Those clips are tantalizing in the extreme. First, the speeder race is outstanding. What an improvement! I can easily see it as a highlight of the movie now with the new sounds, cooler dialogue, better pace, color, and that THEME! I think this is how the Saga should work -- musical themes should recur in appropriate places much more often. I think connecting this sequence to the asteroids is a great idea -- essentially showing how Anakin could effortlessly fly ways that Solo found challenging.
Second, the Raiders music fit the Zam scene perfectly to me (sorry again to disagree with another post). There are inevitable moments for everyone to have to "unlearn" previous associations with any cannibalized material. I vote that if it works, use it and let us get used to seeing a better version even if it takes us aback the first time we see it. I seriously doubt that most fans know the Indiana Jones music as well as they do Star Wars. I certainly do not.
Lastly, the bug threatening Obi Wan is perfect and inspired and the sunset change is ESSENTIAL. I nearly jumped when I saw the sunset colors disappear in the last frame -- a close up of Clieg -- it looked so lame compared to the new sunset stuff. Also, music was doing major work for us -- and the cut "eulogy" made the scene actually poignant.
I can not wait to see this thing.
I have other comments -- first, I see a missed opportunity if you simply cut the elevator scene when we intro Anakin and Obi Wan. THe dialogue in there has Anakin feeling antsy and Obi Wan saying "calm down!" I believe using the establishing footage of this scene and restricting the action to just that interchange will do lots of good. It won't be clear what Obi Wan is coming down on Anakin for. It establishes that Obi Wan is a hard-ass, all over Anakin. It establishes that Anakin is not comfortable in his skin yet. It puts their relationship in the foreground for the next sequence which, as rewritten, is about Obi Wan taking point and making Anakin follow his lead. Just starting upstairs leaves all these opportunities behind and focuses things on Padme (about whom, we really don't care yet and we never get into her head here).
Lastly, I have to speak up once more about how short sighted I believe it would be to cut the bedroom scene. This is a romance movie without romance. That scene is a functional, important chance to see Padme reveal herself to Anakin. What other scene does that? None. When a girl takes you to her bedroom, even if it's just to pack a couple things, she's taking you into her confidence. She didn't tell him "wait in the living room, I'll be right back." The scene has subtext, if it's placed properly. That's what this movie sorely lacks.
More later. Love what's been happening. Take care!