I am looking at new file hosting options)