I like a lot of your ideas CWBorne. I agree that the PT should give homage to other works. But I don't think it should feel very different from the OT - it has to feel like Star Wars - full of adventure and fun - or it will disappoint, no matter how well done or thought-provoking.

And that is a challenge of the PT, because it is darker and more political by virtue of the story. I think film noir has something to offer. I'm not well-versed in cinema and I tend to think of movies from the 70s as subdued and depressing. Do you have any particular films in mind from that period?

The rise of the Empire should be presented as something not entirely bad. It should be more ambiguous and even hopeful. This will help explain Anakain's desire to join it. The end of Episode III should be something of a triumph, restoring peace to the galaxy. I especially like the idea of there being a parallel between Anakin and the Republic.

I like your characterizations of Anakin and Obi Wan. One big issue I am trying to work out in my mind is to show Anakin's downfall without giving away the fact that Darth Vader is Luke's father. There is also a question of showing the duel between Obi Wan and Anakin without making Obi Wan look like a jerk, telling Luke that Darth Vader killed Anakin. I really want to leave the OT as unharmed as possible which may require making compromises in telling the story of the PT...