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Trooperman

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15-Feb-2005
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15-Jun-2015
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1,406

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Post
#276895
Topic
Return of the Jedi Remixer Boss Edition (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/276895/action/topic#276895
Time
Originally posted by: C3PX
Some of the changes seem really incredible. I think it would be a challenge for the most skilled of editors, but I do not wish to discourage you. I say have at it and see what you can do. At one point people were making fun of trooperman when he first mentioned his plans for Shroud of the Dark Side, now that we have seen some of what he could do we have been very impressed. So, don't let people discourage you, go for it.


Yeah. Now, people are probably laughing because I haven't released it yet....


This is true, though. I had never edited a professional film in my life before SOTDS, but I eventually figured it out by myself. You just need to have talent and a love of film (and necessary resources)
Post
#275652
Topic
Another bloody edit of TPM (* unfinished project *)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/275652/action/topic#275652
Time
Originally posted by: lth
Hello,

I was waiting for TM's Ep2 to come out. It seems to have been delayed somewhat

Also, I'm a lazy bastard. One day I'll knock out a rough cut to storyboard my idea.

Finally, I have a fulltime job and a business on the side. Time is not my friend.

Thanks for the good vibes, anyhoo.


I'm sorry, folks- my computer's been down. The movie is basically done- from here it's a bunch of technicalities: encoding, mixing, subitles, etc...

The cut itself is locked.
Post
#274984
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/274984/action/topic#274984
Time
Originally posted by: klokwerk
I'm not at my PC at the moment so I'm sure someone else will beat me to sending you the fonts.


Actually, nobody beat you to the fonts! If you could do that for me if you get the chance, I'd really appreciate it.

----------

On a side note, I was just looking at the "Reborn" thread and getting very worried. Steve received the following letter from Lucasfilm:



From: Lucasfilm Ltd.

To: Steve

Re: Unauthorized Use of STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks on website:

http://www.myspace.com/starwarsreborn

Gentlemen:

Lucasfilm Ltd. and its affiliated and related entities (collectively "Lucasfilm") are the exclusive owners of all rights in and to the Star Wars films, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Those motion pictures and the characters and unique elements which appear therein (the "STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks") are protected by the copyright and trademark laws of the United States and other nations.

We note that STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks are being posted and distributed on the above website without Lucasfilm's authorization ("Unauthorized Items"). This unauthorized use of STAR WARS Copyrights and Trademarks constitutes copyright infringement, trademark infringement and unfair competition. By this letter, we request that you immediately suspend and/or disable the account of the above website and/or that you immediately remove the Unauthorized Items from the above website.

We further request written assurance that you will comply with this demand. Lucasfilm is the exclusive owner of all relevant rights in and to the Star Wars Films. Pursuant to the DMCA, we have a good faith belief that any items falling into the categories identified above infringe Lucasfilm's copyrights and other intellectual property rights, and are not authorized by Lucasfilm or its agents. I am authorized to act on Lucasfilm's behalf regarding these matters. The information provided in this communication is accurate to the best of my knowledge and is provided under penalty of perjury.

Thank you for your cooperation. Nothing in this letter shall be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any right or remedy possessed by Lucasfilm or any other affected party, all of which are expressly reserved.

Sincerely,

Lucasfilm Ltd., (Antipiracy)

Business Affairs




As Steve said, although the focus is on the copyrighted images, it is more of a warning that Lucasfilm has its eye on this type of thing. I am a bit paranoid and I don't want to get into any trouble with Lucasfilm; I can't afford it.

Don't worry! I'm not saying that this is a dead project. All I'm saying is that I am certainly not going to do a massive sending operation from my home. A Lucasfilm employee gets on, asks for a copy, I send it to him, and I get myself into massive trouble.

Therefore, I would feel more comfortable if this release "slips out" into the community. I will send it to as few people as possible (a very trusted group), and they will take steps to ensure that everyone sees this through PIF and torrents. But after this is done, I'm going to do everything I can to distance myself personally from it to avoid any kind of trouble, because I've not only used Star Wars footage, I've used music from other soundtracks and a couple short clips from other films, and I'm not sure of the legality of that. I really don't want to get in trouble over this.

Over and out,

-TM
Post
#274867
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/274867/action/topic#274867
Time
So TM, anything new to report?

Yes, but I'm kind of reluctant to report it. This time, my HD didn't crash- my whole computer crashed (within a couple days of Adywan's machine crashing, funny enough). This was almost two weeks ago. I've been working on a solution and I think I'll be up and running in the next couple of days. I'm annoyed because I've lost some valuable time and only 1/3 of the film is encoded.

Luckily, I learned from my previous close call and had everything backed up. Everything except... the fonts, which didn't even occur to me. I lost them all.

If anyone could PM me with downloads of any or all of the fonts below, I would appreciate it so much...

-The Univers family
-The "News Gothic" family
-AltGoth3d font (not sure of the exact name- I was using this for subtitles)
-Rikter's bundle of Star Wars fonts (including the "Episode I" font)

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

Artiest: Kings Row
CD Titel: Soundtrack
Order-info: Turning Point ACD 85707
Total Playtime: 0:48:08
Song Nr. Songtitel Time
1. Main title 23:38
2. Finale 24:30


Yes, that's the disc- thanks a lot for the offer, but I think I'll be purchasing it myself for the personal collection. One thing you could do (or anyone else who happens to have this disc) is to listen to the recording and listen to see if that main theme shows up on the recording (besides the 2 minute Main Title). I'm sure it is a recurring theme in the actual soundtrack, but I have no idea which cues they rerecorded for this release.

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


All right, this is pretty depressing, but time for some good news- my FX shots are in. All that remains FXwise is for me to finish the sabers and the credits. TJDavis from the "Reborn" project helped me out on the droid analysis scene (now very different from the original), and Adywan has also contributed a couple of shots near the end of the film- to make Dooku's escape work. I am extremely grateful to both of them. Thank you, guys


Anyway, I should be running again pretty soon, and at that point, I will do my very best to finish the video by the end of THIS month of March. That'll give me over a month to finesse the audio and still leave time for a test screening and final audio tweaks.

Please bear with me,

TM
Post
#273619
Topic
STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 <strong>REVISITED</strong> ADYWAN *<em>1080p HD VERSION NOW IN PRODUCTION</em>
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273619/action/topic#273619
Time
Originally posted by: Marvolo
I still think Lucas is involoved in all these computer craches somehow. Or it could just be paronoia.


You guys aren't going to believe this, but last Sunday my PC crashed as well. Will only start in standby mode. Today I hope to have it up and running again.

Maybe it's just a coincidence....
Post
#272412
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272412/action/topic#272412
Time
Originally posted by: adywan
So, count me in. I'll help as much as i can. but please don't expect miracles, after all my EP IV is the first time i have ever attempted to do any effects and i have no knowledge of 3D effects programs.



We've come to expect miracles from you, Adywan

Thanks so much for the offer, though- really. And only help as much as you can. Anything you can give is great; I don't want you to feel pushed into it.

But this is great news! I nominate Adywan as resident hero at OT.com
Post
#272026
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272026/action/topic#272026
Time
Some excellent Ep. III ideas from Musicman.


ANAKIN
I should have known the Dark Side had the true power!

OBI-WAN
Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil!

ANAKIN
The Jedi are evil!

I really love this exchange. For this and other dialogue suggestions, I'd need to go back and look at Ep. III to find out if and how it would work (and of course we'd need someone that sounded like Ewan McGregor. Better yet- send a copy of SOTDS to Ewan McGregor and actually get HIM to do it! Ha ha. This probably isn't possible, but I think that this exchange would be even better at the beginning of the duel, rather than all the "Only Sith deal in absolutes" and "I will do what I must".

Much more dramatic is to have Anakin choke Padme, Obi-Wan come down from the ship, and then have the exchange.


ANAKIN
I should have known the Dark Side had the true power!

OBI-WAN
Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil!

ANAKIN
The JEDI are evil! (read James Earl Jones style)


Enter dramatic, exciting music (not "Battle of the Heroes", which I felt was rather weak personally) as they throw off their cloaks and begin to fight.

Somehow, there's got to be a way to remove the lava surfing section. And Anakin/Darth does not say things like, "My point of view" during a life or death duel on a lava planet.

It always struck me as odd that that whole time, not once did Obi-Wan even try to ask Anakin what was happening, why he was doing what he was doing.

That's exactly right- that's the basic problem. No emotion whatsoever until Anakin is smoldering on the ground. Someone brought this up in General Discussion a long time ago, and I think it's very true- the duel should have felt like Luke and Han Solo turning against each other. That would've HURT.

-----------

I guess the other question that has to be asked is- why did Anakin go to the Dark Side. Was it all for love, to save Padme based on a 15-second dream? This is pretty stupid because Padme dies at the end of the film, and he still sticks around. I know the line about the Dark Side "dominating" one's destiny once they start down the path, but honestly, it's very weak. I think the better explanation is that he's troubled by the loss of his mother, Obi-Wan is restricting him to the extreme (remember in SOTDS he made Anakin take a vow of celibacy, which he breaks), and here's Palpatine with the Dark Side. Palpatine is not only friendly towards him, he teaches him to be powerful. Using the Dark Side is more fun. It's "quicker and easier", as Yoda said in ESB.

The main problem would be showing that this is the case with the footage given.

And then there's the whole pointless section with General Grievous and Obi-Wan. How to make that all work? It's an interesting challenge.

What a wasted opportunity...
Post
#272022
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/272022/action/topic#272022
Time
Okay, cool. It is slightly expensive for a CD. Is it worth it to you just to listen to?

Yes, I collect soundtracks anyway and I'm a Korngold fan, so might as well buy the disc. Thanks anyway, though.


Trooperman, you are still planning to at least record the dubs for ROTS, right?

Definitely. And it's not as if I'll completely vanish after SOTDS- in fact there are a couple scenes I'd really like to edit myself no matter what happens, because I have very specific ideas (the fight with General Grievous and his bodyguards at the beginning, and the saber duel at the beginning).

Try ebay. I found a copy of the soundtrack on the Australian ebay site for like, $10!

Thanks! I'll check it out.

Those are some great Ep. III ideas, Musicman- I'll post a couple thoughts in the Starkiller Thread.

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

Work continues- working on encoding the video. It's frustrating when you render out a section and there's just one little glitch and you have to go back and do it all over again. It's coming, though.

Oh, and I don't know if I've mentioned this in a while, but I am purposely putting a little grain back into the picture. It's so small that most of the time, you don't even realize what you're seeing, only that the picture is softer, the stars seem to twinkle, etc.
Post
#271348
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271348/action/topic#271348
Time
Hi Savage- Nice to hear you are also following the project! After the long delays, I really can't wait to have it done.

I believe that the original lettering that was used is unknown. I tried to find that info a while ago, but nobody seemed to know. For the 2004 DVD's, it's some variant of News Gothic. I just took my card from Empire of Dreams and scaled it to match the OOT exactly.


Originally posted by: musicman
I trust you have everything backed up...riiight? That would be awesome if after this month you can focus on audio--but don't rush at the expense of quality.

As far as the theme goes, that is a dilemma. Do you have more of the score, or is it just the track from "The Sea Hawk"? I don't hear anything in that track that would match very smoothly as the opening of the end credits, unfortunately. If you can make it work, though, that's fine. At the same time, I do now recall that John Williams had the Rebel Fanfare in the opening of the end credits of the PT, even though it didn't chronologically debut until ROTS, because, in the spirit of the "serial" feel they were going for, the end credits music remained a constant throughout the saga, tying it together in just that little touch. So even with the approach you're going for, I don't think it would be inappropriate to keep the end credits opening the same; it would simply be a matter of preference. Both ways have their merits.


I don't have any more of the King's Row score at this time. I've looked on Amazon, however, and there appears to be a digital recording of a large portion of "King's Row" done in the late 1980's. I'll probably be picking that up soon...
Post
#271052
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271052/action/topic#271052
Time
A couple things that you mentioned in the SOTDS thread is the Maul=Grievous issue and where Sidious will come in. It seems like those would be pretty major things. How are you going to handle that, Trooperman?

I left that issue ambiguous- there is no Grievous scene in SOTDS, mainly because it would require SPFX beyond my abilities and because I don't know how Ep. I and III are being handled yet.

While I'm at it I'll try to find the major plot stuff in the script--in fact, I think there was a rough outline some pages back. I'll look into everything.

There is a script by CC on Erik's Starkiller webpage; ironically I have not yet read it because I haven't been given the password
Post
#271036
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271036/action/topic#271036
Time
I definitely agree that your only focus at the moment should be your version. The biggest thing I could see is reinstating the original Star Wars theme. And that just made me think of something: what is happening for the opening of the end credits? Are you just using the original end credits opening, or are you adapting the Korngold theme for that (perhaps adjusting the pitch...?)

I forgot to consider this- I'm torn as to whether I should just use the original end credits or try to find a cue of the Korngold soundtrack that is appropriate and would blend in with the other Star Wars credit.

----------

My computer is running very slowly right now- trying a few different things and doing some virus scans. However, everything is going according to plan- I'm very happy with the visual look of this film and am working hard and trying to have all video completely encoded by the end of this month, so I can focus on audio....
Post
#271034
Topic
The legendary &quot;Starkiller Ranch&quot; Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271034/action/topic#271034
Time
This is partially my fault- finishing SOTDS earlier I think would really have increased enthusiasm and jump-started the project.

If it's of any help, I can go back over all the notes and discussions I've had and sort of "spot" the movie on my own and chart all ideas that I have for each scene. I need to revisit the script and see some of the notes scoring wise, but I'll probably start on my own and we can work from there. Just to keep all of the ducks in a row on my end.

That'd be great. I personally am confused about what's happening with Ep. I plotwise- there was some discussion of killing off Nute in Ep. I, which would cause a major continuity error in SOTDS (which you'll understand after watching).

I don't know- I can kind of understand why not much work has taken place yet- maybe you want to make sure that SOTDS is not an amateurish piece of garbage before putting in all kinds of time to complete the trilogy.

And you will all find out in April (May at the absolute latest)....

From the SOTDS:

really the bottom line: CC is in charge of Starkiller Ranch, and we need to know where he stands on this.

This is true- however, do not underestimate the power of MTHaslett Storywise, MTH was a HUGE influence during the cutting, and when making Ep. I, I would value his opinion very highly. He's busy lately and doesn't post much publicly, but he's still around.

Post
#269741
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269741/action/topic#269741
Time
Originally posted by: Commander Courage
TM:

I like your suggestion of different versions of SotDS to fit in with whichever version of Star Wars one chooses. Maybe not for for the initial release, but its defintely something to consider in the future. I'd suggest something like this:

-The Trooperman Experience: SotDS exactly as you envisioned it.
-The Trooperman Experience - Christensen Edition: SotDS exacly as you envisioned, only with Hadyen as Anakin.
-The MagnoliaFan Experience: SotDS that ties into MagnoliaFan's Episode I, with Hayden as Anakin, foreign languages for Jar-Jar and the Nemoidians, and the Star Wars Main Theme to start the film.
-The Lucasfilm Experience: SotDS that fits into the offical saga (as well as ADM's), with Hayden as Anakin, the original voices for Jar-Jar and the Nemoidans, and that Star Wars Main Theme to start the film.

The first version is a given, and I would recommend the second be part of the initial release. The third version is really the least "essential" IMO, as it would only tie into another fan editor's work. The fourth would fit into Attack of the Clones as well as ADM's and many other less-drastic edits of Episode II, so it would probably be worth your while. Also, keep in mind every other version of the Saga has its subtitles in the black beneath the picture. I know you expressed a preference for them to be in the frame, but that would certainly set it apart from everything else out there (perhaps that should be reserved for the Trooperman Experiences).

I have no idea how much extra work this would take to accomplish, but those are my suggestions if you want an "all purpose" SotDS that can be viewed with any version of the saga.


That's quite a list, CC

The thing is, once I finish my preferred cut of SOTDS, all of the other cuts you've listed would be pretty easy to do. The question is whether I want all of these alternate versions out there, which (in my opinion), would be quite inferior to the real thing. 3 out of those 4 versions are movies that go against my (and Mark Haslett's) idea of the Anakin character. This is kind of out there, but what if somehow McCallum, Lucas, or any number of other people were to sit down to watch this thing? I wouldn't want them watching the "Lucasfilm experience", or the "MagnoliaFan experience". I would want them watching the version I set out to create. This is kind of an extreme example, but I guess the point is that this has the potential to wind up a lot of different places, and I want to have the satisfaction of knowing that people are watching "my" version, so to speak- the version I put the time into and the version that I am happy with.

Also, I don't want to steal MagnoliaFan's thunder, as he will be releasing his official Ep. II in the near future; I know I brough it up, but on second though it probably wouldn't be the best plan. We have different editing styles anyway...

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

Here's what I think is the best plan: I will release my cut of SOTDS in the next couple months. I MAY include an alternate Hayden track as a surprise, but that's not clear yet.

Then, I will release a dual-layer version with PCM stereo on my version and Dolby Digital commentary.

Then, after a while, I'll see if there's even a demand for anything else. If there is an overpowering cry for a MagnoliaFan compatible version, for example. But what would seem to me to be a better effort would be to work on finishing this trilogy instead of trying to make SOTDS conform to other series. LTH has already offered to do Episode I, but he's going to need some help. At bare minimum, he'll need new Nemodian recordings from Sluggo and Co. and the main title theme from me.

To do Episode III, I will need to do ADR, and we'll also need Nemoidians and stormtrooper actors from SOTDS. Hopefully, another editor will come forward to do this, as I will probably not be able to do another movie on this level. I'll explain more about myself personally after I release SOTDS.

We also need to have a major discussion at some point after the release of SOTDS, about where to go from here, editor-wise and storywise (does Maul=Grievous? Should Sidious be removed from Ep. I? etc.)

After all ANH used the same voice actor for 3 characters (commander on Tantive 4, barkeep & Dodonna) and is glaringy a dubbed voice but i haven't seen many ( if a any) people complain about that.

Wow! Didn't know that. I knew the commander and the bartender were dubbed, but I had no idea that all three were done by the same actor...

But seriously, thanks again to all of you for your comments, ideas, and encouragement. As I continue to encode the video (which I will complete before going through the audio with a fine-toothed comb), it is so exciting for me to watch- even without the audio.

I can't wait for you guys to see this movie.
Post
#269369
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269369/action/topic#269369
Time
Originally posted by: Marvolo
TM, you could release the movie with your dub, and later do a duel layer version with a Hayden track. Or you could release a Hayden track seperately that can be downloaded from here. Just upload the track to Rapidshare or somewhere like that.

This is a good idea. It will not go on the initial release- for the same reason that there'll be no commentary on the initial release. I want pretty good video quality on a single layer disc.

Originally posted by: andy_k_250
I would say it's up to you. I think that if you don't though, someone else will probably try further down the line.


That's pretty much the only reason I would do it- to satisfy these people. Because it would become a whole different movie (and a weaker one). The whole point was that I couldn't create a good, logical movie out of Ep. II with the original source material.

I understand the trepidation regarding the new ADR, but lets see if it's still bothering some people after it's finished and my new takes are mixed back in. Who knows- you might be surprised...
Post
#269087
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/269087/action/topic#269087
Time
Originally posted by: Commander Courage
An OT.com Convention would be awesome! If only...

TM: I know this is probably a few pages too late, but in regards to Anakin's voice, I would strongly advise making an alternate audio track with Hayden. As you've said, this edit has so much going for it it would be a shame too see it brought down for some by the voice of the main character. Sure Hayden isn't perfect, but as I think someone pointed out, at least people are used to it by now. With all the dialogue changes your edit entails I don't know if a Hayden track would even work, but even if you had to edit a slightly different version of the film to make it work, I really think it would be worth your while.


Hey CC!

I haven't seriously gone through every scene and determined for sure that it'll work, but I'm fairly sure that with a little extra effort, I'll be able to include a track with Hayden. The problem is that watching it this way will really weaken the plot of the movie and give the wrong meaning in certain key scenes.

I guess the next question would be- if I'm going to wind up taking up disc space with this alternate audio, then are there any other changes people would want? ACTUALLY....

Reinstating the original Star Wars theme music at the beginning and replacing the voices of Jar-Jar and the aliens (along with Anakin) would create a version of SOTDS that would be technically compatible with the official prequels I and III, the ADM edits, the MagnoliaFan edits (if I used garbled audio for the Nemoidians) and any number of other, already existing edits. In the sad event that the Starkiller project is never finished, this would still fit into any Star Wars library with very few continuity problems.

What do you think? I'll have to give some serious thought to this, because having that option would make this a killer release even though I'm not in love with the idea.

But first I'm finishing the main audio mix. After that, I'll worry about an alternate Hayden track and so forth. Creating an alternate track really would not take up much time at all after I have the real mix completed...
Post
#268823
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/268823/action/topic#268823
Time
I've actually already encoded some sections with the burned in subtitles.

It's kind of a personal thing- for me, subtitles under the picture frame takes me out of it and blares "Not possible in theatres"! I probably would have done it if there was an overwhelming majority that wanted it, but since there wasn't, I'm going with what I like best personally.

As for other languages, I have watched other films to see how they deal with alternate languages when English subtitles are used. The answer is that they put the foreign language track in the lower black bar, and leave the English subtitles as part of the picture frame. Because really, to remove the original subtitles would be to alter the movie.

I want to burn them in because player generated subtitles are typically very bad. And if I burn them in to the lower black bar, then you would have a problem with foreign language subtitles, which I DO want in the lower black bar. Not enough space.

This is what's happening with the opening crawl- I know for the official DVD's they actually created new opening crawls, but that is beyond my means. There will simply be subtitles in the lower black bar.

And finally, if for some reason I or anyone else needed the clean shots without the subtitles burned in, they're sitting right on my PC. They could be easily spliced in with Womble.

I know this is not an official release, but I like to suspend belief and pretend that this is the way it came out in theatres, and that this DVD is simply a representation of that...

Still excited to see this either way.

So am I. I can't wait until it's done, I can't wait to watch it personally with friends, and I really can't wait until all of you guys see it after the long wait...