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SKot

User Group
Members
Join date
3-Apr-2005
Last activity
24-Apr-2024
Posts
931
Web Site
http://www.starwarsholidayspecial.com

Post History

Post
#179646
Topic
Star Wars Holiday Special on Conan
Time
When GL was at Celebration 3, the chance was presented during at least 3 Q&A sessions for people to ask anything they wanted. I wasn't fast enough (curse my metal body!) to the microphone, or I'd have certainly dropped a question about the release of the Holiday Special or the original editions of the films. You had to be lined up before he even came in the room to even have a chance of getting to ask a question.

--SKot
Post
#179576
Topic
Star Wars Holiday Special on Conan
Time
I was not aware of this showing until after it aired, so I missed it. However, people wrote in to the site (www.starwarsholidayspecial.com) to tell me about it. I'm hoping to get hold of a good quality clip of the show so I can host it on the site along with the other multimedia clips. I'm wondering what the source of their HS footage was...

By the way, this is not the first time clips from the HS have been aired on TV in the US since 1978. On the 25th anniversary (Nov. 17th, 2003), FOX News showed a quick clip and talked about it briefly. But this is the first time I know of that it's aired on regular (non-cable) TV since 1978.

--SKot
Post
#154646
Topic
Info: French version of the SW Holiday Special
Time
Originally posted by: Adamwankenobi
What was this different footage the french version used?

No different footage in the French version; just a lot of footage edited out.

Also, what is the exact beginning of the english holiday special? The KCCI version has it opening on the Falcon flying away from Tatooine. I know there are several fan edits that used a tape as source material that didn't record the first few seconds, and the DVD authors attempt to cover this up. But, was this the case as well with the KCCI?


The KCCI version has the correct and complete beginning, as verified by a copy from the master.

--SKot

Post
#154645
Topic
DVD: Return of the Ewok and Other Little Films (Released)
Time
Originally posted by: Adamwankenobi
Originally posted by: skyjedi2005

how come you did'nt use the higher quality footage of fett chasing wicket from the official trilogy release.


I can answer that. Because that portion on the 2004 DVD blooper reel was of an alternate take of that scene. Higher quality, yes. But the goal in this project, I think, was to recreate the film in its original form, even if that meant a sacrifice of quality. For instance, I've noticed that in some sections (ex. the dressing room scenes), SW.com's version had clearer sounding dialogue, but used an alternate soundtrack in the background. In order to recreate the original, this good quality dialogue couldn't be used.


That is quite correct. In order to post the portion of the film that they did, SW.com had make some changes to avoid sticky clearance issues. The makers of "ROTE And Other Little Films" were bound by no such restrictions. Completeness was the main goal in that project.

Of course, the menu gave a perfect opportunity to use the alternate footage. This also explains why it is that Lucasfilm has high-quality footage of a couple shots from ROTE, but not of the entire film: the shots are not the same, and the complete original film version of ROTE remains lost.

BTW: I don't know how many of you have heard, since it hasn't been widely reported at all, but it seems that ROTE director and SW/Indy First Assistant Director David Tomblin just passed away this last August. I found out through a website related to The Prisoner (which he was heavily involved in), since I'm a big fan of that old TV series.

R.I.P., David Tomblin (widely reported as the finest First Assistant Director there ever was). You will be missed.

--SKot
Post
#153909
Topic
Info: French version of the SW Holiday Special
Time
Coming out of reclusion after my move to post, finally...

I've seen the French VHS version show up on eBay a number of times in the past... and I think it always has this same cover. The quality is passable, but not good. Some interesting things about the French version:

- this copy in particular uses some video from another source at the beginning, probably because their original had the intro cut off
- the intro text is in French, and says "Au Temps de La Guerre des Etoiles" (In the Time of Star Wars) instead of "Holiday Special"
- the French version is only 75 minutes long, and they did a remarkable job of trimming most of the worst elements out of the film
- the actors who dubbed the French dialogue for this are the same actors who did the French dubbing for Star Wars, for consistency

There is also a Swedish subtitled version out there with a different cut, and supposedly a Dutch subtitled version as well.
Also, there is an unofficial (fan-created) Spanish subtitled version that occasionally comes up on eBay.

--SKot
Post
#131479
Topic
The Official babyhum Release Thread
Time
Hello babyhum,

On bh006 for the VH1 special, what happened with the raw TiVo footage and extras I sent that you were going to use on the re-release? Is the footage from DigitalFreakNYC actually better quality? You certainly have my blessing to use that instead if that's the case. However, don't forget to include the bonus interviews from the VH1 site I sent you.

Just making sure. I've been looking forward to seeing your final version of this for a while now.

--SKot
Post
#131473
Topic
Star Wars: The Interactive Video Board Game (1996, Parker) (* unfinished project *)
Time
I want to step in here and express my support for the project. This is something I've wanted to do as well for years, but recently had forgotten about it. I do actually have the game and the tape, and I will dig it out when I get back home to my stuff in storage.

I have the ability to capture this as well if it doesn't pan out otherwise.

BTW, they did do a lot as far as making the scenes, sets, and lighting look very authentic in that boardgame video. But one thing they didn't get right (and this always bugs me, they did it in the Special Edition of ANH as well) was the stormtroopers: they have the later version of the armor and helmet rather than the style actually used in ANH. You can tell easily by the wider black 'mouth' area on the helmets.

--SKot
Post
#125198
Topic
Printing out DVD Labels
Time
Let me put in my 2 cents for the Epson R200...

I bought one just recently (it was the direct-to-disc printing that sold me - I've always hated stick-on labels, and the alternative of writing on the disc looks like crap!), and so far I LOVE it. It prints stunning CD and DVD covers when set on the highest quality setting, and the disc printing option is a godsend. Finally I can make my DVDs and CDs look professional and shelf-worthy!

So I give a whole-hearted recommendation for the R200. I paid 99 bucks for mine, and unless mine breaks down in 6 months (which is always possible, I admit), I'm 100% sold on this model. I predict that direct-to-disc printing will take over the market very quickly, one way or another.

--SKot
Post
#120862
Topic
Info: Die Jedi Dogs! - a debunking of C3PO's line in AOTC
Time
Originally posted by: Gillean
There was a bit of discussion on this topic in this thread, where it was basically debunked too.

I can confirm that the Australian DVD 'guards' line isn't true.


Aha... in fact, I had the last word in that thread, too! But I didn't touch on the "Jedi Dogs" line at all, I guess.

I'm still waiting to hear confirmation of any differences (even tiny ones) between the celluloid and digital versions of Revenge Of The Sith. So far, none. Even after they talked it up so much. I can't believe Lucasfilm missed this golden opportunity to draw more people in to see the digital version by adding some little changes, as with AOTC. I specifically didn't go because by all reports it was the same. Had they changed it, I'd have actually driven the 3-4 hours to a digital theater.

--SKot
Post
#120828
Topic
Info: Die Jedi Dogs! - a debunking of C3PO's line in AOTC
Time

I’d like to debunk a little theory that’s been floating around here with the different versions of AOTC…

It’s referenced in particular in this thread here:-

http://www.originaltrilogy.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=9&threadid=801&STARTPAGE=1

and may have originated from IMDB (that bastion of accuracy).
 

The theory says that the line where Threepio’s head on battle droid’s body fires on the Jedi went like this:

Theatrical version - “Die Jedi Scum!”
DVD version - “Die Jedi!”
 

In fact, I’ve just watched both a copy of the theatrical version (non-digital, 35mm) and a copy of the US DVD, and here’s the truth:

Theatrical version: “Die Jedi Dogs!”
DVD version - “Die Jedi Dogs!”
 

It’s the SAME, and it looks like it’s always been the same.

If someone can offer proof to the contrary, step up. Otherwise, I rest my case.

Now, whether or not “dogs” exist in the Star Wars universe is another story…

–SKot

Post
#117574
Topic
“Re-Making Magic DVD” (My Little Project on the CD-ROM “Making Magic”)
Time
A lot of time and effort has been spent (by myself in particular) trying to find a way to extract the video contents from both the "Making Magic" and "Behind The Magic" CDs, but to my knowledge nobody has yet managed to do it. The content is very proprietary, and doesn't correspond to common video formats.

Now, if anybody else has found out differently, by all means let us know. The Cut Scenes group in particular would be very interested.

--SKot
Post
#116376
Topic
Info: Quantity vs Quality Discussion on OT preservation projects
Time
I'm with Rikter on the idea of everything having its own DVD. I like looking up on my shelf and seeing each item with its own spine telling me what it is. I hate having stuff scattered all over various discs so that I forget which one is where. Also, I do want my discs to be a preservation of the best possible quality (within reason) that can be had. I want these to be my *permanent* copies that I watch for enjoyment.

Of course, the single disc idea is for when we're talking about a feature that's at least 45 minutes to an hour long. When babyhum put out Heroes/Villains, they were both combined on one disc. Firstly, they are both short, so quality doesn't suffer when they're put on one disc; and secondly, they really just belong together. Another example of that is the Gonzo "Making Of" discs: two features per disc. That works well, not only because they're all very similar, but also because the first two were released together at one point anyway, and the second two are mostly Jedi so they make a great pair.

Obviously when dealing with commercials, trailers, and short things like that, they will need to be grouped together or on a disc with a main feature. I like them to be grouped in a way that makes sense, either chronologically (they were aired around the same time as the feature), or by subject matter (they somehow relate to the feature, or are similar in some way). Putting a copy of the 1978 Donnie & Marie Star Wars special on a disc with an Episode III trailer and a featurette about the 1997 Special Editions, say, would just not fit. Putting it alongside the Bob Hope Star Wars special and the Richard Pryor Star Wars Bar segment definitely would.

I also like to keep my OT and Prequel-Era material separate. Perhaps it helps me sometimes pretend they're from alternate universes. Even the Special Edition OT stuff is kind of a grey area, and I tend to lump it in with Prequel-Era more often than not. Rule of thumb for me: if it's 70s-80s it goes in one place, and if it's 90s-00s it goes in another.

So I guess my vote is: I'd rather have a not-full DVD with like material on it in high quality than a DVD crammed with stuff that's dissimilar, lower-quality that what's available, or both.

--SKot
Post
#116361
Topic
Ideas for the Revenge of the Sith Fan Edit
Time
I'm not sure if this idea has ever been mentioned, but I'm not going through the whole ROTS thread to find out!

That Vader scream at the end of ROTS that everybody hates: the first thing I thought after hearing it was that the scream of rage sounded far more convincing in the "Vader vs. the Energizer Bunny" commercial where Vader's lightsaber fails and he opens it up to find cheapo batteries!

So, if you want to edit that scene, use the scream out of that commercial. I believe it's even James Earl Jones' voice.

--SKot
Post
#115177
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...
Time
To tell you the truth, for me there's a certain charm in seeing THX-1138 (even Star Wars for that matter) with all of it's filmic blemishes for me. I kind of like the scratches and dirt on film, I guess maybe I'm overly romantic.


Me too, but I like to see my filmic blemishes crystal clear with as little post-transfer compression artifacting and picture softening as possible!

Hence the XO transfer for THX 1138 being a great idea, IMHO.

--SKot
Post
#115110
Topic
The Indiana Jones Project (Released)
Time
Regarding video footage I have: I don't think I have anything other than the two Raiders docs on NTSC VHS, so it looks like I don't have anything to contribute.

I'll certainly be keeping tabs on the project though, and keeping my eye out for anything else.

--SKot

P.S. - Damn Best Buy and their "while supplies last/gone in 30 seconds" bonus DVDs!! I had no idea they even had an Indy bonus disc, and I bought my set from them!

P.P.S. - Double-damn Best Buy for never answering their phones. You'd think they didn't want to make any sales!!
Post
#114340
Topic
DVD: Return of the Ewok and Other Little Films (Released)
Time
Although it hasn't been torrented, Rikter has put together one heck of a musical compilation.
That disc has 1.1G of OGG and MP3 music in its DVD-Rom content,
in addition to the best Holiday Special available (well, equal to RowMan's I guess)


Tell me more about this version... what station did it air on? Is it as dark as RowMan's version?

--SKot
Post
#114074
Topic
Info: A new edit <em>(The Lost Cut - it was a prank; but some good info in here)</em>
Time
Actually, the missing scene it cuts to is either the wipe to the Blockade Runner interior (not filmed yet), or a shot of the landspeeder moving across the desert.

However, that does remind me that the "sparkle" shot of the ships firing on each other is not in the footage included on BTM. Strange. If it was from the Lost Cut, then according to Dr. Reynolds it should be there.

--SKot