FanEdit Reviews - Post Your Reviews Here — Page 12

Crow: Devil’s Night - HanShotFirst

Problematic edit for me.
Seemed more a reduction of the original dark color scheme to pure black and white.

Video - I found the majority of this way too black. Details were often lost in the shadows.
The crow often disappeared while flying, the equivalent of the golf ball against white clouds.
A touch of brightening might have helped. During color flashback sequences, details and clarity returned.

Audio - From time to time, I thought I noticed sync issues. Reference 33" region. Lips seemed to lag words.
This was when I played the 4 GB mp4 version straight from an external HD into the USB port of a BluRay.
When I viewed the same through the computer, everything was fine. Could be my set-up, or a glitch owing to USB conversion.

Opening with Brandon Lee was a poignant touch, and a clear statement of what HanShot had in mind. Also much closer to the original series of comics by James O’Barr.

Waterworld: Ulysses Cut - Zaaacharias

Highly anticipated back in its day, Waterworld proved disappointing for many. Overlong, poorly directed, oft times a soggy mess, it was, nevertheless, embraced by fans for action sequences straight out of the Mad Max world.
The extended Laserdisc, and subsequent DVD, promising a more satisfying experience, but instead the LD gave the PG rated ABC televised edit. Nudity, profanity, and gory violence excised.
Zaaacharias returned all “adult” content to the extended version giving the - for now - defacto version of Costner’s movie.

Video - Nice work here integrating the extended footage into the theatrical release. Saturation is a bit less than the LD, but the editing is solid and first rate. On the list of changes, a link shows comparison shots. Nice touch.

Audio - As mentioned elsewhere. This is 5.0, rather than 5.1 sound. There is no LFE mix. Not a problem as Zaaacharias was upfront about this. Audio editing was top notch. I popped on headphones for several sequences and did not hear any errors or poor transitions.
One thing I did note - and this is not exactly audio, but related - were the subtitles. Subtitles were based on the PG version. For example: “Shit” was seen as “Dang.” Just an observation.

Narrative - The additional 40 minutes will drive many in the post Michael Bay era to punch the fast forward button. Waterworld is more leisurely, more reflective, which is altogether fitting in trailing a loner across endless seas. I still had problems with scientific assumptions in the main plot. I tried to suspend such thoughts, but the notion that the Rockies, the Carpathians, the Andes, the Appalachian range, were all submerged? No.

Enjoyment - Mixed here. Ulysses edit was more fix than edit to my eyes. There were still way too many stupidly, annoying characters. True, a couple years after the apocalypse, few will debate Film Noir vs Pre-Code, sip Merlot, and listen to Dave Brubeck. The dialogue lurched between inventive and cringingly butt dumb.
The whole film seemed suffused with over-acting. Understandable in “Deacon” who preached to his rabble. Pointless with most others. The small girl, Enola, was particularly shrill. For her, and all others, I credit ham handed direction - both Reynolds and Costner.

There is more to appreciate here, to revel in, than to belabor what coulda / shoulda been. As an extended version, trims and wholesale surgery cannot be expected. Zaaacharias has done a stellar job, and his edit is whole heartedly recommended to all Waterworld diehards.

Clone Wars: Episode I: Army Of The Republic - smudger9

Intelligent condensation of the heavily padded animated series. smudger9 wisely cut the juvenile elements, as well as Jabba’s kid, choosing to focus on Domino squad. I didn’t understand what he was doing initially, but it makes sense as the edit progresses.

Video - Good cutting throughout as the narrative weaves between Jedis Obi-Wan and Anakin, and the Domino squad, skitters to Greivous and the delicious Asajj Ventress.
Blacks are solid throughout and there are no problems around flares, bursts, explosions, etc …
Some of the edits seemed quick but never too noticeable.

2.0 stereo. No subs, though the dialogue was clear and understandable. That includes droid-speak and garbled mutterings of Admiral Trench.

The narrative suffers unavoidable problems, I’m afraid. smudger9 has shaved chunks of time, so there is a loss of cohesion. Despite re-arranging, there is a “jumpy” feel to the story. Character arrivals and departures are abrupt. (The same could be said for the Lucas originals and live action.) Clone 99’s story was nicely done, yet the subject of a spy onboard Resolute was broached and forgotten.

smudger9 has removed all the lame sections for us. Despite above-mentioned quibbles, this edit holds together well and is enjoyable from start to finish. His version is more battle action heavy, less character study. Yet it is also Clone Wars, so what do you expect? Anyone who does not have a problem with the animated series in general will have a blast with this.

Pulse: The Forbidden Room (Pulse – Kairo) - den_nado

Filesize = 1.8 GB, Video = 1920 X 1080p AVC, Audio = 253 kbps AAC, 2-Channel stereo. Hard subbed.

Although this is a “light edit” the cuts are well thought out, serving to enhance the storyline, heighten the uncanny atmosphere, and leave the viewer with a sense of unresolved unease.
For the uninitiated, even with trims, Pulse is never action paced. This is a moody, at times cerebral journey.
A tale of emptying cities, empty lives, the emptiness of existence.
When this was released in 2001 the internet was an exciting new frontier, part Wild West, part beckoning Utopia. Not the beguiling Janus of today.
As Harue explains to one, the internet is supposed to connect us with others; instead it is more isolating.
Along with this concept is the powerful fear of displacement.
Both themes have grown in prominence, and Pulse is eerily prescient.
The audio is 2.0, adequate and what most DVDs had. Mine was a Hong Kong R03, boasting 5.1 which was magnificent, particularly the rear surrounds.
Despite that comment, this is an excellent edit and fans of J-horror ought to hunt this down.

War Of The Stars: A New Hope Grindhoused (Star Wars) - TMBTM

Nifty reworking of a classic viewed numerous. Edit incorporates plenty of ugly, deleted footage, making the experience greasier and dirtier. No disrespect intended. This is a snickering subversive retelling that takes its sweet time before slithering into broken territory.

The outtakes were all crappy, poor resolutions and bleached colors. Editor TMBTM matched the look across the edit, so there was no jarring issues. The editor is utterly professional, transitions and edits were smooth and well-thought out.

2 Channel stereo, no subs (yet R2D2 is subbed throughout, and it proves to be one smart ass astrodroid).
I wondered about reinserted footage of storm troops on Tatooine. If redubbed, clever dialogue of poorly motivated workforce. The old saw about good help being hard to find applies.

This is an altogether deceptive story that feints like an extended version, but midway begins to weave into a different direction.
I can reassure uncertain readers that the modifications progress logically and bloom in the second installment.

A lot of this is funny as hell. Storm troopers, who cannot shoot for shit in the original trilogy (Jango must have been rolling in his grave over nth generation clones) in this edit blast resistance left and right. Jawa haters, check this out. As noted, R2D2 sees all, chatters away, but no one pays attention to him. Probably because he talks too much. A generous assortment of bonus goodies here, and you can’t beat Frances Gall (thank you for not going with the obvious ”Chick Habit”).
There may be purists who hate tinkering with this installment, at canon. Forget ‘em. This is a gaspipe kick. Go for it.

Blade Runner: Version Never Seen Before - Zombie84 - Brunei1992

Filesize = 8 GB, Video = 1920 X 1080p, Audio = 126 kbps AAC, 2-Channel stereo. No subs.

Straight off, this is not Zombie84’s original DVD, but a DVDrip. There are several 480p versions out there, if your bandwidth is limited. (Note: This is a review thread, not a request thread. Search.)

Zombie84’s version is very interesting. The story is the same, but the point of view often differs, scenes play out differently, dialogue is truncated or extended. The experience takes unusual turns.

The 1982 sound is fine, dialogue clear. Subs are unnecessary, although Gaff remains indecipherable. The temp score, used in many cases, often heightens the 80’s vibe. Swings between diverting and cheesy.

Other people have quibbled in posts about video quality. For me, the image is alright. My player is 4K but my screen is an older plasma, not HD, certainly not 4K. Elsewhere, krausfadr referenced how the supplementary footage has a different bitrate. This will likely be much more evident in this older edit. Try to be forgiving as this is what Zombie84 had to work with, and what Brunei1992 ran through Topaz. I am OK with the “look” but those of you with state of the art screens should be aware of limitations.

An irritation I noticed was the film simply quit while Deckard and Rachel are driving north. No fade to black, no THE END. An incomplete DVDrip, similar to the impatient partner incapable of finishing. The last impression, and an annoyance.

Nevertheless, this is worth watching. Credit to Zombie84 for editing, to Brunei1992 for upscaling and sharing.

Demons: Awakened (Demons & Demons 2) - Mikedrew87

Nice attempt to link Demons and Demons 2 into one grisly night. Both films bear similar structure (and director), though fans seem to feel D2 is the superior film. At two hours, it is longish for grindhouse territory, but once the teeth sink into place, viewers hold on for the ride.

Demons is a dark film overall, beginning to end. D2 is book-ended brighter. At the beginning of the edit, switching between the two movies is noticeable. Distracting at times. For me, the jumps between the orignal to the sequel were often jarring, whereas transitions from D2 to D were often brilliant. As the story progressed, both narratives fell into shadow, so the cuts were not as stark. The film opened with damaged print effect, yet that disappeared. Thank you. As noted, very dark film - blacks solid.

Dubbed 2.0 stereo (same as my DVD). Never good to begin with, the sound is acceptable. Sometimes you can understand the voice actors, sometimes not. Music stays a joyful, tacky reminder of an era.

Unlike gorehounds, I prefer the original film. Fresher story was, better characters, inspired setting. D2 also had the kid, the unborn kid, goofy humor, and it was weighed down with commentary about television and viewing habits.

Nevertheless, the flow is awkward, especially in the beginning with differences between source light. Later, the edit is more entertaining. There are a lot - a lot - of characters to keep track of. In D1, you can’t predict resolutions for any, D2 is more meal-a-minute. There is a clash between suspense vs. inevitability, which is how slasher films progressed in the 80’s.
Around the 30‘ point, the twin movies locked into sequence and became really enjoyable. Demons is a must see for any true Horror fan, and Mikedrew has done a great job in slicing two into one. Grab this while you can, invite your friends, and turn off the lights.

I don’t have links. Don’t ask.

Darth Vader’s Unstoppable Murder Rampage Across the Galaxy (numerous Star Wars) - Rhythm Rice

Filesize = 6.32 GB, Video = 1920 X 1080p. Audio = 333 kbps, 2-Channel stereo AAC. No subs.

An unstoppable action adventure of Darth’s greatest moments is closer to the bone.
Luke? Who’s Luke?
The chronology itself is pretty messy, likely to be incoherent to those unfamiliar with the saga.
Source material ranges from the Star Wars films, to Rogue One, the Obi Wan series, and edits by TMBTM.
Editing is choppy, abrupt at times. This is a franchise notorious for wipes and those are not used.
The edit is interesting throughout, since the editor is crafting a fanmix, which is more difficult than fanfix.
At times, however, it feels he tries too hard, attempting to force fit scenes into his vision.
Watchable from beginning to end, however. No child Anakin, no Jar-Jar, no political babble that bloated other films.
For fans of Darth, badass, no-nonsense Darth, this is one you’ve been looking for.

I don’t have links. Don’t ask.

Pinkface (Timecrimes) - Neglify

From the DVD, Neglify Shorts Vol 1, and the Time Travel Consecution. Timecrimes was a Spanish film I was unfamiliar with. Reading IMDB, one realizes Neg hugged the original plot tightly while shearing away an incredible amount of time.

Video shows damage, deliberately done. I usually don’t like scratches or grain, specifically in recent films or movies I have seen because the results look sloppy and amateurish. I didn’t know this film, however, so I was completely fooled into thinking this was a cheap 1970’s production. I laughed when I realized my false assumption later. Well done.

Audio is 2 Channel AC3, 192 Kbps. One of the best/worst music tracks I have heard. Edgy, skittering violin makes one feel like they’re trapped in a room full of mosquitoes and crawly bugs. Selected music performs slight of hand distraction as it is so irritating one does not focus on jump cuts or any of the “laboratory bits.”

End of the day, I appreciated more than enjoyed this. I chuckled at the end, but I had figured out what was going on and who was what. Thankfully, this was only 13 minutes instead of the original 92 minutes.

Nevertheless, for me, this was funnier than I expected and I laughed out loud a couple of times.

The Road To Revenge (The Nightingale) - Maniac

Filesize = 9.29 GB, Video = 1920 X 1080p, Audio = 1536 kbps, 5.1 DTS. Subtitled (I’ll get to that)

Acquaintanceship with previous Maniac efforts ought to be warning enough.
In this edit, as in the original film, there is an appalling amount of violence towards women.
At 78 minutes, an hour has been shaved off.
What is astonishing is how coherent, how well the result holds together.
This is a taut thriller, a story of vengeance that turns into character studies.
As with all of this editor’s works, there is replacement music and his choices are excellent.
Subtitled throughout. Hardsubs. One cannot switch them off, and I wonder if that was a mistake or oversight.
Editing is seamless.
This is top-notch work and aspiring editors would be advised to study this one.

I don’t have links. Don’t ask.

The Hobbit The Legendary Edit a fanedit by Wraith

The Legendary Edit indeed! I like what KeithBlk said. “Do we need another Hobbit edit?” If that refers to this edit, then yes!

I have watched so very many Hobbit edits. I went through various stages of thought. Each time one was released that I liked, I thought that it was the best. Each for a different reason. The first to really catch my attention was Spence’s edit. Cutting three movies down to an action packed thrill ride was quite a feat. Then there was the other legendary edits by Kerr, L8wrtr, Adam Dens, Dustin Lee and M4. Each had their own merits for consideration of the being the best Hobbit edit. Wraith even mentored the editor of the Battle of The Five Edits snd played a huge part in its success. It is excellent and fits a niche. Q2 and TM2YC both released their three part edits. Both were incredible. I finally settled on M4’s edit being subjectively the best Hobbit edit for my preferences.

I viewed Wraith’s previous Hobbit edits and was acutely aware of just how much work he had put into them. Especially, the one that this edit was derived from. It was very close to being what this edit has become.

This edit is the perfect Hobbit edit. I know that is subjective. I’m serious. It is the perfect first movie to The Lord of The Rings. It’s darker. It’s more serious. It’s less stupid. It’s less bloated. I’ve watched it fifteen times now in it’s various workprints and will continue to watch as the obsessive compulsive legend continues to tweak it. There are so many microcuts to improve the narrative that it boggles my mind. I know the movies so well that I catch all of them.

It’s literally unlike any other Hobbit edit and it will become most Middle Earth fans’ favorite Hobbit edit. I only hope that I am here to see it.

Wraith you have outdone yourself! This is what fanediting is all about. The transformative power of skilled editing is on full display here.

I highly recommend this edit and thank you for creating this perfect Hobbit edit for us.