I notice a lot of you complain about the directing and visual effects - and I agree on both, but I have a feeling the majority of the budget is saved for the latter half - and especially the inevitable Kenobi Duel. I mean, let’s be real - they kinda have to do something in-between ROTS duel and A New Hope duel.

Something that start like the ROTS duel and ends with them both injured and weaker for Episode IV.

Hal 9000 said:

You could always do two audio tracks, one with added score and one without, I suppose.

I’m not opposed to the idea. I’ve never made an mkv with different audio tracks before, so I’ll dive into it when the final cut is locked.

Here is something to lighten the mood. Don’t you guys wonder what Yoda was up to during Kenobi?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QJdqNK6BFA

Phase3 said:

I love your ideas for this edit! The preview clips you’ve done look fantastic. 😃
Could I make a suggestion? How about removing Reva’s unnecessary dialogue at the end of the conversation with the other Inquisitors?
Inquisitor: "I will get what I deserve, Third Sister, and so will you!”. The camera then goes to Reva; cut it there, leaving her in silence.
Cut her timewasting speech of “I hope so. I certainly hope so”.
It’s much more dramatic to leave her in silence, rather than have her voicing her thoughts to an empty room.

Thank you, friend!

Yes, cringe like this is removed - all throughout the film.

Kenobi Duel - Part I (Still needs work on the new saber)

https://streamable.com/vwkgr5
So, changes:

• Pacing.
• Obi-Wan only flee from Darth Vader once. The fear of the moment falls flat when Obi-Wan escape twice within one minute, in my opinion.
• I had to add a saber to one of the scenes with Darth Vader, as it was originally off (“I am what you made me”).
• Obi-Wan ignites his saber as muscle memory when Vader ignites his, even in fear - the original ignition felt out of place, when he is in a less dangerous situation.
• Removed Obi-Wan looking for Vader in the darkness with his glowing plastic saber. The scene just… reminds me of AOTC when Anakin & Dooku have that weird closeup with their sabers. Urgh.

Part II is as in the original episode.

Kenobi Duel - Part III (Still needs volume adjustments due to some overlapping music)

https://streamable.com/hy7k9f
Changes:

• New soundtrack at certain key parts to mirror the emotional weight from ROTS and give the scene more identity.
• Fixed pacing.
• Removed two horrible shots.
• Improved pacing when Anakin grabs Obi-Wan. The original lingers on shots for way too long.
• Prevented a bunch of inter-cuts.
  … and some new sfx.

So, I did some remixing of a variation of a fanmade Dark Deeds, original Dark Deeds (John Williams OST) and some custom-made Sith Whispers from YouTube along with my own dark ambience and SFX for the scene. This was made for those who requested a more haunting theme, and although I think I still prefer The Piano Theme because of the sadness within the Imperial March and Anakin’s/Vader’s actions in the scene. Tell me which you prefer.

Vader Returns - Anakin’s Dark Deeds Version

https://streamable.com/3w3hls

Vader Returns - Piano Theme (the frontrunner for the scene as of right now)

https://streamable.com/vwhsix

And then I’ll tweak and upload the Duel with Vader once I get back.

Acbagel said:

Anjohan, some of the most basic directing principles were violated during Episode 3 which add to the fight segment feeling “off”. For example: https://streamable.com/n0llyy
[…] post up above

You are absolutely right. Great post!

I have already made cuts to the final duel yesterday, and can do some more tweaks (with your post in mind) and release the clip when I get back home from the gym.

I know i have cut many of the problems you mention, without fully analyzing why some scenes were so shiet.

By the way, did you guys know they inter-cut Reeva and Leia FIVE times within the span of that four-minute “duel”? It’s insane. I re-structured that yesterday so that only two inter-cut’s happen, and we focus mainly on a rather short “duel” between Obi-Wan and Anakin.

The main selling point here is definitely not the duel, but rather Anakin sharing his pain on Mustafar and scaring the big jesus out of Obi-Wan.

My interpretation of the scene was also that Anakin didn’t want to kill a weakened and defenseless Obi-Wan Kenobi. One might even say that the reason Darth Vader is as evil as he is, is to get back at obi-wan (“see what you’ve done to me?!” approach) and that that hatred is what drives him to never look back on his mistakes and fuel his powers with it. Then, when he finally kills Obi-Wan in EP IV, is when he starts to shift his moral compass as he becomes aware of Luke and actually starts slowly but steadily question himself. That is at least how I like to view it with how the story has progressed thus far.

Imperial March Piano Theme

A lot of people seem to like the Imperial March Piano Theme with added reverb, and it might become the go-to for this edit. I think Vader’s actions along with that theme presents the scene both extremely haunting and very sad - feelings we should experience as an audience seeing Anakin hunting down Obi-Wan in this manner. I feel like it should be both scary and heartbreaking.

I will however make one more version with Anakin’s Dark Deeds (either tweaking my own variation of the original OST like I did for the “Kenobi senses Vader” clip or find something fitting) and then we’ll go from there.

General responses

I agree with @Sirius that this is the best episode so far and literally everything except Inquisitor cringe and some pacing issues (along with removing cringe) from the final “duel”) will mostly be kept. The scenes between Obi-Wan and Leia alone justify her being in the series for me now without a doubt, and the actress has great chemistry with Ewan. I have a feeling the first scenes in Episode I were her first scenes filmed, and if that is the case that was a stupid mistake on the director’s part mesa be thinking dis.

leftshoe18 said:

Anjohan said:

ANAKIN RETURNS - IMPERIAL MARCH EXAMPLE:

https://streamable.com/sbzh7g

The version of the Imperial March used here makes this feel super cheesy. If you could find a more horror-esque arrangement of it then I think it would work a lot better.

Edit: saw further down you did another one with the piano version and I LOVE that.

Thank you. Yes, we decided against going for the more bombastic theme and The Piano Theme ia currently the main approach to that scene (although that might change).

WitchDR said:

I thought the duel in the new episode was pretty awful… If by the end of the series we are able to remove the duel or Ep3 all together, I think this may be a cool way to retool the scenes.

This is just a quick mockup… and would require a ton more work to pull off that good “dream” feel… But since I’m not planning on doing an edit myself, figured I’d share the idea at least!

https://vimeo.com/716626643

I agree with you. The duel ia not impressive, although it is not meant as one, mostly for my part down to pacing issues and the HORRIBLY rendered sabers - that I suspect in some scenes are not even added visual effects to. Sometimes the sabers look like plastic toys from Toys R’ Us, so I will probably have to create new sabers for the scene (ugh! I have PTSD from rotoscoping Qui-Gon’s in TPM).

jrs81 said:

Wanted to make an opening suggestion with a pretty bold idea. Forgive the rough edit, just through this together quickly. Needed a star field and keeping in line with TESB and ROTJ, I wanted to open this Obi-Wan movie from an imperial perspective. I imagine a scroll with something like this:

"Darth Vader continues his search for Obi-Wan and has created his own personal Jedi Hunters, Inquisitors.
The ambitious THIRD SISTER has come up with her own secret plan to find KENOBI…

https://vimeo.com/716590202

Also includes a new introduction to Leia.

Not a bad idea for an opening, but I don’t think I will take this approach for my edit. One reason is that I like the film opening with Obi-Wan’s trauma from his failed attempt at saving Anakin (in all literal senses), and that is what the series is also all about; - and the other reason is that I do not want the edit to feel like a fan edit, and when you start restructuring a lot this often happens, no matter how good the intentions. I, however, love radical edits done for all the right reasons, and if you do decide to make your own with this approach I would be most eager to watch.

CarboniteSolo said:

Anjohan said:

Since a lot of you would love to see Anakin/Darth Vader return in Kenobi to The Imperial March, I made this:

ANAKIN RETURNS - IMPERIAL MARCH (made for fanedit)

https://streamable.com/sbzh7g

Very nice, but can you use the slower version of the imperial march during the actual duel.

This one, thank you.

https://youtu.be/B1_Wcaa-lf4

We scrapped the original Imperial March idea. We agreed that it was too bombastic (in the fanedit thread for Obi-Wan). This one, although slower, is also too bombastic.

Here is the alternate (for now) version - going for something more sad and haunting:

Anakin & Kenobi Reunite - Piano Version

https://streamable.com/vwhsix

RogueLeader said:

I definitely think score changes need to be made for the show, but personally I’m still preferring how it is in the original version. The piano is better than the standard march, but it makes the scene sad rather than creepy/terrifying. And I think Obi-Wan isn’t necessarily feeling sadness in this moment, but horror. Horror at what he has created, what his apprentice has become. My two cents though.

Yeah, take a break! No need to burn yourself out.

I see where you’re coming from. I’m waiting for some more feedback. I like the scene with the piano score a lot - because the actions of Vader is haunting and the soundtrack is sad, mixing well with both feelings, but I do understand wanting something really haunting. That was my initial reaction upon watching the scene as well

Nerosun said:

Well, I don’t think the Imperial March really fits, there is other music that fits better.
The Song Battle of Hoth
Imperial Starfleet Deployed & City In The Clouds
Betrayal at Bespin
The Imperial Probe & Aboard The Executor
Emperor Arrives
Nute and Rune confer with Darth Sidious

I would even skip the Obi vs. Vader fight entirely, up to where Vader jerkily turns his head.

Cut inquisitors extremely, except for Reva, she is unfortunately a leading role.

The helmet on the jaw chin does not fit.

All Obi-wan should know is that vader is a machine, a diabolical machine.

Good ideas, I think you just have to wait for the series to finish, then use what’s useful.

Oh, one more thing, Bail should only report on the radio, Obi wan’s cave should remain secret

Good tips, and agree with all your statements except the one with Bail in the cave;

His dialogue there is profound, and some of the things he says are really heartfelt. I HATE that it had to be said in the cave instead of on the holocommunicator, but these writers are unfortunately all over the place, and I can’t see any way to edit around it as of right now. I don’t want it to feel like a fan edit even though it is one, and as of right now I see no plausible way to keep the dialogue without the scene.

Brilliant NellsRelo and Acbagel. Let’s hold a finger on The Piano Theme for now - it gives the scene a very haunting atmosphere, which seems to be what we all really want.

I’ll wait for more opinions to see how we proceed.

My brain is fried now, having edited two soundtracks for several hours.

Acbagel said:

I agree with headtaker18. That rendition didn’t fit the mood of the scene for me. Seeing the kid get murdered with that didn’t feel right. I think some subtle notes of the imperial march are what this needs rather than a full performance of the soundtrack.

Great. It is settled. I had to try it. Three opinions and I completely agree and it is no fuzz. I just released an alternate version up above ( https://streamable.com/vwhsix ), and will try the scene with different renditions of the Imperial March so we can find one that fits.

KENOBI & ANAKIN - PIANO THEME:

So this is the opposite of the more bombastic Imperial March version from up above, going for an approach that I think Game of Thrones did well; play Piano (which was an unusual GoT instrument) to warn the audience of something sinister.

https://streamable.com/vwhsix

RogueLeader said:

I also prefer the more eerie music of the original scene over the bombastic march.

I think some of Gordy Haab’s music could also be used for rescoring this series. He did the music for Battlefront and Jedi: Fallen Order, and I think he really nails the feel of Williams’ style without just repeating the same music.

For example, the theme for the Second Sister from Fallen Order could potentially be used as an Inquisitor motif that makes their appearances more menacing.

Also, maybe some stuff from the Shadows of the Empire soundtrack could also be used. I feel like that is another score that nails the Williams vibe pretty well.

Great tips. I’ll look into them, RogueLeader.

headtaker18 said:

Anjohan said:

ANAKIN RETURNS - IMPERIAL MARCH EXAMPLE:

https://streamable.com/sbzh7g

To be honest, I prefer something like this version but I am biased since I made it AND don’t like the original version with the “occasional random bass” so I would like opinions.

I like the inclusion of Imperial March, but not as bombastic as it is here. This is meant to be a sinister moment it feels a little off putting, something along the lines of the version from Rogue One would work in my opinion if your willing to try that.

I see your point. I am working on two versions as of right now. I can definitely try the Rogue One Theme later on.

Since a lot of you would love to see Anakin/Darth Vader return in Kenobi to The Imperial March, I made this:

ANAKIN RETURNS - IMPERIAL MARCH (made for fanedit)

https://streamable.com/sbzh7g

ANAKIN RETURNS - IMPERIAL MARCH EXAMPLE:

https://streamable.com/sbzh7g

To be honest, I prefer something like this version but I am biased since I made it AND don’t like the original version with the “occasional random bass” so I would like opinions.

Anakin being reassembled (crossfade must be fixed):

https://streamable.com/q1dhqg

Darth Raditz said:

I’m against inserting John Williams music in one scene in particular: when Obi-Wan & Vader first meet at night. I’d say the music does a good job at selling how unsettling this reunion is, with Vader randomly killing people (including snapping a child’s neck) in a wordless attempt to bait Obi-Wan out of hiding.

It’s a great psychological attack, & if you insert the Imperial March over it, that dread & terror is going to be lost & might give off the impression of Vader being “cool” when it should read as horrifying.

(I misread your post the first time)
Valid point, but I would like to hear what people think. I think the silence works better when Vader is actually hunting him later on.

See for yourself how you feel (clip below this post)

szopman said:

So, so far seeing how the series is progressing you think this project will end up as a movie, shorter series or two movies (like Dune movie for ex or some older EU books - Part I and Part II) ? 😉

“The Imperial March (perhaps a very dark, slowed-down version) HAS to play when we see him. What is up with this score??? It’s pathetic!”
Couldn’t agree more, this series requiers some rescoring, the music is terrible there.

Most likely one movie - unless the last three episodes have a great increase in quality, a two-parter film series or for instance a four-episode format might be preferable. As of right now, I am leaning very much so on keeping this inside a film format of a maximum of about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Vladius said:

IlFanEditore said:

mrbenja0618 said:

I’m still struggling with primary concept idea. I have no idea why Bail needed Obi-Wan to go find Leia. He’s a part of the Empire technically. A senator couldn’t send soldiers to get his daughter?

Did I miss something?

I think it was because Bail didn’t want to draw attention to his family, in order to avoid any risk of people finding out the truth about Leia.

Yeah it’s this. I think that part at least makes sense, except that there’s a lot of attention drawn to her anyway, probably more because they know she’s with Obi Wan.

Agreed.

jordanbcooper said:

Putting in classic Williams scores would improve this show significantly. I’m really enjoying it thus far, but the edits you’re planning already just make it that much better. I’d love a movie length edit with classic Star Wars themes that can be placed in a rewatch of the films between 3 and 4.

This is the goal. You can tell me how you feel about the BETA version up above for the Kenobi/Vader sequence (originally from Kenobi EP3).

jrs81 said:

Do we really need to see the inquisitors on Tatooine? Start the movie with Leia getting kidnapped, show Obi-Wan’s life on Tatooine, then Bail shows up out of the blue to ask for Obi-Wan’s help. No need for the “phone call” from Bail either. SO much fluff and bad writing in this show, I am shocked this is the final product that they gave us.

I am starting to think that if the quality of their storyline does not reach new levels, most of their screentime will be removed.

SomethingStarWarsRelated said:

idir_hh said:

It would be more dramatic to physically introduce Vader in the village rather than on Mustafar, besides it would spare us from looking at that terrible throne room “set”.

omg yes! That was absolutely terrible looking! Vader didn’t look integrated into the scene. Terrible green screen or however they did it. The mustafar sky in the background looked like someone used a noise effect in their video editing software and barely adjusted the settings. It took me right out of watching the show.

This scene has been omitted. It looked terrible, and diminishes the tone and believability for me in two aspects;

• 1. The CGI is awful
• 2. Reeva has done NOTHING to be deserving of the respect of the audience and less so Darth Vader. I really don’t want a completely flat and cartoony villian speak with Vader in his VERY first dialogue scene.

A BETA OF THE VADER/KENOBI OPENING SCENE (I will have to adjust volume levels and fix a crossfade), but want to know thoughts:

https://streamable.com/q1dhqg

Intended to work as a more emotional introduction to Vader being put back together like a machine (It has come to my attention that the original script draft presented this scene with the tone of sadness seeing Anakin in this state - I’m trying to achieve this purpose). Also re-shaped the scene to be less flashback-y and fit better as a bridge between Kenobi ep2&3 for a movie structure.

Also did a remix of the soundtrack’s used, to better fit the tone and for the soundtracks to feel “renewed”.

Also, I’ve started re-scoring the film (which it is now intended to be) due to the immense requests for a more fitting Star Wars OST (including myself).

I don’t want this to feel fanedit-y or lose it’s identity as it’s own thing, so I will be using original score’s sparingly. So far I am using three original scores over the course of about two hours of footage (for the film, that will be cut down immensely):

A Prequel Soundtrack as Obi-Wan declines helping the “Hunted Jedi” on Tattooine -> Prequel Soundtrack: Obi-Wan starts his mission to save Leia -> Prequel Soundtracks: The three soundtracks from the clip above

BedeHistory731 said:

My one question revolves around sound - will you be using the '04-present Vader distortion or the '77/'97 version?

04-present.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I’ve read all your different interpretations of the episode, and here are my few cents;

• We see Anakin being re-assembled into Vader, and do not see him again before the village. This helps build the “The Monster is really alive” feel they go for when he starts provoking a response from Obi-Wan, killing villagers.
• The Imperial March (perhaps a very dark, slowed-down version) HAS to play when we see him. What is up with this score??? It’s pathetic!
• Tone down the Inquisitors - again. It is so cringe-worthy I just hope there is some good material for them in the upcoming episodes, so that we don’t have to cut them down to the bare bones.
• Do some editing tweaks in the “duel” between Obi-Wan and Anakin. This is obvious just meant as an appetizer, but the pacing is off at some places. It should be something like “VADER SHOWS HIMSELF” -> “OBI-WAN IGNITES, DECIDES TO FLEE” -> ANAKIN ATTACKS, THREE-FOUR SECONDS OF SABER FIGHTING -> “BURNING OBI-WAN IN FLAMES” -> “OBI-WAN BEING SAVED”.

… editing has commenced.

mrbenja0618 said:

I’m deeply sorry, I love the concept idea, but at the same time, on my calibrated monitor those clips are over-saturated and some examples you create a few overexposures that have blown out the hightlights.

Am I the only one seeing this?

To give you something to work with (if you choose to do so.) you might try lowering the exposure levels, because let’s be honest, films are darker lit now.

I’ve often wondered if a reverse approach would be more fascinating by making the prequels more vintage looking.

Alas, that is not the point of this project.

I promise, I’m trying to be helpful, and not cast doubt. These are simply my thoughts.

I wish you well with your project!

In scenes with lots of lit backgrounds (like skies) the levels will be evened out. This has only been in the works for a day so far. Interior scenes work the best thus far. I will have to reduce overexposures at certain places when I come there. This will be quite a project I suppose.

Thanks for brilliant feedback.

Fullmetaled said:

@Anjohan why not wait and base your project on the hd version of adywan’s revisited version of a new hope when it comes out?

Shouldn’t be too much of a hustle to replace some video files with whatever upgraded version Adywan releases, but I don’t really think it will be necessary. Adywan’s ANH is “Prequel-supported” and have many great additions to the score and new scenes (that will not be in ANH Revisited HD), so this upscaled version combined with 4k regrade I think will do the trick.

Skybatman said:

what about your TPM edit ?

It is a work-in-progress for sure. Work has commenced on it since my last posts, but that project is in a whole other category and immensely time consuming and draining. I don’t even think of it as “fanediting”, more like “remaking”. The plans I have for that edit is also beyond the scope of some of the things I am able to do as of right now.

GLogus said:

The Inquisitor giving a speech about Jedi compassion is cartoon-level villainy. The official narrative of the Empire is that it is hunting down the Jedi because they betrayed the Republic, not because they are too kind. This isn’t how governments (even evil ones) spread propaganda about their enemies.

Agree a little bit. I think we will have to keep the opening dialogue to not make their appearance feel flat and empty. And I also think Reeva is the biggest problem, not the Grand Inquisitor.

They’ve leaned way too hard into making Obi-Wan look sad, pathetic, and lonely. I think it would actually be more powerful (and, in a way, more sad) if Obi-Wan retained a degree of optimism in the face of such a dire and hopeless situation. They are doing to Obi-Wan what they did to Luke in TLJ, but it happens to be even less fitting for Obi-Wan’s character, who is typically even more stoic and steadfast than Luke.

Agreed. This has been mentioned by a few other people in the thread as well, and I do agree. It does feel predictable and boring at this point.

Leia’s character is just bad. Sure, Leia was sharp as a tack in the original trilogy, but she didn’t have genius level psycho-analytical skills. Just let her be a damn kid here.

I like her character except for her analysis of every grown-up encounter. So yes, agreed.

I actually really like what you did with the Anakin scene. Maybe have the transitions be faster, like an eye blinking. They are after all looking at each other, …sorta (or at least sensing each other).

Thank you. I will probably revisit the scene some more as the edit go further ahead.