DarthAstuart

User Group: Members
Join date: 16-Jun-2005
Last activity: 10-Oct-2005
Posts: 122

Post History

Post: #123128
Topic: George Lucas using co-writers
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123128/action/topic#123128
Time: 14-Jul-2005 1:07 PM

i think the dialogue in episode III is much improved overall, although some of the love stuff is pretty leaden. i guess i attribute that to tom stoppard, although who knows if we'll ever know what he did and what george did. at least in the annotated screenplays book, they actually point out which lines were penned by katz & hyuck.

supposedly, or so i read somewhere, carrie fisher did some kind of polish work on the EpI script, and I think it was in the scenes with Padme. i just googled to find some kind of citation for that, but couldn't.

Post: #123127
Topic: Howard Kazanjian
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123127/action/topic#123127
Time: 14-Jul-2005 12:59 PM

i would never build up kurtz in place of lucas. i'm just saying he played a role in the artistic value of epIV and epV, that you can see the degradation occurring in epVI, and that without him on the prequels, they're horseshit. he is hardly the only reason or the chief reason the prequels are horseshit, but there you go. it's a factor.

i've read all the extant lucas sources but can hardly quote them chapter and verse, so if that means I have to abstain from the discussion, so be it. i will say that the proof is in the pudding--epIV and epV are better than the prequels to me, and there are probably many reasons, but to me one of them has to be the presence of gary kurtz. he works on the movie, it's good. he doesn't, it's not so good. i may not be able to give you three cited examples of what he did or didn't do to make the early movies better, but they are.

there IS, however, at least one telling piece of evidence extant on mccallum NOT exercising any quality control, or at least, it's telling to me. it's when they're editing episode I in "the beginning," the doc on the epI dvd set, and it's clear this is the moment when they should realize they've got a problem on their hands, and only ben burtt actually speaks up and says something. i can't recall exactly what he says, but it's so revealing because it's the only moment I can recall in the modern star wars coverage where someone within lucasfilm admits to anything but the prequels being godly things of beauty rendered from on high by Godhead George.

as to your assertion that the money/production stuff is what a producer is supposed to do, maybe, but there's also been plenty of examples of creative producers who have been involved to a small or great degree in the creative decisions on a film in collaboration with the director, writer, etc. hell, lucas himself is a towering example of this; his hand is all over Empire and Jedi, whether he directed them or not, in more than just a co-writer way.

Post: #123099
Topic: Howard Kazanjian
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123099/action/topic#123099
Time: 14-Jul-2005 9:53 AM

i don't know that it's lucas-bashers coming up with the "latest and greatest" theories on how to bash the guy--it's just that there's so much exhaustive material to use in discussing why the SW films have gone so dramatically downhill with the prequels that there's always something new to talk about.

i'm sure lucas has always gotten his way, but my read of the available materials is that kurtz would stand up to him, and that they did have something much closer to a collaboration artistically than anyone lucas has worked with since. i haven't read the new revenge of the sith making-of book, but i wouldn't call mccallum urging lucas to work on the script an exceptionally aggressive creative move. to me, the guy's still a yes-man. at the very least, my sense of his role is to handle the nuts and bolts and anything lucas doesn't want to do so that lucas can focus on the creative stuff. which is fine, except the creative stuff sucks hardcore lately.

Post: #120303
Topic: My 1997' SE laserdisc transfer set - including extras.... (Released)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120303/action/topic#120303
Time: 1-Jul-2005 6:53 PM

i recall those VHS, and if I recall correctly, there is a separate making-of for each film.

however, i'm sure the version on the LD is just a combination of the three into one featurette. my guess would be that there may be quite subtle differences but nothing substantial.

Post: #120302
Topic: The Annie Angst Thread
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120302/action/topic#120302
Time: 1-Jul-2005 12:51 PM

i personally cannot fault the acting in ROTS; i know many do. for the first time, i think the actors embrace their often heavy-handed dialogue with the same gusto as mark hamill, harrison ford, and the rest in the OT.

Post: #120301
Topic: Did George actually have an "original vision?"
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120301/action/topic#120301
Time: 1-Jul-2005 12:49 PM

well, at least some of the pre-ANH material is out there, right? i've never read it but there's that early draft of "the star wars" from the early seventies that's on many websites. so it's possible to legitimately trace at least some of what lucas knew in those early days.

my personal feeling is that he may have had some sketchy idea of IV-VI, but that the prequels were almost certainly an invention of the mid-nineties. certainly nothing close to the nine-episode saga he claimed was in his brain after the success of "star wars." savvy bit of marketing there, george, claiming you have EIGHT other star wars movies in your head as soon as the first one is a smash hit...but i'm not legitimately buying it.

Post: #120279
Topic: Breakfast
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120279/action/topic#120279
Time: 1-Jul-2005 10:20 AM

i don't know much about pizza stones, but i know pizza's pretty good when you ARE stoned...

Post: #120265
Topic: The Annie Angst Thread
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120265/action/topic#120265
Time: 1-Jul-2005 9:05 AM

my conjecture based on what i've read is that hayden may have had a good performance in him, but that lucas specifically instructed him to dial back the anger and become more the petulant teenager.

haven't they both said stuff to the effect of hayden wanting to be angry bad ass vader in AOTC, but Lucas making him wait until ROTS?

Post: #120264
Topic: Did George actually have an "original vision?"
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/120264/action/topic#120264
Time: 1-Jul-2005 9:02 AM

it's been a while since I read it, but i seem to recall an article from the Official ROTJ magazine (which I had when I was seven and read until it literally fell apart in my hands) where Lawrence Kasdan definitely says the Luke/Leia sister thing came up in story conferences for Jedi. I may have also read something like that in the Annotated Screenplays books.

not sure if the germ of the idea didn't fall into george's brain while on a plane, tho. perhaps whilst joining the mile-high club with linda rondstadt?

Post: #119638
Topic: The Official babyhum Release Thread
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119638/action/topic#119638
Time: 29-Jun-2005 6:35 PM

babyhum, i am drooling! can't wait to get this off the torrent! looks fantastic.

Post: #119594
Topic: Question...
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119594/action/topic#119594
Time: 29-Jun-2005 9:42 AM

i'll buy anything with new worthwhile extras on it...i'm a completist in that regard.

i'm glad I have the 2004 set because it's got a near-complete collection of trailers, some commercials, what I think is a really good making-of doc for the trilogy, and unique commentaries.

as i've said before, it also looks remarkable to my eyes, so i'm happy to watch it alongside my OOT DVDs.

Post: #119593
Topic: Six DVD set to look like this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119593/action/topic#119593
Time: 29-Jun-2005 9:40 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: Anchorhead
Quote
Originally posted by: Darth Simon
How does combining the two really hurt the sales situation...

Because there would only be one thing to buy. If he makes it so there's two things to buy, people will buy both. No matter how similar the two are.

right...i think...or maybe not!

what I'm saying is that the release of ROTS on dvd will by itself be a big media/promo event. as will any future release of the saga on DVD with new extras, etc.

people may buy both, but the media and marketing blitz could be doubled if he releases them separately instead of all at once. it's just better marketing savvy, and if there's one thing LFL can do, it's market.

Post: #119349
Topic: <strong>The Cowclops Transfers (a.k.a. the PCM audio DVD's, Row47 set) Info and Feedback Thread</strong> (Released)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119349/action/topic#119349
Time: 28-Jun-2005 8:57 PM

free dog shit? in the mail?!

but I already own The Phantom Menace!

badum-CHING!

thank you, thank you! i'm here all week. try the veal.

Post: #119346
Topic: <strong>The "ADigitalMan Special Editions" DVD Info and Feedback Thread</strong> (Released)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119346/action/topic#119346
Time: 28-Jun-2005 8:45 PM

i just hope I'm on the pyramid...i THINK i am...got the blanks ready to crank out some copies an' everything...

Post: #119308
Topic: Info & Help: looking for... other ld-rips to dvd movies ex. blade runner int cut, songs of the south, frighteners dir cut - and much much more...
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119308/action/topic#119308
Time: 28-Jun-2005 6:14 PM

elias, congrats on that news!!!

keep us posted...i'd be happy to take on "riding herd" on a project to get either or both versions of this to DVD using the ReverendBeastly(TM) Frighteners template--collect funds, buy LD off ebay, get LD transfered, then resell LD and refund all monies.

i think we'd just need a volunteer to do the actual transfer for a "donation" which, again, i'm happy to contribute to either way.

Post: #119345
Topic: The Prequels - my personal opinion
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119345/action/topic#119345
Time: 28-Jun-2005 2:43 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: Anchorhead
Quote
Originally posted by: Mavimao
Gary Kurtz gave a calm and fruitful balance to George's wild imagination and created history. Without Kurtz, the star wars movies became bloated with commercialization and weak plots.

Excellent point.

+1 million. the lack of anything but mccallum-esque yes men in Lucas' inner circle is to me what has doomed the prequel trilogy to mostly awfulness.

Post: #119307
Topic: STAR WARS in 3-D!
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119307/action/topic#119307
Time: 28-Jun-2005 12:10 PM

i thought it had something to do with the reels of film in the IMAX itself and restrictions on how long they could be...but I can't find citation for that on the web, so file it under "idle speculation."

Post: #119283
Topic: Six DVD set to look like this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119283/action/topic#119283
Time: 28-Jun-2005 10:30 AM

at the end of the day, as crass as this sounds, there is NO way lucas is going to pass up a huge marketing and sales opportunity by combining the DVD release of ROTS (by itself an event) with a new mega boxed set of all six films...especially when the first boxed set will be barely a year old when the new one comes out.

my money's on 2007 for the next Star Wars on DVD release.

Post: #119275
Topic: Empire of Dreams on A&E last night
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119275/action/topic#119275
Time: 28-Jun-2005 9:53 AM

well, the media doesn't portray lucas as the sole "genius" behind the films...lucas does.

BIG difference. there's a reason all the major media pieces on lucas are for the most part gushing: that's how you get access. the LFL PR machine is amazing at using access to control the message. always has been.

also, i don't specifically know that lucas was the man who wrote the unused "i love you, too" response...could have just as easily been Kasdan or Leigh Brackett, right? either way, i'm with kersh: i don't see lucas letting that change go by.

Post: #119274
Topic: Attack on Droid Gunship
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/119274/action/topic#119274
Time: 28-Jun-2005 9:47 AM

no kidding. to me, the most obvious moment where something is missing is when obi-wan and mace are standing back to back in the arena and say absolutely nothing to each other. i used to think it was just a missed opportunity for dialogue or a witty obi-wan one-liner by lucas, but now I see it's a leftover from this larger cut sequence. annoying either way.

Post: #118985
Topic: Info & Help: looking for... other ld-rips to dvd movies ex. blade runner int cut, songs of the south, frighteners dir cut - and much much more...
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/118985/action/topic#118985
Time: 27-Jun-2005 9:14 PM

so if eliasbboy is selling his VHS and trading "up" for an LD version of the Godfather Trilogy 1901-1980, then maybe we can get a "volunteer" to do an LD transfer, and get this out there to the public at large? a la the frighteners directors cut.

i'd gladly pitch in a couple bucks to defer any and all involved costs...including compensating the transferer for his/her time. this is something i would LOVE to have in my collection.

Post: #118975
Topic: Just an idea I thought of a coordinated effort to inform SW forum members of the OOT preservation efforts
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/118975/action/topic#118975
Time: 27-Jun-2005 3:05 PM

if you're not promoting OT.com, then are you promoting the OOT preservation movement? the petition to ask lucas to release the OOT on DVD? all noble causes--i'm just curious which you mean.

Post: #118868
Topic: Just an idea I thought of a coordinated effort to inform SW forum members of the OOT preservation efforts
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/118868/action/topic#118868
Time: 27-Jun-2005 10:29 AM

i also don't think it's wise to draw too much attention to this great site and the many great efforts. technically, it's all very much illegal...at least, as I understand the laws involved.

if you want to raise exposure, I'd consider first reaching out to media who aren't directly tied to LFL. say ainticool.com or cinescape or something...even entertainment weekly. pick some influential writers and mail them copies of the Cowclops or Dr. Gonzo sets, along with a letter or press release or something. that might help stoke the fires.

on the other hand, again you'd have a lot of attention that might ultimately be unwanted....

Post: #118256
Topic: STAR WARS: The Torrents thread
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/118256/action/topic#118256
Time: 25-Jun-2005 2:43 AM

i don't have geordie's star wars yet so i'd love it on myspleen. that'd help a lot. thanks!

Post: #118253
Topic: Why such hate on the OT DVD set?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/118253/action/topic#118253
Time: 24-Jun-2005 8:38 PM

i have a weird relationship with the SEs and the SSE on the DVD, cause some changes I don't mind, others I don't notice, and still others annoy the crap out of me. all things being equal, i'd rather have the OOT on DVD.

BUT to me, having even the SSEs on DVD blew my mind, cause to me, the movies looked so good. i've read posters who say the movies were poorly restored, and i admit I'm no film expert or techie on this score. but when i popped those DVDs in for the first time, they really looked like new movies to me. it was pretty awesome.

and i do think the doc on the set is pretty solid. there should be WAY more extras, but it's a good doc, beefy and with lots of quotes.