Return of the Jedi: Remastered

Star Wars was the reason I discovered fanedits years ago. Unsurprisingly, it was because of the prequel trilogy. I lost count of how many fanedits I've watched over the years and unfortunately continue to look for, because of the God awful Episodes VIII and IX and their TV counterparts. I'm looking at you Obi-Wan Kenobi! For some reason I haven't found any Boba Fett fanedits, I'm guessing it isn't salvageable..

When it comes to the original trilogy I was pretty happy with the infamous despecialized editions, but, a little voice in my head reminded me that, although I grew up with the original trilogy etc etc, Episode VI was always like a wasted opportunity for me. I lament to the fact that instead of Wookies we got the Ewoks, plus all the other misfires like Palpatine's plan at the end and some other stuff. So, I started digging for fanedits, that also weren't DVD quality, hopping for the best. I was surprise to see that, on the contrary to the other trilogies, there weren't many choices for the original, at least none that were trying to alter the original in a serious way and not by adding metal score or just combining vfx from the special editions. I was actually down to 2-3 choices, barely, and I'm happy to say, Darthrush did it!

The Ewoks were trimmed considerably. Some reviews are saying it wasn't enough, I can't say that I agree. I mean, guys, the Ewoks are here, it is done. We cannot remove them completely or make them seem like being out of place by having them a couple of minutes. Maybe there is an edit out there that does that and I haven't seen it, but I was pretty happy with this one. And since I'm commenting on other people's reviews, Darthrush was pretty much vindicated by living the death scene of Boba Fett, because it was reminded to us, and in a ridiculous way I must add, in the Book of Boba Fett series. The thing is though, I do not understand why there is still an issue with this death scene, because the editor did an amazing job in this whole sequence with Jaba and the rescue of Han Solo. All the silliness and the stupid gags that were going on in the original were removed! Another common remark is the choice of the ending from the special edition, with the exception of Anakin's force ghost. Well, to each his own, you can't please everyone with this one. I personally like it because it makes perfect sense to see the whole galaxy celebrating this momentous victory over the Empire.

Technical wise, all the edits were seamless, picture quality was pretty good as was the sound. The editor did a really great job with this one. I was surprised to see this is the only edit he has done, or at least listed here.

I totally recommend this edit, as long as you accept that Ewoks are unavoidable, that Boba Fett falls inside Sarlacc's Pit and that the editor chose the special edition ending, I believe this is a superior version over the original!

Thanks to anyone who read my review and special thanks to Darthrush for all his hard work!

This is a great streamlining of a good film, and the changes made in the movie were of a great benefit to the viewer. I highly recommend this excellent piece of work;

Compared the Spence's final edit, this is more of a gentle trimming. Boba Fett's awful death is here. Obi-Wan's force ghost is present. Leia talks about memories with her mother and the cheesy ending remains (with Sebastian Shaw's ghost). I was hoping mostly that the Ewoks had been cut down quite considerably, but unfortunately not as much as I'd hoped.

But that aside, it's still a brilliant edit if you want a more fuller lengthier version of RotJ and if you are a fan of the film then I think this would be the edit more to your likening. The cuts are seamless. The audio has no faults. It uses some of the "remaster edits" as I did see the odd CGI character (yet the Sarlacc Pit is the original version - maybe the editors on here just prefer the original? Who knows). Jabba's Palace does seem more lengthier, but the cheesy dance numbers are removed, which will please many.

Conclusion? If you aren't a purist and desire a more film length edit then here it is. No big shocks or anything to annoy the fans really.

I really enjoyed this edit and many of the decisions, but ultimately this just cannot be my go to version of the film...

PROS: I loved the added music during the Obi-Wan & Luke scene.
Very much enjoyed the change-up during when Chewie is introduced.
NO MORE JEDI ROCKS DANCE SEQUENCE!
The Special Edition Ending is the ending I always preferred.
Greatly reduced Ewoks!
Vader is more menacing in shuttle tydirium sequence.
Dialogue and cheesy scenes in the film are reduced (almost a little too much).

CONS: The subtitles from Jabba change from odd "imovie" type to then the despecialized subtitles.
I personally miss the despecialized dance sequence cut from this edit.
The dialogue scenes with Lando are pretty much cut entirely.
Boba Fett shots are not flipped.
No more Leia and Wicket scene.
I miss Vader's eyebrows.
But overall I think the film just loses too much of its charm while the edits aren't super effective.

Darthrush's edit of the Last Jedi is the definitive version of this movie. It cuts unnecesary exposition and helps the overall flow and enjoyment of the movie. Jabba's Palace sequence its greatly favored by some cuts like Lando revealing himself before time and the god awful musical number (retaining the only decent part of it) among others. The treatment of this cut regarding the ewoks is phenomenal as they have a more believable role in which they are not a fighting force capable of rivaling the Empire but natives that rush to the aid of their newly found friends and get their asses handed to them by the Empire (how it should be). There are some additions that reinforce some pre-established concepts of Star Wars like the vanishing of a Jedi to become part of the unifying force on death. Overall this is the best version possible of the Last Jedi. Great stuff.