Very interesting stuff, Hade. Did you ever put together any semblance of an outline, or was it just scattered ideas?
If you ever get the bug to write again, I'm always interested in collaborating with others and bouncing ideas off each other. It sounds like your project was something really worthwhile.
Those ideas sound fantastic, Hade. Have you posted your rewrites online before? I'd love to read them in full.
Watched it last night.
Very interesting experience. Yes, the sound was huge problem, as the sound levels shifted dramatically throughout the film. But the ideas present were well-executed with what tools and time you had at your disposal. The beginning gave my chills, especially with the classic "Lucasfilm" logo and the new music in place of the classic "SW" fanfare. I'm of the opinion that Anakin's voice wasn't that bad in the original film; I actually found it quite distracting here. I think it would've been better if you had found a voice actor who sounds reasonably like Hayden Christensen and just asked him to record some new dialogue. The low voice was often unsettling. It reminded me at times of those "anonymous interviews" you see on shows like 60 Minutes where the interviewee's face is blacked out and his/her voice is pitched down a few steps. I also didn't like Jar-Jar's new voice, but maybe that's just because I'm so used to his original voice. Again, I think it would've been fine to find a voice actor who could do a decent Jamaican accent but without all the nonsense Gungan language.
I thought the use of my clonetrooper voices was a mixed bag. I was taken by surprise to hear practically all the lines kind of used simultaneously when they swoop into the arena, as it felt kind of forced, but later when you used them more sparingly, they seemed to fit better. And again, the sound levels made it hard to appreciate them, but again, this is just a technical shortcoming. I thought Jango's few lines when helmeted sounded good, but I would drop the "Take them away!" when he captures Anakin and Padme. In the context of the scene, the line doesn't make sense.
The sound is what clearly needs the most work. I found myself constantly adjusting the volume from scene to scene. I know this is a technical flaw that a more experienced editor can adjust and once this is patched up the film will be worlds better. :)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you worked on Yoda's movements, correct? They seem more jerky, like the original OT puppet. Very cool idea.
The only scene as a whole that didn't quite fit right for me was the reunion scene with Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme. The editing of the dialogue and cutting back in forth between character's expressions felt very awkward to me. The scene is salvageable, but I feel the way it currently stands, it doesn't quite work.
I also have to give you major kudos for the kauhaun scene in Padme's bedroom. The way you edited it, coupled with your choice of music, actually made my spine tingle--i.e., we officially have TENSION!! Though it came early on in the film, I can honestly say this is the scene that you totally improved in every possible way.
I have to compliment the use of music--it was my favorite part of the film. The ESB music during the speeder chase, first kiss scene (very artfully done, I must add), the Obi-Wan/Jango fight, and the aerial scene leading up to the duel with Dooku were the biggest highlights for me. Oh yeah, and it was a really nice touch having "Anakin's Theme" play over the elevator scene (felt completely natural to me) as well as the Death Star fanfare when Dooku activates the hologram! Pure nostalgia! :)
I can also appreciate what you did with the lightsaber duel, though, like another poster previously stated, the positioning of Anakin during the duel after Yoda appears doesn't quite work. But I have to applaud the way you managed to work around the Force lightning standoff and the saber duel between Dooku and Yoda.
I may have more thoughts later, but this is what's come to me as I write. All in all, well worth the wait! I'm certain that once this thing is officially complete, this will no doubt rank as the most revered and accomplished fan edit out there.
Got mine in the mail today! Will watch it tonight and get back to you soon.