I love the cutting out of Jira and the fact it makes Anakin's intuition seem stronger by cutting out the part with QG's saber. The scene with Jar-Jar and Sebulba has always been horrible, but it's very, very tricky to cut around. If you cut the confrontation, then Anakin appears out of nowhere, and if you just cut the beginning then it might not make sense why Sebulba just jumps up and starts hitting Jar-Jar, considering he's probably never seen a Gungan. UNLESS, we make the subtitles say "I hate Gungans!" Who knows? Maybe he has met Gungans in the past, maybe they screwed him over somehow.
That could work.Regarding the pod race, if you guys can figure out how to make it flow better visually, I promise I won't disappoint musically. I have several things in mind. The problem with the race now is that it's so exhausting, it takes forever. If the focus is put only on Anakin and Sebulba and the actions they take, then it should seem faster, clearer and more exiting. No pit droid stops, no shots of superfluous racers crashing into walls unless propelled by Anakin or Sebulba.
Here's an idea, I'm not sure if it'll be well-received, but I always wondered, if Yoda says lifting objects with the Force is not about size and weight (meaning you can lift an X-Wing as easily as you can lift a rock), then why didn't Anakin use his power to steer or Force-push some of those other pods out of his way (and out of the race)? Vader would've done it. Focus on Sebulba using dirty tricks and Anakin using the Force, keep cool stuff like the Tuskens and the Jawas, but cut all the superfluous stuff out (including Jabba, right MTH?). And do we really need a two-headed commentator? I vote for getting rid of the commentator all together, or dubbing him with a different language and subtitling him. He's just too annoying and cartoonish.
And regarding your C-3PO idea, darthpreston, I'm in 100% agreement. I always hated his sickeningly sweet demeanor in all three prequels. He's MUCH funnier when he's bitching. "They'll never get me onto one of those dreadful starships" is about the only thing worth saving. If anyone knows where I can still get a copy of the radio dramas, or other sources of 3PO dialogue, please let me know. I know there's a lot out there.
Erik, I'm not sure about the telepathy in II and III, you'll have to talk to Trooperman about that. I'd support it. The place you propose would be a perfect place, looking out the window of the Jedi Temple.
Thanks for the comments, Andij!
--InfoDroid