Blue Skies on Mars: A Total Recall Fanedit

Count me as a fan of the original. Saw it theatrically a couple times, defended it in arguments.
Bought the VHS, later the Laserdisc, finally the DVD in a round tin resembling Mars.
Total Recall, to me, was the last good Arnold film. Have not liked - or bought - a title after this.

To be honest, if someone is not familiar with Total Recall, they will got lost with Jorge's edit.
A lot was cut, and the linear narrative is a choppy mess. Plot points bounce back and forth, and I never got a feel for Kuato's group, the Agency motivations, or why Hauser-Quaid bothered going to Rekall or Mars for that matter.

Audio sounded fine. Video- black n white sequences (all on Mars?) were well rendered. The color palate (on Earth?) was harsh - perhaps by design. Very 70s looking.

I appreciated all the thought and work that went into Blue Skies On Mars. I'll watch Total Recall again, then return to this one.

this is the first jorge edit i've seen and as an faneditor there's some really good stuff within this edit, the flashback montage sequence being a particular highlight. however while total recall was already a complicated film this edit makes things even more complicated. i found things pretty hard to follow with the constant back and forth. i don't mind a story that's been told out of sequence but i couldn't help but feel disconnected between who was who. maybe the edit would have benefited with 5 or 10 mins extra just to show a better understanding of peoples motives and to get to know some of the characters sooner

overall an enjoyable edit but not one that i would return to

This was a pretty kick ass fanedit. I wasn't really all that in love with the Mementomix but the parts that were excellent overshadowed the weaker parts easily.

This review is based on my opinions and my viewing experience. Nothing is meant as an attack. Spoiler warning.

AUDIO: Audio sounded great on my system, nothing to complain about.
10 out of 10

VIDEO: The image quality was not quite up to dvd standards however i loved the color pallet
7.5 out of 10

EDITING: The editing is very well done. there were two minor issues tho, the first is i wish the opening logos were the same aspect ratio as the rest of the feature, and the second: around the ten minute mark when that fade comes in and quato’s saying “open your mind”, it seemed to fade too late (imo) as i could still see a bit from the next scene
8 out of 10

ENTERTAINMENT: Kick a$$ in the entertainment department. I have a blast everytime i watch this edit.
10 out of 10

9 out of 10 overall

SIDE NOTES: This version of total recall is a real mind bender. Check it out folks.

Sincerely. Rogue.

August 31, 2010

Count me in the camp that enjoyed the original movie. Yes it was over the top, yes it comes across as dated, but I grew up in the 80s and Total Recall was a fun action ride with an interesting extra level of mystery if you wanted to stop and pay attention.

So, for a fan of the original movie, how does Jorge’s edit stack up? Very well indeed.

While it may not replace my original copy on my shelf, I will definitely re-watch this over the years and show to friends. If you want to show a newcomer what is possible with the art of FanEditing, this is an EXCELLENT example of what can be achieved. It is original, well executed, and highly entertaining.

**Possible Spoilers ahead**
Technical
Both Audio and Video are up to the standards that we’ve come to expect from Jorge. His layering of Kuato’s “Open your mind” line throughout the movie blend perfectly and work well at keeping the viewer aware of the greater questions that Quaid is facing. No harsh edits or transitions. Everything flows smoothly.

Story/Editing
Overall this was a joy to watch. The ‘memento’ treatment works very well and continuously forces the question of which reality is realThe structure ultimately leaves a few small holes such as not seeing how Quaid and Melina hook back up, or how/why Benni is with them. I assume that cutting the explanations out was the lesser of two evils for Jorge as their inclusion was probably both a problem for pacing as well as not terribly interesting. It is a minor issue and as we are dealing with a broken timeline become even less important.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the montage of events which if I recall correctly occurs close to or at the shift to ‘normal’ time.It felt somewhat out of place and didn’t add much for me.

Overall Entertainment
This is a great ride. It’s not superior to the original, but it is great way to watch it with a fresh experience, and for me, that is one of the greatest things a faneditor can accomplish, breathe fresh life into something well known and well-worn.

Overall score
9/10