In other news, I watched the rest of the cut. The vast majority of it I love; I do see what people are talking about with the desaturation of the Death Star interiors... I would agree a little color in there makes sense, if not only because when shooting with color film, even if the set is entirely black and white, a little color seeps in, even if it's only from the grain in the film stock!
I agree that Obi Wan igniting his saber first has an "un Jedi" like feel to it, although the re-editing of the fight is excellent. Adding music to this scene is one of my biggest reservations, though... Lucas very deliberately left this moment unscored - the lack of music gives it a more realistic, tense feel, and since just about the entire movie is scored, the LACK of music in this scene gives it more power. I can understand the thought of "well it's an action scene, it has to have music," but it needs to be looked at in context, not just as a stand alone action scene. The lack of music in this ONE spot of the film draws you in more, and it also serves to make the next music cue (one of the most emotionally stirring in the film) that much more powerful; not hearing music for a few minutes "clears the palette" so the next time you hear it, it has more impact. I think adding music to the duel really takes away from one of Lucas' best choices as a director in Star Wars.
The only other moment that hurt the edit for me was that new shot of the TIEs coming in to the end battle. ALL your other work in this scene is stellar, but I must be candid and say this shot is the weak link. It doesn't feel like it matches the rest of the movie in style, and the render quality is poor (sorry to you guys who worked hard on it). The TIEs look dark and smooth, compared to the more light/white, detailed models you see everywhere else. This shot just doesn't work. I could swear I remember seeing an early version of this where you used the shot in the movie and cloned the TIEs to look like more coming in - do I remember this correctly? I would go with that one. I don't think you need a big "reveal" shot of TIEs coming it, as someone else it does change the pacing. The battle is already raging, the pilots are having a rough time, and then suddenly, WHAM in comes a squadron of TIE fighters! Seeing a quick shot of them coming in fast gives you the same quick "oh shit!" moment that the pilots would have.
And usng the "cloned" shot ties in with what you have done in much of the battle - seeing all those extra ships in the background REALLY makes a huge difference! I absolutely loved the way it made everything more busy and intense. It's awesome. And I agree, seeing the Death Star's gun begin to fire at the end is a FANTASTIC choice, again this is a shot that does more than look cool, it increases tension and dramatic impact.
Good job!
But I beg you... that one TIE fighter shot hurts your cut. That is the ONLY moment in the edit that says "amateur." Trust me.