logo Sign In

Trooperman

User Group
Members
Join date
15-Feb-2005
Last activity
15-Jun-2015
Posts
1,406

Post History

Post
#123740
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123740/action/topic#123740
Time
Trooperman: As of today, I am working on the final cut of “Shroud of the Dark Side”. Don’t get too excited- this is a very very very very long process- but it has begun.

MTHaslett:

Final cut? Great Googly Moogly!

Two last points to emphasize since the last cuts are being made...


Ack! The last cuts aren’t being made! (The first final cuts are beginning). I have to completely start over when doing the final cut- I can’t use anything from the rough cut besides the sound mix. I haven’t even finished recording all my dialogue yet. Just don’t want anyone to think I’m farther along than I am and then become disappointed when I take longer than expected, that’s all. But it is true that in a little while, I'll be very reluctant to change my plans for the film. But after I complete the film, there's so much to do! Writing the subtitles and synchronizing them with the film, doing the audio commentary, crediting everyone I need to, getting an opening crawl, etc. I really, really don't want to disappoint anyone who expects it sooner than it will come out. I'm a busy guy but I'm trying very hard to dedicate myself to this as much as possible to get it done as soon as possible. Many times, the work happens at night, and that's what coffee is for (just kidding)

If there were only some alternate take, some variation on the theme that was vaguely recognizable instead of solidly linked to any major ESB events.

You probably weren't thinking this, but that actually could be arranged (pun unintended).

But yes, I might be able to write a variation (or a hybrid of the 2 themes) and slip it in the film somewhere.

Anakin's character- extremely good points about how Anakin should be angry at Obi-Wan after Shmi's death. And I can certainly incorporate hostility into Anakin’s dialogue to Obi-Wan after that point- I think that would be a major improvement. And no hilarious banter- Anakin is not happy with Obi-Wan. I can't believe that GL had this beautiful story arc with the Obi-Wan/Anakin confrontation and then killed it with the joking around in the previous scenes. I guess the answer to that is that the confrontation aboard the ship was filmed late in post-production, as an afterthought- it wasn't in the original script. Also, in the original version, Anakin was not directly saying that Obi-Wan held him back and that's why his mother's dead. I was thinking of putting in an additional (or alternate) Anakin line in the confrontation.

Anakin: I'm not going to sit here and lose her the way I lost my mother.

Thoughts?

The scene on Tatooine, however- I had originally cut it this way:

Mace: Protect the Senator at all costs. That is your first priority.

Padme argues with Anakin.

Anakin: He's like my father! But you heard Master Windu- he gave me strict orders to stay here.

Padme: Well, I want to help Obi-Wan. (Pause)

Anakin: We will. (Padme looks at him, surprised, and he smiles).

It won't be the first time we've gone against orders. OR I've had my fill of this planet


Part of the reason I did this was to eliminate the sickeningly PC scenario when Padme says: "You'll just have to come along" and she flies the ship away while Anakin grins foolishly and is bossed around. This is not Darth Vader material here. But perhaps you have a better suggestion for this scene.

About Anakin's "suicidally stupid" charge at Dooku- ha ha! Like I said, I was going to cut that entirely but decided to keep it (because of Obi-Wan's line at the beginning of III). As it stands, Obi-Wan doesn't tell him to move in slowly from the left- Anakin kind of runs at him quickly after entering the room. Does this seem like enough?

That backbone will turn this movie from mush into a story.

I agree. And I'm so happy that you have contributed so much with advice about Anakin's character. It's the type of non-technical big picture character motivation stuff that I'm not as good at recognizing. That's why I'm convinced that with so many minds working together on this, the final result will be an edit unlike any other.
Post
#123694
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123694/action/topic#123694
Time
Sorry for the delay:

Anakin’s soliloquy- try it and if it doesn’t work, then cut it. Sounds good to me- I was actually considering a voice-over from Anakin (lips aren’t moving, but you hear what he’s thinking) but I think that’s a very contemporary technique and not in the ‘30’s style (even though they did use it in RotS

MTHaslett- I see what you’re saying about, “I’m not afraid to die.” (but I am afraid to lose you). I’ll do it that way, then.

As for the Han/Leia theme- I love that theme- that might be my favorite theme from the whole saga. However, I want to keep it in the OT because it doesn’t really have relevance in this romance. It was a different relationship of two people who were free to do whatever they wanted, but were a little reluctant (love/hate type of thing). Anakin/Padme is two people that like each other very much, but are not allowed to fall in love. Anyway, I just feel that the Han/Leia theme doesn’t really fit in this romance.

So how I was planning to score the balcony/fireside scene- remember that Padme hair-combing scene in ROTS? I didn’t like the scene but I loved the music (another variation on the love theme, but with the violin on a countermelody). What do you think of that?

DarthAstuart- nice to hear from you! And I don’t blame you for not wanting to hunt through 300 posts to try and find all of my changes. Yes- no matter how I do the garage scene, the primary concern was to edit it so that Padme has no knowledge that Anakin killed all the sandpeople, because it is indeed very unrealistic for Padme to accept this revelation with, “To be angry is to be human.” As opposed to, “You psycho!” What I was trying to figure out was whether I want the audience to know this.

Commander Courage- nice to hear from you again as well! I have watched part of “Vergence in the Force” by ADigitalMan, and I actually liked this idea very much. My original idea on it (which I haven’t implemented yet) was not to prevent Padme from being a senator in II and III, but to make it so that she was born a queen and that she decided to resign or quit for one reason or another, leaving one of her relatives as the queen. The reason she was no longer queen would be revealed through Nute Gunray during the conference with Dooku in the middle of the film. I need to work on that. Either way, I want to get rid of the “elected queen at 14” business, because as ADM said, queens are born, not elected. That’s why she was so young at the time.

I would, however, love to hear any suggestions you have regarding this idea, because it’s a good one.

Qui-Gon’s role- I loved Qui-Gon. He’s probably my favorite character in the PT. The “No….” that you hear in the original cut will DEFINITELY be removed from my cut. Three things could happen with this:

1. I could look through TPM and even other films starring Neeson for a good recording of “Noo…”
2. I could do a reasonably good imitation myself (better than the one in the film, anyway)
3. I could just leave it out

But beyond that, I don’t know how to expand Qui-Gon’s role in Ep. II. I could have him chime in during Anakin’s dream, but three people talking at once could get messy- I’d have to play with it. Looking towards the future, if the Ep. III DVD contains the deleted scene with Yoda and Qui-Gon, it definitely goes in my cut.

Lightsaber sound effects- I like the original ones, but keep in mind that this is all aesthetic stuff and I won’t necessarily get to (until the end, if there’s time)


The plan for the duel looks good, but I have to plead with you not to use that HORRIBLE shot of CGI Anakin leaping across the room.

Ah…I’m sorry. I had previously cut it from the film, but then discovered that I needed it to make the re-edited final duel work properly. I couldn’t find another shot that did the job. If you have any suggestions, please let me know (because I agree that the shot looks rather phony).

Anakin’s nightmare- my reasoning with the fade-to-black was actually for the same reason that you’d like me to change it!-the fact that that transition had never been used before make it significant, lets you know that what you’re about to see is important. Also, fade-to-black was used once in Ep. III (before the start of the 2nd dream), so it wouldn’t be altogether out of place.

The other reason I had a fade-to-black was because of the nature of the dream- it starts out with voices (over black screen). Shimi: Don’t look back. Tusken grunts. Anakin: Mother? Slowly fade in to image of Shmi, bloody and beaten up. Anakin: No… no, please…Then crossfade with Tuskens slamming their sticks in camera direction…

That type of thing. Hard to explain, but you would understand after seeing it.

And have you found a way to replicate the dream effects used in Episode 3?


I believe so. I don’t know that I want to use it for the whole thing, though- I think it would be effective if everything BUT Shmi was blurred in that dream, again to add significance and urgency to it. I don’t know- the dream is a fun project and I’m pretty much going to go by instinct when editing and try different sequences to see which is most effective (with music).

Breaking up Anakin's nightmare adds a much greater importance to them


Do you mean the fact that it’s earlier in the film makes it more important? I agree completely! BTW, CC, what happened to your old signature?
------------------------------------------------------
I’ve been having computer/video problems recently that have prevented me from working on the final cut, but now it appears that I’ve fixed most of the problems. As of today, I am working on the final cut of “Shroud of the Dark Side”. Don’t get too excited- this is a very very very very long process- but it has begun.
Post
#123746
Topic
music
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123746/action/topic#123746
Time

here is a song i heard the other day and i just cant get enough of it even if it is country.


Hey, there's some modern country that's a lot of fun to listen to...

"I Don't Even Know Your Name"
Alan Jackson

Well I was sitting in a roadhouse down on highway 41
You were wiping off some ketchup on a table that was done
I knw you didn't see me, I was in a corner booth
Of course you weren't my waitress mine was missing her front tooth
So I flagged you down for coffee
But I couldn't say a thing
But I'm in love with you baby and I don't even know your name

I'm in love with you baby, I don't even know your name
I've never been to good at all these sexual games
So maybe it's just better if we leave it this way
I'm in love with you baby and I don't even know your name

So I ordered straight tequila, a little courage in a shot
I asked you for a date and then I asked to tie the knot
I got a little wasted, yeah I went a little far
But I finally got to hug you when you helped me to my car
The last thing I remember I heard myself say
I'm in love with you baby, I don't even know your name

I'm in love with you baby, I don't even know your name
I've never been to good at all these sexual games
So maybe it's just better if we leave it this way
I'm in love with you baby and I don't even know your name

The next thing I remember, I was hearing wedding bells
Standing by a woman in a long white lacy veil
I raised the veil, she smiled at me without her left front tooth
And I said 'Where the heel am I and just who the hell are you?'
She said 'I was your waitress and our last name's now the same'
'Cause I;m married to you baby and I don't even know your name

I'm married to a waitress, I don't even know her name
I've never been to good at all these sexual games
I never thought my love life would quite turn out this way
Hey I'm married to a waitress and I don't even know her name
Post
#123231
Topic
Info: Authentic Opening Crawl for my Ep. II Edit (Shroud of the Dark Side)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123231/action/topic#123231
Time

Hello again- I am doing the opening crawl for my edit of Ep. II (Shroud of the Dark Side) in Adobe Illustrator (to be scrolled at a later point), but lack the proper knowledge on the relative sizes of the fonts to each other, formatting, etc. I did this crawl by first recreating the “Phantom Menace” crawl on Illustrator and comparing it to the real thing, making necessary changes until it appeared to be right. Then, I used the template to create this crawl.

http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/9858/zsw5jh.jpg

However, I know that many of you (like Darth Editous, who did the crawls for the ADigitalMan edits) already have much experience with this type of thing, and I was wondering if any one of you could give me additional formatting tips or things that I have done incorrectly. Because after reading the tutorials on theforce.net, I decided to do it without any tutorials, to begin with (as so much of the formatting and font info is wrong there). Here’s a detailed description of the formatting I used:

-The centered episode title “Episode II” is NewsGothic BT Bold, at 45 pt (and stretched horizontally to 20).
-Then, under this, I have an empty line of NewsGothic BT Bold at 5 pt
-Under this is the centered movie title in Univers LT 49 LightUltraCondensed, 88 pt. Normally I wouldn’t do this, but I compressed it (-30 horizontally) due to the length of the title.
-Under this is another blank line, this time of Univers LT 49 LightUltraCondensed at 45 pt.
-The body of the crawl is NewsGothic BT Bold at 37 pt and justified. Occasionally, I wouldn’t like the way that the lines were broken up, and so with the space bar, I nudged a word or to onto the next line to make the distribution better aesthetically. I believe that the crawl length matches that of the originals, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
-The spaces between the paragraphs are NewsGothic BT Bold at 39 pt as opposed to 37 pt

Understand that a lot of this was by eye and by simply trying to compare to the original crawl (perspective corrected). However, I know that you are all laughing to yourselves at the elementary mistakes I’ve made at this point. You would have my deepest thanks if you helped me fixed these things. Perhaps others would be able to create the opening crawl more easily with this info.

Thanks!

Post
#123055
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/123055/action/topic#123055
Time
It sounds as though people like the fight scene at the end this way, so that's the way I'll cut it!

MTHaslett- I'm pleased that you like the ideas so much! And that's a very good point about the kiss scene on Geonosis- I didn't have my heart set on the dialogue but had never considered the alternative.

Anakin: Don't be frightened
Padme: I'm not afraid. (pause) I love you.

We move closer and closer until they kiss. Cut to Geonosians outside.

Sounds great to me

MUSIC:

Out of respect for John Williams (and technical issues as well), the original love theme will be in the film. There's just so many scenes that contain it (and so many variations) that it would be murder to replace it. Not to mention that if I did, I don't think any of JW's music would make it to the movie!

One very irritating aspect of this is the lack of a 2-disc AOTC CD set. Very irritating, especially when there's no clean tracks in the DVD surround channels either. Oh, well...

The Coruscant speeder chase and the whole arena/clone war sequences have completely different music. For example, the beginning of the arena is a new recording scored with 2 grand pianos and tuba, expanding on one of the earlier themes. The battle is scored with a combination of "Mars" (from Planets), the concert version of "Forest Battle" from ROTJ, the alternate sail barge music from ROTJ, and possibly some music from the "Shadows of the Empire" soundtrack.

We have some moody swing music in the nightclub, alternate binary sunset during the dark scene when Anakin finds his mother's tent, a tense high strings cue during the garage scene with Anakin, and completely reworked music for the marriage at the end of the theme. We have the first part of section A (like it was before), but then we hear section B (the "angst" section) in entirety before going back to the first part of section A to wind it off. And it works much, much better that way. Also, the end credits music has been restored to what John Williams originally wrote (which was partially replaced in the original cut). Also restored was the original scoring for Dooku's escape and the end of the Yoda/Anakin/Obi-Wan scene.

I know I'm forgetting a lot of alternate music, but there is a considerable amount of replacement, especially during the percussion only scenes. If there's a scene with just drums and out-of-key whistles (like part of the Coruscant chase), then it's a very good bet that it's been removed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do you think....about the garage scene beginning with Anakin's back to camera, in a bit of a soliloquy- before Padme arrives.

Anakin (very upset): I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead. Every damned one. And I...

He trails off, turning around to see Padme approaching with the food tray. Then, scene plays out as suggested.

Anakin: Why did she have to die? Why couldn't I save her? etc.


Because otherwise we don't know that Anakin killed all of them. Also, this way, it isn't unrealistic that Padme sticks around with him- because Padme didn't neccessarily hear what he said, not being in the room at that time. This would be done by cropping from the full-screen DVD. I think it might be good for the audience to know this, to lead up to Palpatine's line in ROTS: Remember what you told me about your mother? And the sandpeople?

Thoughts on this?

And another thing- I've been doing some reading and practicing on rotoscoping lightsabers- and now, it may not be so inconceivable to make Mace's saber green or blue. I can post screenshots in a little bit.

Thanks!
Post
#122378
Topic
connecting the OT to the prequels (parody)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122378/action/topic#122378
Time
Ha ha! My favorite lines were:

VADER: Hey look it’s Tatooine! I grew up there you know.
COMMANDER: Yes my Lord.
VADER: Maybe if there’s time we can go down and kill some sand people.

LEIA: (on hologram) General Kenobi, years ago you kind of served my father Jimmy Smits in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him. The taxation of trade routes along the Alderaan system are in dispute.

COMMANDER: This battle station is now the ultimate power in the universe. The Geonosians were good for something.

YODA: Ah, your father. Whiny Jedi was he, whiny Jedi….
LUKE: (pissed) I don’t know what I’m doing here. We’re wasting our time.
YODA: Hmmm. Much anger in him, like his father.
BEN'S VOICE: Was I any different when you taught me?
YODA: (pauses) Yes. You were, actually. No anger in you, Obi-Wan.
BEN’S VOICE: Come on. I was slightly agitated.
YODA: No. I think not.
LUKE: I can be a Jedi. Ben, tell him I'm ready.
YODA: You are reckless!
BEN'S VOICE: So was I, if you'll remember.
YODA: Hmmm. Again, I don’t think so. Incompetent, maybe. Reckless, no.

OBI-WAN: Yoda, you’re pretty good with a lighstaber. Maybe you could help Luke defeat Vader.
YODA: Hmmm… That was CGI Yoda. Puppet Yoda can only move ships.
(Luke leaves)

COMMANDER: Lord Vader, we were beginning to wonder if you were coming.
VADER: Oh you know Commander, I couldn’t find a shuttle I really liked. One with a roomy cockpit, the right color and speed capabilities.
COMMANDER: Completion of the "Geonosian Death Star II" is almost done.
VADER: Good commander. Remember to close up the exhaust port this time.

EMPEROR: You have done well, Lord Vader. And now I sense you wish to continue your search for young Skywalker.
VADER: Actually. I was hoping to track down Princess Leia.
EMPEROR: She’s your daughter.
VADER: What? How could I not have known this.
EMPEROR: Because you’re an idiot.

LEIA: I know. Somehow...I've always known.
LUKE: Even when you kissed me?
OBI-WAN: (v.o.) Oh, I need a drink.
YODA: (v.o.) OK, enough backstory. Go kill the Emperor, you must.

And "Darth Vader the Wise"- that was hilarious!!


Post
#122372
Topic
Pointless Observation - ROTS dialogue
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122372/action/topic#122372
Time
OK, I just checked this particular scene in the original version of Revenge of the Sith (don't ask me how), and I'm now positive that Padme says "Hayden- help me, please..." in her dream. If anyone else can come up with a different word she was trying to say, go ahead- but it seemed very clear to me.

I don't think that Luke shouts "Carrie" at the end of SW, however. It's very indistinct and could really be anything.
Post
#122294
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122294/action/topic#122294
Time
Also...I would still accept auditions for Lama-Su (just PM me for my email, so that you can mail a voice sample). He only has two scenes (not a lot for someone to record and send to me) but I would like to change his lines. Whether it happens or not won’t really affect the movie or any of the others- but it would be very nice and would certainly strengthen the movie. ChainsawAsh is already going to do this, but are any others interested? Or, better yet, a voice actor to do alien languages for Jar-Jar or the Nemoidians? (who would also be able to do Episode I?) You don’t need a fancy audio recording program- just mail me the uncompressed .wav files (stereo or mono if you like) in synch with the character’s lips, and I’ll do the rest. A fun thing to do if you’re into this type of thing or if you’ve always wanted to be in a SW movie somehow.
Post
#122293
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122293/action/topic#122293
Time
In Vegas is it possible to flip shots?

Absolutely. Vertically or horizontally.

I think that the dialog should be something like this "The item you have placed in the sensor tray is a toxic saberdart. As you can see on your screen, these projectiles are used by the cloners of Kamino. There is no other information available.". "these projectiles are used by the cloners in the Kamino system. They are rarely found within the Republic." implies that they should have the planet in their records. Although, by having the "there is no other information available" then, going to a library to try to find out more information seems more natural.

That is a good point. So...

The item you have placed in the sensor tray is a toxic saberdart.
As you can see on your screen, these projectiles are used by the cloners of Kamino. No other information is available at this time.

Thanks for the dialogue polish!

Hurry up and send my discs because I can't wait to finally like Episode II.

I hope to have this released by Christmas time this year- that's my goal. This will be very polished and professional before I send it to anyone. I'm thinking now that it may not be a good idea to include some of the extras I proposed, because of the limit of a 4.7 GB single-layer disc. I'm thinking that that space could be better utilized with a stereo audio track in uncompressed PCM (along with the mono Dolby Digital commentary) and a higher bitrate for the video.

Perhaps the disc will not have any menus at all- you could switch to the commentary using your DVD remote. The same would apply for the English subtitles. And at the end of the film (after the credits), I could include my trailer at the end.

Also, distribution- I don't really want to distribute this disc myself. I had originally planned to send out 1 disc only (to Rikter) and then let him distribute it (for free). However, I'm thinking that for a select few people (like you) that I trust, I might be able to send a disc directly.


I see you still want to do the "meadow" scene which I keep objecting to. Fine, you're the boss. I've finally come to terms with it -- but I offer this: I think the scene will work best if it can end on Padme saying "You're teasing me" without letting Anakin say anything in reply. As long as Padme doesn't believe Anakin's thoughts on politics are serious then it works as intended -- as a foreshadowing of Anakin's fall. But if she suspects he means it (which is how it plays as written) then he comes off as her worst possible love match.

Yes- I was rather fond of certain aspects of that scene, and I felt that a scene was needed in between the dinner/kitchen scene and the outright rejection scene (balcony/fireside). This scene establishes that they've been doing things together not work-related at all. The rolling around in the grass has been resequenced at the beginning of scene (end of mountains montage) so that it's not actually part of a scene, and we don't know what set of circumstances got them to that point. But we get a sense of passing time and increasing friendliness between them, which I find to be essential (in believability).

That having been said, I see exactly where you're coming from and I can make a simple switch in shots to do as you suggested:

Anakin: Well, if it worked...
Padme: You're making fun of me!
Anakin looks serious. Then he smiles as transition takes over- clock-wipe to next scene.


Second objection (sorry), I see you still have the "You've grown up" Anakin/Padme scene after she gives Jar Jar her power. What does this scene get you, I wonder. It is so awkward and all it's content is covered better elsewhere in my opinion.

That was the last encouragement I needed to remove it. It's gone. The only points that it makes are- 1. Anakin is a juvenile brat and 2. Padme observes how much Anakin has changed. But she makes that point anyway while on the flight to Naboo.

The only problem with removing it would've been a scene that was too short with Padme and Jar-Jar. But with the dream sequence directly before it, it works perfectly.


In looking back through this thread (to ensure that I hadn’t missed any suggestions) I came upon an excellent idea posted by Jeten San Hett that really got me thinking about the final saber duel at the end. I don’t want to completely give it away (I mean, there should be some element of surprise in this somewhere), but I’ll just say that it involves some intercutting of Anakin vs. Dooku and Yoda vs. Dooku. This cut is much more tense, fast-paced, and more complicated. Furthermore, the only FX work I need to do is to recolor one green lightsaber blue in one shot. All of the rest can be covered with clever editing, help from the full-screen DVD, and additional sound effects and music in the mix. But it is not corny at all, now- finally I’m happy with the exciting climax that this film should’ve had to begin with. I don’t know why this didn’t occur to me sooner.

Oh…what the heck:

Anakin is fighting Dooku. Dooku is clearly playing with them. Suddenly, without warning, we cut out of their fight for one shot, as we see Yoda’s shadow advancing. They continue fighting. Yoda appears. Dooku completely disregards Anakin, shutting off his saber and turning around to face Yoda. He certainly isn’t worried about Anakin. “Count Dooku.” “Master Yoda…you have interfered with our affairs for the last time."” He throws an object at Yoda. He shoves it aside. Uh-oh, thinks Dooku. He raises his arms and starts to bring the crane down (Obi-Wan looks up in horror).

Meanwhile, Anakin has been sneaking up behind Dooku, waiting to make his move (none of his limbs are gone yet). After Dooku starts toppling the crane, Anakin jumps across the room wildly at Dooku, and lands right in front of him, saber ignited. No problem- Dooku slices his arm off and force-pushes him in the direction he came from, resting right by Obi-Wan (under the falling crane). Meanwhile, cut to Yoda using the force to stop the crane. Then, we see the Count run to his ship (saber still lit) to escape.

Here’s the corresponding excerpt from my notes (illustrating why I don’t post my actual notes here):

OR Anakin and Obi-Wan fight. CUT to shot of Yoda’s shadow. (use saber sound effects in background from the original movie). CUT to them fighting, and then they pause. CUT to Yoda appearing around the corner. CUT to Dooku turning around (add lightsaber turn-off). Yoda: Count Dooku. Dooku: Master Yoda- You have interfered with our affairs for the last time. He immediately throws an object at him. Yoda blocks it. (no long shots of both of them. Use the first of Dooku hand motions, the second of Yoda’s blocks. Utilize the full-screen DVD). Use shot of Dooku motioning upward. Use shot of crane which was directly after, “This is just the beginning”. Cut to Obi-Wan looking up in horror. And the following original shot of the crane falling. CUT to Anakin (saber recolored blue) jumping across the room. (add sound effect of Dooku’s saber igniting-make it obvious) CUT to Dooku chopping his arm off and sending him alongside Obi-Wan under the pillar. CUT to Yoda using the force (and Dooku running off), immediately followed by the brief close-up of Yoda. CUT to pillar falling on both of them. CUT to Dooku looking behind.

Making for a MUCH better sequence, in my opinion. Also, here’s the plan for the kiss scene on Geonosis:

Anakin: Don’t be frightened, Padme. We’ll escape this nightmare before long.
Shot of Padme looking sad. Shot of Anakin looking sad.
Padme: Anakin… I love you.
Anakin is surprised.
Anakin: What are you talking about? CUT to shot of Padme.
Anakin: We had decided not to fall in love. That it would destroy us.
Padme: Our lives are about to be destroyed anyway. Silhouette of them kissing. (climax in music)
CUT: to the Geonosians cheering in arena. Cut to the last part of shot of them riding out.

Also..one good thing about including the line “You haven’t learned anything, Anakin” (outside of the nightclub) is that it sets up Anakin’s later line to Dooku: “I am a slow learner.”

Also, to get rid of the “you give me warm feelings” line from Yoda to Padme, here’s what I’ve done:

Yoda: Senator Amidala. In grave danger…you are.
Padme: Do you have any idea who’s behind this attack?
Windu: Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo. CUT in shot of Padme looking at camera (the one where she’s staring straight ahead when Bail is talking. Zoom in so as to remove Bail’s face, and cut out before Padme begins talking).
Palpatine: Master Jedi, may I suggest the senator be placed under the protection of your graces.
CUT: Bail Organa’s line: Do you really think that’s a wise decision…
Yoda’s suspicious look comes after “Do it for me, milady. Please.” Put it in place of the reaction shot of Padme, when Palpatine says, “The thought of losing you…” Then, take it out of its original place and slow another shot down or cut another one in to replace it.
Reduce saturation to about 260.

This way, Padme doesn’t ignore Yoda- she asks a related question.



Another thing- Dooku now has his own musical motif (from Uranus, by Holst) It crops up at several key points in the film.

And yet another thing- I’m replacing the lightsaber sound effects with the classic ones from the original SW. I really disliked the new types of sounds that were used in the original cut.

And I promise this is the last one- I’m thinking about adding a very light, almost imperceptible grain to the entire film to make it seem like you’re actually watching a film and not a video game (which will also be helped by reduction in saturation). Thoughts on how much?

As always, I value your input. However, before too long, I’m going to lock down and pretty much go with what I have before doing the final mix and cut- so please don’t wait to post if you have something!
Post
#122298
Topic
Worst changes to OT in '97 and '04
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122298/action/topic#122298
Time
Here's the story with the sound mixes (as far as we know):

Star Wars:

1. Unfinished mix accompanying the first original 70mm prints (only 9 prints were made)
2. Original 70mm mix (6 channels)
3. Original 35mm mix (matrixed stereo- four channels. This mix made it onto VHS and LD from 1981-1984)
4. Original Mono mix
5. 1985 mix (Ben Burtt enhanced the 35mm stereo mix with new stereo jawa effects, an additional line of 3PO dialogue, etc. This mix was used for all video releases until 1993.
6. "Definitive Mix" (This was used for the '93 laserdisc set and the '95 Faces edition sets. It is definitely not the original 6 track mix, and it has several enhancements as well, but the 70mm is believed to be a large source of this by some. But I know that the whole thing is certainly not from 70mm, because the Special Edition contains a different version of the Beru dialogue than in the stereo mix or the mono mix. The Definitive Mix contained the version on the stereo recording, not the 70mm.
7. Special Edition Mix (custom blend of all three original mixes. However, it used the 70mm mix as a base, to my knowledge, and then elements from the others were added to this.
8. 2004 audio mix (embarassing disaster)

Empire:

1. Original 70mm mix
2. Original 35mm mix (and this was used for all the video releases until '93)
3. Definitive Mix (as far as we can tell, the same as the original stereo except for one additional sound effect in the Battle of Hoth, which was added)
4. Special Edition mix (except for the SE changes, this is pure 70mm mix, with all the additional dialogue, sound effects, etc. A project to restore the 70mm mix would be very exciting, I think, using the Definitive Mix and the SE mix)
5. 2004 audio mix

Jedi:

1. Original 70mm mix
2. Original 35mm mix (and this was used for all the video releases until '93)
3. Definitive Mix ('93-'95: supposedly exactly the same as the original 35mm, except for clarity. I don't know for sure.)
4. SE mix (again, based off of the original 70mm mix and therefore contains any differences between the two)
5. 2004 audio mix



Summary- the dialogue differences in the SE are actually MORE original than the OOT ones, because the 70mm prints were technically completed first.

That doesn't mean I like the changes, however
Post
#122013
Topic
SW fonts
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/122013/action/topic#122013
Time

Good idea- but however much it builds the character, I still think that Laserman's skill would allow him to do a better job than me. And it would be nice to share it for preservation purposes, along with the "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." card.

If Laserman does share this and I use it for my edit, I'll have to get his real name (if he wants) so that I can credit him for his work at the end.

Anyway, thanks again
Post
#121828
Topic
"Oh, Thank the Maker!"
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/121828/action/topic#121828
Time
It's a "spiritual" reference (basically because GL couldn't write stuff like "Thank God"...

Actually, I believe that Luke whispers or mouths, "Thank God" in the shot directly after escaping from the fireball (in the shuttle escape scene at the end of ROTJ). It's not well known, though, and I don't believe it's actually in the script.

And I still think that Palpatine's "Order 66" is a reference to 666 in the Bible. Coincidence? Maybe...but there were a lot of numbers to choose from- why that one?