ziggyonice

I haven’t listened to all of them, but the lines spoken by Poe in Battlefront II sound a LOT like Oscar Issac.

https://youtu.be/dFTmi9esb6c

Hal 9000 said:

Say, Ziggy, what was the source for the hyperspace whoosh sound from that clip a few pages back? It sounded fine to me in context.

The one I used was the one the from when Artoo fixes the hyperdrive in ESB. I haven’t had a chance yet to try and extract the original sound effect. I just grabbed it from a YouTube clip of that scene, which doesn’t sound as good as the original.

Hal 9000 said:

Here’s a clip: https://vimeo.com/460414689

I will give the audio another pass, but that’s the best I could do for now. And if anyone can do a better job color correcting the brief shot of Poe flipping switches, cool.
And if anyone has a fitting clip of 3PO naming Chewbacca from outside the films, that’s be nice as well.

Jinx.

That looks awesome. I’ll see if I can play with the color.

Take a look at my other notes and video clip above to see if that helps at all.

I don’t know for sure if having Kylo Ren’s lines swapped out is required, but you all can give it a listen and see if they make more sense with the ones I put in.

Sure, send the clip my way and I’ll see what I can do with the color.

Also, I listened to the audio clips of Kylo Ren from the LEGO Force Awakens game (voice acted by Adam Driver) I did find something that I think might work. I put it in the updated video link below.

I put this together so you can see the changes I made, should you want to replicate them: https://vimeo.com/460415122/7d2e23af7d

1. Cut Poe pushing buttons and moved it to after Rey’s discussion of her “throne” vision + color correct
2. Cut the shot of Poe pulling the lever upon firing up the ship and put it in the original place of the buttons, have his “Look at that” line remain.
3. Shifted Poe’s line, “What is she doing?” and put it after he asks, “Where is Chewie?”
4. Added C-3P0’s “for Chewbacca” line from Return of the Jedi
5. Removed Kylo Ren’s original lines (“I know where she’s going” and “She won’t be a Jedi”) and replaced with lines from LEGO Star Wars: “There’s no need, I shall deal with her on my own.”

Hal 9000 said:

Your mock-up involves reusing a shot from earlier of Poe messing with switches. It’d either have to be reused or cut from the earlier scene.

You’re right, I put that shot of Poe in to connect the two scenes. My main reason for that is just to slow down the pacing.

Rather than having the same shot appear twice in the film, I would recommend removing it from the earlier sequence in the desert. Poe pulls a few levers in another shot so I don’t really see this particular shot as being required there.

There might be another shot in the behind the scenes video. I’ll take a look.

Perhaps the simplest fix would be to replace or remove the line, “I know where she’s going.”

If you’re suggesting to leave the Kylo Ren/Palpatine scene in its current location, then yes, removing that line would fix the continuity issue. That said, it wouldn’t improve the pacing of that sequence and it would remain as lightning fast as it is now.

Moving the scene to immediately after the shot of our heroes being followed allows you to use the scene as is, because the Knights of Ren do, in fact, know where they’re going. This allows Kylo Ren to tell Palpatine exactly this. Maybe another line can be plugged in but I think this change does work.

It just means you just have to cut the shot of Poe pushing the buttons while they’re in the desert.

Hal 9000 said:

Is there an alternate source for a similar line? Maybe from the radio drama?

I have to wait until I can sit and think a minute but I think I like your proposed restructure of those scenes!

I’m glad you like the idea. I do think shifting that sequence around helps the pacing considerably. For the C-3P0 bit, I’ll see if I can find another line, but his saying “Chewbacca” from ROTJ was the first that came to mind.

Hal 9000 said:

Also, who has a good pre-hyperspace jump sound for the ice wall moment? I haven’t found the right one yet.

The sound effect that I think works really well is this one, when Artoo fixes the hyperdrive in ESB. I’ll try to see if I can pull the sound without the music, maybe out of the surround sound mix.

Icecream2448 said:

I kinda liked 3PO not saying anything. It was cute and awkward in a C-3PO way the way it played out.

Hmm, wonder if I’m in the minority then.

It just seemed pretty out of character for C-3P0 who is always looking for a chance to talk, and discusses friendship a lot more this film.

I think him saying it—in the last Star Wars movie, especially—is actually kind of heartwarming.

But I’m okay being outvoted on that.

Throwing in another random comment after re-re-re-watching the latest workprint.

After our heroes leave Pasaana, there is a clip of some TIE fighters towing the Falcon onto the star destroyer. In this fanedit, you’ve removed the rest of the clip (revealing Chewie is still alive) and replaced it with the brief scene of Kylo Ren having a telepathic convo with Palpatine. This is a great change because it keeps the Chewbacca reveal a secret AND it shows us that the Falcon ends up on the star destroyer (important for our heroes to escape later).

That said, I’d like to suggest moving the Kylo Ren/Palpatine scene just a little later: to right after watching our heroes’ ship fly off to reveal they’re being followed by the Knights of Ren. Here’s what this does:

1. Help slow down the pacing. Have the sequence go from Rey and Finn talking about her having accidentally killed Chewie and right into Poe asking what their plan is. This lengthens the scene and helps make it not feel so choppy.

2. In the Kylo Ren/Palpatine sequence, Kylo Ren tells Palpatine that he knows where Rey is going. The problem is, with the scene positioned where it is currently, how does he know where she is going? In fact, in a later scene, General Pryde and Hux approach him and tell him they’ve found Rey, even though, by the current logic, he should have already known this.

So by moving the Kylo Ren/Palpatine scene right AFTER the shot of our heroes being tailed, it makes more sense that Kylo Ren can tell Palpatine he knows where they’re going because we now know they’re being followed.

Here’s my take of the entire sequence: https://vimeo.com/459833058/4afd0d3b9e

Notes:

• This was a very quick edit job, so it still needs some work.
• The audio also needs work, but that’s doable.
• The clip of Poe pressing buttons was taken from Pasaana as he prepares to fire up the ship. Added color correction to match the clips that follow.

Also, one thing that really bugs me is when our heroes say, “For Chewie,” they hold hands, and then C-3P0 comes over and says nothing.

So you’ll notice in my take I have him saying “oh Chewbacca,” from Return of the Jedi, and plugged it into his awkward silence when they hold hands. I think it feels SO much better with him acknowledging his friend that he’s known since A New Hope.

So I’m watching the workprint again and wanted to bring up another scene that could use another look, Hal.

Near the beginning of the film, I noticed that you had to cut out a good chunk of the argument between Rey and Poe upon their arrival back at base. This is because they talk about lightspeed skipping, which has been cut from the fanedit.

The only problem is that this setup is a little awkward because, as a result of this cut, Finn appears out of nowhere standing next to them, and Rey doesn’t even acknowledge him.

So I played with this some just to see if there could be another option. The best I could come up with is simply moving their spoken dialogue around and try to match it with their mouth movements best I could. It’s far from perfect, but they’re arguing loud enough that the casual viewer may not even notice.

Take a look and see what you think:
https://vimeo.com/457348707/54bc611b3c

Again, not perfect, but this might make more logical sense than having Finn apparate. It also just feels a little smoother, I think.

Also, I’m still traveling so the quality isn’t great, but hopefully you get the idea.

Here’s my latest attempt at the Pasaana sequence.

https://vimeo.com/457182440/00d4697329

Moving the Star Destroyer scene to after they meet Lando feels so much more like Star Wars to me.

That said, I’d be curious to know if you think the move is worth it.

I also added a couple growls from Chewie that just helps to make that whole sequence less awkward.

Hal 9000 said:

But if they’re ID’d on the planet it ruins Kylo getting the necklace. I welcome further work, but I wouldn’t count on using it. No offense, of course.

Ah, I see what you’re saying.

I think the only way to work out the logic would that you’d have to have either the stormtrooper or (disguised) Lando say something else.

They’re both masked with altered voices and have just a few lines a piece, so that makes it easier.

It would have to play out something like this:

1. Rey: “We have to get to the Falcon. It’s Ren.”
2. The group runs through the crowd.
3. Stormtrooper: “What’s this commotion about? Who are you? Let’s see some ID/scan docs.”
4. Masked Man (aka Lando) shoots the stormtrooper, then: “Follow me.”
5. The group returns to Lando’s transport.
6. Star Destroyer sequence.

Obviously, not something that needs to be included in this edit. But I do think it would help the pacing if it can be pulled off.

Hal 9000 said:

Ziggy, I like how that clip is paced, but it kinda destroys any logic the sequence had.

Moving the Star Destroyer sequence could be done without destroying the logic, as far as I can tell.

But otherwise, yes, the question of why the group would follow a stranger would have to be addressed.

Maybe shooting the stormtrooper could remain to show the group they can trust the guy, but the stormtrooper’s dialogue would need to be changed.

Otherwise, Lando’s disguised voice could be easily altered (he only says three lines anyway) to have him say something else.

I’ll continue to play with this.

ziggyonice said:

I made a VERY rough version (I edited this on my phone — traveling right now)

Reiterating how poor the video/editing quality is, but with a little polishing (and when I’m back on my computer), I think the sequence could look very smooth and the pacing much improved.

Just sort of squint your eyes for now. 😉

Throwing out another random idea here.

One of the biggest issues with this film is the pacing. It is way, way too fast and feels like we never get to just spend some time in one place. So I’m wondering if moving around some smaller sequences could help?

For example, in a period of just over a minute:

1. On Pasaana, Rey and Kylo Ren finish their Skype session
2. He snatches her necklace
3. She runs back to Poe, Finn, and crew
4. Scene jumps to Kylo Ren’s Star Destroyer, they’ve ID’d the necklace
5. Our heroes are caught immediately by a stormtrooper
6. Lando appears
7. TIE fighters arrive

I’m proposing this scene be re-worked a bit:

1. On Pasaana, Rey and Kylo Ren finish their Skype session
2. He snatches her necklace
3. She runs back to Poe, Finn, and crew
4. Landy appears
5. Scene jumps to Kylo Ren’s Star Destroyer, they’ve ID’d the necklace
6. Back to Lando, TIE figures arrive

Totally remove the sequence where the stormtrooper finds them, and move the Star Destroyer scene to take place after Rey and Co. get onto Lando’s transport. Add in a classic Star Wars wipe upon returning to the Lando scene and it slows the pacing considerably.

I made a VERY rough version (I edited this on my phone — traveling right now), but this might give you a feel for the improved pacing. Watch the original scene, and then watch this cut, and I think you’ll find this change makes it feels a little more like Star Wars.

https://vimeo.com/456819401/71ebecd9cb

Hal 9000 said:

For anyone who would like it, here’s the ending scene with no added music. (The video track is compressed, but the audio is not.)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ol5gOj66ASm93SRLx7YrnGfgifSc0y_9/view?usp=sharing

Is there supposed to be a sound effect of the lightsaber being turned off?

Noticed it’s ignited and then suddenly it’s not.

Hal 9000 said:

Here’s another version of the extra lever shot. I extended Chewie’s grown, which hopefully works, and used a different piece of buffer audio from earlier in the scene that doesn’t have the wind that was causing issues.
https://vimeo.com/453744130

Going back to the Poe pulling the lever, this looks great.

That said, Hal, I took your edit and added the sound of the hyperdrive kicking in. The change is subtle but I really think it helps to sell that sequence.

Take a look: https://vimeo.com/455670684/fefe98d1d7

Hey, I’d love to check this out.

I have a fanedit of ROTJ myself but it’s going through a re-work right now.

Would love to see how yours has come together!

Hal 9000 said:

How’s this? It puts the music even more through the wringer, but it might be acceptable.

https://vimeo.com/453476256

Great improvement, definitely fixes the issue and flows much better.

Only thing you could maybe add, provided it sounds okay, would be the sound of the “burrrrrRRRR” / sound of lightspeed revving up, as Poe is pulling the lever down.

Random, but I’m watching the workprint now.

With the removal of the light speed skipping, Poe says, “How thick do you think that ice wall is?” and then boom, instant light speed and the scene ends. Can we get a shot of his hand on the accelerator or an interior shot of them jumping to light speed or something? It feels way, way too rushed without showing them making the jump.

Just wanted to give you my review on the Palpatine version ——

Great work. I really, really like the hints throughout and it helps connect to Episode IX so much more. I think my favorite additions are the radio broadcast at the end and Palpatine’s laugh in the Luke/Ben flashback. Watching this, followed by The Rise of Skywalker, feels so much more natural now.

My only feedback, and I’d be happy to hear your thoughts on it, is for Snoke’s “Sith eyes” / yellow eyes moment. I think it’s a great idea, though it’s my opinion that his eyes are just not bright enough. They almost look like they’re just lit up because his robe is now being reflected from the light coming off of the lightsaber.

I wouldn’t have even noticed if I hadn’t read the change log. I’d like to see them brighter, more Sith-like.

Or, and this would be a more dramatic change, but one that would also work: when Snoke uses the Force to push and hold Rey up in the air, Palpatine’s theme starts playing, and there’s a close up on Snoke’s eyes. That would be a great place to revealing his eyes to transition to yellow as he tortures her.

That’s my only feedback for now. Great, great work.

StarkillerAG said:
I still don’t think introducing Palpatine so early really works, JakeRyan. It raises the uncomfortable question of why Palpatine’s name is never spoken during the entire runtime of TLJ

I mean, Luke mentions him in TLJ as Darth Sideous. I don’t think it would be too out of place to mention him in TLJ again, or even give some sort of hints to Rey’s lineage.

Hey poppasketti,

All right, sign me up. I’d love to see the Palpy version. Thanks.

I’ve been out of this thread for awhile but I’m starting to get the itch for Star Wars again and I’m glad to see you’ve continued to work on this.

Being out of the loop, I’m just wondering, what have you considered (if anything) for laying the seeds for Palpatine’s TROS reveal?

It’s been mentioned a million times but, of course, the sequel trilogy is lacking that cohesion. I’d love to see some “hints” at Palpatine (read: very minor) in The Force Awakens, with bigger hints in The Last Jedi.

Just wondering if you’ve had any thoughts on that — via Rey or Snoke or whomever.

NeverarGreat said:

Sorry I haven’t responded yet, but I’ve had to take my mind off the hook for a while regarding Star Wars in general and this edit in particular. After TROS, everything’s felt a bit surreal. It’s the sort of movie that I feel like pushes the ST into such a campy, turn-your-brain-off direction that any work these fanedits could do is practically meaningless. I suppose that there is still value in them as standalone projects, but those are the feelings I’ve been grappling with. In addition, the total sum of work I’ve put into Starlight has, for me, not been equal to the result. Many things about it are a mixed bag, as your excellent feedback has pointed out. Not that I am opposed to criticism, quite the opposite! But I know that a lot of work must still be done to make this the edit that you have all been hoping for, and I’m not sure that I’m up to the task.

Hey Nev,

I’d really like to have a larger discussion about The Rise of Skywalker and what your thoughts are, but it might not be appropriate for this thread (at least not until it has been tagged with including TROS spoilers). But how The Starlight Project fits into the sequel trilogy as a whole is something that I think is worth discussing.

You are not alone in your opinions about TROS. The truth is, the overarching handling of the ST was all over the place, in part, I think, because of divisiveness of The Last Jedi and the attempt to pull everything together in a single movie at the end. The result was a manic conclusion that is difficult to work out in conjunction with the other two films in the series.

The Force Awakens is such a good movie — my favorite of the ST — and I do believe that it should get the love it deserves. The work you’ve done on The Starlight Project has been nothing short of spectacular and makes the movie all the better.

So now what? Well, as someone that has truly adopted fanedits as being my go-to versions of various movies, I really think that the ST as a whole might have a saving chance depending on what people are able to do with fanediting these films. I don’t want to just “give up” because the theatrical version of TROS wasn’t what I wanted; rather, I actively thought to myself while watching it — “Oh, we could fix this in a fanedit,” etc.

What I think would help would be, after TROS is released on Blu-ray, taking some of the elements of that movie (esp. Rey’s lineage) and include it in bits and pieces into The Starlight Project. This could be in the form of flashbacks, or other little hits that are sprinkled in. I would like to see the same done in The Last Jedi.

Ultimately, I would like to spread out some of the craziness that is packed into TROS into the other two films of the ST to help give a more cohesive trilogy that anyone can enjoy and appreciate the story as a whole. The first place to start, I think, is with The Force Awakens, as it shares so much with The Rise of Skywalker.

It’s my hope that you’ll come back to this project, because I love the work you’ve done on it. But I can certainly understand if you need a break. But after TROS is released, I won’t lie: I’ll be itching to come up with new ideas to flesh out the trilogy as a whole, and I think a lot of that can be done with the work you’ve put into The Starlight Project. This has is my favorite fanedit of any I’ve watched, and I hope that we can continue to do more with it to improve the entire ST. I am confident that we can.

When you’re ready, let’s talk about how we can integrate some of the elements of TROS into The Starlight Project, because I think we can actually make it pretty cool and improve the sequel trilogy as a whole as result. I know you’ve mentioned some interest in fanediting The Last Jedi (which I would love to see someday), and being able to develop a ST that truly serves as a “definitive” version is one worth watching.

My dream is that, someday, I’ll no longer refer to the “ST” as “sequel trilogy,” but rather as the “Starlight Trilogy,” one cohesive overarching story that brings all of it together the way it should have been.

Just wanted to chime in and ask what our thoughts have been on the feedback suggested so far, since the workprint was released?