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Dantha Fodder

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19-May-2005
Last activity
22-Oct-2010
Posts
140

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Post
#261134
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Time
Originally posted by: Trooperman
If people don't seem to mind the end, then I guess I'll leave it.

Remember Trooperman, this is YOUR edit. At the end of the day, make a decision that YOUR happy with, regardless of what anyone (including on these boards) says. Sure, take our advice on board, but your putting your name to this version of the film so as long as its watchable by your standards, that's the most important thing.

I really like the idea of ending with the kiss on the balcony scene; trouble is, I already used part of it as follow-up to the rejection, so it would be repeat footage. Can’t do it. Also, you’re losing Anakin with his golden claw, which is probably an important part to keep.


That's cool. I agree it was cool/poignant to see Anakin with his claw and Padme holding it but is it really that important? I mean we see Anakin in the next film with his golden limb. You could argue this adds greater emphasis to seeing it in ROTS rather than AOTC. Again, its a trade off.

I just have a real problem with the way it was done. In the past, watching AOTC with others, there were just a lot of smirks and laughs at the way this was done (including myself). Maybe it’s just because I’ve seen much, much better. Maybe I just haven’t watched enough recent movies to know any better, I don’t know- maybe it’s fine by modern standards.

To be blunt, I just think it’s really bad, but I guess there’s not much to be done about it. Thank goodness for John Williams for making the scene at least watcheable.


There's nothing wrong with being blunt at all mate. I agree with you. This scene is bad (sorry Marvolo/musicman/C3PX et al). I think the more you watch AOTC, the more there is the risk of becoming (in a way) desensitized to some elements of it (the hopelessly executed romance scenes for example).

I too think it could have been done much better in AOTC and no, modern standards are still higher than what's on offer in Lucas' world. Look at LOTR for subtley/believability in the romance/love scenes. Not so heavily cliched and much more engaging. Any Hollywood/modern day love story is more believable than the tripe we're fed in AOTC. Maybe I've spent too many nights watching chick-flicks with my girlfriend to know that Christensen/Portman's chemistry is severely lacking.

Maybe hit some of your female friends up for advice on this particular element of your edit. While this might seem a crazy hair brained idea, remember distance from a project and fresh eyes (namely audiences who don't frequent SW forums or who aren't as familiar with the films) can offer great insight into something you might have otherwise missed.

Peace.
Post
#260955
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Time
I've repositioned the Naboo kissing scene from earlier in the film to the end of the film in my edit. Ie, a kissing scene replaces the wedding scene (I too disliked the ending and am taking steps to hopefully improve it).

Depending if you've kept the first kissing scene (after they get off that little gondola and Padme tells her lame, "lying on the sand, guess the name of the f***ing birds" story) you could place it at the end instead. There's enough footage there.

I sort of like this as an alternative ending because it isn't as IN YOUR FACE as the wedding ending. Its much more subtle and effective (I think anyway) to have the audience piece it together, ie they get married offscreen, sometime between AOTC and the Clone Wars/ROTS.

The only emotional difference with doing this however, is you lose the dramatic emphasis of them locking lips as the sun sets. The Naboo kissing scene is during the day.

I guess with alot of re-editing decisions, its a toss up. You may lose the emotional impact along with the cringe factor.
Post
#259231
Topic
Another bloody edit of TPM (* unfinished project *)
Time
Originally posted by: Johnny Ringo

You could say the same about Luke.


Surely Luke's story is more believable than Anakins though? A 19 year old (who has had years more life experience and years behind his T16), who with Obi-Wan's help, uses the force to destroy the Death Star vs the brat who is able to blow up ships accidentally as we're shown in TPM?

I guess he does need something to do as he is on Naboo and all but with the material that's available, there ain't much to be done.

The idea of Anakin blowing up the ship but not disabling the droids is an option though. Definitely workable.
Post
#258972
Topic
Another bloody edit of TPM (* unfinished project *)
Time
Originally posted by: Johnny Ringo
But to go with an idea like that, having the ground battles earlier on...would the plotline of anakin disabling the battle droids by taking out the lead federation ship sync up somehow? or be removed?i guess its only important if showing the Gungans as the victors.


It could easily be removed. I quite like this idea, a huge thing to do, bring the battle to the start of the film (ala ESB) but I like it....

Anakin can easily spend the end of the movie "hiding" in the Naboo starfighter after Qui-Gon tells him to stay put. He's only a kid afterall anyway and doesn't belong in the battle. The Maul/Obi/QuiGon fights and Queen/Viceroy fights could quite easily carry the remainder of the film and be pieced together with the Gungan battle cut out/repositioned.

Ambitious! Bloody oathe!

Post
#258970
Topic
Sluggo's Star Wars Trailer Contest *Next contest begins April 25th*
Time
Originally posted by: Sluggo

The Prizes:
-First prize: 50 bucks. (I cleared this with one of the mods, if this is a problem, I'll change it)
-Second prize: A stack of 25 re-writable printable DL DVDR's for your future fun projects (I can provide SL instead if the winner is so inclined)
-Third prize: A stack of printed (with case) Star Wars edits, including the Slumberland prequel trilogy, the ADM prequel trilogy and the OCP Classic Editions.


Hehe, I think 3rd prize sh*ts all over first and second prize (but hey, that's just me).
Post
#258571
Topic
.: The MQG Clip Thread :. (video clips from Star Wars movies with changed music)
Time
Originally posted by: Master Qui-Gon

@Dantha Fodder: The clips with Titanic music are just for playing around. They would never get into a serious edit of ROTS. But there are some people who like those scenes with Titanic music and they told me it makes them wanna cry and I like them too. So, playing around with music from other movies can make it feel different, but not necessarily bad.


Good to hear mate! I guess the Titanic theme makes people want to cry because of the context it was used in Cameron's film, plus it is a very haunting piece. You've gotta admire the Irish for their ability to break your heart through music.
Post
#258397
Topic
.: The MQG Clip Thread :. (video clips from Star Wars movies with changed music)
Time
I don't know about the Titanic music. It just isn't Star Wars.

It definitely helps convey the emotion of those scenes you've added it to Master Qui-Gon, though I'd argue that the Titantic theme as the soundtrack to a dog taking a dump in the park would make for a sad scene

Surely there's a piece of Star Wars music or a John Williams track from another film that will help still drive home that emotion without having to resort to Titantic? Alot of ROTS has some emotive music. Even "Across the Stars" has a certain sadness to it and might make better sense considering Anakin's motivations for turning in the first place.

Maybe try that? Otherwise, LOVE the work you're doing (especially the Jedi Council scene in TPM, excellent!)
Post
#258239
Topic
ESB Dream sequence
Time
Ok, this is going to be harder than I thought.

DE, can you (or anyone else) explain how to use AVI synth to achieve this technique or point me in the right direction?

I use After Effects and do use virtual dub occasionally but have never used AVI synth.

I've just downloaded it but there's no program icon which is suggesting to me, its some sort of plug-in right?

Edit: read the documentation and its about writing scripts huh. How do I write a script that achieves this effect? (p.s. have no experience writing scripts)
Post
#258212
Topic
ESB Dream sequence
Time
Originally posted by: Darth Editous
It looks like it was shot at about 20fps, but the effect that counts is that every frame was tripled. I'd just triple every frame (SelectEvery(1,0,0,0) if you're using AVISynth ) to achieve the same effect.

David


Awesome! Cheers mate! That is very helpful. I don't use AVI synth, but will play around with the tripling (if that is such a word?) of each frame to see what happens.
Post
#258176
Topic
Request: Edits and Xvids - file size limits help
Time
Originally posted by: BigBlueRig
get a friend to download them for you.

you could just have them burn it for you.

burners are like 25 bucks now. not that big a deal.


Burning it isn't a problem. I have a d/l burner. The problem is the torrents take like 2 weeks to d/l. I don't know whether not enough people are seeding it or what, but when I downloaded ADM's ANH, it took way too long for me to try and do it again.

Xvid technology is better suited to file transfer and it isn't that hard to encode edits into avi's for ease of d/l.

I guess I'm just looking to make things easier for people (including myself) and not exclude them from the awesome work being undertaken by many editors on this forum......

Post
#258154
Topic
ESB Dream sequence
Time
The scene in ESB when Luke confronts his fears in the cave on Dagobah, the shots slow down to enhance the drama of the scene.

Does anyone know the frame rate/technique that was used in this part of the scene? (when the Vader 'ghost' emerges and they fight).

I'm particularly interested to try the same thing in my edit, only I can't quite figure out the best way to do it. Its not just slow mo is it?
Post
#258147
Topic
Request: Edits and Xvids - file size limits help
Time

Hi all

With all the worthy editing being undertaken lately, I was wondering if I could put out a call/request to all the budding editors on this forum.

I notice on Myspleen that most of the torrents for completed SW edits are full DVD files (4 gig files). I was wondering if it would be possible for someone (possibly Rikter, as he seems to be the guru! ) to convert them to more manageable/downloadable Xvid files for those of us who would prefer to d/l smaller (ie 600mb) files?

I don’t have the best connection here and I know others will probably be in the same boat. Smaller files would definitely be a way to get your excellent edits out to more people and I know I for one, would be able to d/l them much more easily than their 4 gig counterparts.

So for those near to finishing their work, would you be kind enough to make Xvid versions of your work when hosting them on Myspleen? And for existing edits, can anyone convert them now to get the ball rolling?

I feel like I’m missing out on a tonne of good editing because the files are simply too big.

Thanks

Post
#258028
Topic
Chicktroopers
Time
I have this image in my head now of a kinky Stormtrooper party (kind of like a swingers party) where all the Stormtroopers are doing each other wearing nothing but their helmets!

Hey, if this Chicktrooper is anything to go by, I'd be there in a second!

"Maybe its another drill" suddenly has a WHOLE new meaning. lol
Post
#257795
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Time
I appear to be in the minority when I say this, and Trooperman, please consider this constructive criticism. I am not a troll and definitely appreciate what you're trying to do with your edit.

I actually can't get into the voice. I'm sorry. I find it a bit too jarring and distracting.

I think its the fact, that while the recording is of an excellent quality (I'm thinking you must have a pretty sweet setup there!) I just don't think the voice suits Hayden Christensen.

It also sounds too, 'dubbed' I guess, when compared to the surrounding dialogue (ie Portman's dialogue). The atmosphere/environment of the recording, also doesn't match the scene in which it has been placed. I don't know whether this can be fixed by adding some reverb/other EQ's or something?

Now for the constructive criticism part. I think it may be a little more natural if perhaps the lines were re-recorded by a trained actor. I'm not sure if you've had training in the past, but you might want to put out a call to all budding actors in your local area and conduct auditions for possible candidates (I'm not sure, you may have already considered/done this). I'm pretty certain someone out there, who is training/trained as an actor, could do it for nothing. Heck, you could even post samples of possible candidates on this site and we could vote the one that is the best!

My intention is not diss you or the (otherwise) quality work you're doing mate. I encourage it. I just wanted to give my 2 cents worth. Hope I don't get shot down in flames too much.
Post
#257598
Topic
***The "Darth Editous" Episode IV DVD Info and Feedback Thread*** - a partially "de-specialed" DVD
Time
Originally posted by: Darth Editous
So what are people's biggest problems with the colours in Ep IV? The Tantive IV, obviously, and the first shots of Tatooine, but any other shots that you'd like to see corrected?
DE


Two specific shots really annoy me.

It counts as being on the Tantive IV, when it cuts to a rear shot of the two or three Stormtroopers chasing the Rebel soldiers up the hall way and the scene fills with smoke and dissolves to R2 and 3PO cowering in the door way, preparing to cross the hall. The shot is way too green.

The other is the scene of the twin sun's setting. In the original, the scene was more bright and didn't seem to be too late in the afternoon/evening. However on the 2004 DVD's its way too dark and (I know this may sound a little weird) but it actually effects the emotion of that scene for me. The original brightness/contrast of that shot and the time of day in which it was shot, for some reason has a great nostalgic emotion on me (even in real life). So for me personally, that scene definitely needs fixing.

Post
#257052
Topic
Help Wanted: with my Episode II Edit's Opening Crawl....
Time
Originally posted by: Trooperman
Good ideas.

I addressed the whole problem of the clone army and the mystery in a different way in SOTDS. I did toss the Dex scene and used the Analysis Robot to identify the dart, but it is established through new Mas Amedda dialogue that the Republc already had an army, but it basically wasn't strong enough any more to stand up to such a huge rebel force, and they desperately need a new, better army. Palpatine clears it after getting emergency power, and they all run over to Geonosis (without telling the audience that that's what they're going to do).

I like this.

I just faded to black on this one. People don't usually do that in edits, but the fade to black appears in the original SW several times, actually.


Hehe I know. I use it later in my EPII edit too when Obi-Wan takes off from Coruscant having spoken to Mace. It then fades into the discussion with the new queen. I'm a HUGE fan of the fade outs in the original SW. They're used very effectively.
Post
#256819
Topic
Help Wanted: with my Episode II Edit's Opening Crawl....
Time
Originally posted by: Marvolo This would mean cutting out Zam's meeting with Jango at the beginning, which are completely unneccessary in my oppinion. By not seeing Zam sending the droid to Padme's apartments it would create suspense, because you don't know who is trying to kill padme. Then you find out it is Zam and then she is killed right when you feel that the Jedi have stopped the danger. Hoped the last part about Zam makes sense.

I think I tried removing the scene with Jango and Zam (which I agree is terrible) but there was the problem of what to cut to after Obi and Manakin finish speaking with Padme in her apartment. I know Magnoliafan, in his edit of Episode II cut to the sun setting over Coruscant (from EP1), but I don't want to resort to this unless I can get different enough footage.

I could try manipulating the Coruscant sun set to see if I can make it appear to be a completely different shot.

Originally posted by: Marvolo
CJust make it so Obi-Wan is going to Kamino to check the progress of the clone army, and make sure it is on schedule. When he first arrives at Kamino they ask Obi if he is there to check on their progress, and Lama Su tells him they are on schedule. Also when Obi-wan visits Jango's apartment he sees his armor and recognizes it as the same armor the assasin wore on Couruscant. This would make the meeting of Jango seem like a event that was set up by the force. Because if you remember Qui-gon said some meetings are not by chance. This would simplify things alot.


A creative idea, but not sure if it will work. I don't know if I like the idea of events being 'set up' by the Force. That sort of suggests that all the characters are at the whimsy of this mystical energy field rather than making choices/discovering things of their own accord/misforunate/adventure etc.