Rogue One: The Battle of Scarif

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!

When I first saw rogue one I left feeling disappointed. I felt that the first half was weak but the final act was amazing, some of the best star wars content yet. This edit takes the best part of Rogue One and makes it feel like a pilot for a Star Wars tv series. The editing is amazing, it was hard to tell what was cut and where. The rescoring is flawless and visual quality is top notch. Check this edit out if you disliked rogue one or even loved it. Great edit will be replacing the main film on my shelf.

The first scene works very well like this, it’s a nice change of pace.

I’d be in favor of removing / chaining the edit’s introduction to K-2SO (first time talking to Jyn), in particular him saying “Cassian said I had too”, it makes no sense here. The change of Jyn’s speech before the battle actually works, I thought that was one of the things I’s miss but apparently the original is not that special.

Regarding Chirrut’s scene, I’m not 100% sold on the new score (that was the only point of contention to me in the audio of this edit), I might have preferred the idea of lowering the audio. This would create a moment of quiet in the middle of all the chaos, although in this we still have such a moment later with Baze Malbus. So, I’m not sure what would work the best.

What I am sure is I hate the giant “cigar cutter” during Jyn’s climb. It is utter ridiculous in the original. That could be cut for sure.

The change in score is superb. I could feel the rising tension on several scenes due to new songs, they add a lot of color.

Thanks for this!

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.