Well for what it’s worth…
My favorite part about the SE version is that it opens up the Death Star more (similar to adding windows for Cloud City), especially when comparing it to the original “dead-end” hallway version, which pretty much does show the limitations at the time as Telion already nicely put it.
As for the garrison of 100+ troopers standing around in formation, I never had a problem with seeing them as some might. I view it as the same reason why a real-life military base would have this also - for inspection, etc. And prior to this scene, didn’t we just hear a Stormtrooper mention that they do drills (“Maybe it’s another drill”)? So for me anyway, I just assume they do frequent drills and this is just a glimpse of what that they have to go through at times.
As for the ROTJ helmets, in all honesty, I hadn’t noticed that before and even now that I am aware of it, it still doesn’t really bother me as there are several bodies/heads moving around in a brief shot and so, to me at least, it’s not that easy to focus on a relatively minor detail like that… and I often like to think I’m someone with a sharp eye XD Furthermore, who’s to say they aren’t currently trying to phase in the new armor type (hence the inspection)? 😉 But, I get it, consistency is nice too so I do understand why Ady or anyone could be irritated by that; truly, they should’ve just had the proper ANH helmets in the first place. If this were to be re-reinstated, though, maybe a quick digital touch-up on the more obvious ones?
As for the compositing of that shot, while not perfect as Ady had stated, I felt it was vastly improved by just the simple color-correction. It’s great to fix as much of the egregious errors as possible, but if we’re being real and honest, I think it’s perfectly acceptable, at least in certain instances where only so much can realistically be done, to accept a shot/scene at 95-99.9% perfection - though Ady will always strive for 100% perfection and that’s what we love about him!
And I understand, Braltika, what you were trying to say in regards to Han’s reaction to seeing all of the additional soldiers - it does further justify the sheer and utter panic on his face like “oh I f*cked up!”. That’s what I always thought too and also why I like the SE version. I will admit, though, I did like what you said, DZ-330, about the charm of the original, where the Stormtroopers have realized “Hey… we out number him! Why are we running?” That is indeed funny too and a fair point.
But, with all things considered, I do think I overall prefer the SE version between the two. Unless, if there could be some kind of compromise, like if Ady could replace the current “dead-end” background with something better of his own? Even if it is just more hallway (similar to the moc image DZ-330 quickly put together). I’m sure getting the reflections on the floor will be a task, but Ady seemed to do a miraculous job for the wide-shot during the Obi-Wan vs Vader duel. Just an idea, but I think it could be neat have a (closed) blast door instead of the dead-end, and when Han gets there, the door has already mostly opened up to reveal maybe a 2x6 grid of marching troopers accompanied by a K2 droid (just a fun nod to RO - which I truly hope Ady may have been able to sneak one in a hallway somewhere here and/or there, seamlessly and not in-your-face). Maybe? Something like that would be a good middle-ground.
Anyway that’s all of my two cents, but obviously Ady you have the final say in all this and we’ll be super happy with the end result! 😄