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Emanswfan's Prequel Trilogy (Ep II Opening Clips Now Available) — Page 4

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DominicCobb said:

If ever there was a time to say 'it's so crazy, it just might work'...

Anyway, I realize it's a rough cut, but I thought I'd point these things out anyway:

- Obi Wan says "Qui-Gon would never join you," then "I will never join you." Doesn't really work.

- The music for the beginning of the arena scene needs to change, Across the Stars doesn't make sense at this point.

But you probably already know these things, so I'll just say good luck! Can't wait to find out how this will work!

I'll be rescoring the films, so the music won't be an issue later on.

I'm still working on the Obi-Wan/Dooku confrontation beacuse several shots are not long enough.  But in terms of dialogue, I think going from "Qui-Gon would never join you" to "I will never join you" does work, it's just the rough editing right now.

The reason that confrontation is so short is because it refers to plot elements that wouldn't make any sense at that point.  Plus, the other dialogue isn't that great anyhow.

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Good to know. Will be interested to see how the rescoring works.

I didn't necessarily mean the lines didn't work, I just meant the editing didn't work, hope you get it right.

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I think the double line is a problem. "Qui-Gon would never join you" to "I will never join you" is not right.

"Qui-Gon would never join you and neither will I"

or

"Qui-Gon would never join you and I won't join you either"

Would be natural ways to express that sentiment, of course Obi-Wan doesn't say that ;-(

The disgusted way Obi-Wan says "Qui-Gon would never join you" implies the second statement anyway.

I don't think anybody would be thinking Obi-Wan would say...

"Qui-Gon would never join you but me I'm flexible"

VIZ TOP TIPS! - PARENTS. Impress your children by showing them a floppy disk and telling them it’s a 3D model of a save icon.

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timdiggerm said:

emanswfan said:

I'll be rescoring the films, so the music won't be an issue later on.

From a technical perspective, how does this work with the arena sounds?

 

Certain parts of the film, are entirely rescored, while some are partially.  The arena scene music, is mostly changed just at the beginning of the scene to change it to a different theme.  I'll probably have to find some sound I can use to replace missing sound effects.  I think the arena battle will be the same music, as there is a massive amount of sfx in there.

I know it will work in the end, I have planned for all the technical work, but it's not what I'm focused on at the moment.

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While this is obviously an ambitious venture, I really am impressed with what can be done with a little imagination, and this really is amazing to see.  With the proper opening crawl, this is a fun and unique way to introduce all the characters, and I'm truly fascinated to see how it will turn out in the end.

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 (Edited)

Ryan McAvoy said:

I think the double line is a problem. "Qui-Gon would never join you" to "I will never join you" is not right.

"Qui-Gon would never join you and neither will I"

or

"Qui-Gon would never join you and I won't join you either"

Would be natural ways to express that sentiment, of course Obi-Wan doesn't say that ;-(

The disgusted way Obi-Wan says "Qui-Gon would never join you" implies the second statement anyway.

I don't think anybody would be thinking Obi-Wan would say...

"Qui-Gon would never join you but me I'm flexible"

I never thought about it as the first line implying the second, and I guess it does.  I could cut the second line, though I really like how he emphasizes the "Dooku" in "I will never join you, Dooku".  And this little emphasis seems more powerful preceded by the "Qui-gon would never join you" line.

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 (Edited)

Okay, so I was editing today then decided I'd start writing the crawl based on the outline I wrote for it a while ago.  And while I was reading my outline, I saw that what the crawl mentioned could actually be shown onscreen.  so, now I'm working on an alternate opening that replaces my current crawl, with the events described within it.  I'm still not sure how it will affect the pacing, so I'll post it soon and let you guys decide.

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Nice video, eman. A really interesting direction you're going in, I'm curious how this is going to work out.

A few things though... you mentioned wanting to open like ROTJ with a big rescue, but doesn't ROTS already open like that as well? Also, are you going to add in some new dialogue for the opening? Currently, I don't get the feeling at all that Anakin and Padme are longtime friends from this intro. I actually think it would be kind of confusing if you'd watch this right after TPM.

Anyway, I'll wait and see what else you've got up your sleeve. :)

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It might contradict a route you are going with the edit, but could you make Obi Wan less of an asshole when they are being chained at the arena. Either that or you could keep him an asshole for Anakin's turn. The films work where Obi Wan is an asshole, going a different route might be welcomed.

I just feel like Obi Wan and Anakin aren't being much of friends. Ewan acts like Alec Guinness around everybody else, but when Anakin is in the room, he turns into his bitter grandmother. I keep expecting him to tell him to take out the trash.

 

"The other versions will disappear. Even the 35 million tapes of Star Wars out there won’t last more than 30 or 40 years. A hundred years from now, the only version of the movie that anyone will remember will be the DVD version [of the Special Edition], and you’ll be able to project it on a 20’ by 40’ screen with perfect quality. I think it’s the director’s prerogative, not the studio’s to go back and reinvent a movie." - George Lucas

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@Silverkey: I didn't make the opening to mirror ROTJ, though I saw it did in a way in reference to opening the film with good action versus boring exposition and waiting forever for real action.  I know ROTS is technically a rescue also, but I don't think it becomes repetitive.

This was another reason to maybe add back some exposition (though different from the original still)

It won't contradict the TPM edit I have.

@EyeShotFirst: I might be able to cut the "good job" line, I just don't feel it makes Obi-Wan out to be an asshole.  He acts like a friend to him throughout the rest of the film.  It's just one sarcastic joke.

Though it would be interesting, if I could make Obi-Wan feel bad for not being too much of a friend to him after Anakin turns, if I were to keep that aspect.

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Just wanted to say that I love some of your ideas for your edits. :-)

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 (Edited)

Here's my alternate V2 opening rough cut, there are many changes from V1, a longer V3 is also in the works, so I can choose which one to use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2W3PL3E1Ck&feature=youtu.be

Youtube description:

This is a very rough cut of the first few minutes of my Episode II edit. It has some technical issues still and is missing a scene yet to be inserted.

It does have the filmic adjustments, but no color correction, grain, or slight technicolor emulation has been added.

Changes:

-Now starts with scenes explaining the current atmosphere of the republic, the want for a new clone army, as the current army is low in numbers.

-supports new plot of the film

-Anakin and Padme have been friends for a while. They know each other well, and have worked together before. This supports a natural progression towards their love.

-Dooku has captured Obi-Wan at the beginning, establishing him as the "bad guy" from the start. This edit will even show Dooku more consistently throughout the film.

-Starting here, the film begins much more exciting and in a very similar way to ROTJ.

- references to plot elements that have been completely changed in the edit have been eliminated.

-several changes have been made from V1, this version is longer and contains new exposition.

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I watched your video and... Wow! What a great start! I loved the pacing, the new order of the scenes and the way you stablished elements from the plot. Congrats, Emanswfan! Your fan edit is going to be great!

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This ^ is very exciting work! Not just switching up a couple of scenes but skillfully weaving seemingly disperate elements together in a bold new and cohesive way. Awesome job. Even in this rough demonstration I can see how everything is going to flow beautifully. You've got me hooked on this project now.

Couple of points...

The suitcase scene ranks as one of the worst in AOTC (Stiff competion I know) so I perhaps wouldn't open with it. However it's mericifully brief in your edit. There is nothing that can't be covered in the crawl. The next scene in the Theed palace has more of a spark.

You could also open with Obi-Wan listening in on Dooku's plan, then cut to Padme talking with the Queen on Naboo. Just an option.

After the geonosis opening are you going to move to the assassination/bombing on Coruscant? and is Padme going to be pro-army in this edit? You could recut this scene to have her proposing an Army after witnessing what Dooku is up to on Geonosis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsaG7Hz27o

VIZ TOP TIPS! - PARENTS. Impress your children by showing them a floppy disk and telling them it’s a 3D model of a save icon.

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Ryan McAvoy said:

This ^ is very exciting work! Not just switching up a couple of scenes but skillfully weaving seemingly disperate elements together in a bold new and cohesive way. Awesome job. Even in this rough demonstration I can see how everything is going to flow beautifully. You've got me hooked on this project now.

Couple of points...

The suitcase scene ranks as one of the worst in AOTC (Stiff competion I know) so I perhaps wouldn't open with it. However it's mericifully brief in your edit. There is nothing that can't be covered in the crawl. The next scene in the Theed palace has more of a spark.

You could also open with Obi-Wan listening in on Dooku's plan, then cut to Padme talking with the Queen on Naboo. Just an option.

After the geonosis opening are you going to move to the assassination/bombing on Coruscant? and is Padme going to be pro-army in this edit? You could recut this scene to have her proposing an Army after witnessing what Dooku is up to on Geonosis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsaG7Hz27o

The suitcase scene is one of the worst scenes I know, but to keep a better flow I think it is really necessary to keep there.  Since I am editing a new reorganized plot, I really have to make sure scenes aren't too awkwardly short, otherwise it will feel like an edit.  That's not to say I'm keeping the really bad stuff.  Plus, it explains why you now see Padme as a senator.  In it's original location, the dialogue was pointless since you knew Padme was a senator and saw her act as one.  Here, it makes her being a senator actually make sense and not be completely random.  Plus, I think it better sells off the whole Anakin/Padme friendship thing.

Obi-Wan listening in on Dooku's plan and seeing the droid factory is utilized at a latter stage in the film.  It's what's used to bring them back to Geonosis for the final battle.

The assassination/bombing plot does continue after the geonosis, though I'm not sure whether to keep the bombing aspect or not.  In V3, the bombing is still in the opening, and my current progress has it soon after Geonosis.  Though, I'm playing with the idea of not having the bombing and just the creepy bug thing.

You discovered my plan, yes I actually am re-edting the film and specifically that scene to make her pro-army, which is the only way to have that element tied up.

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also, can you please explain why anakin and padme were on tantooine at the time

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shadowsabre66 said:

also, can you please explain why anakin and padme were on tantooine at the time

Did you not see the subtitle "Replace Tatooine with Naboo VFX here"?  It's a rough cut, so I haven't roto'd anything out and replaced tantooine with Naboo.

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oh hahaha, didnt see that there. That makes alot of sense now

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I enjoy the new opening.  Very interesting, and I think it will work very well.  I decided to look back a couple of pages to review your whole plot outline.  I notice that the rescue on Geonosis will involve "regular" troopers prior to the discovery of clones who will don the same armor.  My concern is that visually it might be a little confusing.  I suggest that you alter the design of the troopers somehow to make the regulars distinctive from the clones.  It doesn't have to be drastic, as it would make sense for them to use established armor, but for the audience, it would be wise to make sure they look noticeably different, even if it isn't anything drastic.  Just my thought.  In any case, keep up the good work, and know that I really am pleased with the direction of this project.

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emanswfan said:

Ryan McAvoy said:

...and is Padme going to be pro-army in this edit? You could recut this scene to have her proposing an Army after witnessing what Dooku is up to on Geonosis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsaG7Hz27o

You discovered my plan, yes I actually am re-edting the film and specifically that scene to make her pro-army, which is the only way to have that element tied up.

I skimmed over a few posts, and now I'm glad I reread them.  This is a fantastic idea!  I know George Lucas's and my political views are quite opposite, but in the real world it is pretty hard to imagine a vast Republic spanning a galaxy that did not require an army to defend against threats.  Padme's argument that the creation of such an army would actually force them into war is among the stupidest arguments I can think of, as those who seek to take things by force are often more willing to attack defenseless targets.  A pragmatic and realistic Padme is far more interesting than the fantasy-driven idealist.  What a fantastic change to make!

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I'm really excited about this project! That opening is so much better than the original!

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Reviving an old thread here, but I’m planning to start up work on these edits once again sometime next year.

I’ve watched many prequel edits over the years, and while I enjoy a lot of them, I’ve still never been completely satisfied with any of them.

I’m planning on releasing two versions of the prequel trilogy films possibly. The first versions would seek to maintain much of the current continuity and feel like simply alternate cuts. Second versions will work out more radical ideas and take longer to complete.

I’ll be posting here some more as I come up with and gather ideas as I rewatch the blu-rays and other fanedits over the next year. There have been many recent ones I haven’t seen, so it’ll be interesting to see what other editors have done.

I’ll be simultaneously working on these edits along with my prequel regrades.

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This radical take on AOTC sounds interesting, especially this Geonosis intro.
But could you please tell me how you will work around the sequence of Padme and Ani trying to save Obi and explain why they went to Geonosis again. I might have missed it while reading the thread.

Anyways it may be worth a try to move the whole Geonosis part to the beginning (maybe recolor them, btw your recolor looked nice) and just keep the Dooku fight (it could take place in Dooku’s evil tower, a mashup of Vaders Castle and the Orthanc 😉) and let the movie end with the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic and a declaration of war).
I am not completely sure how this could work (just an idea yet), but it would darken the tone a lot and fit the mood of the Anakin’s downfall. On the other hand the final movie may be rather short.

“Vader! Hologram, now!”

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I’m always up for checking out another prequel edit. I’d love to get a PM when you’re done.