I see some people suggesting adding a scene into ANH that would make Vader discover Luke to be his son BEFORE will see it in ESB. I’m probably in the minority here but I am not a fan of this idea at all. One of the reasons I lost total respect for Lucas are his unnecessary changes that add nothing to the films and greatly alter the story as we know it. If you tinker around too much you could ruin an otherwise masterpiece. I’m perfectly happy with Vader finding out Luke is his son in the time frame between ANH and ESB. To change this would take away from the strong impact and the greatness of ESB. Not every little detail of the Star Wars story has to be seen on the screen and told to us for me to believe or enjoy it. Mystery and unknowing are just as fun.

I know Lucas has screwed with the Vader/Emperor scene in ESB and it doesn’t make sense anymore. I’ve read his is one of your reasons, Adywan, for adding a scene to ANH. But I’ve figured out a way to fix that scene in ESB with minimal editing that preserves the original integrity it once had and therefore negating the need to add explanations in ANH.

I’ve watched the entire Vader/Emperor scene in ESB very carefully, shot for shot, and below I’ve listed the differences in dialogue and camera angles between the original 1980 version and the 2004 DVD version. I’ve also listed my own recommended changes to the scene which I believe would make this part of the movie look much better and not look so ridiculous as it does at present.

Vader
-1980: What is thy bidding my master? (camera side view of Vader and Emperor)
-2004: dialogue and camera view unchanged

Emperor
-1980: There is a great disturbance in the force. (camera front view of Emperor)
-2004: dialogue and camera view unchanged

Vader
-1980: I have felt it. (camera front view of Vader kneeling)
-2004: dialogue unchanged (camera front view of Emperor)

Emperor
-1980: We have a new enemy, Luke Skywalker (camera front view of Vader kneeling)
-2004: We have a new enemy, (camera front view of Emperor) the young rebel who destroyed the Death Star. (camera front view of Vader from the shoulders up) I have no doubt this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker. (camera front view of Emperor)

Recommended Changes: Delete the underlined dialogue and camera views. These new lines add nothing and are just stupid. Vader and the Emperor obviously already know who Luke is. Use a camera view that’s facing Vader for the entire shot while the Emperor is speaking so we don’t notice the cuts.

Vader
-1980: Yes, my master. (camera side view of Vader and Emperor)
-2004: How is that possible? (camera view unchanged)

Recommended Changes: Delete the underlined dialogue and restore the original dialogue from 1980. Again this new line is just retarded. Vader definitely knows Luke is his son and even speaks Luke’s name at the start of the film when the Empire finds the Rebel base on Hoth. I don’t think it would be too difficult to copy Vader’s original line from the Bonus DVD of the 1980 version and put it in your edit.

Emperor
-1980: He could destroy us. (camera side view of Vader and Emperor)
-2004: Search your feelings, Lord (camera side view of Vader and Emperor) Vader, you will know it to be true. (camera front view of Vader kneeling) He could destroy us. (camera front view of Emperor)

Recommended Changes: Delete the underlined dialogue and camera views. Same explanation as before, the new lines are unnecessary and don’t make any sense.

Vader
-1980: He’s just a boy. Obi-Wan can no longer help him. (camera front view of Vader kneeling)
-2004: dialogue unchanged (camera front view of Vader from the shoulders up)

Emperor
-1980: The force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi. (camera front view of Emperor)
-2004: dialogue and camera view unchanged

Vader
-1980: If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally. (camera front view of Vader from the shoulders up)
-2004: dialogue and camera view unchanged

Emperor
-1980: Yes (camera front view of Vader from the shoulders up), yes, he would be a great asset (camera front view of Emperor). Can it be done? (camera side view of Vader and Emperor)
-2004: Yes, he would be a great asset. (camera front view of Emperor) Can it be done? (camera view unchanged)

Vader
-1980: He will join us or die (camera side view of Vader and Emperor) master. (camera front view of Vader bowing)
-2004: dialogue and camera views unchanged

I know, Adywan, that you’re months away from working on ESB but if you read the whole scene through now with my recommended changes I think you’ll agree this greatly improves the screwup that Lucas did to this part of ESB and you won’t have to do anything to ANH to explain the new dialogue. These are just my opinions of course but I hope you will consider these changes and also not adding anything to ANH before you make your decision. If you still want to add a scene to ANH, throw it in as a bonus or as Sluggo suggested as an epilogue after the credits have rolled by but please don’t add it into the film itself. I know my vote most likely won’t count but I personally don’t want to know Luke is Vader’s son until ESB. Improving special effects or adding technical scenes is one thing, changing the storyline is something else. The original trilogy in this regard is perfect as is, it doesn’t need tinkering. Just my two cents. Thank you, Adywan, as always you’re doing a great job. The trailer looks fantastic.

P.S. That anonymous emailer has some serious problems. Don't let him sacre you, Adywan. I love the original theatrical OT but the Specials Editions really piss me off. If Lucas can screw around with the films then so can you. In my eyes all you are doing is fixing the special editions. Keep plugging Adywan we got your back.