) I guess I'll be the tie-breaker here. I've read through all of this and I have to say that I'm completely on MTHaslett's side of the boat for this film. His ideas are clear, concise and logical. (Not that yours aren't, CC.) But, I buy his version of the story 100%.
I say we take this as the official outline and immediately bring the focus of this thread to the discussion of more details for the beginning of the film. Particularly, we need to go more in depth on the character of Nute Gunray and exactly what he wants from Naboo and Amidala.
First off, how do we link the slavery aspect to what she mentions about the "Trade Boycott"?
And I'm really interested in adding an Ancient Egyptian-like conqueror quality to the Neimoidians, possibly including something about Nute wanting to be named a diety. I think this could elevate his character to a more classical level of evil. Furthermore, on a more contemporary level, we could mirror something akin to a Saddam/Kuwait/Desert Storm-like situation.
I must say, however, that although I'm all in favor of this feeling like a stand-alone film, it's still the beginning of a saga and needs a subtitle like the rest. I'm not sure if "Fate of the Jedi" is it. Only because I don't think it's clear you're referring to Qui-Gon, but it seems more like you're speaking of the Jedi as a whole, whose "fate" isn't truly known until Episode III. Plus, not to mention the whole "Return of the Jedi" similarity, or maybe that was the point...
But, what about something like "The Battle Begins", "Knights of the Republic", "Warriors of the Force", or even "Duel of the Fates"?
If you're wanting to keep with the "pulpy" feel, something like "The Great Droid Invasion", "Cloud of Evil", or "The Creeping Fear" LOL! or how about "Crouching Rancor, Hidden Bantha"?
...er... maybe not.I've got it! "Star Wars: Episode I - Anakin's Day At The Ranch".
--InfoDroid
P.S. - I am in need of a full-screen version of Episode I. Maybe someone can help me out.