Much agreed! Many people regard AoTC as one of the worst of the saga, and this edit brings it up to the middle of the pack I’d dare say.
The CGI looks a bit dated in some places, mostly that diner scene, which is why I’m personally glad that was trimmed up.
I think the only thing I might do at some point is insert Spence’s version of the Kenobi flashback at the beginning of the movie. There’s a little too much talking (politics, etc.) and not enough spectacle at the beginning of this movie compared to all the rest in the saga. I have an idea on how to de-age the voices that wasn’t previously available. The only reason I haven’t pursued this yet is because I’m waiting to see how PixelJoker’s Kenobi edit handles the scene. If I prefer how it’s implemented there, then I won’t put this in.
It’s funny, because I actually always really enjoyed Episode II minus the cringe scenes. Although the CGI is a bit dated now, the battle at the end is very well done. I’m also a huge fan of Count Dooku and all of his screen time (I only wish he had more of it). I’d almost dare to say this edit brings Episode II nearly to the level of Episode III (nearly, but not quite). The removal of all the slapstick scenes keeps up the pacing pretty well (especially with C3PO mostly gone at the end).
As I’ve gotten older, I definitely have more of an issue with Episode I more than anything else. It was awesome seeing the movie first come out when I was a kid, but all those slapstick/cartoonish scenes bring the whole movie down. The Cloak of Deception edit makes it 80% more watchable, but it’s definitely still the weakest link…