Star Wars: Episode II - The Approaching Storm

Really great edit! Only problems I have are the obvious audio cut after the first kiss between Anakin and Padme, and the deleted scenes introduce quality dips. My go-to version of this film!

Not much else to say that hasn't already been said. Arguably the worst Star Wars movie has been improved to the point you wouldn't feel awkward recommending it to anyone.

Among the edit's achievements: the three worst scenes are cut out of the movie entirely, the improved opening scenes flow more naturally, the pacing has been improved, and the Anakin/Padme romance actually works now. I have a few nitpicks but taking it on its own merits, well...it's really quite remarkable.

This edit transformed the original film--one that I would describe as 'so-bad-it's-good'--into a movie I'd now say is 'pretty good'.

My first time seeing this, along with the other prequels, since the first viewing in theatres. Somehow it seems like the same movie (major plot points and characters are intact) while nevertheless feeling vastly improved in terms of tone, story and characterization. Hal9000 is a master and has utterly redeemed this trilogy, while keeping his handiwork nearly invisible. A difficult balance, but it looks effortless.

At last, I can finally enjoy the prequels! Years after giving up hope of finding prequel edits that I could really enjoy, Hal9000's Episode II edit has done it!

I watched so many fanedits of Episodes I & II that left me wishing I could get my time refunded (nothing against the faneditors, just the material). I recently realized I had been taking the wrong approach by looking for an edit that removed all of the elements that I disliked, as edits that took that approach never seemed to have enough material left to craft what felt like a full film. Hal9000's edit is more reserved cut-wise and seems to try to include as much as possible to give the film enough content and weight to flow smoothly and feel like a complete film. Somehow Hal9000 was able to include much more of the film than I would have though possible while still (mostly) avoiding the frequent criticisms of the film like bad writing, acting, attempts at humor, etc. and the quality of the edit is top-notch.

There were at most a couple of instances where I felt like a transition wasn't quite flawless, either visually or audibly, but it may just have been a result of knowing the original too well or watching too many fanedits. Regardless, they were the most minor of issues, and I can't even recall which scenes were involved because I was just so surprised by how much I was enjoying myself watching this film!

Hal9000 has elevated this film to a place I never though possible: a worthy companion to the original trilogy!

Entertaining, fun, realistically romantic, fixes most of the problems Anakin has, which is very hard to do, especially taking into account the terrible performance of Christiansen. It makes the movie more focused, straightforward and action-packed.