Rogue One: The Battle of Scarif

I loved this edit. It felt fun, and like a "Star Wars Short" or something, which is what i was looking for for Rogue One. The theatrical versions seems to force the need to be as important as the other Star Wars films, but it just isn't. This movie cut to the chase without trying to create a reason there was a weak spot on the Death Star. Instead, it just focuses on the rogue team sacrificing their lives to get the plans to the Death Star. Short and sweet. No need for deep character development. Just a quick fun ride, which is what Star Wars should be IMO - fun.

Wow...just, wow! The moment I saw the runtime of this edit and read the reasoning behind this, I was intrigued beyond words. Although I knew that it will probably not be my go to version, unless I don't find some other, less aggressive, edit that suits me. But I will explain this later.

First of all, I have to tell you my opinion for the original. I found it ok. Not bad, like Solo, but certainly not great, just because it was something different from what we had seen back then, as a lot of people said. My enjoyment factor for the original was around 5.

Now about the edit. Well done for a nearly flawless audio and visual editing! 'Nearly' because of some very tiny issues that other reviewers have mentioned already with the audio. But the biggest credit of all, in my book, goes for the fact that the editor managed to cut 83(!!!) minutes of the film's runtime and it still made perfect sense, in combination of course with the opening crawl. I can't stress enough my congratulations to eldusto84! I couldn't believe that something like this was possible.

Now, why my enjoyment factor is a 7 and it isn't my go to version if everything is so perfect? Character building or the lack of. Obviously I knew that will happen and anyone who sees that the runtime is that of an episode of a tv series, knows that character development will take a big hit. So, my issue was that although everything made sense, excellent action sequences etc, I couldn't shake the fact that I was just watching a bunch of people I know nothing about, so I don't care at all, running around, fighting and dying with no impact on me whatsoever. I mean, the edit ends with the protagonists dying holding hands, for crying out loud, and I felt nothing. And since I am a person that likes character development, even if it is basic, I couldn't enjoy it much.

The reason I recommend it though, is because if you didn't like the original and if you take this, as the editor says, as a supplement episode before Star Wars IV, then it is a great addition to your future Star Wars marathons!

Thank you eldusto84, thanks everyone for reading my review and may the force be with you!

I LOVE IT! Adding to my Rogue One Blu-ray case! Great to play before watching New Hope!

The most fun I've had watching this film. Splendid and truly a masterful edit. Other reviewers have already noted the stellar editing—audio and video—and I can only concur. The original is not fresh in my mind but if you did the handful of match cuts, then bravo!

This feels like a "Star Wars: An Event"-film set in the SW-universe, where I don't have to wonder why someone has godlike aim for a blind person. Clearly he's one with the force, and therefore it's explained why he dodges and fires like a master. Rogue One: The Battle of Scarif is pretty much a perfect standalone movie within the Saga, easily replacing the original.

Highly recommended!

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