poppasketti

PM sent. Happy holidays!

Thank you both your for your replies!

NeverarGreat, I’m glad you see it too. I always wondered how the writers could see that crawl and not try to figure out a way to move “restoring a spark of hope” to the end. I guess they realized they weren’t starting with Luke and Rey, so it was more important to have a paragraph explaining what’s happening at the open (although I feel like the imagery and dialogue speak for themselves pretty well).

RogueLeader, that makes sense about the empty space! It looks like a spot for a pull-quote. I think I had the title logo in there at one point, but it didn’t feel right. Maybe I’ll look at putting something there, and if it doesn’t work I’ll leave it like you said!

Hello, I decided to try my hand at designing a bluray cover and disc art for Rekindled. I’m a bit new to it, so forgive me if it’s not great, and PLEASE feel free to give feedback/suggestions!

I didn’t have any real ideas for a tagline (the good ones have been used already!), so for the synopsis I just decided to use the first two paragraphs of the title crawl. I always thought “a spark of hope to the fight…” would have been a nice way to end the entire crawl, so I get to do that here and add the ellipses. I thought about making a description about the fanedit, but wasn’t sure about the language. Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Hal 9000 said:

I feel that if this were beamed to a theater a year ago on opening night, it would’ve done just fine.

I complete agree. This is what should have been released.

I’m downloading the new version right now. Very excited for an improved version of Legendary, congratulations!

Ok, the fix has been posted. The new encode date is 120918.

Thanks to ziggyonice for catching the mistake!

Again, if you have the “112118” encode, that file is still good. This new encode improves the image quality in a few scenes where the fine grain structure started to break down in the shadows.

Thank you all for you interest!

Hal 9000 said:

If you just felt a tremor in the Force, it’s me cringing in sympathy. Glad this was found sooner than late.

I felt it. An unfortunate mistake my last pass of QC failed to catch.

To reiterate, it only affects the encodes dated “120318”, which were posted 5 days ago.

I think “The Plan” is well done, but the Supremacy infiltration is so truncated because of cutting around DJ that it’s a bit confusing.

Is it possible to keep DJ as the code breaker (as 4throck suggested) so you can use more of the Supremacy material to flesh this out? Using more of the deleted scenes could help too. The segment where the officer is following them towards the elevator is actually pretty tense. I wouldn’t use the goofy bit on the elevator itself, though (with the Tom Hardy cameo).

Personally, I don’t think Canto Bight needs to be completely cut, but if it’s a dealbreaker for you, I think it’s a great idea to keep the infiltration. I wish they had made a more focused effort on this part of the plot, because it’s a fun idea, and with Finn there were many opportunities for real tension.

I’m interested to see where you go with this!

ziggyonice said:

There’s a video clip missing, but the audio is still there. The video clip needs to be reinserted.

Wow, yes you are correct! The video clip is missing. Ziggy, THANK YOU for catching this error. Ash, if you have the November encode, you will not see this issue.

This mistake occurred during my effort to improve the encoding quality, when I replaced the few sections where I had left Hal’s encode with the raw Blu-ray file.

All files with the encode date “120318” are affected, which is what is currently posted. My apologies for everyone who took the time and bandwidth to download this version.

I will make the fix immediately, and hopefully I can have a new version out Sunday evening.

So everyone understands, there’s a moment during the Hux call when it cuts to Poe’s cockpit and we first see that he’s scanning the dreadnought. We hear Hux over the comms threatening Poe and the fleet. This shot was moved to earlier in the scene when Hal shortened the dialogue and removed the SNL comedy. This is one of Hal’s many brilliant edits that is carried over into Rekindled, except when I replaced the video with the raw blu-Ray file in my last pass, I did not move this shot into its proper place. The audio is correct (which is from Hal’s lossless audio file).

Thank you all for your feedback and criticism, it is very helpful and greatly appreciated!

PM sent!

Moiisty said:

Can someone please PM me links to a download?

PM sent

Hal, that’s very interesting. I do think doing an encode of an encode of an encode (Blu-ray > Legendary > Rekindled) isn’t ideal and probably produced a good amount of artifacts in mine, but glad to see you’re also looking to make your encode as good as possible! Legendary looks amazing, so I’d be interested to see how much better it can get.

For color correction, I wanted to use yours because it looked great (fixed the green tinge and made the skin tones more natural), so I had already re-created it in Premiere for the initial release. However, my version didn’t adjust the blacks, just shifted the mids and highlights. So, it looks like in the end we’ll both have similar color!

Also, so everyone knows, the new versions are all posted. I didn’t call this a V2 because the content is the same, so I just updated the date in the filenames to the new encode date (120318).

And finally, I submitted the edit to FE.org last week and the project is now listed as “Pending Review,” although I haven’t been contacted for a link yet, so I imagine it will be a while. Thanks to everyone for the suggestion and encouragement to make the submission!

Hello,

I have an update:

A member over at FE.org pointed out some compression artifacts in the encode of Rekindled in certain places. These occurred in the shadows of high-contrast shots that had a lot of sharp detail (such as explosions during the opening space battle), where the fine grain structure was breaking down.

Fortunately, I went back into the project and I was able to identify the problem. The issues occurred in areas where I was re-encoding Hal’s encode instead of using the raw Blu-Ray source. The extra generation of compression was hurting the grain in visually intense moments. I had only intended to use Hal’s encode directly in places where he had done FX work, but I had left it in other places as well by mistake.

So, I went through the whole project and made sure everything was directly using the raw Blu-ray file, and Hal was kind enough to send me the masters of the FX shots I was missing. I made a new encode yesterday, and the results are a significant improvement in the problem areas. The compression quality of the encode now appears on par with the original Blu-Ray. I have posted the new 34gb encode with the date in the filename (120318). The medium and small encodes will be uploading during the day today so should be ready by the evening.

Here’s a example problem frame with the before and after:

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE (SCALED 400%)

AFTER (SCALED 400%)

And here’s a frame compare:
http://www.framecompare.com/image-compare/screenshotcomparison/01M1NNNU

While I still believe in the viewing quality of the initial release, providing the best Blu-Ray quality release I can make is important to me, and for those that desire the best possible quality, I would recommend this new encode.

Thank you!

Adam

Fallenformers said:

This is exactly I want to see in this movie!
The Finn’s pod-crash scene correction is outstanding!
I would really like to have a 1080p High Quality MKV copy, THX!

PM sent!

MalàStrana said:

I sense a trap !

(let’s spring the trap ! 😄)

I would quote Admiral Ackbar, but that seems too easy.

I can’t argue against Malà’s screening with friends, and how they were confused about the ring. I would hope/think that isn’t everyone’s reaction?

However, I don’t think adding the shot of Rose’s hands here really works. Judging it by the standard Hal has set of making changes that are seamless and could pass for official, I think if the original intention in production was to have Holdo call out the symbol of the resistance, she would have held her hands up, or looked down at her hands, or there were have been a closeup of her clutching something that we cut back to when she reveals the ring. I do like that her hands shake when she says “the oppressed and the downtrodden know our symbol”, as if she was holding something. I’m just not sure it’s convincing enough.

I think if the ring is an issue, the best solution is cut the ring shot at the end. I know this was suggested before, though, and pointed out that it would be very difficult to make the cut work with the end music. If I get a chance in the next couple days, I could try to mock that up if that would help discussion.

Personally, I don’t find the ring to be an issue, as long as the audience recognized the symbol. The rebel alliance is not new, and these kids playing with Luke toys could reasonably have found a ring on their own in some way.

AbramPT said:

Wow, I apologize for the ramble. It’s a pipe dream, but if possible, it might just be the cherry on top for me.

Not a ramble, it’s great to hear ideas! For me, the Phasma fight is just not necessary. Finn already bested her and got his revenge in TFA. Their storyline together was more or less complete, and TLJ has the addendum of Phasma nearly getting some revenge of her own, but in the end circumstances prevented it. I think toning down their relationship is appropriate, because we’ve already seen Finn commit, maybe not with a declarative “Rebel scum” line, but by his actions to help Rey, his mirroring Poe’s line about heading back “where we belong”, and his ultimate effort to stop the First Order cannon.

Overall, I was disappointed with Finn in TLJ. He was actually my favorite character. I liked the idea of a storm-trooper who rejected his training, even if it was handled a little simplistically. In TLJ, it just felt to me like Rian Johnson didn’t really care about his character, which is why his story feels like a bit of a rehash from TFA. There are differences, of course, but essentially his arc once again is about committing instead of running, culminating in a showdown with Phasma who represents everything he is running from.

Hal 9000 said:

MalàStrana said:

Brillant 😃 Tell me, is your audio of this scene compliant with the theatrical cut (and Hal9000’s edit as well) ? I’d like to use your audio alteration on Hal9000 edit.

Don’t exert yourself on that one, my friend.

Malà, thanks so much for the feedback! And I’m so glad you liked some the ideas!

Oh, and as Hal said, I think you’re covered for the Luke toss scene! (in other words, yes)

RogueLeader!
Good to hear from you! Yes, I will be sticking around for episode IX. I really have no idea what will happen, as The Last Jedi didn’t leave me with much to anticipate for the next film other than another confrontation between Rey and Kylo-Ren. So it’s kind of a blank slate for me, which is exciting.

About phasma, she does seem pretty tightly tied into the execution scene. I don’t think you could easily remove those chunks from the build-up to Holdo’s light-speed attack, especially with the climactic music. Although some edits, like Forceghostrecon’s, have completely removed phasma AND the Finn/Rose sideplot entirely. I’d like to see that just to know how the music and pacing can work without phasma, Finn, or Rose and just intercutting between Rey/Kylo and Holdo.

nicko1981 said:

Could I please get a link for the 4Gb version?

PM sent!

As for Phasma, I also wish they could have given Gwendoline Christie’s screen-time more meaning. She doesn’t need to be a major character in a story that perhaps already has too many, but I think she could have made an impression similar to what Boba Fett did with his few lines.

Hal, I hadn’t thought of that, but I suppose Phasma is the sole casualty of Holdo’s maneuver (besides Holdo)! However, I have to say I’ve actually gotten a bit tired of having to assume the only way a named character can die is if we see it on-screen. It’s why for 7 seasons now I’m still waiting for Arya’s dancing master to return on Game of Thrones!

Update: There are now 3 versions!

1. 34gb 1080p Blu-ray quality with DTS and AC-3

2. 10gb 1080p version with AC-3

3. 4gb 720p version with AC-3

I had originally hoped for a 2gb 720p but I could not get the Ahch-To flyover shot to look right at that bitrate. It’s unfortunate, because the 2gb encode looked very good otherwise (even had much of the grain preserved). If anyone has any recommended ffmpeg X264 settings, I would be happy give it a try!

ChainsawAsh said:

poppasketti said:

That’s good to hear, ChainsawAsh. Still could be worth looking at if I decide to make a V2. I rewatched that Finn hologram scene, and it is a real nice moment (and I got a genuine laugh from it). There is some FX work needed, but I think it’s small enough and only in 1-2 shots. Not sure exactly where it would fit, but it’s something to think about!

I’m pretty sure the only place it can fit is right before Finn packs his bag to sneak onto the escape pod, before he meets Rose.

Good point, after rewatching that section, it can only fit between when Holdo tells off Poe and Finn packing his bag. I think it could fit there nicely, but I also noticed there’s more FX work needed than I thought. The background in the first medium shot of BB-8 rolling up is very rough. There’s a strange mask edge around BB-8, most noticeable in the engineering equipment in the background. It would need to be recreated and tracked with a lot of rotoscoping. You could also just cut the shot entirely and work around it, but I’m not sure how well that will flow.

HyperDown said:

I’m looking forward to grabbing the 10gb version when it’s ready.

Ready now! Pm sent.

jrs81 said:

This is the one I have been waiting for! Could I get a witness!? I mean a link 😃

Ha! Pm sent.

ChainsawAsh said:

For what it’s worth, this did not stand out on a repeat viewing. I’d still like to see the Finn/BB-8 hologram scene restored, but it’s not essential and does require some FX work to get rid of the puppetry on BB-8, so it might not be worth it anyway.

That’s good to hear, ChainsawAsh. Still could be worth looking at if I decide to make a V2. I rewatched that Finn hologram scene, and it is a real nice moment (and I got a genuine laugh from it). There is some FX work needed, but I think it’s small enough and only in 1-2 shots. Not sure exactly where it would fit, but it’s something to think about!

DZ-330 said:

I would love to have a link, do I need to PM you or will you just send me a PM? Thanks!

PM sent.

And for an update: there’s now two version posted, the 34gb Blu-ray quality version with DTS and AC-3 audio, and now a 10gb version (AC-3 only). I intend to have a 2-4gb 720p version in the next day or two, but I’m trying to find the best encoding settings. My first 2gb test looked very good, except for one shot in the film that is surprisingly difficult to encode: the first flyover of Rey walking up to Luke to give him the lightsaber. That overhead shot of the island has an immense amount of in-focus detail across the frame: the grass, the rocks, and the ripples of the water. So I’ll tinker to see if I can get that shot to look good before posting.

Thank you all for you PMs and interest!

The runtime is 2:20, which is 12 minutes shorter than the theatrical. There are also about 2 minutes of deleted scenes added in, so 14 minutes of theatrical content was cut.

EDIT: for clarification, credits roll at 2:12.

EddieDean said:

I’d also love a link!

PM sent!

Hal 9000 said:

Congratulations! You deserve it. Glad you were able to get an edit you are happy with, since that’s the most important thing. 😃

Thanks so much, Hal! I appreciate all of your help and, of course, your fantastic work on the Legendary edit!

I’m pleased to announce the release of The Last Jedi: Rekindled!

The first post has been updated with the final cut-list and the specs. Currently there is only the Blu-Ray quality version, which is about 34gb, but I intend to make smaller versions for easier download. Right now, I foresee 10gb and 2gb versions, each 1080p with AC-3, but I’d be open to suggestions.

Edit: To clarify, if you already have a link for workprint 2, you can use the same link to find the release version.

The first post also has a new “Special Thanks” section, including everyone that Hal 9000 thanked for the The Last Jedi: Legendary, which was the base for this edit, as well as any new people who helped with Rekindled.

On a personal note, it’s been amazing and inspiring to be able share ideas in such a positive atmosphere. I’ve been following this website for many years, initially from my interest in Harmy’s Despecialized editions. When The Last Jedi came out, I couldn’t wait to see what the talented people here would come up with, and I was not disappointed.

Hal 9000’s edit is fantastic, and I always admired his eagerness to collaborate. It was on TLJ:L that I was able to make my first contribution to anything on this site: stabilizing the crate Luke sits on while talking to Leia!

I must repeatedly thank Hal 9000, not only for the amazing work he put into his edit, but for his encouragement and guidance in helping me on my own edit.

I must also thank all of you for your help, feedback, and enthusiasm, which has made the whole experience truly rewarding!

-Adam

ChainsawAsh,

Thank you so much for the detailed review! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, and thrilled you think it’s ready for release!

I also completely respect all of the things that you would do differently. I’d have to think on them for a while, perhaps after more viewings and other feedback comes in. If anything, it might help for me to give it some time off and come back with fresh eyes!

As for the Leia stretcher music, there is a small bit of holdover music (a note of strings) from the Leia spacewalk. I tried to lead into it with some strings and an accent from “Torn Apart.” The accent has two dark bass notes that rise during the transition. Then the stretcher strings fade in. I wonder if it’s the strings coming in that sounds off to you or the bass accent? Like you said, this may be one of the things to save for a V2 down the road!

When the Eagles win (or inevitably lose) I’ll probably make a release post and update the first one. I will also make a thread on FE.org as has been suggested.

Thanks so much again to you and everyone for your help and feedback!