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Trooperman

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15-Feb-2005
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15-Jun-2015
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Post
#161697
Topic
Idea: Original version of 'Vertigo'?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/161697/action/topic#161697
Time

You all probably know that there was a “restoration” done of Vertigo which involved tossing all the old sound effects and foaley recordings in favor of newly recorded ones. The entire mix was redone with the stereo soundtrack recordings, and the picture was restored. The picture is fabulous on the DVD, but the lack of the original mono is not. I realise that a DVD has come out recently with a very “scratchy” copy of the original mono, but…

After looking into it a bit, I discovered that the restoration was done in the early nineties; therefore, there are laserdiscs floating around with the original mono mix. Maybe even a better-quality version of it. If someone had the LD, they could either rip this mix and synch it to the DVD picture or just do a straight capture of the LD to preserve it.

I bring this up because, unless I’m mistaken, this LD has never been transferred to DVD, and Vertigo is a great movie. Even if nobody has it (or if the quality of the mono turns out to be the same), I think it’d be interesting to discuss…

Post
#161623
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/161623/action/topic#161623
Time
Citizen hasn't gotten back to me about the Blade Runner footage. I guess he's busy....

I see that we have some mixed feelings about a new love theme.

It made me feel I was watching some old Cary Grant movie

That's very understandable; as I said, I swiped that awful quality recording from "Laura", a movie from that era.

InfoDroid- thanks so much for that recording! I love it- very romantic. That would make a good cue for the balcony scene. By the way, that other email you sent me didn't contain an attachment (just to let you know).

But I believe the romance beat here should be the dominant feeling.

And that's what I was trying to get at, seeing as this is the first time they've kissed. It's almost a climax of the movie. So the following shots I don't think should be scored with scary music- I think they should be scored with the love theme, whatever it happens to be.

You are a music wiz-- I bet you intend to create a piece for this scene that doesn't quite use the full Laura theme?

Ha ha- not quite. I don't have the $$ to do that with orchestra for a personal project. The alternative would be MIDI, which I hate.

If you guys want to go the the trouble of totally replacing the perfectly acceptable love theme of Episodes II and III, that's just more work for you.

Well...not really, because the love theme only comes in on the scenes that I'm redoing the sound mix on anyway (dubbing Anakin). So it'd actually be a very easy switch. So easy, in fact, that two versions may be possible. (Oh, no- I'm falling into the Lucas trap! Next thing you know, I'll have a six track mix, a stereo mix, and a mono mix, all different...)

Regarding subtitles: The subtitles in the original SW trilogy were burned in to the picture frame. They did not fade in and out. This was changed for the Def. Coll. and the Faces release. Now, the original prequels had subtitles in the frame that faded in and out. I liked this a lot. So I was leaning more towards burned in subtitles that fade in and out (in a different font from the clip I posted- that was a random font). But if there's a compelling reason not to, I'm open.

"The battle can be won..." - That's a great quote! Unfortunately, I'm not paying for cable right now and I can't tape it, which is a shame.

"You never agree with ANYTHING!!!"

Ha ha- you know what, though? I like CC. I like all of you guys. Our different personalities and the checks and balances we have here make for excellent collaboration. I'm so happy I'm here. Oh, and it just occured to me...the comment was made, "Wouldn't it be nice if Episodes I and II were released at the same time?" Yeah, that scenario would it nice More time to work is good....
Post
#161609
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/161609/action/topic#161609
Time
I know someone suggested in another thread about it not having any subtitle, just "Star Wars Episode I". I'm not sure how I feel about that, though I'm not completely opposed to the idea.

That was me


I think you're right that Episode I is the place to start. Trooperman did say ROTJ would take less time, and I optimistically took that to mean something impossible, like he'd do it right away. Not likely is it?

Well, I think it might be good to wait until a little later, because....

1. The Moth3r, Ocpmovie, or Citizen versions of Return of the Jedi are not out yet.
2. I'm working on the other movie
3. I need to buy the 2004 DVD set

I would probably be against adding more ghosts to Return of the Jedi. I also like Sebastian Shaw as Anakin, because I think Hayden's image completely destroys the point of the saga. But I'm getting very excited about editing ROTJ based on the ideas offered here.

InfoDroid, that's a really great idea, using the dialogue from The Passion! I haven't checked it out yet (darned dial-up) but I'll see if I can check it out tomorrow. I'm interested because this would definitely have a direct effect on Shroud of the Dark Side.

I haven't read this whole thread yet, but I'll try to do so.

I'm starting to get excited about this.

Me, too. This thing completely exploded in a couple of days. I wish I had known all of you were so interested in doing this; I'd have brought it up sooner.

-TM

PS: "Hidden Valley Edit"? You have my bad sense of humour
Post
#161014
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/161014/action/topic#161014
Time
Hi, everyone! I’m sorry for my amazing lack of input on this project- when I get some more time, I will definitely drop some suggestions. In the meantime…

I would agree with the people warning against “de-aging” these movies. If it were me, I would use as much footage from the original as possible (the original establishing shot of Ben’s hut, no stupid looking Star Trek explosions, the original aliens in the cantina, no “funny” droid antics in Mos Eisley, no rontos, no little droids hovering around the stormtroopers and distracting you from the dialogue…the list goes on and on).

InfoDroid- we also need to figure out what we’re doing for subtitles so that we are consistent.

And finally, Commander Courage, those ideas for ROTJ are incredible! If MTH wants to have a go at it, great, but otherwise I’d really like this project to do myself, in full knowledge that I could go back and watch the original if I wanted. If this was done properly with a good style to it, this could be phenomenal. I LOVE how Luke has been continuing his training with Yoda- I never liked the way that Luke suddenly “became” a Jedi in between TESB and ROTJ with no training. Also, this covers Yoda’s extremely implausible death just as Luke shows up. I suppose it would be assumed that Yoda never told Luke the truth when he returned, and that he was just now telling him because of his death. And Luke is confronted with the knowledge that Vader is his father at the beginning of the movie, giving him more time to stew over it and think about his father. The crawl could use a little work, though. I also like the Emperor’s arrival pushed ahead in the movie. It does work well with Ben’s last line. I’m LOVING this, honestly. And another thing to remember is that if I did this, it would come out a LOT quicker than SOTDS. No manipulating the colors, no dubbing, no rethinking of the story, etc. etc.

But I still won’t touch Star Wars and Empire. I’m not going to give many suggestions on that, as they would mostly be “Don’t do that” and “Leave that the way it is” and so on, and then I probably wouldn’t even watch them. One thing I will say, though, is that I really hope you don’t tamper with the “I am your father” scene in Empire, and the Obi-Wan stuff. I really don’t have a problem with it, and I can sympathize with Obi-Wan. The line change, “I wanted you to have this when you were old enough” I would encourage, though. Then, I would try to work in some Yoda dialogue at the end of Episode III (as CC suggested) that would rationalize Obi-Wan’s holding back the truth from Luke.

But making Ben tell Luke on Tatooine or on Dagobah could not be edited naturally, and I think it would create too many fundamental problems. More later on why it won’t work… (not to sound pessimistic)

But I wish you all luck creating a timeline and a story flow. Perhaps we’ll eventually get to a backstory for the Jedi/Sith relationship (before Episode I).

Post
#161009
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/161009/action/topic#161009
Time
Hi, everyone- I'm sorry for my negligence in keeping you updated-just trying to get things moving on my end.

I haven’t seen “The Island,” but it being about cloning perhaps Ewan has some dialogue that would be applicable in this scene?

Huh- I haven't seen it either, but maybe I need to check it out.

Quick question for trooperman: Is there going to be a music theme for Jango Fett? I always thought that his presence demanded it's own musical cue, considering he has soo much action and screen time. AOTC only offers chopped up "action" music. Just curious.

I'm going to incorporate the bassoon motif into the talk between Obi-Wan and Jango, as InfoDroid suggested. As for the fist fight on Kamino, we could do something like this...Jango/Obi-Wan short clip

Now, before you all ask, that IS the same "Here They Come" cue from Star Wars. I think it's acceptable, however, because...

1. It was used in Return of the Jedi. Using it in SOTDS would make the cue show up in 2, 4, and 6.
2. I'm using a different performance of the piece
3. I've changed the key


And I’m sorry, MTH- I WILL use your terrific suggestions you posted a while back. Over Christmas and New Years, I am making a complete guide to myself based on my notes and this thread, and things will start becoming a lot clearer. Also, DarthPreston, I will be releasing a trailer- just not yet, because a lot of the things I would want to show to the public (Anakin’s voice, Lama-Su’s voice, Mace’s blue saber, etc.) have not been done yet, and I’d like them to be.


---------------
But now for a BIG change I'm considering....

A long time ago, someone suggested replacing the love theme. I talked them out of it at the time. Now, I'm rethinking this, after discovering that the theme from “Laura” is available as a Gerdhart rerecording in a 20 minute+ suite, incorporating numerous arrangements and variations of the theme. I tested this idea for the love theme in the arena, taking the audio from the opening credits of the movie itself (accounting for the awful audio in this clip). Obviously, this is very rough, only a test, and so on.

Arenarough

What do you think? I was just contemplating why so much of my movie is still sounding like “Attack of the Clones” and not a old classic, and the more I thought about, the more I realized that it’s this love theme that’s still giving me the feeling from “Attack of the Clones, and bringing me memories of scenes and bad dialogue that I don’t want to remember.

And I explained that about as clearly as mud Talk to you soon,

-TM

EDIT: And by the way, don't apologize for "hijacking" my thread. I loved all the discussion- it just wasn't related to Episode II and it needed a new thread, which it has. Again, I'm thrilled that things are starting to take off at this level.
Post
#159872
Topic
The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/159872/action/topic#159872
Time
Hey, InfoDroid! I'm so glad to see a new thread for this project- it certainly deserves one. I haven't been able to download your clip but will try to do so (Rapidshare is slow).

". And although Trooperman is also a member of our clan, I believe he has chosen to abstain from the OT portion of this project due to deeply personal beliefs that episodes IV-VI should never be touched.

Whoa, wait a second! If this will be the official OT to go along with the new prequels, then I'll definitely contribute to it! You’ve talked me into that one. My only issue would be editing Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back myself. Like I've said, I may eventually tackle Return of the Jedi. But it's WONDERFUL that you're taking the initiative to do this. For the first time, I see a complete, fan-created Star Wars saga being finished with the release of Episode III in 2007, if all goes well. I CAN’T WAIT to see it all!!!

Now, as far as “A New Hope” goes, the two immediate things that I’d like to see in the project (off the top of my head) are 1. Basing this on Tellan’s edit. Why? He’s color-corrected the awful 2004 DVD of this, and it’d be a shame to just take it right from the official DVD and have the same problems all over again. Second, I’d like you to use the restored DVD quality logos that I’m using for the prequels (most of which you’ve sent me to begin with). When I finish the timing (and receive the fox logo from Alien), I’ll get the whole thing to you so that this opening is consistent.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say on this later; however, I'm very busy now and I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that you and CC and MTH are all starting to pool your resources to create a final product that will come about much sooner than it would've otherwise. Thank you.
Post
#159562
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/159562/action/topic#159562
Time
"You could stop right now just to spite us all; we'd be in quite a predicament if that happened now wouldn't we?"

Ha ha!! OK, that was a lot of fun, guys. Look at all the fun we had brainstorming! But someone else is going to have to do it. This whole thing is a joke. Bye. ()

It’s not so much that I’m overwhelmed, or intimidated, or that I don’t want all the work (a lot of it’s quite fun, actually); it’s just that I’m recognizing that one person doing the movies one at a time is going to take awhile. And my feelings on Episode I are not as strong as the ones some of you like MTH have; I think MagnoliaFan was on the right general track with that (with some smoother alien languages). And Episode I is the movie that I would not be required to do personally. Episode III will probably come out in 2007. That would put Episode I at 2008 or 2009. That’s a long time, particularly when there are other parties interested in doing a very thorough stylistic recutting and reconstruction like I’m doing. I didn’t mean to leave anyone out; the interest in editing Ep. I is wonderful; I really appreciate it.

“And here's a crazy thought: Wouldn't it be nice for I and II to be completed around the same time?”

Yes, that would be nice; I’ve kind of screwed things up with my decision to start in the middle of the trilogy. But here’s another crazy thought- what if we all agreed on what we were going to do and spread out the workload? MTH gets a 30 min. chunk, CC gets 30 min., InfoDroid gets 30 min., and I get 30 min. The only issue at that point would be that everyone would have to mail their finished work and I’d have to go through and make sure the editing styles were consistent from piece to piece and unify the whole thing, which might not be a problem if we analyzed it all beforehand. Four different editors working simultaneously, able to concentrate on a specific, shorter piece. Think about how much more time and quality we’d be able to pour into it efficiently if we each did part of it! It’s never been done before and it’d be the ultimate in collaboration between us. For the DVD commentary, we could even have each editor talking while his section of the movie is playing, and put together a four-person commentary track.

I’m REALLY liking this idea…

More later, of course
Post
#159272
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/159272/action/topic#159272
Time
Hi, everyone.

I realize that sometimes, a compromise is not good enough. There’s only so much you can do with so many varied opinions of what Episode I (and the saga as a whole) should be like. What constitutes the best film possible? I’m also realizing that MTHaslett is becoming a genius on the editing front. Most of his suggestions are pure brilliance. And finally, there will be a Trooperman edit of Episodes II and III, but Ep. One I’m not so sure on.

I completely agree with everyone who’s saying that you need to get into editing, MTH- seriously. It might even get to the point where YOU do an Episode I edit, and I’m the one giving you the ideas that you can take or leave. Because as someone mentioned, I could very well be burnt out after Episodes II and III. I’m really pushing to get those two films done because I play Anakin and without Episode III, Episode II will be completely removed from the saga, continuity-wise. I’m only one guy, and without all of your invaluable help, I would be nowhere near where I am right now in terms of editing. I would certainly not be offended or insulted one bit if anyone decides to edit Episode I or the OT (or II and III, for that matter); I’ll just be thrilled that I was the man that got the ball rolling. I certainly don't want to be your "boss"; you all have had way too much to do with this project for that.

As I’m trying to find out what you as an audience want, I’m realizing some different things; namely, I never liked the idea of watching the films only 1-6. There are just so many technological and continuity differences and I just don’t like it. This is just my opinion, but the reason I began my projects was to 1. ADR Anakin, 2. Age the films and make them more like the OT, 3. Make them as good and as dramatically effective as possible, and 4. To prove that a trilogy of prequels could have been made to fit with the OOT without any changes to the latter whatsoever. I know many you guys would love it, but I just can’t bring myself to edit Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. I just can’t; they were classic films, I’m very much attached to them, and I just would not feel right changing them as if they were inherently flawed. I can do this without any guilt to the prequels because I thought so poorly of the original cuts. Now, Return of the Jedi, I MIGHT be persuaded to do an edit of; however, it would in no way replace the original cut. It’d just be a very fun attempt to try and make it better, although I’m kind of attached to this film as well.

So to make a long story longer, I LOVE the fact that you guys are seeing the possibilities in making this saga work as a whole with the advent of Shroud of the Dark Side. However, the ideas for editing the OT don’t really appeal to me as much. I just don’t get fired up thinking about it as I do about the prequels (and about Ep. II). Maybe that’s the difference; I feel very passionately about turning the awful “Attack of the Clones” into something that will take the breath out of the audience; a classic that’ll stand the test of time. I’m driven to create a stunning final product. And in all honesty, all you’ve seen are a few screenshots, a couple video clips, and you’ve talked to me through this forum. You have no reason YET to think that I would do a better job than anyone else at this editing. You have no reason to think that someone else couldn’t do every bit as well as I could using my plans and notes for the movie.

But it’s true that I am doing these things SLOWLY. It’s true that a couple years is definitely a LONG time to wait. I would be absolutely thrilled if someone wanted to do an edit of the magnitude of the one I’m doing now; it’s just never been done before and I felt that I could do it. And as I said, if MTHaslett or anyone else creates an Episode I edit that holds up to my expectations (and is compatible with my II and III), it’s quite possible I’ll just forego Episode I (and especially the OT) entirely. Or just recut Episode I a bit for my own personal use based on his cut, if he doesn’t mind. But with projects of this magnitude done by one busy guy…it’s going to be a while, and I understand your frustration. That’s why I completely support any other people doing edits that want to, especially ones specifically made to fit with my films. But just think how much quicker and efficient it would be if I was working on Ep. III and someone was cutting Ep. I simultaneously. I love the idea, because when it comes down to it- I’m doing this project for myself in the end. Because I wanted something better than the garbage we got from Lucas (again, others may not feel this way), and nobody has made a move to do it in the style I envisioned. Imagine if all of these wonderful ideas to revamp Episode II never had an opportunity to be created! All these intelligent paragraphs of changes, discussion, etc.- I think just this is a wonderful thing, getting the fans in on a film that is for them as well as me in the long run. And what a great thing it’s been for me, critical to the success of this movie! But if people start doing other radical cuts of the Star Wars movies because they were inspired or excited by what I’ve done, then that’s the greatest compliment I could receive and I will be every bit as excited about their edit as everyone else is about mine.

I’ll respond to your other comments later when I have more time; I just wanted to say this now because there has been so much excited posting lately regarding changes to Ep. I and the OT. If it really kicks off, perhaps another thread would be in order? I don’t care one way or the other; I just wanted you to know how I felt about the whole situation. I hope you understand or can at least put yourself in my shoes for a bit.

Thanks, guys

Post
#158609
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/158609/action/topic#158609
Time
WOW did this thread go off on a tangent in the last couple days No, just kidding, because I understand that what you're talking about with Episode I DOES apply to Episode II. For instance, does Gunray's subtitle go like this:

Gunray: What about the Queen from Naboo? Is she dead yet? I'm not signing your treaty until her head is in my hands.

or like this:

Gunray: You keep ignoring the Jedi. You will kill the boy, won't you? I can never forgive him who murdered my brother in cold blood.


You fellows are right, though; I've been trying to look at this as an individual piece, but as you say, I don't want to "paint myself into a corner". First, I want to remind you of a few things regarding my plan for Episode I:

-German speaking Nemoidians and Gungans
-The title will simply be "Star Wars", with no episode number (as you say, hinting towards a stand-alone film)
-There will be a prologue at the beginning ("A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away, there was a great war. The Jedi Knights and the lords of the Sith..." etc.). This prologue will perhaps use shots from other films, spaceships, and other things to accompany the narrative and give some history for the 6-movie saga. Obviously, we would have to write the backstory and figure out what happened, similar to the extended universe novels out there that I've never read.

Maybe there is a way an explanation of the Jedi/Sith background can be incorporated into Episode I, but I haven't a clue how to do it.

See, the whole Jedi/Sith revenge thing would be explained in the prologue. The Jedi creamed the Sith and the Sith were hunted down and killed. But forever afterward, there were whispers that the Sith were still alive.... and that's when the title card and the crawl come up.

Now, the whole Ep. I discussion is very intriguing stuff- however, I will comment when I have more time, maybe. For now, I will just concentrate on Ep. II and leave the subtitles until later. There's good news- forum member Citizen has agreed to get me the HD Blade Runner footage I needed to make the nightclub work. Thank you, Citizen!

I see you plan an interior shot on the Queen's ship here too and I think that's brilliant-- what if it can establish (falsely) that Padme's actually on board -- a shot of Padme's double or something?

As was brought up, I thought that was what the original scene did. Maybe you don't remember because you are watching an edited version of Ep. 2?

A quick one: in the opening sequence where the ships are flying into Coruscant-- go back to TPM for a close up of Artoo in the back of a Naboo Fighter. This would cue us into his presence and p.o.v. before we even get to the landing deck.

Good idea.

Musically, it might be cool to think about incorporating that fluttery little droid motif from ESB whenever we see the droids.

EXCELLENT idea. That will help a great deal.

Were you able to get the DVD-quality title cards you were looking for from the "Empire of Dreams" documentary, or have you still not picked up the SE Trilogy on DVD? If not, I may be of some help, just let me know.

PM sent

Just as a thought, if this is going to become a complete trilogy redo, someone might want to start taking notes to put together a "bible" of sorts for the new universe that's being created so good ideas don't become impossible because of other changes. A basic timeline of events and possible shots used to represent them perhaps.

That would be great. I really should do that. My overall orginization on this project has been awful- all I have is a 16- page list of personal notes, and this rambling thread I've created, in which I've posted inconsistent, lengthy ideas for changes that jump from scene to scene, conceptual to technical, dropping a release date in that mess, changing the release date...etc. etc. What I should do soon is to map out the new "universe" and plot points, compile a complete list of changes starting from Commander Courage's (and post it at the top of the thread), go through the whole thread and take notes on EVERYTHING to ensure I remember everything during cutting, and put ALL the pictures and video clips in one place, maybe even finding another site or host to do multimedia on. I've been doing a sloppy job and I'm sorry about that. Maybe that's part of why some people don't get involved in the brainstorming here- they feel lost in this thread. I'll see what I can do about this.

And this is also a good time to think about where exactly I stand on the whole six film saga. Because I don't know. You've said that Sidious in Episode I only makes sense after seeing the OT, which has truth to it. But what order would I like these to be watched? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6? Doing that would bring up the question....what about the whole "I am your father" revelation that is wrecked by Episode III? How far do I want to go to make it run 1-6? Because as it's been said, someone who's never seen Star Wars is probably not going to see my version first. Maybe the order of initial viewing could be: 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6. Not sure if you understand...I'm just confused about what I'm trying to do here in terms of the big picture. What would you as the audience like?

I agree. Most of the cinematography was horrible. Nothing like the OT.

I feel very strongly about this. Come on; I didn't expect a noir movie, but the framing throughout is just so incredibly bad. Forget any dark angles or moving camera or lighting; the characters are usually perfectly centered in the frame and looking ahead, perfectly lit at all times. I can't stand it.

Oh, one more thing pertaining to ALL the prequels, "Annie" must be eliminated wherever possible. I'd say Shmi should be the only one to call him that.

Absolutely. Another thing that MUST be cut for Ep. III is “younglings”.

MTH, I’ll respond to your comments regarding Ep. II soon. Basically, I liked all of them.

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

Oh, and regarding the Sypho-Dias scene: Search your feelings And don't worry about it, as it's completely figured out. However, I have an invitation...

Would anyone like to have a stab at writing the second Lama-Su scene right now? It looks as though Nanner Split is ready to record soon. Here are my plans

-Boba Fett is Jango's natural son.
-The scene starts with Lama-Su saying, "Moral implications? I should have expected something like that from a Jedi." (laughs). "Oh...we don't concern ourselves with that here, Kenobi." Obi-Wan: I see.
-Lama-Su rambles on about the growth acceleration and all the other delightful details of the cloning operation (like the guy in "Brave New World") while Obi-Wan is mostly silent. “Lama-Su: Otherwise, a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Obi-Wan: Really.” (unimpressed and a little sarcastic. Lama-Su ignores him.) “Now we can do it in half the time.” Obi-Wan is silent.

These are pretty much the only restrictions. Remember, Obi-Wan is for the most part silent and not happy about the clones, and Lama-Su is rambling like the guy in Brave New World. He can say whatever we want, being redubbed.

Thanks everyone!
Post
#158130
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/158130/action/topic#158130
Time
Great suggestions on close-ups, MTHaslett. I have many ideas of my own as well, but if you can think of any other spots where that would add to the effect, please say so. Along with your other ideas regarding the droids, etc.

Participating in this edit is the most productive thing I am doing on the internet right now.

Wonderful! Not only is the most productive thing I am doing on the internet right now, it's pretty much the ONLY thing I'm doing on the internet right now.

And the May release date is official? Excellent, everything is going as planned...

By "official" do you mean "guaranteed, definite release; will have a dual-layer disc in my hand on May 25th or Trooperman will be throttled"? Because that isn't the case. This is the date the film will come out if all goes as it should and I have plenty of time to polish it. This is when it "should" come out.

But if something were to happen and the discs wasn't out before May, a release before Labor Day is not only a given- it's inevitable. So it's coming soon, guys. I understand the frustration you must feel, reading all these "teasers" but having to wait for months on end for the finished project. I realize that most fan edits are whipped out in a much shorter time. But if you stick with me, I think the payoff will be more than even you who are following the thread are expecting.

In compiling a list of things I need to do and a timetable, I ran into another issue I had kind of forgotten about- Windu's saber, which was going to be blue for my movie. This is going to be time-consuming, and there'll be a learning curve as well.
Post
#158129
Topic
Idea: Sifo Dyas removal from AOTC?
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/158129/action/topic#158129
Time
Hi everyone,

I'm of the opinion that the Syphodias plot point was stupid because it was never resolved. There are some things where you want to be vague and make the audience think, and there are other things that just generate confusion and frustration if they aren't resolved.

Rebel Scumb- I would tell you what the answer to this puzzle is, but I promised MagnoliaFan not to tell anyone else. But if he'd like to tell you himself, that'd be great. I would PM him immediately if I were you.

-TM
Post
#157741
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/157741/action/topic#157741
Time
I’m sorry for my delay, guys. No excuse except a hectic schedule and priority to review a couple of discs first.

“Have you considered just before the duel begins, cutting to Padme’s lifeless body on the sand (with a little sombre music) and then cutting back to Anakin (perhaps with a close-up on his face so everyone knows what he is thinking) who then rushes in?”

I actually hadn’t thought of that. However, while that would probably work in many editing styles, I don’t think this solution would work in my cut. This might not make sense until you see the film; I just have a different technique and that’s a more modern device.

“why does it make any more logical sense that Anakin would suspect that Dooku would want, specifically, to kill Padme after her fall, than the possibility of him rushing Dooku in the duel (unless you have completely irradicated his earlier impetuousness)?”

The whole problem with Anakin’s run seems to be that even in the original cut (when he was a very impetuous character), the wild run at Dooku seemed stupid. Now in this cut, when Anakin is more removed, daring at times, and calculating (like Vader), it seems out of character unless he’s motivated like the other times when he lets emotion guide him (the Padme scenes, the garage scene, the scene with his mother, etc.). So the big puzzle here is to make it clear to the audience why Anakin runs at Dooku.

“One more change that is small, but related is that when Padme falls out of the ship they describe her fall with two shots in the sand: FIRST, she tumbles down the sand dune toward camera and rolls out of frame, screen left. SECOND, she rolls to a stop, on her back facing camera in close-up. I suggest cutting the second shot. It feels fake because the framing is too perfect and she doesn't look like she just fell out of an airplane. If you let her roll out of frame and don't tell us where she stops before cutting back to Anakin's reaction, I think it will seem more convincing that she may be hurt/dead.”

Right on. The second shot will be removed, also so that I can utilize it when she gets up after Dooku escapes.

“ANAKIN (V.O.): I'm not afraid to die... but I can never lose you again.”

Beautiful line, MTH. That will certainly come as a surprise to the audience. Now, the trick becomes fitting it in with the finale music while making it seem natural. Speaking of the finale music, I mentioned a long time ago that I had a surprise for the ending music. And this surprise is…taking the main love theme and instead of using the bridge that goes with it, using the “B” section of the love theme in its place. It’s kind of hard to explain, but this bridge is all strings and might lend itself to dialogue more than the original f. horn bridge.

“Regarding Watto: I think Anakin should have been a bit more agressive in finding Shmi. I know you are looking at that by having Anakin threaten Watto. My approach would be a little different from what you guys suggest. I'd cut all the chit chat and the bit about Anakin fixing the power droid. It was filmed to convince Watto that it was really Anakin. Who cares. Who would be asking about Shmi anyway? So instead of Anakin threatening to cut Watto's wings off, he uses a Jedi mind trick on Watto and it works. I know that Watto says that mind tricks don't work on Toydarians. This is why I think it would be cool to see here. We all remember the scene from TPM. All of a sudden Anakin does it on Watto! We realise this guy is so strong in the Force that he can influence minds that usually aren't affected by the Jedi mind trick. And it would make a nice payoff for having the Qui-gon/Watto scene in TPM in the first place.”

Wow- another good suggestion. That would be really nice and it would make the viewer think, which is what we want. Mind tricks don’t work on Watto- and Anakin pulled it off. “You will tell me where Shmi is.” That would be nice. After all, why wouldn’t Anakin try it? I’ll try it both your way and the other way and see which one I like the best.


“What if you cut out every single reference to Sidious?

Consider -- this simplifies the apparent story and adds a layer of subtext. The threat posed by the Trade Federation goes up a notch because suddenly they aren't so frickin incompetent and servile-- they're the top of the food chain as far as we know. Then Nute Gunray becomes a memorable and cool character. His henchmen is Darth Maul -- quite like Tarkin and Vader in ANH. And just like ANH, we aren't told that this "Darth" character is the servent of Sidious. It's implied and played by the rules-- but never stated.

This empowers both Gunray and Maul -- and saves the big Sidious reveal for Episode II!”

Oh, boy. That isn’t what I wanted to hear Because I thought Sidious was a high point of Episode I. Despite this, there are definite advantages to this option. The biggest would be that the Nemoidians would be elevated from the “lackey” status, which has never happened in an edit before. Even in “Balance of the Force”, the Nemoidians are seen as been subservient. Why? Because Sidious was still telling them what to do every other scene. Maybe we could still have Sidious in Episode I, but to a much lesser extent? Relegating him to one or two scenes? I’ll have to think about this one, but the good news is that I think I’m pretty much going to do the same thing with the scene in Ep. II either way, so that I don’t have to make a decision right away. I guess the question would be…do you use the Emperor’s theme all the way through, or the original music (which I actually really liked for this scene)? Well…I think I’ll use the original music. The Emperor’s theme will be stated quite a few times in my Ep. III (particularly a big, loud rendition when Palpatine raises his arms in the Senate after announcing the Empire)

“Shamless personal ad: If anyone wants to respond to my Maul=Grievous plans in Rebel Scumb's "My Phantom Edit" thread, please do as so far I've recieved very little feedback.”

I think those are great ideas. When I get to Episode III, I’ll delve into them more thoroughly.

“About an earlier post as to why Dooku would want to kill Padme, I think it was revealed in an early draft of ep III that Dooku ordered the tusken raiders to kidnap and torture Anakin's mother. I think it's interesting to consider that possibility and how that would have added to Dooku's character.”

That is interesting. The problem would be incorporating it. I was kind of going with the “Palpatine was behind everything” scenario, but do you have an idea to incorporate this dramatically? If so, I’d like to hear it.

“He is so influenced by his emotions (so quick to anger) that this acts as a distraction from his training and Dooku uses this fact and, in effect, just whips the football away and sends the unfocused Jedi flying. Thereby giving more credence to Obi and his philosophy (and also to the fact that he, ultimately, failed in training Anakin).”

Very true.

“By making that choice of restraint a few minutes earlier and then showing up here and going berzerk-- Anakin's character is suddenly waffling and adrift. There needs to be a straight line that explains why he rushes in here when he was able to rein himself in and leave Padme only a short time earlier.

It might help if Dukoo taunts Anakin into coming. If Dukoo said "I sense that she suffered before she died. I hope that pains you, young Jedi." Then I can see Anakin going off. But to do it in response to Obi Wan's direct order is just whacky.”

YES- THIS is what I need. Not a line from Anakin, but a taunting, provoking comment from Dooku that infuriates Anakin. If anyone knows if a line like this can be found in the LOTR movies (I own the extended trilogy), the old Hammer films, or anywhere else…please let me know. THIS is what would make this scene work. Something along these lines would be ideal. Off the top of my head…

Anakin: So...YOU’RE the one who’s been trying to kill Padme.
Dooku: Trying? She’s practically dead already, boy. (laughs). Just like you and your friend.

Dramatic music and close-up of Anakin. He runs at Dooku.


Anakin: You’re the one who’s been trying to kill Padme all along. That’s the last mistake you’ll ever make, Dooku!
Dooku: Indeed.

In the absence of appropriate Dooku dialogue, this is a good exchange as well.

"I gave you the chance of aiding me... but you have chosen the way of PAIN!"

Excellent! I'll use it in the arena.

Bad news- nobody in the other forums wants to help me restore the fox logo, or get me the HD Blade Runner footage. I even emailed a couple about it very courteously- no response. At this point, it’s kind of expected and I no longer am surprised, but I’m still disappointed because I know that these people have access to these materials that could really help me out. Oh, well.

It is still FASCINATING to me when I watch some of my work on this that involves such seemingly minor changes like flips, color changes, cropping, and a new music cue, and I feel as though I’m watching a different movie. I’m trying to bring the “magic” back to Star Wars. Moments like Yoda’s levitation of the X-wing in TESB just don’t exist in the prequels, so I’m trying to create them. What this has taught me is that these “little” things can almost make or break a movie like this. One continuing problem people have with the PT is that you never feel close to the characters. After thinking about this, I’ve concluded that this could possibly have a lot to do with the actual framing of the shots in the prequels. Very rarely do we get many good close-ups at all; it’s usually from the chest up, with some space above the head as well. In a very real sense, everything feels far away because the actual camera never gets close. Fortunately, the full-screen DVD was released, which enables me to crop so many of these shots and get better detail and facial expressions in particular. We are closer to the characters and everything does not look so terribly phony and symmetrical.

So what am I doing at this point? Organizing myself, really. Backing all of my work up on disc and writing out an organized timetable that will guide me to work at the pace I need to, to get this film out on DVD by May 2006.

More later…I’m hungry Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Post
#156335
Topic
Help Wanted: for my Blade Runner edit...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/156335/action/topic#156335
Time

Hello, everyone. I have a MAJOR favor to ask of you, and I would be so thankful for you if some very kind person were to help me on this…

In my version of Episode II, I’d like to change the nightclub scene as follows:

Original Scene
http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/5893/night13zg.jpg
http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/1638/night29km.jpg

New Scene
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8192/nighta18wa.jpg
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9793/nighta20nu.jpg

My problem is that a high quality version of Blade Runner (containing the shots I need) has not been released to the public. The single-layer disc is horrid for image quality. I was wondering if it’d be possible for one of you that have downloaded the 15 GB HD broadcast to rip a few shots and post them up for download for a couple days. This would be so wonderful; otherwise, I won’t be able to include these shots.

For all it’s worth, I give credit to everyone who helps me, either in the commentary or in the actual end credits, if I can figure the fonts out.

Thank you so much for this! I would absolutely love to blend these shots seamlessly with the all-digital Episode II footage for my edit, but I don’t have broadband and I can’t download the whole transfer myself.