I've watched a bit of it at lunch today.
My thoughts so far:
Liked the darker 20th logo, and I thought the opening prologue worked for what you wanted it to do. It was a bit overly political but that's more or less the prequels fault. It's hard to not be political given the source material.
I noticed in the Coruscant descent sequence your audio had abrupt changes that really pulled me out of the film. I think it was due to you overlapping new music over old, and having to jack up the audio levels for the new music, and then going back and forth between old and new. It was a bit jarring. I agree new music is needed in that scene because the original music in that scene usually makes me sleepy. I really hate the whole scene period.. But again, not your fault. It's just dull, and I hate the "I guess there was no danger after all" followed by 'SPLOSION! Always thought it was stupid.
My biggest problem with your cuts are that personally I feel there weren't enough. The Ep. 2 film is a mess, and (i'm sorry to compare) for me doing this style edit was very liberating because I cut as much out of Ep. 2 that I wanted with runtime not being affected as it would working on a standalone film.
I got as far the first real transition in time so to speak... Where it goes from the Lars home to the elevator scene in AOTC. I'm not sure why, but the wipe does very little for me. For some reason it's abrupt. Maybe it's because by this time I've spent so much time in ANH that I need to know that I've traveled back in time somehow. Not sure why it bothers me.
But yeah, so far my biggest gripe is not cutting more of Ep. 2 really. But that's a subjective critique, and not something to take seriously if you're happy with the end result.
The quality of the mp4 was remarkable.. (I watched it on an HD set)
What I really loved so far was the new music for the Jawas when the kidnapped R2. It gives it an alternative view. I always saw that as somewhat of a whimsical scene because of the music laid down by John Williams. Your music gives them a malicious spirit. It's interesting, and a fresh new take.
Again, don't take any of what I say too personally. It's my opinion. Nothing more. I applaud your efforts, because I know how daunting this style edit is. Glad you see the finish line. I hope to see mine too.
I'll finish it soon, and give you some more feedback!