Alright, so I’ve just finished watching this edit and I’m astonished at how perfectly the film fits into the Andor arc format. In fact, much of the pacing seems to benefit greatly from being spread out into three separate parts. The endings of each episode feel far more book-chapterish, as though they were written to end where they did, and the choices of music fit incredibly well with two of the three endings, in particular at the end of “Stardust.” Definitely a strong moment building up to the grand finale.
That said, I think across the whole project there was one particular nitpick I could think of. While nearly every track selection in this project feels inspired, I think the only one I really disagreed with was the Past/Present Suite during the destruction of Scariff. So much of the rest of the episode fits perfectly, like the use of the “Climb” track as they climb the data column or the ISB motif in some of Krennic’s big scenes, and I very much appreciated that you didn’t use particular motifs that belonged to specific characters such as Luthen.
I think the Past/Present suite is just a bit too upbeat; it’s the theme of Cassian embracing the fight, but this moment is Cassian finishing it. Technically the Rogue One team wins, true, but it’s a somber moment as they watch the horizon crumble ominously toward them. It’s a victory for the rebellion but Cassian and Jyn are hardly emerging champions. I feel like something much more minimal might work in its place, and I found myself imagining the track you used for the credits immediately after this scene in place of the Suite. The imagery of the mushroom cloud resembling a sunrise I think ought to be accompanied by a moment for Cassian to breathe before he goes to his final rest.
Nitpick aside, unbelievable work. I’m beyond impressed and in the wake of Andor season 2 finishing up I feel far more closure for the show having watched this than I did watching the official release. I’m excited to revisit this once you’ve made your soundtrack selections based on the new season should you decide to employ any of the new tracks (there’s definitely a lot to work with!)
All in all, this edit has given me the chance to appreciate not only Andor but Star Wars as a whole in a new and better way. Thank you for doing this! Ciao!