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*cheap porno music plays in the background*
The premise of this edit really isn't all that special: I'm inserting all the officially released deleted scenes into Episodes I-IV*. However, my good friend Erik made a suggestion that will make this somewhat interesting. We're both massive deleted scenes junkies (whenever we watch a movie, it isn't over until we've seen the deleted scenes afterwards). As such, our dream Star Wars versions would have the material reincorporated into the movie, so we'll have it all in one place. Erik, liking to do things the hard way, challenged me to do it using only freeware programs. As such, I'm considering calling this "The Poor Man's Version," instead.
Just so everyone knows, I am COMPLETELY new to this, so if I seem to be struggling with a simple concept, please don't be mad. Having never tried my hand at video editing before, I decided to find out just what needs to be done. I used the tool known as DVDShrink to rip the relevant files from the DVDs to my hard drive. After asking around, I was told that Windows Movie Maker was the best freeware video editor. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem capable of editing the VOB files from the DVDs. Figuring that a conversion was in order, I called my local pastor. After a moment of awkward silence, he hung up and left me to search the web for my answers. I ran into a lot of problems. First and foremost, the quality difference between the DVD files and the AVIs was absolutely glaring. Second, the audio had the tendency to get horribly out of sync. Realizing it would be better just to find another program capable of editing the VOB files, themselves, I figured I should ask you guys. Remember, in accordance with the rules, it has to be freeware. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
These edits might not look pretty (especially with the condition of ANH's deleted scenes), but that's not their aim. This is for the pedants who feel that if it's shot, it should be used. Before my family and I moved (I still keep in touch with Erik), I came up with a detailed shot-by-shot guide as to precisely where the deleted scenes would go. Unfortunately, it seems to have been lost in the move. I'm going to have to retype it, but when I finish I'll post it here to see what you guys think. I made sure to remove shots that simply wouldn't work (due to repeated dialog or a change of setting in the final cut). The change in quality will also provide some humorous moments, such as switching from the completed shots of the battle in the Geonosian arena to the unfinished blue screen shots in the Droid Control Ship. One scene that will rob some of their sanity is an even LONGER podrace sequence.
Where to begin is the big question. I was going to do them in chronological order, but then it dawned on me that TPM wasn't exactly the fandom's favorite son. So, I'm holding a poll. Which would YOU like to see first? I can't seem to find a poll option on this board, so I'll just count them, myself. Select one of these:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Now, just you watch. The day I finish all of them will be the day Lucas announces a new boxed set with MORE deleted scenes. After the doctors save me from my little seppuku incident, I guess I'll have to start all over again. Such is life, I suppose.
*After careful consideration, I realized that the new material for Empire and Jedi would only amount to a few seconds (not enough to warrant the projects).
Please let me know if you have any more questions. 
