Commander Courage: As far as cutting Sidious from TPM, I think it's a bold move on Rebel Scumb's part to do something different, but I'd be against Trooperman doing so in his Episode 1. He's rather essential to the plot, especially if you want to bring out the story of Palpatine's rise to power (one of the best of the PT). Don't forget how much of an impact dubbing and subtitles can do in regards to the Trade Federation, which TM will be doing and RS will not. That said I do look forwaed to how RS handles it in his edit.

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I knew there would be resistence! Resistence is futile! These are not the droids you're looking for...

I'm not saying take him out of the PT-- just don't see him in Episode I. What about his presence is essential to the plot? Simply that he exists and is pulling the strings behind the blockade-- he doesn't have to be seen doing it to get that across. In my new and Rebel-Scum enlightened point of view, SEEING Sidious makes all his actions feel clumsy.

The greatest effect of making Sidious micro-manage the Federation blockade is to belittle him since his plans are completely defeated by a little girl and a Jamaican alien.

But take him out and leave his mysterious presence a hint-- the power behind the thrown so to speak-- and the Trade Federation become worthy opponents who are outdone by our heroes. But our heroes don't realize what they're really up against-- and niether does the audience, theoretically, although it's all there if you're paying attention.

I just think this is a much more sophisticated approach to telling the same story -- a more OT approach.

I liked seeing Sidious for the first screening, but I have to admit something: I didn't know Palpatine and Sidious were the same guy. That was a surprise spoiled for me by someone in the audience after the movie ended. Seeing the movie again, knowing that Palpatine and Sidious were the same guy-- some things didn't add up. Like why was he so clueless about what Amidala was doing when he is actually her friend and confidant?

Anyway-- I'm convinced this is the way to go-- for the moment. When I get my editing suite (and my mansion and my yacht) I'm going to edit it this way, darn it. >;-P