Commander-- I've done a lot of editing and rough cuts can often make you want to cry. TJ's cut makes me pretty happy though and it will get leaps and bounds better. It's not as nicely sewn up as the TPM cut yet, naturally, but comparing them now is apples and oranges.

Try watching it with the sound off -- I think you'll get a better idea what's really there.

I'd say what doesn't work is more in the transitions (the appearance of the droids, the dramatic reveal of Nute) rather than the overall structure or execution.

Get those two beats to work and this opening has tons more excitement -- to me;-)

We'll see if we can't prove it. Of course, as you point out, there is always a fall-back. But let's carry the football for at least three downs before punting.