Dredd: Digest Edition

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.

This is a pretty good "straight to the point" edit that removes the subplot of the corrupt judges, although I still prefer the original.

I went into watching this edit pretty excited considering its reviews and premise. Dredd really is a movie that - while very good - has a very simple plot that doesn't necessarily need to be as long as it is. Due to this, I really thought/think an edit designed to cut the fat off the film and leave only the bare essentials for the plot and characters would really improve an already very enjoyable movie.

However, this edit goes way too far with that premise, cutting far too much of the film, and while it does live up to its claims of leaving only the most memorable scenes and moments, it fails to set them up appropriately, lessening both the thematic impact of those scenes. Even having seen the movie multiple times before, I found myself confused as to how the characters got from one moment to the next, leaving the movie more a collection of randomly assembled scene rather than a cohesive and sensible narrative.

Additionally, I felt like several of the audio and music choices were unnecessary or overbearing, which distracted me from the movie itself. Other technical qualities of the edit were perfectly acceptable, however as far as I'm aware, it's only available in SD.

Overall, to my this edit is an unfortunate case of a good concept taken too far. If done with a little more temperance, this could be a superior vision of Dredd.

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.

As a Judge Dredd fan, I wanted the 2012 film to succeed. Karl Urban is very well cast. The story gives us great insight into living IN Mega City One, as opposed to ruling OVER it in Stallone's action comedy. But for me there wasn't enough to fill an entire movie. Imagine my delight when I found Rogue-Thex's 34-minute edit! It paces better than the original movie, and fits great with the original comics where most storylines were short and stand-alone.
If the 1995 movie reminds me of Wagner (high-gloss, clean, overt humor), the 2012 movie reminds me of McMahon (gritty, dirty, angry). I would love to see Urban in a sequel, using Bolland as reference (authoritarian, unyielding, beyond us mere mortals).
My one criticism of the edit is Anderson's jarring re-appearance (as also noted by others).
My only regret from this fanedit is that it's over so quickly. It's the right length for the material, I just wish there was more material.