I have to say that anyone who enjoyed OCP's Episode 4 based 'Deleted Magic' will more than likely enjoy this too. The overall presentation is very professional and would not look out of place as bonus material for the Official Releases - except that this surpasses anything of late produced by Lucas.
The title menu sets the tone for the whole project. The use of the McQuarrie artwork and the soundtrack used are very fitting - almost haunting.
The use of the storybooks to outline alternative and unused plotlines, comics, other shooting scripts and their drafts, rare photos, alternative takes, behind the scenes camera footage, the use fo the 8mm Super Film dialogue, the 70mm dialogue changes, as well as some of the changes made to ESB down the years in it's different versions, were all solid in their execution - and very easy on the eye. It all seemlessly blends together with the actual film being played throughout the documentary - only cutting away from it when necessary to show the viewer an alternative shot, angle or bit of information.
The subtitles were a great a way of getting facts on the screen without taking away what was happening on the screen itself - very nicely done too - clear and concise. The names of the people on commentary pop up throughout to let the viewer know is speaking.
Another welcome inclusion by Jambe is giving us, via subtitles, some of the films and tv programs that some of the minor actors went on to make - surprising just what all those Imperial Officers (& Rebels) went onto after leaving the Empire...
I hadn't heard Kershner talk about ESB before - he seems to have a genuine feel for the movie and enjoyed making little changes and additons here and there from the original script. Many people behind the scenes are also featured on commentary throughout - sharing their insights, tips and memories - as well as the actors - both main and 'minor' along with Lucas & Kurtz.
The behind-the-scenes camera footage really gives the feel that this film was a labour of love, the time and effort that went into making the film by the technical and construction crew too. Frank Oz also gives a welcome insight into just how difficult it was to get to grips with the Yoda character, and mastering the puppet itself on-set. Again Jambe comes up with some info on just what it took to build some of the sets used for Empire - and the difficulties and bonuses of using them.
I'll have to watch this through again tomorrow - there was just so much information at times (coupled with my excitement as seeing this) that I'm bound to have missed some bits 'n pieces.
The Extras section - accessible via ROM folder contains the ESB Radio Drama - well worth a listen to for it's execution and differences from the film. Also here is an alternative title crawl for ESB - I've never seen this before, and it's fascinating to read and actually watch the crawl roll on a stark Hoth background...
Great work - you can really tell a lot of time & effort went into this - not only the content but it's presentation too. 'Tis a credit to you, Jambe.
Enjoy a good break m8 - I have the feeling there'll shortly be a lot of people asking when you are going to start on a Jedi version - me included
