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ROTJ: Fan-O-Matic! 3 new clips!

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 (Edited)

3 new clips up at http://www.youtube.com/user/SSWR1

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OK, so, I've been sitting on some ideas for ROTJ waiting for someone to do their own edit so I could share with them.
But it looks like it's gonna be a while til the Starkiller Ranch guys get to ROTJ. And adywan's gotta finish ANH and then ESB before getting to ROTJ.

But don't get your hopes up yet!
I don't have the time, money, or knowledge to do a full-blown edit.
But I DO hope this will give people ideas for their own edit.

I don't have alot of resources either, but I do feel my ideas (at least some) are worth your time.
The music and any effects I add will be rough.
It's more like an animatic. That's why I'm calling it a fan-o-matic.
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UPDATE!!!

Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve joined in on all the great conversations going on around here. I have been able to keep up on what’s happening with a few of my favorite threads (adywan’s, trooperman’s musicman’s, reborn, etc.) I actually have still been working on this edit...

 

I decided to resurrect this thread to hopefully help adywan (or anyone else crazy enough) with a Return of the Jedi edit. I know he wants to focus on ESB:R right now…but, in the meantime, I thought this might help some of us let our aggression out on ROTJ…ok, maybe just me  ;)

 

I love some of the ideas on the StarKiller Ranch thread. I want to flesh out some of those ideas. Also the article “50 Reasons Why Jedi Sucks” has also helped me define some of my problems with ROTJ. Some of the ideas I’m presenting work well, some don’t, some might with a little help. Many of these ideas have surfaced before, but I want to kind of dump them all into one place in this thread. I’ve incorporated some ideas from Commander Courage, MTHaslett and others…I hope no one minds! This movie needs so much help, so that means it needs a lot of input! I also know that my edit will go overboard with some drastic changes. *Hopefully* we can talk some of these through and adywan will have a better idea of what he wants to accomplish and will have some of the hard work done for him when he tackles this beast.

 

With that being said…take a look:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMfxBcBk4Kw

 

A few notes...

 

 

01.) Opening scene - - - Jabba take’s delivery of Chewbacca

I’m probably the only one, but I have to admit that most of Vader’s scenes (until the Luke/Vader/Emperor scenes) pretty much bore me. He’s no longer a tough guy like in ESB. He doesn’t plot, scheme or kill anymore. Too much talking, not enough force-choking. So while the original opening scene would still work, I wanted to try something different. I at least wanted to have options.  I originally tried to make the Luke/Yoda scene work as the opening scene. I thought it would be nice to start the last Star Wars movie on a quiet note. However, that would be A LOT of exposition at a very early stage in the movie (and the next scene with Ben). Even though it’s all pretty interesting, it’ll simply bore everyone if all of that happens right away. We need to grip the audience right off the bat. I don’t think we really grip them with the Luke/Yoda scene.

 

Someone suggested the Jabba/Boba/Chewy scene to be the opening scene and I thought it was a terrible idea…at first. I didn’t think I’d like starting the film this way. It’s a bit disorienting. You’re wondering where you are and who everyone is (minus Chewy and Fett). But then it had occurred to me that in ANH, you have no clue where you are and who is who, and just when you thought you knew the SW universe-…Next movie: An ice planet with smelly kangaroos? Very disorienting indeed. So this new beginning of ROTJ is very much in line with the other films when you think about it.

 

The Jabba/Boba/Chewy scene has been played around with quite a bit. To start the opening scene off, the music number must be cut way back-…although I do want the GOUT footage to play with…it jumps around too much once the SE footage is gone.  Jabba pushes the button and the dancer-… Now, I know you guys might not agree on this but…the SE clips HAVE to go! We can see her fall and disappear (like in the original) but we don’t need the extra close-ups of her IN the pit. Why? Well, it has to do with pushing Luke into the foreground for the audience’s sake.

Think of it like this:

Look at the Wampa scenes in ESB. First time viewing the movie (OOT or SE) you don’t know what’s gonna happen to Luke, right? A big claw! Ack! Luke is being dragged away! Ooh! Luke is upside-down! Ah! Where’s the Wampa? Eeh! Wampa coming! Ack! Luke gets loose and slices the monster’s arm! Yay! With me so far?

Now ROTJ:

If left the way Lucas has it now, there are not as many surprises for the audience to experience WITH Luke. Sure, once Luke gets down into the pit we’ll (for the first time) get to see the monster and see how Luke responds, but it isn’t near as exciting if we don’t know what’s going on or where Luke is headed. So if you cut out the SE clips of the dancer, the narrative narrows the focus on Luke experiencing this for the first time; thus, the audience as well. We are right there invested in Luke, thinking: “What’s going on? Ack! Luke’s falling! Ooh! Big pit! Ah! Big monster! Eeh!…OK I’m done.

 

Moving on…the scene no longer contains 3PO. He would have to be painted out of only two or three shots. This scene is so much cooler without the whiny droid! Now, the whole scene is played-out with subtitles. The dialogue can stay the same (if you want), but 3PO isn’t there to interpret. This version also ends differently: We see Chewy being dragged off and Jabba is now excited that he has the missing piece for a “complete set” (meaning Han and Chewy). We then turn around to see Han still frozen. Then Liea, in disguise, says to Boba Fett something to the effect of “Nice catch. I’m jealous.” (Bounty hunter banter if you will) and Fett nods. We end with the close-up of Han. The scene plays out quite eerily if done this way. It also catches the audience up to speed reminding them about Han. Oh…and I cut the obvious reveal of Lando. Lame. We’ll know it’s him when he meets eyes with Leia. Even if I get voted down on this being the opening scene, I hope you can use the ideas for the scene wherever it’s placed.

 

I also know there’s been talk about removing Boba Fett entirely from the movie…I’m not sure either way…I think the part we all hate the most is his bit on the sail barge. At some point, we could show the outside of Jabba’s palace with Fett’s ship flying off the planet…?

 

I would love feedback about this scene. Love it? Hate it? Ideas?

I do hope to respond to suggestions and comments but for those who don’t know, I have limited Internet access right now.

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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The original and your edit are not much different, but still I am glad that you are posting your ideas. You can never have to many. I have a lot of ideas about ROTJ also, and will visit this thread often. Keep up the good work!


P.S. If you don't mind, I would suggest uploading your clips to megaupload. It is free , and you can upload any size file. I suggest this ,because a lot of people have trouble with rapidshare.


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You're right, it's not too different. I've just rearranged a few lines.
Interesting note: Han's "You love him...don't you?" line was originally split in two with a shot of Leia in between the pause. But I put them back together. Maybe it's only becuase it's different that I like this edit. But I love experimenting!

Thanks for the compliment, Marvolo!
If you ever want to throw out some ideas here, go for it!

I'll post another clip soon!

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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Originally posted by: SomethingStarWarsRelated


I'll post another clip soon!


Sounds great!


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Take out the musical numbers!

SSWR, I liked that scene, if flowed very naturally.
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Originally posted by: Sluggo
Take out the musical numbers!

SSWR, I liked that scene, if flowed very naturally.


Thank you very much, Sluggo! That is certainly the goal.

Take out the musical numbers, eh? I feel this should be done as well.
I personally think there should be no more: Lapti Nek (or however it's spelled), Jedi Rocks, Yub Nub, OR the new ewok SE music.

I've actually got a crazy idea for an alternate ending for ROTJ.
However, it's not ready to be shown yet. I will show it eventually...

In the meantime, check out this other clip:
ILoveYouEdit_01

This is now a more serious situation for Han and Leia. Um, they're about to die!
Instead of Han's: "I love ya, you silly blaster-hiding kid!", it becomes Han's meaningful last words.
And, then, of course, Chewy now saves Han and Leia's life! It can't get cooler than that!

As you can tell, this edit is a bit rougher than the previous, but it gets the point accross.
Some shots would need to be altered...I also think it would need slightly more dramatic music too.
But, again, it gets the point across.

P.S. And, yes, that's my horrible impression of a trooper.

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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That was pretty good!
If only we had a better ST voice for that...

A Goon in a Gaggle of 'em

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Thanks bkev!
I'm a little surprised I didn't get more of a response from my last post...
Was my last clip a little over the top? Too implausable? Too different?

Anyway, I thought I should post another clip to see what everyone thinks.

Setting: Ewok Village.
link

To start with, I cut out almost every ewok close up in the scene. I left one or two because the scene seemed to call for it. With simply removing those shots, it was already much better. The scene now feels a little more chaotic...

R2 is now released early for 2 reasons:
1) I remember hearing about the radio drama dialogue and liked it.
2) If you didn't already notice, in the original cut, R2 goes from bound to loosed to being bound to being loosed again.

Then I decided to rearrange some shots I felt were out of place.
In my edits, I've been trying to bring Liea's acting up a notch when possible.
While still not great, it now feels a bit more natural...

I've thought about trimming it a bit more...thoughts?

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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Good ideas, I think!

I'm a dunce at surround-sound editing, but if you or someone can get that line of Threepio's into the surround mix, I'd use it whenever I get around to ROTJ.

Also, do you think the scene where Leia meets Wicket could be safely removed altogether? That way we don't know what happens to her, and the Ewoks are first revealed when the gang are trapped in the net.

My stance on revising fan edits.

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"I'm a dunce at surround-sound editing, but if you or someone can get that line of Threepio's into the surround mix, I'd use it whenever I get around to ROTJ."

I pretty sure it's possible...
...I seem to remember a website where you could download all the radio dramas...?

"Also, do you think the scene where Leia meets Wicket could be safely removed altogether? That way we don't know what happens to her, and the Ewoks are first revealed when the gang are trapped in the net."
Oh yes, this scene has to go.
And I've watched ROTJ without that scene and it works perfectly fine.
Since that scene is gone in my version, I've added Liea behind the giant tree shooting at the scout bike into the final endor battle. It gives Liea a little more to do...which is good.

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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I wouldn't remove the scene all together of Wicket and Leia. Maybe a shot of Leia lying there and the spear tip closing in.
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Glad to see this thread back. 

It seemed weird to me to start a Star Wars movie without a star destroyer, but the start you have does the best you can without it.  And personally, I wasn't glad to see the musical number still there.  But that's just my opinion. 

 

I think an exchange between Boush and Fett is a great idea.

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I commented on your youtube edit... lol...I'd recognize that music editing anywhere... You got it from my edit :-p

 

I'm glad you used the Lapti Nek music... it's kinda cool... it's like coming in half way through the song or something... very nice.

 

As for starting the film out that way... I don't know what to think... it all happens so fast... I mean... every other film has about a minute of nothing to open the film... just ships... ships landing... ships flying... but its interesting if not a bit... uncomfortable I guess the word is...

 

Not bad though... a very cool idea and nice to see if fleshed out.

 

It was mentioned that the radio dramas can be downloaded somewhere. I know I have Empire somewhere... and I THINK ANH... but I don't think I have ROTJ... that would be a cool thing to have...

 

As far as thoughts... I'll have to get back to you on that... still a bit focused on Ady's ESB edit lol


Is it not sad that in this time, we are more surprised by acts of love than acts of hate?
-Me

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Thanks for the imput guys!

I can see what you guys are saying about starting the scene that way...a little quick...no SD...

 

I DO have the radio dramas to play with...which I have been a little...

 

Yeah, thanks for the use of your music Good Musician! :)

 

Gotta go!

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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ROTJ is the movie I want to see edited the most.  When I was 7 or so it was new and it was badass....now, well, not so much.  

Back in the Ranch days Commander Courage had a great vision, I think it went like this:

1. Open on Dagobah (implying Luke had been training with Yoda since the end of empire)  

I like to think he is getting ready to leave (with his brand new black jedi outfit to take his part in the rescue) and he has to ask about Vader...maybe Yoda had avoided the question and that is why Luke insists he must know.  You have to cut out a few lines but I think it can work.   It does feel weird to start the movie so slow...im not sure I would even like it that way but in my imagination is sounds like it could work.  It makes us believe Luke has come a long way and gives some sort of explanation how.  I guess technically this and vader arriving on DSII could be flipped without messing up the story....anyway, I digress.

2. Vader arrives at DSII

3. Leia and Chewie arrive (paint out 3po and r2 and cut the musical)

4. luke and ob1 talk

5. emperor arrives at DS2

6. droids arrive at jabbas

7. luke arrives at jabbas

8. proceed as normal cutting out as much childish crap as possible.   

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stossmo said:

ROTJ is the movie I want to see edited the most.  When I was 7 or so it was new and it was badass....now, well, not so much.  

Back in the Ranch days Commander Courage had a great vision, I think it went like this:

1. Open on Dagobah (implying Luke had been training with Yoda since the end of empire)  

I like to think he is getting ready to leave (with his brand new black jedi outfit to take his part in the rescue) and he has to ask about Vader...maybe Yoda had avoided the question and that is why Luke insists he must know.  You have to cut out a few lines but I think it can work.   It does feel weird to start the movie so slow...im not sure I would even like it that way but in my imagination is sounds like it could work.  It makes us believe Luke has come a long way and gives some sort of explanation how.  I guess technically this and vader arriving on DSII could be flipped without messing up the story....anyway, I digress.

2. Vader arrives at DSII

3. Leia and Chewie arrive (paint out 3po and r2 and cut the musical)

4. luke and ob1 talk

5. emperor arrives at DS2

6. droids arrive at jabbas

7. luke arrives at jabbas

8. proceed as normal cutting out as much childish crap as possible.   

Sorry...I had planned on replying to this message. The version I've done is a little different than above.

I want to show you guys the first 20 minutes of my version (it basically includes all of those scenes above) so I can get some feedback...a little problem though.

I have a video file I want to encode with divx (it's like 4 GB) but I don't seem to understand this whole encoding process. I follow the directions it tells me to (all the different passes and such)...one pass looks pretty decent but a little noisy, of course the second pass doesn't change the look of anything, the third pass (or muti pass) tends to shrink the file way too much...it looks too pixelated and it loses alot of detail and contrast...

Anyone care to help me understand? Or point me to a website that might help?

 

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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avidemux and auto gordian knot might be easier?

"Right now the coffees are doing their final work." (Airi, Masked Rider Den-o episode 1)

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Keepin an eye out.

The person your searching for simply does not exist

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I've always wanted to see the Luke/Obi conversation cut completely. It's pure exposition, and I think it's a little too convenient that Obi can pop up any minute and have a long talk, it cheapens his death. His appearances should be mysterious and brief. I think Dagobah should end after Yoda dies in the hut with his last words "there is another skywalker" the fact that you know who ten seconds later ruins the tension. Luke should discover that on his own and it should be revealed to the audience in his conversation with Leia.

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Octorox said:

I've always wanted to see the Luke/Obi conversation cut completely. It's pure exposition, and I think it's a little too convenient that Obi can pop up any minute and have a long talk, it cheapens his death. His appearances should be mysterious and brief. I think Dagobah should end after Yoda dies in the hut with his last words "there is another skywalker" the fact that you know who ten seconds later ruins the tension. Luke should discover that on his own and it should be revealed to the audience in his conversation with Leia.

 

 Interesting points, Octorox. In the version I'll be posting soon there will be a gap between the yoda and obi scene...so that (IMHO) will help.

As far as cutting it because it is simply an exposition scene...I don't know. I mean, you're right, but it's also been apart of the trilogy for so long...and I remember being very interested in everything Obi was saying...

I'm also wondering if it was cut out completely, that would leave everyone wondering why obi wan doesn't show up at all during ROTJ? Not to mention explaining why he lied to Luke in ANH...

However, the part about Luke finding out on his own about Liea? That sounds very interesting...it might work...

SSWR’s YouTube channel

Attack of the Clones: Alternate Timeline Edit Thread:
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/SSWRs-Attack-of-the-Clones-Alternate-Timeline-Edit/id/66888

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what if obi wan met him on endor? probably a bit daft, but it is a forest moon. it would require lots of work swapping swamp for forest, and im not sure how it would fit. personally i think obi wan is needed to mention why he lied, even if leia isnt mentioned. could it be done in flashback

 

btw ,where is your tie fighter/coruscant image from?