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Trooperman

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15-Feb-2005
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15-Jun-2015
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Post
#105706
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105706/action/topic#105706
Time
Oh, and to MTHaslett- that's a really good idea for the garage scene, the only problem being that some of the Padme dialogue you have did not appear in the final film. Good idea, though. So you are proposing keeping the "It's all Obi-Wan's fault" rant, but not the "I killed them" rant. And I have to agree with that. One change that I'm going to make, though, is one that will actually fit in better with your changes in place.

Anakin: It's all Obi-Wan's fault. He's jealous. He held me back!

This is much more significant because Anakin is directly saying that Obi-Wan kept him from saving his mother. Now, the anger that is building up towards Obi-Wan is making more sense.

And I also agree that the "fixing things" dialogue from Anakin is canned and pretty corny. It will be cut.

Thanks for the input, everybody, and I welcome more at any time.
Post
#105705
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105705/action/topic#105705
Time
Update: I'm using the original Binary Sunset cue from SW, but not during the search montage; I'm using it in the dark scene when Anakin finds his mother's tent. Starting it a few seconds before the beginning, into the last few secs of the Dooku/Separatist Obi-Wan spying scene, it actually synchronizes with the following scene in beautiful (but unexpected) ways. For example, the music peaks precisely at the moment that Anakin turns on his lightsaber to cut through the tent. This scene is now far better than before, simply because the percussive music was replaced with more emotional dramatic music that builds up to something. It works very well.

Tech Note: In case any of you were wondering how I'm replacing most of the Anakin dialogue, this is how I've done it:

1. Split surround track into 5 channels: front, front-left, front-right, rear-right, rear-left.
2. Create three stereo tracks: downmix of all channels (base mix), stereo of front-right/front-left, and stereo of rear-right/rear-left
3. Look at area at which dialogue is to be removed. Check front channel stereo. If the dialogue is still intact, go to rear channel stereo and check that. Use the best track.
4. Use SoundForge to zoom in to each track you are using, in the same view: one on top of the other
5. Replace chunk of base mix with the corresponding chunk in the front or rear stereo.
6. In front/rear stereo, take chunk before cut segment. Fade in.
7. Take corresponding chunck in the base mix. Fade out.
8. Mix the "fade in" chunk from the front/rear stereo into its proper place in the base mix. This makes any change of atmosphere or sound quality between base mix and front/rear stereo smooth.
9. Reverse process is used to gradually fade back into the base mix. Only understand that you cannot detect a fade, because as one is fading out, another is fading in at the exact same rate. Works seamlessly.
10. And if the change is too noticeable or jarring, then I experiment with overlaying a steady background sound effect to tie everything together, or else attempting to extract specific background noise from the base mix which I can then lay over the parts with replaced dialogue.

This process makes mix sound very professional when done; it sounds like it's always been that way.

Couple little changes in sound mix so far:
1. The decoy's line has been muted at the beginning. The lieutenant just says, "We're making our final approach into Coruscant" and then turns around to walk away.
2. Alarm beeping can be heard in right speaker during this shot
3. "There was no danger at all". Explosion has been beefed up considerably using ... a Star Trek explosion (*gasp*). It's quite good, though, and you would never be able to tell it.
4. "Thank you, Master Windu" by Padme has been buried in the sound mix. It isn't an important line and is read badly. The main focus here is Palpatine's sideways glance anyway. And on top of this, it works because there was a change in camera angle. The fact that it is almost inaudible can be contributed to this.

It's coming, guys! These things just take a lot of time.

Post
#105350
Topic
Letterboxed Widescreen vs. Anamorphic Widescreen Discussion
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105350/action/topic#105350
Time
At least some Star Wars LDs are not actually 2.35:1; they're 2.20:1. And the film all of these things originates from is probably more like 1.2:1 or 1.3:1 (anamorphic), with a certain amount of 'extra' space for cropping/matting


I find this very interesting. Do you know which releases correspond to which aspect ratio, and whether any of the LD or VHS releases contain the original theatre cropping?
Post
#105330
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105330/action/topic#105330
Time
As I am removing Hayden Christiansen's dialogue from the new sound mix, I am also rewriting some of my plans regarding the Kamino scenes. Something that bothered me about the film is how easily all the Jedi seem to accept an army of clones, of slaves. Obi-Wan nods his head, agrees with what Lama-Su says, says, "Very impressive", etc. This isn't right; the Jedi are more ethical than that and they would be much more concerned about using clones.

Now, I'm considering subtitling Lama-Su (using a foreign track), or perhaps just redubbing him entirely, as much of his dialogue is merely voice-over while clones are being showed. Then, using a couple clips of Obi-Wan's voice from various scenes (out of context), it could make Obi-Wan more skeptical of the whole idea.

Beginning of scene.

Lama-Su: Moral implications? (chuckles). That is something I would have expected from a Jedi. (finishes chuckling). We don't concern ourselves with that here, Master Kenobi.

Obi-Wan: I see.

(scene progresses, perhaps resequenced)

Obi-Wan: Growth acceleration?
Lama-Su: Oh yes, it's essential. Otherwise a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Now we can do it in half that time.
Obi-Wan: Really. (not impressed).

Also, in this scene, Boba Fett is Jango's natural son, not an unaltered clone. Therefore it makes even more sense that Boba Fett would have a different voice than Jango (going by the original version of TESB).

Another problem: What is to be done about the scene with Anakin and Padme (I killed them. They're dead. Every damned one of them. And not just the men. But the women. And the children, too. etc. I hate them!) Although dramatically a very good scene (and shows the Darth Vader side), it sets up the incredible question: why did Padme fall in LOVE with this muderous psycho?

Padme: To be angry is to be human.

Yes, it's OK, Anakin. Even though you're turning into a cold-blooded Sith murderer, everyone has bad days.

Come on! However, cutting this means the audience doesn't know Anakin slaughtered everyone. It also means Padme doesn't know.

Perhaps after seeing Ep. III, I'll be able to make a better judgement on this.
Post
#105326
Topic
SW fonts
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/105326/action/topic#105326
Time
The actual fonts are News Gothic Bold and Univers Light Ultra Condensed. News Gothic Bold is used for the crawl and episode number. Univers Light Ultra Condensed is used for the film title.


Thanks! Do you know if there is possibly a place where I could obtain these free of charge?
Post
#104608
Topic
SW fonts
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/104608/action/topic#104608
Time
Hi! I wanted to start this thread to explore which fonts were used for the opening scrolls throughout the SW saga, and which ones are available for download. If a font is not available, then perhaps there are alternatives that look similar enough.

I ask because I'm trying to redo the crawl for Ep. II for my edit, but I'm running into some trouble finding the appropriate fonts (particularly for the title)

There were once two free fonts called "SWCrawlTitle" and "SWCrawlBody" available for download on theforce.net. The links are broken now. Just wondering if anyone happened to have these.
Post
#104509
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/104509/action/topic#104509
Time
MTHaslett- Wow. Wonderful, wonderful ideas. Please post ANYTHING else you can think of to help me out, because these are great. I especially love the idea of superimposing the image of Shmi bound up over the shot of Anakin's nightmare. That will be very powerful.


Then CUT as Anakin moves inside and Obi Wan continues: "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken..."

Yes, so now, the dialogue is about Anakin's mother, not Padme.

Then Obi Wan scolds him "Anakin, you're focusing on the negative again. Be mindful of your thoughts." And try to CUT out of the scene before saying "she was pleased to see us" if you can.

I can do that by cutting in a quick front shot of Jar-Jar (back shot of Anakin), and then end the scene with Anakin walking towards the window, after looking back at Obi-Wan.


I hope I'm being clear and sounding sane. I just know this version of Anakin makes me root for him in the love story and everywhere else. It follows up the young Episode I Anakin better and sets up why he would turn away from the Jedi and toward a "secret" love. That's what was supposed to happen in this movie.

I agree completely. Episode II in its current state makes the whole prequel trilogy very weak, no matter how good ROTS is, because Anakin's motivation is not understood and is very weird. I like the ideas of trimming him so as to be quieter and smarter, and making Obi-Wan more controlling. It makes it more Obi-Wan's fault that Anakin turned to the dark side than before, fitting in with his dialogue in the OT about his mistakes in training Anakin.

But if this can be pulled off, it will create much more sympathy for Anakin and make Ep. III all the more tragic.

I have an MP3 of the Conveyor Belt track... not the actual CD, but may help in a temp track and with the whole pre-editing stage.


Do you know if it's available anywhere on the Net right now?

And if this swordfight bothers you so much, I wonder what you're planning to do with the ANH swordfight, which is technically the WORST swordfight in the movies. Is that getting axed too, or is the well-written dialog (note sarcasm) too great to consider deleting that, considering your reasoning for deleting Dooku and Yoda?


I'm not editing the OT.

your idea that your voice acting is better than Christensen's (a notion I seriously doubt, otherwise you'd be getting paid for it)


Ha ha! But seriously, no more comments like that until you actually hear it; methinks you will be surprised (in a good way).


Again, thank you all so much for all these great ideas. In the past week or two, people have given me so many ideas (alternate Geonsian subtitles, better developement for Dooku, advice on the final duel, and now this great outline for how to improve Anakin's character. In the weeks ahead, after ROTS comes out, I would also love your input on how to better tie in this movie with that one (music, dialogue, anything).

Thanks!
Post
#103981
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/103981/action/topic#103981
Time
Oh, and one more very important thing:

Do any of you know where to buy the AOTC CD with the bonus track containing the piece JW wrote for the original conveyer belt sequence (before the droids were put in), but was deleted from the final film (to be replaced with tracked music? Because this would be very useful; I could even experiment with cutting that sequence to match how it originally was, so that the music would be perfectly synchronized.

Does anyone know where to find this? Most of the discs do not have this track.
Post
#103976
Topic
Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side (the TM edit) (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/103976/action/topic#103976
Time
This is one of the more ridiculous statements I've ever read in these forums.

I would be upset about this, but in a previous post you made it clear that you believe all the problems with AOTC can be fixed with the forward button on the remote control. So clearly we're coming from two completely different perspectives. You evidently enjoy the current prequels a lot more than I do. I'm not exactly a "prequel hater", but let's just say I'm probably way more cynical than a lot of other fans.

Even so, that statement probably didn't express the idea I wanted to get across. What I should have said is: The lightsaber duel in Episode II is poor compared to the others in the saga. I concluded that it possibly had something to do with Christopher Lee's role as the Sith instead of Ray Park. Call it a ridiculous statement.....but all of that aside, it's not a good fight.

Also understand that I am actually creating this edit for my own personal enjoyment. Although I love feedback and ideas on how to improve it, this isn't exactly a democracy. I'll probably not do something against my better judgement for the sake of the others. Now, if a copy of this happens to find its way onto MySpleen or something like that, then I wouldn't mind too much

So...

The rocks etc Dooku uses the force to fall on Yoda look really fake, and I would kinda do it so they were cut out as well. I don't really like the bit when Dooku escapes because of Yoda using the force, so it would be really good (and kinda impossible) if you could cut it so the bit when Anakin jumps over to save Obi Wan, could you cut that so Anakin actually jumps to save Yoda and then Dooku cuts off Anakin's arm and uses the force to chuck him next to Obi Wan, then you see Dooku getting on his ship? I understand that this would take a long time to make it work, and to delete all the bits before it.

Really good idea. That would solve a lot of problems with the scene. Besides, even though you'd still see Yoda with a lightsaber, it wouldn't really be as corny. Anyhow, there's probably no getting around Yoda with a saber in ROTS.

I'll see if I can edit it like that next weekend, for kicks.

"No!" was a HORRIBLE Neeson impersonation, and sounded nothing like him. My idea is to, by use of Qui-Gon's dialogue in Clone Wars or Neeson from another film, alter the use of Qui-Gon's voice in Episode 2. Thoughts on that?


Really, really really good idea. That impersonation of him saying, "No," was so bad I didn't even know who's voice it was supposed to be. However, I haven't watched a lot of other Neeson movies (only "Les Miserables") so I don't know where to find a clip of him saying "No." If I can't, though, I'll just cut it; it sounds awful.

Trooperman, we've gotta exchange notes. I completed my Ep II re-edit while this whole thread has been going on. yet I managed to miss it entirely. I'm not kidding when I say I almost called it "Shroud of the Dark Side" but ended up calling it "Path to the Dark Side" instead because of space constraints. No idea you had similar thoughts going on.


I'd love to hear your ideas. I also know you're probably more tech-savy than me, so I have a question: What software did you use to do your soft wipes?

Another tech-note:

The reason I haven't started my final cut yet is

A. I'm still working on a stereo mix without Hayden's voice; it's going incredibly well, but it's kind of a slow process
B. I'm going to be getting rid of my current video card (it's garbage) and go with an NVIDIA card before I start the final cut. One of many problems with my current card is that the system is playing (and rendering) all .vob's at the incorrect speed when converting to .mpg. My card is old; maybe it just isn't compatible with XP?

I also need to pick up the ROTS soundtrack and the "Sketches on Star Wars" CD.
Post
#103998
Topic
I like the Special Editions ..... minus some scenes
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/103998/action/topic#103998
Time
Quote
Overall, the "fixed" version is better than the original


You've got guts posting that on this particular site

You see, there are many things that GL did that he did not originally "envision", in spite of what he tells us. Look at Han vs. Greedo; a completely stupid change, and he wants us to think that he didn't have the technology to make Greedo fire a blaster? What a bunch of balony. The original events were ALWAYS in the script.
Post
#103989
Topic
It's official: ROTS is really rated PG-13
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/103989/action/topic#103989
Time
Quote
I'd like to see an R or NC-17 rated SW flick...


No no no no no no no! Not Star Wars! Save that for another movie.

But I am actually happy that it is PG-13, unlike the other SW movies. It shows me that perhaps GL isn't catering to the little kids as much and is trying to make a more serious movie.

You can't really tell much about the movie from the rating, though. What really got me excited was the trailer ("I need your help, son.")