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ADigitalMan

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Join date
26-Sep-2004
Last activity
14-Jun-2025
Posts
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Post
#124718
Topic
Harry Potter *Spoilers* (Serious Discussions Only, No Flaming)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124718/action/topic#124718
Time
The question seems less and less to be whether or not Dumbledore is really dead or that how he died wasn't totally expected. Rather, the question is whether or not Snape truly betrayed Dumbledore or whether or not killing him is part of some "master plan."

If you re-read the few paragraphs from where Snape barges onto the scene through where Dumbledore is killed, the words are chosen quite carefully. Nowhere does Dumbledore actually ask Snape to NOT kill him. All he says is "Severus." and "Severus ... please." Dumbledore may in fact be asking Snape to kill him. And if so, he intentionally wanted Harry to witness it.

Chew on that one for a bit.
Post
#124624
Topic
<strong>The &quot;ADigitalMan Special Editions&quot; DVD Info and Feedback Thread</strong> (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124624/action/topic#124624
Time
I'm no C programmer, but is is possible to patch the middle of a compressed AC3 file like that? I'd have thought the file hashing would be greatly disturbed from the point of the edit forward, but if there's a way around it, I'm all ears.

I tried to secure a free host, but even their "unlimited" disc space didn't like my 415 MB file.
Post
#124621
Topic
Help Wanted: Fan Edit of Episode I
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124621/action/topic#124621
Time
DVD Decrypter will allow you to force a subtitle on by default. This isn't the same as permanently burning, but it is the path of least resistance.

When you rip with DVD Decrypter, you should demux to the elementary streams. The biggest work you'll have is recreating your subtitles and retiming them to match.

You should make VideoHelp.com your new home. 90% of my DVD Structure understanding came from there. About 10% from here.
Post
#124370
Topic
Help Wanted: Fan Edit of Episode I
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124370/action/topic#124370
Time
Short answer: Use Womble MPEG Video Editor to do the splicing and DVD-Lab Pro to do your authoring.

I suggest reading the following threads thoroughly, in this order:

Thought on de-SE'ing the DVD
***The "ADigitalMan Special Editions" DVD Info and Feedback Thread***
***The "9000" Saga Edit***

As they answer a lot of your questions and, more importantly, explain the thought processes and learning experiences.

Beyond that, the 9000 Saga Edit most closely resembles what you're looking for. That thread may offer you the holy grail without all the work, but if nothing else, it's a jumping off point to base your own edit.

Hope this helps steer you in the right direction, and welcome to the machine.
Post
#124334
Topic
Harry Potter *Spoilers* (Serious Discussions Only, No Flaming)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124334/action/topic#124334
Time
Well, the sorting hat keeps harping on the notion that the four houses need to pull together. I think that Slytherin house is so full of a-holes lately because Snape fosters it. Riddle and the Death Eaters not withstanding, Slytherins were probably tolerable back in Slughorn's days.

Something else bothers me ... what house was Pettigrew in? They make it sound like he was a fellow Gryffindor, but that contradicts the statement "There's never been a witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin." Was Quirrell a Slytherin? Was Lockhart? Percy certainly wasn't. I think the statement must be overreaching.
Post
#124264
Topic
<strong>The &quot;ADigitalMan Special Editions&quot; DVD Info and Feedback Thread</strong> (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124264/action/topic#124264
Time
Well, AC3 doesn't quite work that way. To get just the corrected section, you have to take the whole enchilada, then strip out the video and audio streams to their separate elements, then put them back together using the new audio file. Then rebuild the menus and chapter stops. Quite a process actually, so for a forty cent disc and a 37 cent stamp it's easier to pay a whole disc forward. Funny that a movie can be manufactured and shipped for under a dollar and the industry is crying about lost profits.
Post
#124266
Topic
Harry Potter *Spoilers* (Serious Discussions Only, No Flaming)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124266/action/topic#124266
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Gaffer TapeI'm not sure why you put the "especially" after Hermione, ADM. Unless I've forgotten, I don't see any reason why Hermione would drop out as opposed to Harry and Ron. Harry has the only strong reason.


I should clarify what I meant ... Ron and Hermione left me with the distinct impression that they were dropping out with Harry to go on the hunt for Voldemort. The part about them being past the point of no return and being in it all the way. Ron clearly isn't much for schoolwork anyway, so it's no surprise that he'll leave. But will Hermione give up all she's worked for to follow Harry to the bitter end? That's what I was getting at.

I'm still waiting for one other twist. I keep hoping Percy is actually an informant in the employ of the OotP, letting them know what the Ministry of Magic is up to. I kinda expected to learn that in this book, but alas, nothing. My reason is, we've seen more Slytherin-like behavior out of Percy than Gryffindor-like behavior. Percy has yet to show why he's a Gryffindor and not some arrogant prat out for his own gain. And there's no better way to convince your enemy that you're with them than to disown your own family if they don't hold the same ideals.

But maybe this won't happen at all. Who knows? Book 7 looks like it'll be another brick.

I'm really starting to view this book as the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. Many of the themes and archetypes are similar, and the cliffhanger ending, that's the kicker. I just don't want Book 7 to be the "Return of the Jedi" of the series. I want it to be the "Return of the King" instead.
Post
#124199
Topic
<strong>The &quot;ADigitalMan Special Editions&quot; DVD Info and Feedback Thread</strong> (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124199/action/topic#124199
Time
HotRod ... awww shucks. But seriously, thanks.

BTW, hold off on circulating Ep 1 far and wide until we've figured out how to get you a corrected copy. I'll speak with Jason privately and we'll figure something out.

Hal, I see you found your answer, but I thought I'd reiterate just for good measure.

My custom audio edit is the only one on the Single-Layer version of ANH. It's a hybrid of the 1997 and 2004. The Dual-Layer version (which is making its rounds I assume outside of the regular pyramid because of the lack of ubiquitousness of DL burners) has the custom audio edit as the default, but also allows you to choose the 1997 5.1 audio, the 2004 5.1 audio, the 2004 2.0 audio and the infamous heresy mix. I've heard zero comments on this latter one so far. And you thought Lucas raped your childhood? Bah!

Ep II is up on that Spleeny place this afternoon. Rik, as always, the community owes you the greatest debt.
Post
#124187
Topic
Harry Potter *Spoilers* (Serious Discussions Only, No Flaming)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124187/action/topic#124187
Time
I completed reading Harry Potter & The Half-Blood prince last night after juggling it for three days with my busy schedule. First, and foremost, I'm glad to see J.K. Rowling return to form. This book was, for me, the best in a series where, with the notable exception of Book 5, each sequel tops its predecessor.

My wife and I both agreed after reading Book 5 that Harry was still being written like an 11-year-old, and not a 15-year-old. In Year 6, we finally see Harry acting his age, and for that I'm an appreciative reader. Most teens are smarter and more mature than we give them credit. All the more so in the wizarding world, where most "come of age" at 17 and simultaneously get the equivalency of their college degree through the passing of their N.E.W.T.s. Wizards are positioned as simply being more mature than muggles on the whole. Add all the trials and horrors Harry has personally faced, and his attitude and manner of speech didn't fit his character in Book 5. Now that is all gone and he talks and acts like a young man of his age who's seen the stuff he's seen. That made me want to give a damn about his character.

Moreover, without being force-fed angst as we were last go-round, I think the angst Harry does portray in this book is much more believable. Mainly, because he is confident in himself and his beliefs, and is bothered when nobody listens to him. It's not this gut-wrenching whineyness (like Anakin in Ep II) but rather a frustration with authority. Without having to hit us over the head by saying this, it is clear that Harry recognizes what he does and what he doesn't know. Moreover, he knows he is right about certain things he believes, and is frustration stems from those around him who refuse to listen.

He knew Malfoy was up to something really bad.
He knew Malfoy was in league with Voldemort.
He knew Snape was not to be trusted.

Maybe more has yet to be revealed, and certainly Dumbledore knew more than he let on. Dumbledore's actions most certainly will have had a purpose by the time Book 7 is told, but it doesn't take away that Harry was, on many counts, absolutely right in his assumptions.

The head-scratching questions we'll be left with are:
Will Harry, Ron and (especially) Hermione return to Hogwarts to pass their N.E.W.T.s? Or are they really dropping out of school to hunt the remaining
  • Horcruxes and Voldemort?
  • Who is R.A.B.? Regulus Black? Or maybe Burke or Borgin (I looked for mention of their first names but couldn't find them)?
  • Is Dumbledore really dead at the hands of Snape? And was this his plan all along? Or is there more than meets the eye? Is Dumbledore going to pull a Gandalf? Or and Obi-Wan? Or is he dead as fried chicken? Or something else entirely?

    For those detractors of Harry Potter, I have to ask, have you actually picked up the books and read them? Or does your opinion merely come from a movie adaptation you don't happen to like? Or does your opinion merely come from hearing the opinions of others? Others who, quite probably, have dubious reasons for vocalizing dislike for the story.

    There's nothing lazier than making your mind up about a story you've refused to read yourself.
    • Post
    #124179
    Topic
    Batman Begins
    Link
    https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/124179/action/topic#124179
    Time
    Greencapt, I GOTTA see this when you're done with it. For all the editing I do, attacking B&R never even occurred to me. You're a much bolder man than I.

    Now, Guy Pearce, a Nolan alum was apparently on the shortlist for Batman. While I can't see him in that role, I can totally see him as The Joker. I haven't heard his name being bandied about, but he has the build, and freakier still, the teeth to play The Joker. Anybody agree with me on that one?

    This nonsense about Justin Timberlake as Two-Face just needs to stop, though. No way can he be under serious consideration. I can't figure if the rumor was started by some silly Timberlake fan, some idiot Hollywood suit, or some rival studio trying to start bad buzz on the film before it even gets greenlighted.
    Post
    #123346
    Topic
    ***The ADigitalMan non-Star Wars DVD Info and Feedback Thread***
    Link
    https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123346/action/topic#123346
    Time
    Dark_Jedi, your corrected Ep 1 is coming to you via another source. I'm hoping it'll be there soon.

    As for the HP movies, I hadn't planned to do the pyramid so soon after the last big push, but I suppose that's certainly possible. It will be going to my two US leads anyway, so if there is interest, we may do another chain. I'll gauge interest in email once the Ep1 corrections have all been received and the pyramid is straightened out and moving again.
    Post
    #123345
    Topic
    <em><strong>The &quot;9000&quot; Saga Edit</strong></em> (outdated thread)
    Link
    https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123345/action/topic#123345
    Time
    Hal,

    Didn't see it mentioned earlier, but what did you do to fix the saber shots? Replace them with older source material, or actually re-rotoscope the shots? Just curious how much you've dived into the process.

    BTW, you may want to hold of on re-doing TPM until the HD transfer comes out (whenever that ends up being). For now, the less-than-ideal transfer that we have will be my basis for DVD until the HD/BluRay debacle is settled and the hi-def format is standard.

    --ADM
    Post
    #123322
    Topic
    ***The ADigitalMan non-Star Wars DVD Info and Feedback Thread***
    Link
    https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123322/action/topic#123322
    Time
    Not sure if anybody is reading these or not, but at least it makes a good running blog of what I'm doing.

    With HP3, I recorded (using all the professional equipement I own) many takes of my best impression of Sirius Black, but the edit just didn't sound believable to me. So I'm nixing adding that line. Oh, to have the original film elements. Three words Alphonso! Just three words!

    With regards to the Common Room scene, I tried to cobble together the intercutting footage mentioned above, but it didn't have the impact it needed as Ron awoke. For the audio, I tried mixing the "Come Out, Come Out and PLAY!" line with one of Ron's screams as The Grim dragged him beneath the Whomping Willow, but too much ambient noise (and music!!!) in the center channel kept me from getting a clean edit. It was a good idea, but hackey in the implementation. So I nixed the idea altogether and came up with a different approach.

    I then took the unmolested scene and hacked a couple of large chunks from it. I removed Ron's dialogue and the McGonagall/Sir Cadogan/Neville dialogue from the scene. Placing it elsewhere, it now starts after Dumbledore's dream monologue and starts with McGonagall assuring the Gryffindor's that Sirius Black is gone but will probably try to return again. Cut out the Crookshanks bit between Ron & Hermione (because that comes much later in the story line), and have Hermione sit by Harry who is brooding into the fire about how Sirius was here, close enough to touch, and he could have killed him. Cut to blackness for about 10 frames as the music leads out, then cut straight to the falling leaf and Sir Cadogan's introductory scene. After this scene, then cut to Snape barging in to teach in Lupin's absence. This edit abutts the two deleted scenes together into one larger deleted scene and ties up the plot points introduced pretty nicely.

    With regards to the Great Hall deleted scene after the first trip to Hogsmeade, I added a fun sound effect when Harry eats the candy that Ron brought back from town. Whatever was supposed to happen was left undone in the deleted scene, the palette open. So I searched for an appropriate sound effect that works extremely well.

    I'm generating my 5.1 mix right now. After I clean HP2 off my drive, I'll mux and burn HP3 and then get started on the new book. Woo hoo!!!
    Post
    #122891
    Topic
    ***The ADigitalMan non-Star Wars DVD Info and Feedback Thread***
    Link
    https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122891/action/topic#122891
    Time
    Working on this extended Azkaban cut. I've been able to reinsert four of the five scenes after converting to Anamorphic (now that I know how to do that). I'm a little concerned about the Common Room scene, as it needed a precursor to set it up. This cut scene shows all of Gryffindor in the common room in the middle of the night, with Ron having awoken to the sight of Sirius in the room.

    I Frankensteined together a scene featuring clips of Lupin's dialating eye intercut with a couple of shots of Sirius from elsewhere in the film. It's only a few seconds, then cuts to Ron waking up from the "spiders" dream. It makes his awakening more like a dream, but in reality, Black was right there in the room looking for ... well, we know who in the end. Point is, I'm not sure my intercutting dream sequence comes off well at all.

    I considered cutting the scene drastically short and reinserting it after the Castle is locked down, but (a) you lose all that good Sir Cadogan footage by doing so, and (b) Scabbers is noted as being missing. This is way too early in the film for that plot point. The scene is better off being restored between Hagrid returning from Buckbeak's trial and Harry reading the Marauder's map in bed. It sets up why Harry was up so late studying the map, sets up why Peter Pettigrew is on the map, etc. etc. It's a good scene, but very incomplete without a proper setup to the scene.

    Meanwhile, I could use the help of somebody great at voiceover work who is familiar with the movie. I want to get three words into the film as described in my first post in this thread. Somebody that can do the same voice that Oldman did. When he shouts "The map never lies!" I want to add "We made it!" immediately afterword. If anybody (especially you Brits) can record a believable version of this line to match the movie, I can mix it into the track with very little effort. These three words make all the difference between a great film and a perfect film.

    edit: A clip of this cobbled edit is here. Feedback is appreciated