I've just finished watching your masterpiece and I am just FLAWED by it. I actually had a tear in my eye in some scenes, but mostly because a film I have loved like no other since childhood (I'm 34) and watch regularly suddenly felt brand new and fresh again. I was on the edge of my seat (settee actually lol!) during the end battle. You invested it with a visual and kenetic energy which I didn't think possible. THIS is what the 1997 Special edition should have been. That TIE fighter attack just had my mouth hanging open - incredible stuff. The scale of the attack is just perfect now. And the Death Star about to fire before it explodes REALLY added to the feeling of tension. Words cannot do justice to the improvements you have made... and I'm one of the purests as well (or was!). As has already been said here loved he extra from the Radio drama of Luke yelling Biggs when he gets shot down - adds more emotion to the scene.
Other things I loved (in no particular order) was the different Aunt Beru voice, which is the one I remembered from way back. That bought a tear to my eye. (can't believe I just typed that hahaha!). Subtle little changed like R2 whistling while we are still looking at the outside of Kenobi's hut - brings the scene alive more. The asteroid debris really enhanced the scale of this scene and the added sound effects. The escape from Tatooine, the escape from the Death Star - both are now nail biting moments again with a genuine sense of urgency, as is the Kenobi/Vader lightsabre fight. Generally I am not a fan of incorporating music from other sequals into 'the original', but the Episode III music REALLY worked well hear, and seemed to fit the beats of the scene like a glove... again masterful editing...
Loved the introduction of the Death Star - it now looks bloody HUGE and forboding - just as it should have been. The extra music also works well to.
The lightsaber battle - what speed. Not sure how you managed this without repeating shots, but it looks like a totally different fight. Amazing work - yet again my gob was smacked
The hyperspace effect really worked well - seemed fitting the only time they have to grab a conversation is in hyperspace - that worked really well, and looked cool. Also loved the slight blue shade you gave to this scene to match what was going on outside the cockpit. Loved the new rebel briefing graphics - still looked retro, and kept the spirit of the original which I loved.
The entrance to Mos Eisley is now - again - exactly how it should have been. Visually impressive without any dumb ass slap stick. It now feels like the wretched hive of scum an dvillainy it always should have been. The creaures in the cantina, the subtle facial movements.... the Greedo changes.... again all done with a loving hand. It would have been so easy to do too much to the facial movements, but you have it spot on. A few blinks and snarls here and there - perfect: George Lucas TAKE NOTE Lol!!! Really loved the creature (sitting down to the left) sniffing as the stormtroopers walk past Han and Chewie. Adds character. Masterful.
I could go on and on, but I think the greatest compliment I can give is this will be the version I now watch in preference to all others... (unless Lucas finally releases a DECENT transfer of the Original trilogy). The care and love that has gone into this is without precident - and it shows. Even the colour balancing made my jaw drop as well. Again, just how it SHOULD have looked on the official releases.
Bravo Adywan, and THANK YOU for bringing Star Wars back to us the way it should have been in 1997
As this is such a quality release I had to just mention TWO things which I think could do with changing - I hope you don't mind a bit of costructive criticism. The addition of the rocks/mesa to the scene just before R2 gets captured just stood out like a sore thumb to me, and looked pasted in, unlike all the other changes. To be honest I think it works best as it was. I have nothing against adding anything to this scene, but it just looked artificial to me - like a cardboard painting added to the scene? It was the only change which didn't fit seemlessly for me.
I didn't think the music in the briefing room should have been there - it just 'feels' like it should be a musicless scene, but I guess that is just personal opinion at the end of the day, and is your creative choice. Maybe I am just too used to the original version lol!
The only other thing is the darkness of the transfer. I know this was an issue with the 2004 DVD release which I know this is based on, but any chance it could be lightened up a tad for the DVD releases? I had to alter my TVs brightness by 10-15% to get it about right.
Lastly the you have spelt copyright at the end of the credits wrong (copyrite).
That's all
The dedication to your wife watching her soaps made me laugh out loud by the way!Again, thank you for a wonderful release - I really do think this will make waves - you deserve any success which comes your way.
I'm off to watch it again
- John