http://caseypugh.com/post/329609797/to-top-off-my-high-i-got-from-boxees-success-at
via: clubjade.net
Quote: "Lucasfilm and Star Wars Uncut are exploring the possibilities of collaboration. We had a fantastic brainstorm session."
Happy World's Fair Use Day!
http://worldsfairuseday.org
Quote: "World’s Fair Use Day (WFUD) is a free, all-day celebration of the doctrine of fair use: the legal right that allows innovators and creators to make particular uses of copyrighted materials. WFUD will take place at the Newseum in Washington D.C. on Tuesday January 12, 2010, and will be organized by Public Knowledge (PK), a Washington D.C.-based non-profit, consumer-advocacy group. PK works to ensure that communications and intellectual property policies encourage creativity, further free expression and discourse and provide universal access to knowledge. As part of its campaign to return balance to copyright law, PK hopes to use WFUD to educate the public about the importance of fair use in an information society."
Fascinating bunch of presentations, live feed of the event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9jz0G-RrDs
This explains why Darth Vader and C-3po chose not to recognize each other in the OT.
(for fans of Holiday Specials, Donny & Marie & Ewoks on Ice)
**Spoilers in these ramblings**
I was curious how the Grindhousing of SW would play out. Is it a phucking shithole? Often with fan edits, there's a concept but it's not quite followed through or gets muddled in what the creator can accomplish. For me, The Wars of the Stars works. Mostly because the concept is strong. Grindhouse cinema was escapism which had a twisted view point which often became synonymous with graphic depictions of violence, gore, horror and other unappealing aspects of reality. People went to the theaters knowing they were going to see some excapist fantasy played out on the big screen. Why kill someone yourself when you can release those emotions while watching a movie. The Grindhouse cinema of the early/mid 70s latched onto peoples desire for this kind of somewhat pessimistic release.
...then came Star Wars.
The movie has been said to have been successful because it did bring back the positive messages people like to say they believe and follow. So then how would TMBTM accomplish twisting one of the quintessential stand up and cheer, happy feeling movies into something more sinister and devious. I was doubtful.
...and you're going to have to watch the edit to find out how it was done.
But for me the pay off works, quick little flicks of a few scenes here are there really modify character development, their actions and the edits in tWotS reinforce and build upon each other. Some might see it as a compilation of viral video moments (and several of them would gain a lot of page views) but the editing choices, film visual manipulation and audio reassignment do add up to a very different movie then where TMBTM started. TMBTM has exploited this tale for his own storytelling legacy.
Luke's development arc, is decimated to make the character the dim wit who falls for the waving hand and suggestive phrase. He's not the winner anymore, or a looser he's 'the Used'. All those bad feelings which used to signify the character perceiving something in the future, in tWotS the bad feelings is because something bad DID just happen, and no one seems to care. And this is reinforced in the Awards Ceremony (with lovely new music) still cheery and full of praise but the previous actions hang over the sham spectacle. That's Grindhousey, you're cheering for the murderer and sick inside because of it. (and not in the Clerks kind of way, although that does apply) And that pay off is sealed with the R2 subtitles, which I found I would have liked to have seen more of.
For me tWotS also works because of the stories behind the initial screening of the original SW. GL had shown his circle of the friends Star Wars before special effects were added. (most seemed to not get it, one of those was Brian dePalma was making Carrie at the time, a more grindhouse like film) How close this was to the Lost Edit before the second team started editing the movie, we'll probably never know. This first edit most likely focused in on Luke's character growth more with the inclusion of the Tatooine cut scenes to flesh out his circumstances and relationships. The War of the Stars brings them back as setup for the big pay off.
Even liked the kitsch of the twin sun scene which was moved (and effects added). Great new sequence/storyline created by moving a pertinent scene to a new location where it pulls out an alternative message. Would have thought the rest of Troops would have been shown. The music choice really had that 70s vibe, of slow building significance in the form of a guitar durge. And the lyrical tie in of 'seasons' resonates the point. tWotS's Luke lacks many of the gifts as original told. It's a devious change of character.
Technically, seeing where TMBTM started out (30s silent edition) this is a great progression of skill development. (missed Sharksploitation Jaws) Enjoyed almost all of the music choices and atmospheric audio additions. (don't get the new cantina music connection) The musical additions don't rely on one critic. Some are there for a joke, some for atmosphere, others invoke the grindhouse era.
The Puggo 16mm restoration starting point is the perfect backdrop for the edit. Some of the other material could have had a few more imperfections to get to the Puggo level. (ie the Interactive Video Board game footage)
Liked the additional Vader lines, although there's been at least two short viral videos of other James Earl Jones alternative movie dialogs over DV scenes, these worked well. Was hoping we'd see Vader's pet somewhere along the way to work one of those lines into an in edit joke. and without all the father stuff, DV comes across as the last mystical jedi user.
Could have been more gore. (all those Stormtroopers get blood bathed, but Chief Blast doesn't get added spectacle. missed opportunity to reinforce a point. [Chief Blast is a scene (modified in the Special Editions) which has been cut down to limit the 'violence' level of ANH])
For those who appreciate lo-fi, there are inclusions of many failed cut scene or blooper shots to keep you chuckling periodically. All about tarnishing the movie people hold up on the Pedestal of Perfectitude.
Still thinking about how other characters come off in this version, Han and Leia more or less are unchanged while Ben gets reduced.
It was fun watching the movie to pay attention to what's been added/subtracted and how that changes your perception. And there's continuous changes to work your mind around. Would this work as a film without understanding the original Star Wars, maybe not, and that's why it's been subtitled 'A New Hope Grindhoused'. This is probably where the majority of fan edit criticism might rely upon. The need for the final movie to be this magical stand alone object, instead of one which builds upon the past. They are view points in eternal conflict. On the mystical appropriation/reuse scale, tWotS exists somewhere between The Phantom Edit and Jedi Love.
So thanks to GL and Lucasfilm for the raw materials, and fans preservation communities like OTcom with members like Sluggo and OCPmovie who have preserved, upgraded and compiled along the way, and cheers to TMBTM for putting together an interesting version of an old tale. As someone who's tired of ""original"" entertainment this is my kind of idea of a good time.
and I watched the bonus video before watching the movie. pwwwwwt.
Yes more Rontos can be added and spoken too.
The book company most likely flew him out specifically for this appearance. He wouldn't have been doing readings, since he didn't write the book he compiled other authors pieces. At the end of the interview, it looked like he was ready to fly out of there. Guessing that this was the main public push for the book, maybe he'll do other things in locations which are more film making oriented. Did searches for other NYC appearances but did not find anything.
and proof that my google-fu is the suxxx, here's GL on NPR this afternoon. (via tf.n)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122279258
I don't know anything more at this point. The individual could have taken it inside the building and dropped it in the trash or they could have taken it and showed it around and maybe it got somewhere.
I tried to give the petition a nice appearance, glossy paper, color printing, plastic cover, doubleofives graphics (which makes the issue visually clear quicker then reading the entire mission statement), to generate some level of authenticity. Explained that there were almost 1,000 signatures and that it was just under a month old, attempting to give it a level of relevancy, immediacy and urgency.
Not an exciting story right now, but that's why this was an attempt.
After not getting in, did have a nice chat with a freelance photographer who wanted to sell me an original '77 SW media guide.
Well, the petition is no longer in my possession. The petition was able to get into the Daily Show theater, I was not.
thanks in advance to those who helped the petition along it's journey, I hope it's making good headway.
none
Under discussion here:
http://www.theaspectratio.net/phantommenace.htm (via tf.n)
Article on TPM which could be viewed as the blue print for the individual who makes the response to RedLetterMedia's review.
Periodically the petition will have a chance of getting into the right hands.
Here's an attempt. George Lucas will be out discussing his new book (http://www.starwars.com/vault/books/blockbusting/news20091215.html) and will be appearing on the Daily Show on 2010.01.05. Going with the assumption that he's going to be in the New York set, i'll attempt to get a copy of the petition into his hands by waiting outside and seeing if luck is on our side. Or if someone out there knows someone, who knows someone, who knows another person (who works on the show) who can help get the petition into the right hands, then that would be greatly appreciated. (email tips to *removed address*)
Here's some pics of the petition printed out.
Full size versions of pics:
http://noneinc.com/Archive/OT_Petition/OT_Petition-01.jpg
http://noneinc.com/Archive/OT_Petition/OT_Petition-02.jpg
http://noneinc.com/Archive/OT_Petition/OT_Petition-03.jpg
and here's the pdf of the Petition which was printed:
http://noneinc.com/Archive/OT_Petition/OT_Petition-2010a.pdf
Print out doubleofive's banner Yoda idea on a transparency, but it's a little dark. And had some issues making the pdf, (like undersigned got cut on the first page...) but most of the info is included.
On that day might hang around the group who got tickets to the show, and collect additional signatures. (the Yoda banner will help get across the reason for the petition) If worse comes to worse, maybe I can hand off the petition to someone who's going into the show. Anybody want to stop by help?
If anyone out there has been to a Daily Show or knows someone who has, please ask them for info, if they know where the guests typically arrive or if there's a way to talk to someone who might be willing to transport the petition from outside to inside.
I'm open to suggestions.
none
:::Noted for Policy Shift:::
Past D&M post:
http://originaltrilogy.com/forum/topic.cfm/The-Donny-and-Marie-Show-Star-Wars-skit/topic/3307/
and for any topic since the OT.com search feature results are what they are, recommend:
"site:originaltrilogy.com/forum +(insert topic of inquery)"
in any search engine.
You might be better served posting this question to a toy oriented forum. Try:
http://threads.rebelscum.com/ubbthreads.php
or
One last gasp into the mire before the perception transition, comes in the form of an entry to the People vs George documentary.
( http://www.peoplevsgeorge.com/ ) [the deadline's been pushed back to Dec29, so go enter something]
File Location: noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM_Misc/PvsG-Free_TeleCommunications_EnForcement-(UnNotated)
File Name: PvsG-Free_TeleCommunications_EnForcement-(UnNotated).mov
(75mb - 1280x720)
The annoyingly (un)familiar cast of characters, with a CSpan twist.
(via: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/206153-1 )
(the CSpan website is pretty slick, you can jump to the beginning of every new person's statement through a easy to search transcript. but the website needed to be circumvented to get the recording.) Juxtaposition of George Lucas suggesting the US should implement a new Digital Civil Right, internet connectivity for all (students/education) verses the imposed enforcement of governmental bodies and trade organizations which took place in 2005 because of the release of some movie.
Taking suggestions for ideas for expanding the audience. Currently sending out copies to festivals. Yes the chances are worse then flying through an asteroid field but maybe someone's ideals will be perked enough to discuss the project or pissed by my request for questionnaire fill out. Know of a place who might be interested (festival or other) please contact.
none
GL/LFL do listen to the public on certain occassions. The reason he's partly releasing this 'GL Blockbusting' book is to counter the argument that films like SW and Jaws created the modern Blockbuster movie concept. the book didn't come about because of one or two people saying the idea, but by having the idea percolating and repeated by sources on all levels until GL/LFL felt they needed to counter the argument.
So will RedLetterMedia's piece change things no, but as Zombie has done with his book (http://secrethistoryofstarwars.com/), they've added weight to the argument/idea by putting their ideas behind the concept to support it. Over time that argument could be the prevailing wisdom or maybe not.
none
http://www.tomscott.com/weather/starwars/
Type in where you are and it'll tell you the temperature as experienced by your favorite Star Wars planet.
So far have found Hoth, Endor, Yavin 4, Naboo.... and Alderaan.
was:
RedLetterMedia's .TPM 108 pg Response. [RotS Review+RotS Preview+ST'09 Reveiw+Next Review Teaser+2002 Interview+AotC OutTakes+Noooooo! Doc.+SW Examiner Rebuttal+AotC Review+TPM Review]
Thread
"Finally it's here! The truly epic review/critique/analysis/film making educational video of the 1999 film "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" There was so much to discuss with this film it had to be long so please don't complain. If you think it's too long then don't watch it. In this opening segment I discuss the major flaw of The Phantom Menace which is the characters and the lack of connection with the audience."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxKtZmQgxrI
via: http://www.metafilter.com/87542/I-mean-how-much-more-could-you-possibly-fuck-up-the-entire-backstory-to-Star-Wars
via: http://techland.com/2009/12/16/the-best-review-of-phantom-menace-ive-ever-seen/
One of the longer reviews, well made and seems to capture the spirit of the people who wanted TPM to be ANH2. At times it drifts into humor which might test people's patience, but the details which are discussed and critic'd show a real sense of in depth investigation. Or they just watched the movie and behind the scene featurettes all at once, either way interesting juxtapositions, even if the points are familiar. Hope a prequel person creates a similarly well thought out response.
(i recommend downloading the clips and watching at a slightly faster speed in vlc, since the narrators drawl can be understood at x4-x16 speed)
Imagine the ta'do if Lucasfilm pressed a fan edit like JasonN's or Ady's without giving them credit or pay.
Well pressing that's never going to happen, but a more realistic scenerio is a what if Lucasfilm continues their avenue of allowing people to edit the movies on starwars.com (that mashup thing) which eventually turns into the inevitable, make your own fan edit and share via starwars.com, and they use JasonN's or Ady's as the example feature.
For a corporation it makes sense to set up shop in other countries to get away from issues like this. (it's cheaper not just because of labor) Digital eMation Inc. (http://www.emation.co.kr/) can be more lax in their lawyerly clearance issues, because overseas means less sees. Someone wrote that the 3dmesh in question is on screen for 20 seconds over three shots. Besides the fans, there's no one to support this online creator. As Fractalsponge has said, he's less concerned with the reuse, he's flattered in a way, but when he created that 3dmesh he had one issue when making it freely available to the public. Just give credit. Family Guy did not do this, it's shitty, but there's no where to go for compliance to the creators wishes except the court of public appeals and it's hard to get an issue like this out there. sucks big time, and adding insult to injury it's has been done twice to Fractalsponge by the main corporate sponsored creator.
Then to rub it in our faces some more, the official SW blog blogs about the after party for this Family Guy episode: http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/index.php/2009/12/14/macfarlanes-family-guy-star-wars-party/
and when you attempt to post a blog comment about this Fractalsponge issue, they don't approve the post.
Control it's fan-tas-tic.
I didn't know there were this many versions of the Holiday Special out there. via:
http://www.starwarsholidayspecial.com/versions.htm
KCCI-TV 8 - Des Moines, Iowa
KCMO-TV 5 - Kansas City, Missouri
KMGH-TV 7 - Denver, Colorado
KNXT-TV 2 - Los Angeles, California
WBNS-TV 10 - Columbus, Ohio
WCBS-TV 2 - New York City, New York
WMAR-TV 2 - Baltimore, Maryland
Australia
(unknown air date, 1980-83)
Network Ten - Australia
August 25, 1984
ATV-10 - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
France
January 1, 1980(?)
TF1(?) - French title screen
Sweden
May 31, 1979
SVT-TV 2 - Swedish subtitled title screen
Broadcast Master
Vidtronics title card at beginning of master copy
(See you could have a HD just dedicated to the Holiday Special!)
As for the guestimate, i'm including everything, it's inflated. I wasn't trying to figure out the perfect one of everything list, I was going from what i've got burned and archived, verse the various lists compiled around here. And then a factor of +20 since there are project i'm not aware of and might never know exist. It's also inflated to include all version 2's and mutiple released items due to error corrections etc. So is anyone going to save all 25 or so ANH preservations of the laser discs, no. But if they were put out there i'm considering them a plus one. Consider that one individual (Rikter) did create 50 discs. And yes some programs like the AFI tribute to GL was archived by at least 4 or 5 OT.com members. and I include fan edits. It does dwindle the number down significantly. So the OT.com Essential 100 is probably a good goal for the master library of SW media knowledge made by fans.
none
As a guestimate, the OT.com SW community & other SW preservationists have produced maybe 300-400 dvds.
Let's say they average 4.0 gb. that's 1.6 tb. A GMail acount is 7 gb. A 500 gb HD can be bought for $100.
Watch time is the conflict. We need better video search implementation.
and for your display problem, keep the media on HDs and get one of those digital picture frames and have it rotate through your cover art collection.
none
After a little interim into some of the complexities and unknowns, sit back and relax, there's no reason to fight the frizzies. This weeks chapter is dedicated to hair styles, Leia, bikini fascinations, pastry twats and the rotational aspect ratio of elbow joints.
Play Online:
http://noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM-Video-ArchiveOrg/Thee_Backslacpkping_With_Media-Chap_28-Play.html
Download Mp4:
http://noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM-Video-ArchiveOrg/Thee_Backslacpkping_With_Media-Chap_28_512kb.mp4
Download Ogv:
http://noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM-Video-ArchiveOrg/Thee_Backslacpkping_With_Media-Chap_28.ogv
Please consider downloading the full DVD, it's got layers of bonus material.
And anyone can still be the first to think about filling out the questionnaire.
http://noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM_FAQ.html#QuestionaireFD
http://noneinc.com/tBSWM/tBSWM_FAQ.html#QuestionaireTBSWM
none
-> Story thus far. Individual (Fractalsponge) makes 3D models, puts them on the internet for everyone to use, with the stipulation that if they are used, credit is given.
Family Guy uses one of the models in the ESB spoof and no credit is acknowledged. Fractalsponge's 3d model also ended up in 'The Force Unleashed', also uncredited. So at this point it's kinda safe to assume that LFL believes that this model is part of their library.
Currently awaiting the RotJ spoof to see if the same mistake is made. There's a chance now to see the broadcast version have a credit.
Fractalsponge Quote: " I care more about lack of credit than I do about any potential monetary gain; after all, I freely released the mesh. It's just I didn't expect anyone to pass it off as paid work. This is twice this has happened; The Force Unleashed trailer and my star destroyer being the other."
via: http://boards.theforce.net/fan_films_fan_audio_scifi_3d/b10015/30604084/p1/?12