Star Wars - A New Hope: Possessed

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9.9
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10.0(7)
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10.0(7)
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10.0(7)
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10.0
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Tens across the board. This is very nicely presented.

Objectively, I have no real complaints. Possessed has done a great job of merging different visual and audio elements from different cuts in order to create a balanced hybrid between the theatrical and the special editions, as well as additional tweaks to FX, regrading etc.

On a subjective level, there are some things I'd rather were kept (eg. the stormtrooper head bump) or left out (Yavin SE shots), but practically everyone who isn't a total purist has their own variations on what their ideal combo would be, and you can't please everyone. (I also like having the option of a proper 5.1 track, rather than a stereo track that can be up-mixed; but this too is personal preference, and what's there still sounds great.)

Adywan's ANH Revisited is obviously excellent, but with the HD version still pending, this sits alongside that as a great option; and even with the eventual release of the final version of that in HD, Possessed's cut may still be preferable to some that feel some of the former's changes go a bit too far.

While this didn't 100% meet all my preferences, enjoyment still gets a 10 because it was a joy to watch. I often hold ESB very high up, with ROTJ being the flawed, "fun" one and ANH being the one I appreciate more than I enjoy; but I really dug it this time around. I'd forgotten just how much is crammed into the runtime and how well it's put together. I was also struck by the grading right off the bat - amazing how much of a difference that makes to the experience.

Thanks for your hard work, Possessed. I look forward to checking out your version of ROTJ sometime soon.

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Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Blu-Ray
T
Top 50 Reviewer 103 reviews
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Overall rating
 
10.0
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
It's the same Star Wars that I've always love, but you can just tell that it's a little better. It's really obvious at some scenes (where I'm familiar with the gross CG that occupied the shots), but often it's subtle and I wouldn't have noticed it had I not read the cutlist (just cause I'm not super familiar with all the film's variations). One thing that is consistently amazing though is your regrade, I especially notice on the shots of 3PO and R2, for some reason, and often in some of the contrasting shots with true blacks. I wish I could say more about those subtle changes, because they really are amazing and deserve more attention, but I lack the capacity to do so, y'all'll just have to take my word for it.

Everybody watch this now. A lot of great work was done here, thus making this probably the best version of ANH I've seen. Albeit I've only seen the DVD/Blu-Ray/Disney+ versions and Harmy's Despecialized, but hey that still counts for something. Seriously great work man, I'm looking forward to watching the follow-up(s) planned.
Owner's reply April 12, 2020

Thanks man! Much appreciated

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(Updated: April 29, 2021)
Overall rating
 
10.0
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
What a wonderful way to revisit an old classic.

Hats off to Possesed, their work on this conservative edit enriches the viewing experience in multiple subtle ways so much so that watching this was like watching A New Hope for the first time again. A real joy.

A/V Quality - Top notch. Possessed really has done a fab job here. I watched the blu ray version and the picture was wonderfully crisp. The regrade really makes the image pop while the gamma adjustments reveal a whole host of detail in the background. If nothing else the edit is worth watching just for that. The audio mix, which has been enhanced, is rich and clear. What more could you want?
Visual editing - Technically faultless. A highlight for me was the editing of the lightsaber duel.
Audio editing - Possessed has used a custom mix for the edit and the audio editing was seamless. Great job.
Narrative - This is a conservative edit. You've seen the film, you know the story. There are a few notable changes that I personally enjoyed namely the Han and Greedo sequence and the removal of Jabba the hut. It felt like an authentic Star Wars experience.
Enjoyment - If it wasn't clear already I really love this edit. What's more I really love the release. I was lucky enough to receive a handmade blu-ray from Possesed with custom artwork and special features. It really made the viewing experience that little bit more special and it now sits proudly on my shelf. I am very much looking forward to watching Possesed edit of The Empire Strikes Back.
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Overall rating
 
10.0
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
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10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
Possessed's love and care for the original Star Wars movie is on full display on this edit. Carefully picking the right sources, meshing them together, grading the entire movie... all very subtle, yet product of hours of dedication that make this edit truly worthy of standing out amongst so many others. Everything in this edit is in the correct amount, an overall very pleasant experience.

Would absolutely recommend it, if you're looking for a version other than theatrical.

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Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
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Nostalgia is a funny thing. Even with some of the obvious additions from the Special Editions, this is how I remember STAR WARS when I saw it at a drive-in in 1977. In my memory the colors aren't muted, the effects are bright and loud...everything this fanedit brings to the table. The included Special Edition content fits perfectly, without the jarring dissonance of some of Lucas' broader edits.

All in all, if you want a version of A New Hope that matches what you remember from your childhood, this is it :)

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Yes
Format Watched?
Blu-Ray
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