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Commander Courage

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16-Aug-2004
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1-Oct-2015
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Post
#293004
Topic
Episode 3 - Editing Back in Progress (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/293004/action/topic#293004
Time
Originally posted by: GoodMusician
I watched you videos and commented on them on youtube heh...

some interesting edits. Was there a method to this? With the edits I'm doing, I'm trying to remove Vader... and Leia... but I wasn't sure where you were going with yours?

The music is a bit loud, but these arn't the final mixes obviously. I wasn't sure I liked all you're choices of music (most from the OT) but that's ok... to each his own. I did see, however, where you were going with this... and what you were trying to say and show through the music... and I liked the idea, especially, of the Emperors theme Playing while Yoda and Palp. battle... makes so much more sense than Vader's theme... especially seeing as, in most of our edits, we remove it totally from the fight... so I feel dumb having not thought of that myself lol

Interesting ideas heh...

Thanks for the Feedback, GM. As for a "method" I was just trying to improve on a mediocre sequence. I hadn't really intended to conceal Vader or Leia's identity or anything like that. Based on these and your YouTube comments, I see that you "get where I'm coming from" with a lot of the music choices. That's how I try to edit scenes, because music can really tie things together (especially when you're piecing together scenes for fan edits!). Check out the Starkiller Ranch thread for a full breakdown on the whats and whys of my edits.
Post
#293002
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/293002/action/topic#293002
Time
And now for a breakdown of the end duels videos:

-I resequenced the Anakin/Obi-Wan talk leading up to the duel so that it flows like a real conversation. The music had to be changed to accomodate these edits, and I used some that felt appropriate to the scene. I'm not sure what music would accompany a final version, but it would be something along these lines.
-New music for the Yoda/Palpatine confrontation. This all comes from the Throne Room in RotJ, with a hint of the Force Theme for Yoda, and then of course a strong rendition of the Emperor's Theme when Palpatine zaps Yoda.
-I combined two sections of the Yoda/Palpatine fight here, as it seemed to flow much better this way. Deleted silly lines ("My little green friend," "And not short enough it was.") and silly shots (Yoda opening his eye). I left in the original music at the start of the duel b/c I couldn't find or think of anything to replace it, but that's definitely something that needs to be changed.
-I messed up trying to edit out Obi-Wan and Anakin's "hand hold," and now it appears as some missing frames. But that needs to go (too cheesy, IMO).
-In one of my favorite edits, I cut from them fighting by a console to much later in the duel when their sabers hit a control pannel turning off the "lava sheids." This cuts out some stupid stuff in the duel (the saber twirling, the super force push). We also lose the table-choke, which I like, but it doesn't really fit in the flow of the fight.
-The transition into "Duel of the Fates" starts because I wanted to sync up the crescendo of the piece with the wide shot of the Chancellor's podium rising in the senate. It also continues to work well with the rest of this part of the duel.
-I wanted to cut out some of Anakin and Obi-Wan's bridge-crossing (including the stupid flying droid), but I needed it to pad things out to sync up with DotF.
-Some resequenced shots now has Anakin's punch flows naturally. I have no idea why this was edited the way it was originally. (As an aside, I wish I could use some of the behind the scenes footage from the DVD with Anakin and Obi-Wan punching and kicking each other more. I don't know if it could be made to match the film footage though.) Another personal favorite edit is the big crescendo of DotF syncing up with Anakin and Obi-Wan grappling in front of the volcano.
-In RotS, DotF was present in this next section of the Yoda/Palpatine fight, but it felt cut-and-paste without anything syncing up. I've tried to make it flow better with the music. Also, in the big force lightning explosion, I've tried to make it look as if Palpatine overpowers Yoda and thinks he's won.
-When the crane falls into the lava I've overlayed ESB music b/c it syncs up well with the visuals. Not sure if it's the way to go for sure, but I like it better than the original.
-The Palpatine/Stormtrooper conversation has "Then he's no dead" edited out. This goes further to show that Palpatine thinks Yoda is dead (killed in a similar way to Mace).
-In the final section of my clip, I've come up with what I think its the best option regarding Anakin's injuries. Having him fall over the "waterfall" has its appeal, but then you lose the entire conversation with Obi-Wan. That's a must-have, IMO. But the lava surfing, the dialogue with it, and the eventual "You underestimate my power!" jump all leave much to be desired. Having Obi-Wan jump from the crane to the gound, and Anakin follow (resulting in his dismemberment), works very well, IMO. "Battle of the Heroes" carries this scene along, and the final two strong beats of the music accent Obi-Wan's chopping-up of Anakin, and transition well into the somber music to come.

So those were my thoughts on making these edits. Basically it was me just doing what I thought would best improve a mediocre sequence. A lot of stuff is sketchy, but this is the direction I'd take if I were to sit down and edit this "for real."
Post
#292969
Topic
Episode 3 - Editing Back in Progress (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/292969/action/topic#292969
Time
Hey guys,

Just wanted to comment on the great work being done here. It inspired me to end my lurking and return to posting. Anyway, this is a rough edit of the end duels of Episode III. I did it a while back, but only now posted it online. I don't know how to compress video for YouTube uploads, so I had to break this into 3 parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYTPFkMBSWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFacxLBy9qE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaawXXldGg8

There's been much discussion about Anakin's end in the duel, and I just wanted to share what I'd come up with. I think it works really well, especially with the music carrying it along. Let me know what you think.
Post
#292967
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/292967/action/topic#292967
Time
Heyo, boyos!

I'm back, and this time I've got something to show you guys. The first of many things I hope. Now, this doesn't mean this project is back "in production," but at the very least ideas will once again flow in Starkiller Ranch.

Life has been going full speed ahead for me lately, with school, work, and then of course life itself and all that it entails. Anyway, as it stands the project is up for grabs. Whoever has the time, knowledge, and resources is free to take over. The way I see it is, where I am right now I am unable to give my all to the project, and as we've discussed many times, if it doesn't look professional, then what's the point. Tsha222's post (http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=12&threadid=8280) caught my attention, so if he's interested in coming on board then he's more than welcome.

But as I referenced before, I've got something to share:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYTPFkMBSWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFacxLBy9qE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaawXXldGg8
This is my "rough draft" of how Episode III's end duels should go down. As I explain in my YouTube profile, I intend to post a lot of Starkiller Ranch clips, so there's definitely more to come. And just as a disclaimer, these will for the most part be rough edits with bad sound mixes, created only to "get the point across." So please, watch them with an open mind. It's all about potential at this point.

Although I haven't posted much recently, I've still been lurking around and it was GoodMusician's latest work that really made me decide if the Ranch was ever to be resurrected, now would be the time. Kudos to him and the work he's doing on his edit, though I'm taking a different approach from him (as evidenced in my clips). I don't have time at the moment to go into detail on the hows and whys of my edits, but I'll get back to you guys as soon as I can. May the discussion resume...
Post
#275672
Topic
Superman by Taolar (Formally: Son of Jorel) WORKPRINT AVAILABLE
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/275672/action/topic#275672
Time
Originally posted by: Taolar
Just for fun, here's a little contest. The first person to post the exact source of the following 1.5 second shot that I'm using in the new ending, will get a free copy of the finished dvd, whenever it's done.

Clark Reacts (200kb divx) <----- Right Click & Save

Well Clark in that shot is from the mugger scene in the alley from S:TM, when Clark is trying to disuade the mugger. As for the background, I have no idea. Do I still get credit?


Regardless I look forward to seeing this exciting project, Taolar. It's so good to see a renewed interest in the Superman films with the DVD Release and the movie franchise finally going strong again.
Post
#273351
Topic
Superman Crusades: My Superman IV Fan Cut (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273351/action/topic#273351
Time
Nice to see you're tackling Superman IV as well.

I like your approach to the material here, with Superman just taking it upon himself to stop the arms race without a letter from Jeremy or an addressing the UN. Using the apparently all-purpose Paris sequence in IV while tying it in with Nuclear Man's creation is a great idea. What's with the "5 Months Earlier" though? Is it just to give the film a more exciting opening? And if I may suggest nixing Lara's dialogue alltogether and totally replacing her with similar Jor-El lines. I never much liked the idea of BOTH parents talking to him, and that wasn't how it was originally conceived anyway.

I look forward to seeing more progress on this and your Superman III edit.
Post
#272477
Topic
STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 <strong>REVISITED</strong> ADYWAN *<em>1080p HD VERSION NOW IN PRODUCTION</em>
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272477/action/topic#272477
Time
SSR: It looks like we're just confusing ourselves back and forth.

That's why I suggested to Adywan he try tot do both ending if it isn't too much trouble. That way we could get the one he likes best in the movie, and the other in a deleted scene.

There is of of course a third option that might be superior to both, however. Why not have the 2004 ESB dialogue take place IN Vader's cockpit. Assuming an Emperor hologram could be inserted in the shots (there are plenty to choose from, and his face could be shrouded in shadow to avoid lip-sync problems), I really think that would be the best way to go. It gets Palpatine in the film, it doesn't use an ESB scene, it incorporates the "Vader returns to Coruscant" idea, and it relys important dialogue that would be otherwise out of place. It would also negate the need to film a fan in an Imperial uniform, which might prove to be a difficult thing to lock down.

So what do you say, Adywan?
Post
#272392
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272392/action/topic#272392
Time
Let's remember the Jedi never learn Darth Maul's (now Darth Grievous') name in Episode I. So it's not like Obi-Wan would be, "You're Darth MAUL!?!?" Keeping this in mind allows Maul to be referred to as Grievous in Episode I, and Grievous be referred to as Grievous in Episode III without any kind of reveal necessary until his confrontation with Obi-Wan. And dialogue hints would be best dropped in earlier in the film, such as when Anakin and Obi-Wan surround him on the bridge, Grievous can say something like, "This feels familiar, but not this time Kenobi!" as he jumps out the window. A shame he doesn't fight Anakin and Obi-Wan a bit with his double-sided vibroblade; that would be an awesome connection, but I don't think any amount of special effects wizardry an pull that off. The dialogue has to be vauge enough to where Obi-Wan doesn't realize who it is he's fighting until that key moment in the duel, at which point we need a brilliant line to tie it all together. Unfortunately the only thing I can think of at the moment is the atrocious "I have killed your master! Now it is your turn to die young Jedi!" from the Episode I video game.

Just an update on that Anakin/Obi-Wan duel, I put it together a LONG time ago and looking over it, there's a lot I'd like to refine before sharing it with everyone, so it'll be next week before I upload it. Speaking of which, what service do you guys suggest I use for uploading clips?
Post
#272242
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272242/action/topic#272242
Time
Haha, yeah. I've seen a couple of pieces of fan art like that before. At first it seems like a cool concept, but realistically it would be rather ridiculous for Greivous to have that tatooed on his helmet.

Btw, is LTH still out there? His name has come up a few times for editing Episode I, so if he's reading this, please come forward so we can discuss.
Post
#272240
Topic
STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 <strong>REVISITED</strong> ADYWAN *<em>1080p HD VERSION NOW IN PRODUCTION</em>
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272240/action/topic#272240
Time
We seem to have been on the same wavelength, Adywan. Assuming it wouldn't be too much work, do you think you could still try to put together that last scene with the Emperor? I'd love to see what you could do with and, and you might have to fall back on that anyway if the cockpit ending doesnt't work out.
Post
#272226
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272226/action/topic#272226
Time
For Grievous=Maul, my idea has always been to have this revealed to Obi-Wan on Utapau, in the close-ups of their eyes. Taking one of Obi-Wan's two "It can't be"s from the security hologram scene would sell it, IMO. A voice actor would be required to dub over Grievous and whatever lines Maul might have in our Episode I. Grievous' Episode III dialogue would make or break this connection, so it needs to be top-notch. Also having the Nemoidians refer to Maul as Grievous in Episode I. I think we all like the name Maul better, but there are just too many characters who refer to Grievous by name in III to get around it.

As for the duel, I actually have a rough edit of an uninterrupted Anakin/Obi-Wan duel I'll upload this weekend. I think it works rather well, but in the context of the film it would probably be best to cut away at least once. Who knows, that's a long way off. Anyway, hopefully it'll be up by Saturday.
Post
#272225
Topic
STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 <strong>REVISITED</strong> ADYWAN *<em>1080p HD VERSION NOW IN PRODUCTION</em>
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272225/action/topic#272225
Time
Top notch job on the trailer, Adywan. I can't wait for the finished product.

Don't let Mr. Anonymous bother you. Just a bunch a hot air if you ask me. I do wonder if he is indeed a board member, and if so, who. A shame his ISP can't be tracked to he could be banned.

On the ending Vader scene, the more I think about it the more I like the concept of a cockpit shot with an Imperial officer. The ESB Emperor scene really would feel out of place, as it has a very different look from ANH, not the least of which being Vader's costume. Vader's TIE coming out of hyperspace and approaching Coruscant would indeed be IDEAL. If anyone can pull it off, it would be you. Best of luck.
Post
#270975
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/270975/action/topic#270975
Time
Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch...

My fellow Ranch hands,

As Trooperman's Episode II nears completion, it is time to revisit the now infamous Starkiller Ranch. I am flattered to still be considered "in charge," even though as it has been pointed out, I have very little to show for my tenure as the head of this project. From the inception of Starkiller Ranch, my rorle was always that of "creative consultant" and "quality control." Editing was and still is a hobby of mine, but I was unprepared and totally caught off guard last year when teh project suddenly became my responsibility. It's true I "took charge," but as the only "senior member" of the Ranch still attached to the project, it seemed the right thing to do. However, although I had every intention of taking the reins as it were and making this thing a reality, life soon caught up with me, and the Ranch fell on the priority list. That coupled with our lack of a special effects department (an essential part of making this project work), and waiting for Trooperman to finish Episode II so we would know where exactly to take the Ranch, and there really wasn't much that could be done in the mean time. But where do things stand now? Upon the release of SotDS, I would once again be willing to "take over" production on the rest of the saga, assumably Episode I. On the other hand, if there is an experienced editor waiting in the wings and ready to go, LTH for example, I'd tell them to go for it. I am quite content with the creative consultant/quality control role, and general overseer of the project. Before we make a decision we'll need to know who is "on board" and what services they can offer to the project. I've told you my situation, what about yours? Here's to getting this project back in the air.
Post
#270121
Topic
Star Wars: REBORN - The Complete Saga (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/270121/action/topic#270121
Time
I don't want to use this thread to go into specifics about every decision we're making during the editing process. I've tried that before and it's proven to be nothing more than confounding, because we end up discussing it into oblivion until every detail is second-guessed.

Amen to that.

Of course now that I say that I'm going to ask you something specific...

You mentioned new crawls, so that got me wondering, what are you going to do about the Episode #s? Because of how you're presenting the saga, would IV V and VI become I II and III?
Post
#270120
Topic
STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 <strong>REVISITED</strong> ADYWAN *<em>1080p HD VERSION NOW IN PRODUCTION</em>
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/270120/action/topic#270120
Time
This concept has been going around forever, but that's a very good visualization of it, SSWR.

Using the Executor does diminsih it's "reveal" in ESB, but also gives you more options than just the TIE cockpit as in theory you could expand on what ADM did and use some if not all of the ESB conversation in altered form. As for removing the Emperor's only scene in ESB, I dont't have much of a problem with that because as things stand, it's very out of place there. That's a conversation that should have taken place at the end of ANH or in between ANH and ESB, but back in 1980 Lucas wasn't so keen on going back and altering his previous work, so we got it in ESB.

In any event, if a scene like this is created, I think it should take place in the film as opposed to a post-credits extra, simply because that's not how Star Wars does things. Now, if EVERY film had a post-credits extra it would be something to think about, but to have it in one and not the others just doesn't work, IMO.
Post
#269621
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269621/action/topic#269621
Time
TM:

I like your suggestion of different versions of SotDS to fit in with whichever version of Star Wars one chooses. Maybe not for for the initial release, but its defintely something to consider in the future. I'd suggest something like this:

-The Trooperman Experience: SotDS exactly as you envisioned it.
-The Trooperman Experience - Christensen Edition: SotDS exacly as you envisioned, only with Hadyen as Anakin.
-The MagnoliaFan Experience: SotDS that ties into MagnoliaFan's Episode I, with Hayden as Anakin, foreign languages for Jar-Jar and the Nemoidians, and the Star Wars Main Theme to start the film.
-The Lucasfilm Experience: SotDS that fits into the offical saga (as well as ADM's), with Hayden as Anakin, the original voices for Jar-Jar and the Nemoidans, and that Star Wars Main Theme to start the film.

The first version is a given, and I would recommend the second be part of the initial release. The third version is really the least "essential" IMO, as it would only tie into another fan editor's work. The fourth would fit into Attack of the Clones as well as ADM's and many other less-drastic edits of Episode II, so it would probably be worth your while. Also, keep in mind every other version of the Saga has its subtitles in the black beneath the picture. I know you expressed a preference for them to be in the frame, but that would certainly set it apart from everything else out there (perhaps that should be reserved for the Trooperman Experiences).

I have no idea how much extra work this would take to accomplish, but those are my suggestions if you want an "all purpose" SotDS that can be viewed with any version of the saga.
Post
#269618
Topic
Batman Series Edit (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269618/action/topic#269618
Time
Good call on omitting Dent's name from B89; if you're going for a trilogy feel that makes sense. Since you can't fix the Keaton/Kilmer change, you can at least try your best to fix the Williams/Jones change (I just hope it isn't too choppy).

I must say I'm a bit dissapointed with your omission of Catwoman and the Batsignal from the end of BR (I've always liked that ending), but again of you're going for a trilogy it makes sense, as she never appears again. Why the flashback of BR at the start of BF, though? If anything it just draws attention to the fact that Batman is not being played by the same guy.
Post
#269133
Topic
MPEG Video Wizard Help
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269133/action/topic#269133
Time
I have a troubleshooting question for everyone. I've been using MPEG Video Wizard for over a year now and it's never given me any significant problems...until now. I have no idea what this cause of this is, but earlier today I could export, and now I can't. Everything else works properly, but as soon as I try to export, the program freezes and I have to CTRL/ALT/DEL it to close. I've made several attempts to work out the problem but as far as I can tell there is no logical reason for this error. Editing gurus, please help!

EDIT: Problem solved...for now. I just left everything alone and came back about ten minutes later and it finally continued on to the export process. It's probbaly just a matter of too many files running all at once. We'll see.
Post
#269075
Topic
***The ADigitalMan non-Star Wars DVD Info and Feedback Thread***
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269075/action/topic#269075
Time
Thanks for the bonus, DAYV. I guess good things come to those who wait afterall.

I like what I've seen from ADM's SR outline, though if there were one more change I could make it would be the deletion of the CGI Superman flying through the clouds at the end. What was that all about? IMO that should have been cut and Superman gone straight from Lois' house to the flyover, with the music timed the way it was in the originals, leading into the Superman March for the credits, not ending abruptly only the start again once the credits roll.
Post
#269074
Topic
Batman Series Edit (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269074/action/topic#269074
Time
While ShiftyEyes makes a valid point, I really don't see how anything could be done about that. May I ask what you did in this area, L&W Fan?

Here's a random thought on the Burton/Schumacher Franchise that may help you as it has me:

It's true there IS a story arc for Batman over the 3 films. Just watch the Bruce/Dick scene in BF where they talk about revenge. It's basically telling you what Batman has gone through thusfar. The major asthetic change from BR to BF is distracting to be sure, but it's still telling the same story. You have to look at it from the perspective of a comic book. Batman: Year One, The Long Halloween, and Dark Victory are all part of a trilogy more or less, but there is a major asthetic change from YO to TLH, because Jeph Loeb takes over to replace Frank Miller. While that change wasn't necessarily for better or for worse, and the change in the movies is generally considered for the worse, it's a larger leap, but it's still the same concept. So for what it's worth, that's how I came to accept BF as the conclusion of the Batman Trilogy.
Post
#269020
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269020/action/topic#269020
Time
An OT.com Convention would be awesome! If only...

TM: I know this is probably a few pages too late, but in regards to Anakin's voice, I would strongly advise making an alternate audio track with Hayden. As you've said, this edit has so much going for it it would be a shame too see it brought down for some by the voice of the main character. Sure Hayden isn't perfect, but as I think someone pointed out, at least people are used to it by now. With all the dialogue changes your edit entails I don't know if a Hayden track would even work, but even if you had to edit a slightly different version of the film to make it work, I really think it would be worth your while.