Dredd: Digest Edition

I watched this awhile ago and forgot to write a review. So I watched it again. And here's the review:

Very, very well done! Rogue set out to make a 30 minute version of Dredd, and he accomplished just that. There are no plot holes, continuity errors or anything like that. If someone who hadn't seen the original film watched this, they wouldn't realize anything was cut. Well, yeah they probably would have, because it's 30 minutes long and is divided into two parts. Normal movies aren't like that.

Anyway before I saw Dredd I was almost entirely unfamiliar with the character. Now, because of Dredd, I am a bit more familiar. Does this edit satisfy comic fans? No idea. But I'd like to think so. I don't know why it wouldn't. If you liked the theatrical version, you'll like this. I don't know if you'll like it more, though. Next time I feel like watching Dredd, I'll probably just watch the original version. But, if I'm in a crunch for time, I know I'll watch this. Because this digest is a fun fest.

Just finished watching this. Also, coincidentally, I just recently watched Dredd for the first time and really enjoyed it.

So here is my short and sweet review:

Awesomeness after Anderson uses her mind games to find out Peachtree is the distrubution center for all slo mo excellent montage of Anderson and Dredd taking MaMa's guys out (IIRC thats not the way it played out in the film/it was not a montage in the theatrical cut).

So around 17 minutes into the edit it says "The End" and i was like wtf?! Then forgot this is a Rogue Edit and there was a second part coming up.

With this edit Rogue-theX continues to display his skill for condensing full length features into short films while maintaining coherent narratives and avoiding plotholes.

Future project suggestion: A 7 minute Citizen Kane!

i really enjoyed dredd and while i've never read any of the comics i do enjoy the hard hitting violence of the film that reminds of the action films i saw back in the 80's. rogues shortened version of the film runs at just over 30mins, it never lets up in terms of action and it's amazing how so much footage can be deleted without ever hindering the flow and pace of the edit.

my only two problems i have with the edit is one how the edit is spilt into two, i felt it wasn't needed. just as your getting into the film it suddenly stops, though the end title to part one and the opening credits to part two may only take a minute or two it is distracting. however i understand were rogue is coming from this being a super 8 version without the effects. however i feel without this it could have played out better as more of a tv episode, however you do get right back into the edit.

the second problem is when dredd and anderson meet up again just seems a little to sudden though this has been discussed in the forum and it's probably just a case of the editor having to work with the footage he has. this of course may play out better if and when the edit gets the super 8 treatment.

rogue is one of the best when it comes to shortening feature length films and while i enjoy his super 8 fanedits i'm glad that this doesn't have the extra gimmicks and effects we usually see. the edit perfectly holds it's own and for those who own a copy of dredd this is a welcome alternative.

overall this is a very enjoyable edit not as good as the original though i feel this wasn't the editors intent, instead it's perfect for when your out and about and want to watch a edit on your chosen device.

Judgment:

While this edit had a few narrative holes because of all the material cut and rearranged, it was still an enjoyable and well-executed abridged version of 2012's "Dredd." Recommended.

Rogue’s excellent reimagining of DREDD includes all of the original’s most memorable moments, while offering a new take on the film. For me, the most notable difference is that the events now take place over one day. This change creates a strong contrast between the squalid, sealed-off interior of Peach Trees – where it might as well be night all the time – and the bright outside world.

In part one, a montage does a fantastic job of summarizing Dredd and Anderson’s badassery. In part two, however, I could see the seams in some of the editing. Before the Gatling gun assault, the audio drops out awkwardly on a shot of Ma-Ma. Later, when the assault is intercut with Kay’s attempted execution of Anderson, a key line is drowned out by music. Finally, it is disorienting when the computer guy reveals that Ma-Ma is in her private quarters; wasn’t she leading the assault only minutes ago?

But these moments are only minor bumps in an otherwise smooth ride. The editing is nearly perfect considering the number of changes made, and you get your fill of gore and grit in an exciting half an hour. Recommended.