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InfoDroid

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25-Apr-2005
Last activity
24-Jul-2013
Posts
860

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Post
#171674
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171674/action/topic#171674
Time
Sorry TJ, but my copy of BOTF can't be burned for some reason. It plays fine on my DVD player, but when I pop it into my computer, it doesn't even recognize any information on it. Very odd. PM Bwlag or buy one from Rikter. Unless one of you reading this thread would be nice enough to hook up our editor with a copy of MagFan's edit so he can use it as reference when editing the pod race...

Originally posted by: Commander Courage

Making Anakin intuitively sense Qui-Gon is a Jedi would be a nice touch, but doing so would lose some of the best dialogue in the movie. "Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him./I don't think so. No one can kill a Jedi./I wish that were so." So I'd say leave the fruit stand/lightsaber reveal in.


Glad to have you back, CC. I actually forgot about that dialogue, and you're right, it is important to keep it in there. But I don't think that justifies leaving the Jira scene in. I mean, we don't have to actually SEE Anakin noticing QG's "laser sword". Saying it is enough. We simply assume Anakin caught a glimpse of it as they walked to his house.

That's one of the downfalls of TPM, too much exposition. If they're talking about things we haven't seen or can't see, then it's okay, but when the characters are constantly telling each other about events we've just witnessed, then what's the point? It comes off as stale and shallow. So, in that sense, cutting the Jira part might even help that part of the dinner scene.

Right or wrong?


--ID

Post
#171503
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171503/action/topic#171503
Time
MTH: He's bullied by Sebulba in more than one scene before the race. He's a slave to Watto who treats him like crap. His friends make fun of him, telling him he's going to be "bug squat" or whatever. That sort of treatment causes a great deal of anger in a person. He's happy to be helping people and racing again so he can feel a sense of approval from someone other than his mother.

I don't think it diminishes his ability at all. He plays fair through the whole race. But after Sebulba sabotages his pod, ambushes him, uses flame throwers and everything else, I don't think we can blame him for finally defending himself at the very end. And again, it would be more of a reflex, an unintentional burst of power that just happens to seal the deal for him after it's clear Sebulba wasn't looking for a fair race. QG may sense it, but figure it can be dealt with later in his training. The boy's abilities become extremely apparent, instead of just a vague "feeling" QG has.

Remember, he's lost all the other races he's been in. He may be a good pilot, but it's his use of the Force that will put him over the top this time. More importantly, what Anakin learns from winning the race is a very dangerous thing, that he can control his destiny and others' by using his power even when he knows he shouldn't do it -- An echo of what's to come later, when he wants to control other things in his life, but his powers aren't enough.

That's my opinion right now anyway. Feel free to convince me otherwise.

--InfoDroid
Post
#171496
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171496/action/topic#171496
Time
MTH, I'll need to watch BotF again closely to give my opinion. I remember liking it a lot better than the original, but I still think it might need to be streamlined a little bit. I'll get back to you on that.

I understand what you're saying about Anakin, and you're right, the characters are supposed to act differently. But, ultimately, it's about the same person with the same powers making different choices. We wouldn't want him riding down the track throwing people into walls indiscriminantly. But like Olzen said, it could be done in a way which is more like a reflex, a spike of anger lashing out. Yes Anakin is good, but he's still an angry, trapped, and bullied little boy with an enormous of power he doesn't really know what to do with, plus Sebulba's been trying to kill him the entire time. IF we do it, it should only be once, and it should be against Sebulba at the end of the race, and it should seem as though Anakin is desperately cornered and has no other option.

Thoughts, MTH? Should we do it? Or are you vehemently against it?
Post
#171480
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171480/action/topic#171480
Time
Excellent, darthpreston! I'm glad MTH likes it too.

I love the cutting out of Jira and the fact it makes Anakin's intuition seem stronger by cutting out the part with QG's saber. The scene with Jar-Jar and Sebulba has always been horrible, but it's very, very tricky to cut around. If you cut the confrontation, then Anakin appears out of nowhere, and if you just cut the beginning then it might not make sense why Sebulba just jumps up and starts hitting Jar-Jar, considering he's probably never seen a Gungan. UNLESS, we make the subtitles say "I hate Gungans!" Who knows? Maybe he has met Gungans in the past, maybe they screwed him over somehow. That could work.

Regarding the pod race, if you guys can figure out how to make it flow better visually, I promise I won't disappoint musically. I have several things in mind. The problem with the race now is that it's so exhausting, it takes forever. If the focus is put only on Anakin and Sebulba and the actions they take, then it should seem faster, clearer and more exiting. No pit droid stops, no shots of superfluous racers crashing into walls unless propelled by Anakin or Sebulba.

Here's an idea, I'm not sure if it'll be well-received, but I always wondered, if Yoda says lifting objects with the Force is not about size and weight (meaning you can lift an X-Wing as easily as you can lift a rock), then why didn't Anakin use his power to steer or Force-push some of those other pods out of his way (and out of the race)? Vader would've done it. Focus on Sebulba using dirty tricks and Anakin using the Force, keep cool stuff like the Tuskens and the Jawas, but cut all the superfluous stuff out (including Jabba, right MTH?). And do we really need a two-headed commentator? I vote for getting rid of the commentator all together, or dubbing him with a different language and subtitling him. He's just too annoying and cartoonish.

And regarding your C-3PO idea, darthpreston, I'm in 100% agreement. I always hated his sickeningly sweet demeanor in all three prequels. He's MUCH funnier when he's bitching. "They'll never get me onto one of those dreadful starships" is about the only thing worth saving. If anyone knows where I can still get a copy of the radio dramas, or other sources of 3PO dialogue, please let me know. I know there's a lot out there.

Erik, I'm not sure about the telepathy in II and III, you'll have to talk to Trooperman about that. I'd support it. The place you propose would be a perfect place, looking out the window of the Jedi Temple.

Thanks for the comments, Andij!

--InfoDroid
Post
#171355
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171355/action/topic#171355
Time
Thanks for the contribution, Tweaker. Yours is an interesting perspective, considering we're trying to elevate this version of Episode I not only up to OT-quality, but also just "Damn Good Movie"-quality. Like Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, or The Godfather.

So, it's good to have that "casual fan's" objective, outsider's opinion. It's very important for us who are die-hards to not take certain story elements for granted simply because we immerse ourselves in it and expect everyone else in the world to do the same. This episode above any of the others should be targeted at a first-time viewer who has never seen Star Wars before or has a limited knowledge of it. My point being, things should be overt on screen. A viewer shouldn't have to read a novel by James Luceno to understand what's going on.

I think so far, with MTH's writing, we're accomplishing that. So, thanks again Tweaker. I'm glad you liked the idea, and feel welcome to comment further in the future.

I also want to say to everyone who reads this thread regularly: MTH has been very busy lately and doesn't mind getting a little help with the script. If you'd like to post a speculative version of the next chunk of the screenplay (picking up where MTH left off) then please post it on this thread. The rest of us can take a look at it and decide whether or not to use it. I hope by now everyone has a pretty good idea of where we're going with this.

Thanks, Guys. Keep the ideas flowing. This is "The Ranch", after all.

--InfoDroid
Post
#171351
Topic
Info Wanted: Best Phantom Menace Fan Edit
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171351/action/topic#171351
Time
As far as existing edits, I'm a big fan of MagFan's because it uses the subtitled Neimoidians and Gungans to add a whole new dynamic to the story. Cleverly layers the film with new slavery-related themes and subtext. The only downsides are the picture quality and the dubbing of the aliens. The voices are constructed out of a reversed Spanish language track which is often annoying. Very enjoyable to watch, though not what I'd consider the definitive version of TPM.

ADigitalMan's edit is far more conservative and is the version I've replaced my official Lucasfilm DVD's with (along with his five other edits of the saga). It's basically Lucas' vision of TPM as you want to remember it. It retains most of Lucas' original vision, without the fart jokes, out of place dialogue, and preposterous, riot-inciting ideas like "Midichlorians". The picture quality is fantastic, but not a lot of license is taken with the story by ADM. The Neimoidians remain unimproved and Jar-Jar is still in it a little more than I'd hoped he'd be, but the slap-stick stuff has been greatly reduced all around. To me, the theatrical/official DVD version of TPM was unwatchable. ADM has elevated it to watchable status without being truly great (as TPM should have been). In a nutshell, it's "TPM: Less Cringe-worthy Edition".

Those are, without doubt, the two best existing edits.

If you're looking for something a little more radical and intrusive, I'm actually right in the middle of working on one over at "The Starkiller Ranch" thread. Of course, we're aiming for it to be the best yet, but you'll have to decide that yourself. We're intervening to make the prequels more true to the style of the OT, and over time we'll be working on all six episodes with the goal of melding them into a clear, concise, and satisfying whole. Each scene is being pulled apart, deeply analyzed and then reconstructed to acheive the best dramatic and cinematic result. Story dynamics are being changed. Neimoidians and Gungans are being dubbed in a genuine alien language performed by voice actors. New special effects and new music are being introduced, in fact most of the soundtrack is being rebuilt from the ground up. I can't even describe everything that's being put into this. It's a total re-imagining.

For more info on Episode I, check out the "Starkiller Ranch Complete Saga" thread. And for info on Episode II, check out Trooperman's "Shroud of the Dark Side" thread.

In any case, I hope you find what you're looking for.

--InfoDroid
Post
#171330
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/171330/action/topic#171330
Time
Hey Guys!

Sorry I've been out of touch for the last few days. My computer was being worked on. But, I'm back and ready to get to work.

I've read the latest script, MTH, and I've seen TJ's edit of it. And I'm very excited about how this scene has turned out! Excellent work, once again! Most impressive...

To answer Erik's concern, my opinion is that the "Force talk" works on a multitude of levels.

1) It emphasizes the "special connection" that he immediately has with Padme. It's almost as if it's always been there, from the beginning of time. It's destiny ripening into reality within that very moment -- their meeting in Watto's shop is like a stone being dropped into a pond, radiating ripples from it which will effect the future of the entire galaxy.

Maybe he's used telepathy before with his mother, which is why she's so confident of his power. Maybe it only works on certain people, or people he has a strong connection with. One would immediately ask why he didn't use it on Watto, but as we find out later in the scene, Toydarians are immune to mind tricks.

2) The second reason the idea works is that it establishes a link from Jake Lloyd to the character of Darth Vader. We've all seen Vader talking telepathically to Luke, it will seem only natural to see Anakin doing the same, while stengthening the connection between our seperate perceptions of both of those characters. And for first-time viewers it will have the same effect, just in opposite order as they get deeper into the saga, reminding the viewer that the guy in the suit is still "that little boy we met on Tattooine", adding a new layer of subtext to that scene in ESB, reminding us of his meeting with Padme and the consequences that followed, causing the scene to be even more powerful than it already is. IMO, the more Vader behavior we can give to Anakin, the better. Without going overboard, of course.

and 3) In a small way, it improves the horribly stilted performance of Jake Lloyd, which I think is reason enough alone to go through with it.

So, I think we can say for sure it's gonna stay, barring any technical problems, of course.

I picked up the "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "War of the Worlds" soundtracks and I'm combing them for usable material. I was happy to see John Williams just won a Golden Globe for "Memoirs" the other night for Best Score for a Motion Picture. There's a track I think I might like to use for Palpatine's talk with Amidala on Coruscant. It's a piece which sounds a lot like the "I'm appointing you to be my personal representative on the Jedi Council" scene from ROTS. I also have some ideas for the senate scene as well. You'll hear it when we get to that point in the script.

That's about all for now. Talk to you later, Guys.

--InfoDroid

Wishing we could skip the pod race and go right into Coruscant...
Post
#170391
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/170391/action/topic#170391
Time
Great find, Olzen! I listened to the main theme and a couple other tracks and I LOVE it! It definitely may find a place in our project. If you come across anything else like this, please let me know.

RE: Shadows of the Empire, it's a CD I've been listening to regularly since it was first released, TEN years ago (god, I'm getting old). I'm a big fan of the whole CD, but in particular the final track, "The Destruction of Xizor's Palace". I think it could (possibly) work well for the ending of Episode I. Right now I'm thinking of seeing how it works during the final battle, because that piece carries with it so much scope. "Night Skies" is also a favorite of mine.

At the suggestion of Commander Courage, I'm also thinking of using some of "The Battle of Gall" for when Qui-Gon is trying to lightsaber Nute's blast doors open. We'll see how it works.


--InfoDroid
Post
#170270
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/170270/action/topic#170270
Time
Originally posted by: Trooperman
Actually, putting Dooku into the funeral really would be perfect. If that were at all possible, that's what I would choose. I'm just a little confused of the logistics of a new speaking role in the Council. But if it works, that's fantastic.

I know some of you are skeptical (as you've been with EVERY change we've suggested in this thread), but I won't comment anymore on Dooku until I have something to show you. You can then judge for yourselves, once you've seen it in action and in the right context.

Also know that I'm working on getting hold of the full-screen DVD now. When that happens, I'll be able to upload all the CFSS shots you need in anamorphic widescreen (once these are decided upon).


Wow, you have been away for a while, TM! I finally bought the fool-screen version of TPM and mailed it to TJDavis1138, who is the primary editor on this project now. Which brings me to...

And Dan, the plan is to....

-Redub the Nemoidians, Jar-Jar, Boss Nass and so on with new human voice actors. They're subtitled.
-Cropping and recoloring to improve cinematography
-Redone soundtrack
-MTH and others are working on the script, InfoDroid's doing the bulk of the work, and I'm doing a final pass before release to ensure consistency.


All true, except for InfoDroid doing the bulk of the work (that's been slightly changed).

MTHaslett is our writer/editing supervisor,
Commander Courage is our... our Quality-Control Expert ,
TJDavis1138 is our chief editor on the film (and also getting real good at special effects! ),
then he's passing it to me to do the music and sound effects.
Meanwhile, I'm also filling a producer-type role by lining up all the talent behind the scenes. lol
And Trooperman, you're of course our "Spiritual Guide". Kind of like the ghost of Ben, you're not always there at the opportune time, but you always come back at important moments to guide our path.

There's a few other important people helping us out along the way. Cool people like ErikStormtrooper (web hosting), Darth Milarc (vocal talent), and Draconis Livingston (special effects), with more volunteering as the weeks go by. Hopefully we can get Mask on board and a few other people who want to help out.

I'm using that "stone soup" mentality which says that alone you have your imagination and not much else, but if you can get everybody to each bring just a little bit to the pot, then you can make something better than you ever thought was possible.


--InfoDroid
Post
#170262
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/170262/action/topic#170262
Time
NICE! This is what we need to see, Trooperman!

Great job on that chase, feels like a whole different scene! And that arrangement of the Asteroid Chase music, sounds excellent.

The coloration looks good.

One suggestion about the Raiders clip in the Zam scene... I like it, but it may be too recognizable. Most people are as familiar with Raiders as they are with the original Star Wars. Maybe you can keep it, but tweak it a bit, because it does work well in that scene dramatically.

Anyway, amazing work! Seeing this builds a lot of excitement. Can't wait to see it!


--InfoDroid
Post
#169965
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/169965/action/topic#169965
Time
Very deep voice? You know, we still need a Boss Nass. Of course it would be in alien dialogue.

Two questions: Do you have the capability to record? And are you willing to do it?

And that goes for anybody else too. We still have a lot of voices to fill and a lot of work to do to hit our May 25th release date. If you feel you can really bring something to the table, with vocal work, or special effects, or even creating a sample DVD cover we'd love for you to get involved. Just PM me with the details of how you'd like to help, and I'll try to find a place for you.

Thanks a lot guys!


--InfoDroid
Post
#169857
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/169857/action/topic#169857
Time
Sorry, Erik & everyone else. Sorry for neglecting this thread lately.

I assure you, we're all hard at work behind the scenes. We're up to the Mos Espa landing in the rough cut. We've run into a small snag with how to explain Padme's departure, but we're working through it.

Meanwhile, I've picked up John Williams' new "Munich" soundtrack and I'm combing it for useable tracks. Has anyone heard "Memoirs of a Geisha"? I had no idea that was Williams until a couple days ago. Wondering if there are some Star Wars possibilities.

I recently asked a very talented voice actor named Jeff Vitkuske aka Darth Milarc ("Memoirs of a Jedi" fan audio @ theforce.net) to record the voice for Nute Gunray. It turned out great! He really did an outstanding job. He based it on "The Passion" dialogue from the test clip, and it's very close (if not better). The language is based on Dha Werda Verda, an alien poem created by Ben Burtt from the liner notes of the "Shadows of the Empire" soundtrack. Only, without the familiar words from the Passion like "Allah" and "Yeshua" people were complaining about. The other good part about making an original recording is the inclusion of proper names like "Jedi" and "Amidala", which were not possible before. I think you'll all be pleased with the result. Thanks again, Jeff!

MTH and I are now in the process of finalizing the opening crawl. I'm also working closely with a special-effects guy who is doing some preliminary Dooku stuff for me. We're testing the boundaries of what is and isn't possible as far as compositing Christopher Lee into Episode I. Stage one is to replace Eeth Koth (the guy with the little horns) in the background of the Jedi council with a slightly younger version of Christopher Lee. If it turns out good, then we'll develop the concept and try to push it further into a speaking role, but if it isn't, then we'll drop it altogether.

I'll keep you updated as new info becomes available.

Thanks to all of you who follow this thread.

--InfoDroid

Post
#168871
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/168871/action/topic#168871
Time
No need to feature such minor characters as Anakin, Yoda and Obi-Wan. I was thinking more along the lines of having 5 full minutes of Lando's "booty dance" all the way through "Light of the Force".

If we really wanted to throw the old characters a bone we could also cut in Yoda's ghost doing the hip-hop dance found as an extra on the ROTS DVD. Only a little color correction and rotoscoping would be necessary. And maybe some digital ewoks doing "the macarena" in the background.

God, it would be great. Such a fitting end to the saga.
Post
#167991
Topic
Vegas and 5.1 audio mixing
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/167991/action/topic#167991
Time
Speaking of Vegas, I just bought it last night, but after installation I couldn't get the program to open. The opening screen just freezes. I have a feeling this is due to an incompatibility with my 64-bit processor and OS.

Is anyone else running Vegas on a 64-bit system? Do they have a patch or a driver I can download?

I've e-mailed Sony tech support, but you know how that is. Just thought someone on the boards might know. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!