Honestly Frink, I'm frustrated because the MPEG I loaded into the program had AC3 5.1 audio. But for some reason, the program will only recognize it as stereo. Which WOULD count you out. And as you are the SW authority when it comes to edits... I am slightly annoyed.
So, I'm a good portion of the way through... I need to get ahold of ADigitalMan, because I decided to use his cut as my new basis for the film, and need permission to release it.
-I've added back in the introduction to Darth Maul, and the additional probe droid scene.
-I attempted a different cut of the podrace. Should smooth things up without jerking around too much.
-I added Amidala addressing the Senate. As was stated in reviews, this edit did have an issue with telling the story in non-action sequences, and this scene was a pivotal one narratively.
The Phantom Hour is now more like The Phantom Hour and 9 Minutes... but I think I can deal :P
New workprint will be out soon.
I think I've actually decided to attempt to complete this on my own.
If you notice in the edit, I really just spliced whole scenes together without editing individual pieces. In a completed version of this edit, most Jar Jar antics would be gone, and probably the midichlorians.
If you take a look above, I did mention that upon further viewing (I've long since deleted anything but the avi from my pc) I would have preferred to reinsert 2 scenes with Darth Maul, and one senate scene.
I do feel though that oddly enough, most of the film narrative takes place during lightsaber/battle scenes.
It leaves the Qui-Gon continuity error...
Coinilius: In my efforts to cut time to hit my "Hour" target, I did cut a few things that I would now put back in:
- "This is my apprentice, Darth Maul" scene- Deleted search droid scene on Tatooine (possibly in between the two scenes you found jarring)
- Amidala adressing the Senate (between Anakin being tested and the councils decision scenes. Once again, to show the passage of time)
For the podrace, my intention was to show the 3 Lap Lights as overlays at the beginning. A collage of the first lap would play with a translucent overlay with only one light lit, a collage of the second with an overlay with two of the lights lit, and then start where my cut is right as the three lights are lit to show the third lap.
As for Padme... I agree that it does take away the obvious reveal. However, I feel the benefits of everything else outweigh the loss.
And with Midichlorians... I really don't know which way to go. It isn't canon in the OT, which is very important, especially because most edits aim to be in line with them.
On the other hand, it gives people a stronger understanding of "The Force" and makes it logical and gives it a sense of realism. Without this concept, the force can be viewed almost as magic...
I'll leave it up to whoever picks it up to decide.
Smaller detail shots were impossible for me to fix in the editing program I was using, so a lot of Jar Jars antics were more bareable than the rough cuts that would have replaced them.
Thanks for watching and letting me know what you thought. Kinda sad that this movie can have 2/3's removed and make MORE sense and have a smoother pace.
Feel free to post your idea over on that thread. I'll post mine now.
I'll make sure to post it over there. You wouldn't imagine what it does for the pacing :)
EDIT DETAILS:
Get immersed in Episode 1 in a way never possible with the original. The only version you’ll ever see that ends quicker than you intend, leaving you wishing for more… if only there had been more decent narratively relevant footage…
**CUTLIST: **
TECHNICAL INFO:
Sony Vegas 10
Dvd Fab 8
Windows 7
AMD Phenom II x4
SPECIAL THANKS
I would like to thank L8wrtr for all of his advice and encouragement in every stage of creating this.
Also, thank you to The Aluminum Falcon, who has been a wonderful test critic for multiple versions of this edit.
RELEASE INFORMATION
Single Layer DVD