Star Wars - Episode III: Dawn of the Empire
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Updated
User reviews
5 reviews with 7-9 stars
29 reviews
Overall rating
9.3
Audio/Video Quality
9.3(16)
Audio Editing
9.6(16)
Visual Editing
9.7(16)
Narrative
8.8(16)
Enjoyment
9.3(29)
5 results - showing 1 - 5
Ordering
(Updated: July 20, 2017)
Overall rating
7.8
Audio/Video Quality
8.0
Audio Editing
8.0
Visual Editing
8.0
Narrative
8.0
Enjoyment
7.0
L8wrtr's editing is the *cleanest* (least noticeable) of any ROTS I've seen, but in the end, I think the edit is not quite as good overall as the original cut of the film (*despite* the many welcome improvements).
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
The Ani-Obi-Dooku duel is excellent; unlike the original cut, you now really get the sense that Dooku simply *knows* that he'll be able to defeat the two Jedi the same way he did on Geonosis...what he didn't expect was how powerful Anakin would have become (especially when fueled by anger). L8wrtr's edits convey this much better; Anakin is in rage mode, beats Dooku, and simply cuts his head off and immediately regrets it (Palpatine's famous but silly "DEWIT" line is gone). This works much better because it fits with the instinct he has toward merciless revenge we saw in AOTC (as opposed to fairly silly urging by Palpatine). The edits here are perfect. Bravo, L8wrtr.
Unfortunately, The choice of putting the famous opera scene here is jarring, and simply doesn't work. I think I can appreciate L8wrtr's intention, but having Palpatine rescued by the Jedi and then two scenes later (literally overnight) telling Anakin that the Jedi are planning to betray him comes off as forced and silly. It also diminishes the context of their meeting... The day after the attack, Palpatine makes a request to the Jedi that Anakin should hang out with him at an opera for no reason? The original placement of the scene worked much better; here it's simply jarring.
In fact, L8wrtr's decisions in reshuffling the sequences regarding the Anakin-as-a-double-agent plot simply don't work and the narrative flow is less logical than in the original.
On the other hand, the inclusion of multiple deleted scenes with Padme, Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma is MOST welcome. This and L8wrtr's masterful editing of the opening sequences are the best overall changes of the edit.
There are many more subtle edits throughout the rest of the film that are for the better, including the Mace vs Palpatine duel and Anakin's submission to Palpatine.
On that note, L8wrtr's done a good job tweaking Palpatine's face change so that it now seems clear that his *true* form is revealed once Anakin slices off Windu's arm and he unleashes his "unlimited power."
My biggest problem with this film is something that L8wrtr unfortunately leaves in (while Lucas deserves full blame for the scene, it's disappointing that L8wrtr left it unchanged): Anakin murdering little Jedi kids, a scene that's ridiculous and utterly unbelievable (to the point of being laughable), not to mention absolutely unnecessary. The fact that Anakin helped kill Windu and is now leading an assault on the Jedi Temple is enough for the audience to know that he's become a villain. The scene where Bail watches clonetroopers kill a Jedi adolescent is enough to convey that ALL Jedi in the temple were killed (including kids). The fact that Anakin personally murders human children who trusted him makes all of his subsequent dialogue with Padme completely ridiculous: Later on, Padme learns that he's a child murderer and then says that she loves him and just wants his love....uh, lol?? If it weren't for that scene, everything that happens later would make perfect sense. Again, the scene's existence is Lucas' fault, but if I could only choose one scene to remove from the original cut, it would be this.
Speaking of which, we would be able to assume that once Anakin is in the Vader suit, he's capable of any and all evil if it weren't for the fact that L8wrtr inexplicably removed Palpatine telling Vader that Padme is dead. This (like some of the earlier reshuffling) simply breaks the film for me...because it leaves the audience absolutely unable to answer the question of why Vader wouldn't travel to the ends of the galaxy to find Padme unless he knew with certainty that she were dead. I can understand removing "NOOOOO (Do not want)," but I can't understand removing Vader's explicit understanding that Padme is dead.
That said, the throat crunch noises on Padme's neck, no more "I have the high ground" (seamlessly edited), no more "she's losing the will to live" BS...all very welcome changes.
Unfortunately, the last bunch of edits are problematic; I can't fathom why L8wrtr removed the conversation about separating the twins, that Luke has family on Tatooine, etc. Why was this removed? No reason whatsoever as far as I can tell. Instead, we're shown what feels like a much more random bunch of scenes that come out of nowhere with no explanation at all.
Yoda landing on Dagobah: Not needed, and should have remained the cutting room floor. We still get Obi-Wan's baby drop-off service; perhaps starting the scene where he's already with Beru and handing off Luke would make more sense (we could then assume that they'd already been talking for some time). Palpatine, Vader, and Tarkin with Death Star under construction: Completely unnecessary and (very) silly... Disappointing that this wasn't removed, but I don't fault L8wrtr for the scene's existence.
Ultimately, L8wrtr's version of any particular scene could be considered superior. The point is that the totality of L8wrtr's edits make for an experience which, despite welcome improvements in particular sequences, is simply not *quite* as logical in narrative progression and ultimately not quite as good as the original overall.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
The Ani-Obi-Dooku duel is excellent; unlike the original cut, you now really get the sense that Dooku simply *knows* that he'll be able to defeat the two Jedi the same way he did on Geonosis...what he didn't expect was how powerful Anakin would have become (especially when fueled by anger). L8wrtr's edits convey this much better; Anakin is in rage mode, beats Dooku, and simply cuts his head off and immediately regrets it (Palpatine's famous but silly "DEWIT" line is gone). This works much better because it fits with the instinct he has toward merciless revenge we saw in AOTC (as opposed to fairly silly urging by Palpatine). The edits here are perfect. Bravo, L8wrtr.
Unfortunately, The choice of putting the famous opera scene here is jarring, and simply doesn't work. I think I can appreciate L8wrtr's intention, but having Palpatine rescued by the Jedi and then two scenes later (literally overnight) telling Anakin that the Jedi are planning to betray him comes off as forced and silly. It also diminishes the context of their meeting... The day after the attack, Palpatine makes a request to the Jedi that Anakin should hang out with him at an opera for no reason? The original placement of the scene worked much better; here it's simply jarring.
In fact, L8wrtr's decisions in reshuffling the sequences regarding the Anakin-as-a-double-agent plot simply don't work and the narrative flow is less logical than in the original.
On the other hand, the inclusion of multiple deleted scenes with Padme, Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma is MOST welcome. This and L8wrtr's masterful editing of the opening sequences are the best overall changes of the edit.
There are many more subtle edits throughout the rest of the film that are for the better, including the Mace vs Palpatine duel and Anakin's submission to Palpatine.
On that note, L8wrtr's done a good job tweaking Palpatine's face change so that it now seems clear that his *true* form is revealed once Anakin slices off Windu's arm and he unleashes his "unlimited power."
My biggest problem with this film is something that L8wrtr unfortunately leaves in (while Lucas deserves full blame for the scene, it's disappointing that L8wrtr left it unchanged): Anakin murdering little Jedi kids, a scene that's ridiculous and utterly unbelievable (to the point of being laughable), not to mention absolutely unnecessary. The fact that Anakin helped kill Windu and is now leading an assault on the Jedi Temple is enough for the audience to know that he's become a villain. The scene where Bail watches clonetroopers kill a Jedi adolescent is enough to convey that ALL Jedi in the temple were killed (including kids). The fact that Anakin personally murders human children who trusted him makes all of his subsequent dialogue with Padme completely ridiculous: Later on, Padme learns that he's a child murderer and then says that she loves him and just wants his love....uh, lol?? If it weren't for that scene, everything that happens later would make perfect sense. Again, the scene's existence is Lucas' fault, but if I could only choose one scene to remove from the original cut, it would be this.
Speaking of which, we would be able to assume that once Anakin is in the Vader suit, he's capable of any and all evil if it weren't for the fact that L8wrtr inexplicably removed Palpatine telling Vader that Padme is dead. This (like some of the earlier reshuffling) simply breaks the film for me...because it leaves the audience absolutely unable to answer the question of why Vader wouldn't travel to the ends of the galaxy to find Padme unless he knew with certainty that she were dead. I can understand removing "NOOOOO (Do not want)," but I can't understand removing Vader's explicit understanding that Padme is dead.
That said, the throat crunch noises on Padme's neck, no more "I have the high ground" (seamlessly edited), no more "she's losing the will to live" BS...all very welcome changes.
Unfortunately, the last bunch of edits are problematic; I can't fathom why L8wrtr removed the conversation about separating the twins, that Luke has family on Tatooine, etc. Why was this removed? No reason whatsoever as far as I can tell. Instead, we're shown what feels like a much more random bunch of scenes that come out of nowhere with no explanation at all.
Yoda landing on Dagobah: Not needed, and should have remained the cutting room floor. We still get Obi-Wan's baby drop-off service; perhaps starting the scene where he's already with Beru and handing off Luke would make more sense (we could then assume that they'd already been talking for some time). Palpatine, Vader, and Tarkin with Death Star under construction: Completely unnecessary and (very) silly... Disappointing that this wasn't removed, but I don't fault L8wrtr for the scene's existence.
Ultimately, L8wrtr's version of any particular scene could be considered superior. The point is that the totality of L8wrtr's edits make for an experience which, despite welcome improvements in particular sequences, is simply not *quite* as logical in narrative progression and ultimately not quite as good as the original overall.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
No
Format Watched?
Blu-Ray
T
(Updated: June 15, 2015)
Overall rating
8.8
Audio/Video Quality
9.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
7.0
Enjoyment
8.0
I always hated the original Episodes I and II, but Episode III is different for me. I didn't like it but neither did I hate it. It was bad, but not terrible.
Thankfully just like in Episode II, L8wrtr has successfully nailed it in Star Wars editing.
The video/audio quality was great. There is one part that looked a little pixely, it's before the Anakin/Obi-Wan fight. Obi-Wan says "I will do what I must" and there, the screen looked pixely. That's a very minor flaw though, other than that, it looked great.
The video/audio editing was perfect, it felt like it was never actually edited.
The narrative was much better than the theatrical cut. I have some problems that prevents this from being my favorite though. Chewbacca is still there (universe shrinking) and Padme dies unlike her daughter's memories, C-3PO's memory isn't wiped, the reason how Obi-Wan and Yoda can use the force ghost technique is no longer here (continuity errors). Because of that, HAL9000's edit is my favorite. However if you prefer Chewbacca and continuity errors over "NOOOO" and no Yoda vs Sidious fight, then this is a better edit for you. Kinda depends on minor opinions, as both fanedits are almost perfect.
I really enjoyed this fanedit and I definitely recommend it!
Thankfully just like in Episode II, L8wrtr has successfully nailed it in Star Wars editing.
The video/audio quality was great. There is one part that looked a little pixely, it's before the Anakin/Obi-Wan fight. Obi-Wan says "I will do what I must" and there, the screen looked pixely. That's a very minor flaw though, other than that, it looked great.
The video/audio editing was perfect, it felt like it was never actually edited.
The narrative was much better than the theatrical cut. I have some problems that prevents this from being my favorite though. Chewbacca is still there (universe shrinking) and Padme dies unlike her daughter's memories, C-3PO's memory isn't wiped, the reason how Obi-Wan and Yoda can use the force ghost technique is no longer here (continuity errors). Because of that, HAL9000's edit is my favorite. However if you prefer Chewbacca and continuity errors over "NOOOO" and no Yoda vs Sidious fight, then this is a better edit for you. Kinda depends on minor opinions, as both fanedits are almost perfect.
I really enjoyed this fanedit and I definitely recommend it!
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
AVCHD
M
Overall rating
7.6
Audio/Video Quality
8.0
Audio Editing
8.0
Visual Editing
8.0
Narrative
7.0
Enjoyment
7.0
the start of the edit is extremely well done, our heroes complete their mission without the unnecessary distractions that got in their way. however after this the edit becomes a little to quick in it's pacing for my liking without any real follow between scenes. the inclusion of the deleted scenes are welcome edition and the edit settles within the second half. the ending is well done and address's what many consider the worst moment in the star wars prequels rather well (NOOOOO!!!!!!)
Palpatines sudden change in appearance into the empire is rather baffling. i don't believe any viewer should have to listen to a commentary track in order to understand what just happened. this also isn't consistent to the previous film and raises more questions than it should. can he return to his normal self? why didn't he take on this disguise in the first film?
is the way in which he transforms into the empire in Episode III so bad that this needed to be addressed. overall George Lucas decisions weren't fantastic but addressing such issues causes for me more problems than there worth. the problem that i have is that it almost become a Redletter Media tick list to how to improve the films.
there are some brilliant moments within this edit but overall i feel that too much has been removed.
my original Episode III score 7/10
my fanedit Episode III score 7/10
Palpatines sudden change in appearance into the empire is rather baffling. i don't believe any viewer should have to listen to a commentary track in order to understand what just happened. this also isn't consistent to the previous film and raises more questions than it should. can he return to his normal self? why didn't he take on this disguise in the first film?
is the way in which he transforms into the empire in Episode III so bad that this needed to be addressed. overall George Lucas decisions weren't fantastic but addressing such issues causes for me more problems than there worth. the problem that i have is that it almost become a Redletter Media tick list to how to improve the films.
there are some brilliant moments within this edit but overall i feel that too much has been removed.
my original Episode III score 7/10
my fanedit Episode III score 7/10
L
(Updated: September 02, 2012)
Enjoyment
7.0
This is a very well done fan edit, and I do recommend it.
I do have 4 quibbles with it though:
1) The transition you make from loud audio and lots of action on Kashyyyk to suddenly a calm quiet meeting room on Coruscant where no sound is to be heard for several seconds is rather jarring;
2) I had to listen to the commentary track to understand how the Emperor suddenly changes his appearance–the movie alone doesn’t make it obviously apparent;
3) The cut from the Emperor’s shuttle landing on Mustafar to him suddenly standing next to Vader is too quick–it’s almost like the Emperor teleported;
4) and, though not a problem with the actual film, your “About the Edit” special feature is frought with typos.
These problems have brought me to decide that, though Revenge of the Sith is a better movie than Attack of the Clones, I liked your The Republic Divided edit better than Dawn of the Empire.
This edit is still very well done. I just found your edit of Episode II to be flawless. I do hope you may take time to fix such issues as these.
******Added July 15, 2012******
Also:
Certain silly dialogue choices remain, such as Obi-Wan’s “Another happy landing” after crashing the Invisible Hand;
The shot where Yoda defeats the troopers after Order 66 has been trimmed. Now, while we do find out he survived long enough to escape to his ship, we never see how he got there. This creates a “WTF” moment because we leave him in immediate visible danger and when we come back he’s safe and somewhere else;
Chewbacca is mentioned, which is eye-rollingly unnecessary;
C-3P0′s memory erasing is removed. This creates a plothole for episode 4.
I do have 4 quibbles with it though:
1) The transition you make from loud audio and lots of action on Kashyyyk to suddenly a calm quiet meeting room on Coruscant where no sound is to be heard for several seconds is rather jarring;
2) I had to listen to the commentary track to understand how the Emperor suddenly changes his appearance–the movie alone doesn’t make it obviously apparent;
3) The cut from the Emperor’s shuttle landing on Mustafar to him suddenly standing next to Vader is too quick–it’s almost like the Emperor teleported;
4) and, though not a problem with the actual film, your “About the Edit” special feature is frought with typos.
These problems have brought me to decide that, though Revenge of the Sith is a better movie than Attack of the Clones, I liked your The Republic Divided edit better than Dawn of the Empire.
This edit is still very well done. I just found your edit of Episode II to be flawless. I do hope you may take time to fix such issues as these.
******Added July 15, 2012******
Also:
Certain silly dialogue choices remain, such as Obi-Wan’s “Another happy landing” after crashing the Invisible Hand;
The shot where Yoda defeats the troopers after Order 66 has been trimmed. Now, while we do find out he survived long enough to escape to his ship, we never see how he got there. This creates a “WTF” moment because we leave him in immediate visible danger and when we come back he’s safe and somewhere else;
Chewbacca is mentioned, which is eye-rollingly unnecessary;
C-3P0′s memory erasing is removed. This creates a plothole for episode 4.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
C
(Updated: September 02, 2012)
Overall rating
8.6
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
6.0
Enjoyment
7.0
The editing is superb…hard cuts: gone. Audio: Great…video: amazing quality…the edits…
This movie started out amazingly, but it started to fade out in spots…certain things were left in that were gone in other edits that I was really happy about were left in this edit:
The Grevious body armor “duh” moment, The stupid lightsaber twirling and force pushing, and even the smidgeon of Vader rotating up on the table during the birth of Vader scene is entirely unwelcome, Chewbacca is still in there (that was a terrible scene to begin with), and the Palpatine suddenly all white and wrinkled for no reason left me scratching my head…there were a couple other minor niggles, scene-wise, but they didn’t matter too much.
On the good side, though, some of the edits were mind-blowing…like the way the Anakin/Obi Wan and Yoda/Palpatine fights were edited together, the opening space battle was unreal, the Boga sounds were all new and incredibly cool…there were many, many cool edits in this that made me smile.
I hate to bring up other editors in a review, but if Stankpac’s and JasonN’s versions were this beautifully refined, I would have to go with theirs.
So…
Audio: Amazing – 10/10
Video: Amazing (like REALLY amazing) – 10/10
Editing quality: Amazing – 10/10
Editing Choices: Sorry…( 6/10…just because some of my most hated scenes were left intact.
Overall, I have to give it a 7/10
Even with the amazing audio, video and editing quality, this isn’t my go-to version…perhaps with some tweaking, it will be.
Great job, overall!!!
*******Updated May 13, 2012********
Heyo again…
After re-reading my earlier post, I realized how negative it seemed. I was very distracted and rushed while I wrote it, so it came across as overly harsh, and I have to apologize.
While there were the parts I mentioned that didn’t work for me, my review overshadowed what a truly amazing edit L8WRTR has put together. The audio and video editing was flawless, and I mean FLAWLESS. Quite honestly, it was a technical marvel to behold.
If lucas had put as much love into HIS versions as L8WRTR, he would not have lost the long-time fans that he did.
Just because this edit wasn’t completely to my tastes, it really doesn’t deserve the drubbing I gave it earlier.
Keep up your amazing work L8WRTR!!!
This movie started out amazingly, but it started to fade out in spots…certain things were left in that were gone in other edits that I was really happy about were left in this edit:
The Grevious body armor “duh” moment, The stupid lightsaber twirling and force pushing, and even the smidgeon of Vader rotating up on the table during the birth of Vader scene is entirely unwelcome, Chewbacca is still in there (that was a terrible scene to begin with), and the Palpatine suddenly all white and wrinkled for no reason left me scratching my head…there were a couple other minor niggles, scene-wise, but they didn’t matter too much.
On the good side, though, some of the edits were mind-blowing…like the way the Anakin/Obi Wan and Yoda/Palpatine fights were edited together, the opening space battle was unreal, the Boga sounds were all new and incredibly cool…there were many, many cool edits in this that made me smile.
I hate to bring up other editors in a review, but if Stankpac’s and JasonN’s versions were this beautifully refined, I would have to go with theirs.
So…
Audio: Amazing – 10/10
Video: Amazing (like REALLY amazing) – 10/10
Editing quality: Amazing – 10/10
Editing Choices: Sorry…( 6/10…just because some of my most hated scenes were left intact.
Overall, I have to give it a 7/10
Even with the amazing audio, video and editing quality, this isn’t my go-to version…perhaps with some tweaking, it will be.
Great job, overall!!!
*******Updated May 13, 2012********
Heyo again…
After re-reading my earlier post, I realized how negative it seemed. I was very distracted and rushed while I wrote it, so it came across as overly harsh, and I have to apologize.
While there were the parts I mentioned that didn’t work for me, my review overshadowed what a truly amazing edit L8WRTR has put together. The audio and video editing was flawless, and I mean FLAWLESS. Quite honestly, it was a technical marvel to behold.
If lucas had put as much love into HIS versions as L8WRTR, he would not have lost the long-time fans that he did.
Just because this edit wasn’t completely to my tastes, it really doesn’t deserve the drubbing I gave it earlier.
Keep up your amazing work L8WRTR!!!
A