Jambe Davdar

User Group: Members
Join date: 13-Dec-2003
Last activity: 23-Apr-2025
Posts: 1,634

Post History

Post: #267604
Topic: ***//BUILDING EMPIRE\\: PAL & NTSC DVD - NEW EDITION NOW ONLINE! ***
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267604/action/topic#267604
Time: 24-Jan-2007 9:20 AM

Originally posted by: DVD-BOY
Out of interest, did you / was there / will there ever be a DL version of this, like there is with RtJ?
I'm assuming you kept a high quality version of the edit

NO, there was never a DL version of 'BE'. Luckily it all fitted perfectly on one SL DVD-R.

'RTJ' runs a bit longer. And I transcoded it with a newer version of 'Compressor' which may have higher bit-rate standards.

JD

Post: #267590
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267590/action/topic#267590
Time: 24-Jan-2007 5:47 AM

Ok, I have finally got round to sending out 10 copies this morning. Some are DL, some are SL. Some of the freebies are Single Layer, but hey, at least you get to see it. And then you can download the DL version at your leisure (when Darth Solo and MoveAlong sort out Demonoid and the newsgroups respectively). The discs don't differ content, only quality.

Meedermow, Babyhum, Marky2004, DarthSolo, MoveAlong, Rebel_1138, Moth3r are among this first batch. I have some more DVDRs arriving this week, so I will post some more of the freebies out then.

I will then tackle the influx of your requests as and when the DVDs that you've sent arrive in the post.

Here's that screenshot for you Klokwerk. And I am glad to wait and see what you come up with for a 'JD Productions' logo.

http://www.zen67493.zen.co.uk/TRJ_final_timeline.jpg

Regards
JD

Post: #267328
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267328/action/topic#267328
Time: 22-Jan-2007 6:22 PM

OK THERE IS A HALT ON ALL REQUEST FOR THIS PROJECT.

I have over 60 requests to burn and ship already.

Hopefully this will get the project out there for people to pay it forward, torrent it, newsgroup it and convert it.

Thanks
JD

Post: #267325
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267325/action/topic#267325
Time: 22-Jan-2007 6:05 PM

I have just had a look on Amazon.com. They sell multi region players for around $40-$80. And they are Philips, Toshiba and Pioneer!

And you wouldn't be buying a new player just for my discs. It would open a whole new world (region) to you!

Just trying to help.

Post: #267314
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267314/action/topic#267314
Time: 22-Jan-2007 5:36 PM

I was merely upset that somebody could call this project unfair. I am doing it for us, the fans and specifically this forum. It's taken me months of hard work and many sacrifices to complete 'RTJ'. Lets remember this is a community. It's not all about taking what you want.

Okay, I would be grateful if we could get things back on topic. If there is any 'BS' to be said, I don't want it in this thread.

As I have said all along, I am sure some kind soul will do an NTSC conversion. I simply don't have the time to educate myself to be able to do it. In the meantime I am grateful for your patience on the subject.

Thanks
JD

Post: #267302
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267302/action/topic#267302
Time: 22-Jan-2007 4:54 PM

MoveAlong is going to cover that base for me. And his copy will be sent out in the morning.

JD

Post: #267296
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267296/action/topic#267296
Time: 22-Jan-2007 4:15 PM

Plus I'd like something NTSC-able so I can show friends at their homes, etc without having to bring a dvd player with me or tell them "Sorry, PAL only unless you have a multi-region player". that doesn't seem fair to me.

Ok, now I AM annoyed (note the lack of smiley winking face this time!)

I have slogged hard to get this project done. I live in a PAL country. I used mostly PAL sources. It is a PAL disc and it is FREE!

And you talk about 'fair'?

That comment was very ungracious of you Kaine.

Post: #267282
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267282/action/topic#267282
Time: 22-Jan-2007 2:47 PM

Originally posted by: Sluggo
Jambe, you should make yourself a logo or something for your productions. Kinda like Garrett has for his flicks.

How about a big shot of my face!

I generally use 'JD Productions' for these projects. Perhaps someone wants to have a go at a logo?

2. By the way I have burned the first Single Layer version and it ain't too shabby!

3. Some of you non-UK-ers are expressing concern about the pre-addressed pre-paid envelopes that I have asked you to send me. So in order make it simpler I have updated the FAQ on page 1.

Q: How can I get a copy?
A: If you email me at jambe dot davdar at gmail I will send you my postal address. You can then send me a blank DL or SL DVD along with a 'pre-paid' self addressed envelope inside for returning the disk.
If you live outside the UK please send two blank DVDs (instead of pre-paying the postage) and I will keep one to cover the cost of postage.

Post: #267259
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267259/action/topic#267259
Time: 22-Jan-2007 12:31 PM

Lovin that cover Ash!

Thanks for everyone's enthusiasm. As you can imagine my PM inbox is full and my gmail inbox is very busy indeed. I will try my best to get this DVD out there as soon as I can.

JD

Post: #267234
Topic: //Star Wars Begins\\: HD Version Now on Vimeo
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267234/action/topic#267234
Time: 22-Jan-2007 10:09 AM

De-Constructing Star Wars?

I just had that very same idea at lunch!

Actually I think it's time to come clean, Zigfried is my father!

Post: #267213
Topic: //Star Wars Begins\\: HD Version Now on Vimeo
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267213/action/topic#267213
Time: 22-Jan-2007 4:58 AM

So far I like:

- Creating Star Wars (simple and to the point. No ambiguity)
- Constructing Star Wars (particularly as 'constructing' is part of the Star Wars vocabulary: - "I see you have constructed a new lightsaber""... begun construction on a new armoured space station" etc)

Other ideas include:

- Shaping Star Wars
- Composing Star Wars (works on a special effects level)
- Assembling Star Wars
- Conceiving Star Wars
- Crafting Star Wars
- Regarding Star Wars
- Producing Star Wars
- Star Wars: A New Spin
- Analysing Star Wars

I may go with one of the above. But I am still thinking.

JD

Post: #267079
Topic: //Star Wars Begins\\: HD Version Now on Vimeo
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/267079/action/topic#267079
Time: 21-Jan-2007 3:34 PM

Actually, I think one of you guys should give it a go!

I find all this fan expectation too much to bear.

JD

Post: #266988
Topic: //Star Wars Begins\\: HD Version Now on Vimeo
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266988/action/topic#266988
Time: 21-Jan-2007 4:21 AM

Thanks for all those over night suggestions. I have never really called Star Wars 'A New Hope'. It has not really sat right with me. To me it's just 'Star Wars'. Which of course makes naming this project all the more difficult.

Inside Star Wars
Looking Back at Star Wars
Starting Star Wars
Star Wars Declared
Deleted Magic

Star Wars Retrospective
Making Star Wars
Filming Star Wars
Returning to Star Wars
Star Wars - A behind the scenes sort of thing, quite like 'Building Empire' and 'Returning to Jedi' but about the first film which is really called a New Hope.

I think that last one has a certain ring to it. Perhaps in it's acronym form - SWABTSSOTQLBEARTJBATFFWIRCANH.

Damn, I am sure I/we can come up with something.

JD

Post: #266897
Topic: //Star Wars Begins\\: HD Version Now on Vimeo
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266897/action/topic#266897
Time: 20-Jan-2007 4:56 PM — Edited 3-Mar-2014 12:02 PM

---------------------------
-STAR WARS BEGINS-
---------------------------
Film Details
Video: PAL 16:9 MPEG2 SL DVD (I may do a DL DVD later)
DVD Release has 'v2.0' during logo sequence and several additions and corrections

(Also released early as a H.264 to contributors)
Audio: AC3 Audio
Duration: 2hrs 18mins (Main Feature)

DVD Special Features
Restored Music Sequences
Concept Crawl
Trailer

<img src="http://c0013618.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_43fa31d" width="640" height="539" />

------------------------------------------

 

PRESS RELEASE: Star Wars Begins – 12th March 2011

Filmmaker Jamie Benning has finally finished his trilogy of documentary-commentaries. This final chapter concentrates on the first Star Wars film. Like his two previous documentaries, Building Empire (2006) and Returning to Jedi (2007), Star Wars Begins is an unofficial look at the creation of the classic movie and features deleted scenes, alternate takes and different angles, bloopers, original on set audio recordings and a huge amount of commentary from cast and crew, culled from every corner of the galaxy.

What’s interesting about the format is that Benning’s documentary is feature-length, and follows the flow of the original movie itself with the deleted scenes added where they would have been, with interviews placed over the top of the action they’re describing. The overall effect is much more engrossing than a DVD commentary track and the wealth of material contained makes it well worth sitting through the entire runtime of 2hrs 18mins.

If you’ve never seen the deleted scenes of Jabba the Hutt or Biggs Darklighter on Tatooine, or heard David Prowse saying Vader’s dialogue, then you will get a real kick out of this. Many reviews and comments have centered on the fact that it’s like watching your favorite movie but from an entirely different perspective.

Benning has obviously invested rather a lot of time and effort into creating this film, and the other two parts of his own trilogy. Lets hope that on the forthcoming Blu-Ray box set LFL will go into as much detail and exude as much love for the subject matter as these films do.

All of Jamie Benning’s Star Wars ‘filmumentaries’ are unofficial. They are all completely non-profit making exercises and are made with respect to copyright and with a genuine affection for the films.

Media Reviews

“It’s nearly two and a half hours of nerd paradise.” Mike Hale, New York Times.

“This is a quality product.” Francine Stock, BBC Radio 4, The Film Programme.

“Quite simply, if you're a Star Wars fan of any kind, this thing is an absolute blast to watch…Readers immediately fell in love with 'Star Wars Begins' after we covered it…” Erik Davis, AOL/Moviefone.com/Cinematical

“Jamie Benning has created a series of Star Wars documentaries that have taken the Internet by storm. With even die-hard Jedis declaring they learnt more from his docs than from 30 years of fandom.” TotalFilm.com

“…One ambitious fan, has taken it upon himself to create individual, extensive and two-hour-plus documentaries for each film.” Buzzlegoose.com“

I don't know how the documentary included with the Star Wars Blu Ray release can top this one.” Swtorstrategies.com

“I haven’t been this impressed by a fan made documentary in…well…ever… he’s crafted a truly amazing doc on the making of Star Wars.” Steve Weintraub, Collider.com

“As Vader would say, ‘Impressive, most impressive’”. Nathan Barry, WiredGeekDad, Wired.com

“I feel like I have failed as a nerd for never having heard of this before… it's unbelievable, and it's unbelievably interesting”. Rob Bricken, ToplessRobot.com

“Frickin Awesome.” Sci-Guys.com

“This ain't no crummy youtube mashup, this is some serious work.” Agentorange, QuietEarth.com

“It acts as a very appetising starter to the main course of Blu-Ray releases out in September” Scott Weller, Star Wars Aficionado Blog

------------------------------

 

Background and further detail

Inspired by a love of the film 'Star Wars' and the idea that audio commentaries could be expanded, Jambe Davdar set out to make what he calls "the ultimate audio/visual commentary". He started the project in February 2007 and finished, nearly four years later, in late January 2011. It was initially released to in late Jan 2011 those who contributed to the project and finally to everyone else in Feb 2011.

Software Used
Final Cut Pro 5.0, DVD Studio Pro 3, A.Pack, Photoshop CS, Cinematize, MPEG Streamclip, Compressor

Project Details
Star Wars Begins is an unofficial commentary to Star Wars, offering an insight into the development and creation of film. The documentary/filmumentary combines video from the movie itself with seen and unseen behind the scenes footage, rare audio from the cast and crew, alternate angles, bloopers, reconstructed scenes, text facts and more to give an in-depth look at the process which brought the film to the big screen.

<div>----------------------------------------
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
----------------------------------------</div>

Q: What did you use to create the project?
A: I used a dual 2GHz G5 Powermac with Final Cut Pro 5, DVD Studio Pro 3, A.Pack, Photoshop CS and Cinematize.

Q: What inspired you to create this project?
A: Firstly a love of the film, but I always thought that audio commentaries could be expanded somewhat to make them Audio and Visual commentaries. And of course Deleted Magic was a big catalyst as were my previous two projects, Building Empire and Returning to Jedi.

Q: How long did it take to make from start to finish?
A: I started in 2007 and finished in January 2011.

Q: What sources did you use?
A: Too many to mention, but there is a condensed list on this page.

Q: How can I get a copy?
A: I am unable to send copies out. My advice is to ask a fellow forum member or download it from a torrent (I am sure someone has uploaded it by now)

Q: Can I send you some money on Paypal to get a copy?
A: Absolutely not! These projects are NOT for sale.

Q: Are there plans for a NTSC version?
A: The NTSC version has been released.

Q: How can I watch a PAL disc in an NTSC country? (see above)
A: Get yourself a new cheapy DVD player, most of them play PAL discs these days. The disc is also region free so your computer's DVD player should play it just fine.

Q: Where can I get a DVD cover for this project?
A: Check the forums thread for some great covers designed by members of this very forum in the coming weeks.

Q: Are there plans for a sequel/prequel?
A: The trilogy is complete. I will not be doing the same for the prequel films.

_____________
Rough Timeline
---------------------
28/02/07 - Imported and transcoded first 26 chapters of Star Wars.
01/03/07 - Integrated (edited in) all video from 'Empire of Dreams' that is relevant to the first 26 chapters of Star Wars. Things are taking shape!
23/03/07 - Integrating WSWRTW and The Making of Star Wars footage. Also begun looking at the Jabba scene , this thing is harder than it looks!
watch this space...
07/08/07 - Title of 'Star Wars Begins' announced.
22/11/07 - 'Star Wars Begins' Trailer released on YouTube
27/11/07 - Wondering if I should call it "Establishing Star Wars".
19/12/07 - Sneak Peak released for Christmas 2007!
11/09/07 - Part 3 Preliminary version is now on youtube
16/03/09 - Parts 4,5,6 now on youtube. Continuing to work on the project...
01/03/10 - Hard drive failure. Massive loss of data. 80% of FCP timeline media lost.
19/04/10 - Drive sent away for hopeful recovery.
2010 > - Drive recovered at cost of £700+. Donations from lovely people cover 1/7th of cost.. Amazing.
18/01/2011 - Reaching final stages. Begun DVD creation process.
Late Jan 2011 - Released as a download for QC Team and those who donated.
Early Feb 2011 - Released to the 'masses'.
Feb 2011- Interviewed by TotalFilm.com, Wired.com and FHM Australia
March 2011 - Interviewed by BBC Radio 4!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------OLDER POSTS-----------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------

This project will be be distinctly different from 'Deleted Magic' continuing in the vein of both 'Building Empire' and 'Returning to Jedi'. In completing my trilogy I will take viewers deep into the making of the first 'Star Wars' film with behind the scenes footage, interviews from the cast and crew, alternate takes, on set audio, rare facts and much more.

I currenlty have the following video resources:

Star Wars 2006 OT DVD, From Star Wars To Jedi, Classic Creature
1997 & 2004 SE, The Making of Star Wars (looking forward to seeing any better transfers), When Star Wars Ruled the World, Deleted Magic*, THX Soundtrack! (anyone fancy doing an NTSC to PAL transcode for me?!)
BBC Omnibus - Flying Solo
BBC Omnibus - A long time ago...
Laserdisc Supplementals
Behind the Masks
The Stars of Star Wars
Unauthorised Story of Star Wars
Rareties 1, 2, 3
From the Film Vaults*
The Holiday Special
Star Wars Forgotten Scenes*
Star Wars Unsung Heros (my copy is partly corrupt, please contact me if you have this, thanks)
Feel the Force
EditDroid Special Features
Peter Cushing Interview
Alec Guiness interview - Parkinson
Widescreen Star Wars Bootleg
Machine Men BBC4
Feel the Force
Sculpting a Galaxy DVD
Time & Again
Magic and the Mystery (UK Version)
PBS’s George Lucas: Heroes, Myths and Magic
Magic Magic CD-ROM/DVD
Behind the Magic
The Making of the SE
Paramount Jabba Footage
Interviews with Star Wars Stars 1998 (youtube)
WTVJ Montage - Star Wars Interviews (youtube)
GMTV Interviews 1997 (youtube)
"THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW" (1977) (youtube)
The making of Star Wars Computer Graphics (youtube)
AFI youtube videos


Books/Magazines
The Art of Star Wars
From Concept to Screen to Collectible
Lucasfilm Archives
Star Wars, The Annotated Screenplays
Star Wars Aficionado
Star Wars Insider - Lost Cut Article
Star Wars Chronicles
Star Wars Portfolio
Starlog Magazine
Photoplay Magazine
The Illustrated Star Wars Universe
Sculpting A Galaxy
The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film

Web Resources
Starwarz.com
T-Bones Star Wars Universe
Originaltrilogy.com
Theforce.net
Rebelscum.com
Youtube.com
Vimeo.com

*= No material will be sourced from this DVD. For research purposes only.

If you have any other resources be they video, audio or in print, please do not hesitate to contact me.

------------------------------------
Posted before project started
------------------------------------
Well, I guess it was inevitable. I am going to do a Star Wars project to complete my trilogy. I don't want to step on the toes of Deleted Magic's creator, so this project will continue the concepts and themes of both 'Building Empire' and 'Returning to Jedi'. I will try to source the best and rarest material and intergrate it into a feature length commentary.

I will not be starting it for a few months (I really need a break after 'Returning to Jedi'), but I need some inspiration to start me off - a title.

I would love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks
JD

Post: #266886
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266886/action/topic#266886
Time: 20-Jan-2007 4:22 PM

Originally posted by: sunday256
Don't blame me too much for being overexcited.

I totally understand!

Post: #266882
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266882/action/topic#266882
Time: 20-Jan-2007 4:19 PM

Originally posted by: sunday256
I'm having trouble finding it on demonoid

Come on sunday256, don't get too excited. Read the thread! I haven't sent it to a single person so far. It won't be up on Demonoid quite yet!

I will be sending copies to MoveAlong and Darth Solo on monday to get things moving.

By the way it looks like public registrations at demonoid and suspended. Membership is by invite only.

JD

Post: #266866
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266866/action/topic#266866
Time: 20-Jan-2007 3:17 PM

Originally posted by: Darth Solo

Might i suggest altering the mail instructions on the 1st page just to clarify to folks that they should a blank disk along with a 'pre-paid' self addressed envilope inside for returning the disk. The last thing you need is to be swamped with disks in the mail and having to pay out to send them back to people.

Agreed. I seem to remember that I spent a small fortune sending discs out last time. First page updated.

Thanks Darth Solo, I will take you up on that Demonoid offer, MoveAlong has the newsgroups covered. Maybe Rikter would put this up on myspleen?

Post: #266860
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266860/action/topic#266860
Time: 20-Jan-2007 2:20 PM

No worries guys. That was a genuine 'wink'.

Here is the link to the covers made by Darth Solo, along with a few of mine.

And here are a couple of menu shots for use in future cover designs (forgive the resolution, they were quick grabs to satisfy your immediate needs)

http://www.zen67493.zen.co.uk/menu123.jpg

And finally some grabs of the final disc.

http://www.zen67493.zen.co.uk/rtk_caps.jpg

Post: #266846
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266846/action/topic#266846
Time: 20-Jan-2007 1:13 PM

Blimey! It's all want want want on here isn't it!

Take a moment to understand what a graft this has been for me (and shower me with gifts if you like). I have sacrificed hours, days, months, years (ok, not years) to get this out to you all. I know you want it, but be patient. In time you will get it (and love it of course).

I will post some links to covers and screenshots when I have had chance to re-introduce myself to my wife and child.

Post: #266835
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266835/action/topic#266835
Time: 20-Jan-2007 12:26 PM

RETURNING TO JEDI is complete!

I burned the first 'final' copy last night after making the corrections required (thanks to my QC guy).

Thanks to everyone who posted, made suggestions, provided material and supported me along the way.

HOORAY!!

Please look a the first post of this thread to find out how to obtain a copy.

JD

Post: #266707
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266707/action/topic#266707
Time: 19-Jan-2007 5:39 PM

Off topic I know - but I was wondering about all those Monty Python BTS documentaries that have been on UK TV over the years.

Anyway, on to more important matters...

Post: #266704
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266704/action/topic#266704
Time: 19-Jan-2007 5:12 PM

Originally posted by: Sluggo
say no more *wink, wink, nudge nudge*

A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat!

Are there any Monty Python preservation projects going on out there?

Post: #266688
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266688/action/topic#266688
Time: 19-Jan-2007 3:48 PM

Originally posted by: Marky2004

Post: #266520
Topic: Celebration Europe
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266520/action/topic#266520
Time: 18-Jan-2007 5:01 PM

Is anyone going to attend Celebration Europe? I fancied going down there with a rucksack full of copies of 'BE' and 'RTJ' and handing them out.

I am not one of those kinds of people that do the 'convention thing'. Bu I thought I would make an exception here.

Let me know if you are going and I will make sure I say hi.

JD

Post: #266517
Topic: //RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC & PAL DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266517/action/topic#266517
Time: 18-Jan-2007 4:55 PM

Originally posted by: What.Cobbler?
I look forward to the possibility a single layer version of this being torrented, as I'm sure the quality (as with OCP's DM and JD's BE, both single-layer) will still be terrific.

The difference with 'RTJ' is that it is 2hrs 27mins long plus extras. I am doing the final encoding as we speak. Tomorrow, I will tell you whether a single layer version is viable.

JD