Star Wars - Episode III: Dark Force Rising
Updated
User reviews
20 reviews
Overall rating
9.3
Audio/Video Quality
9.0(4)
Audio Editing
9.0(2)
Visual Editing
9.7(3)
Narrative
9.7(3)
Enjoyment
9.2(20)
(Updated: September 11, 2012)
Enjoyment
10.0
Review by DarthRazorback — August 15, 2011 @ 11:02 pm
I am giving this one higher marks than other ROTS edits because it is almost all seamless. I don’t agree with all the choices but at least the movie doesn’t look like it was beaten up with the cutting stick like another edit (I won’t name names).
I am giving this one higher marks than other ROTS edits because it is almost all seamless. I don’t agree with all the choices but at least the movie doesn’t look like it was beaten up with the cutting stick like another edit (I won’t name names).
D
(Updated: September 11, 2012)
Overall rating
8.0
Audio/Video Quality
8.0
Visual Editing
9.0
Enjoyment
7.0
Review by geminigod — April 26, 2011 @ 1:54 am
A lot has already been said, but I have a few things to add. 1st, On a separate but related philosophical note, I think it is interesting how fanedits evolve with some popular movies such as this. Editors build on the work previous editors do, which is understandable and mostly fine, however there probably should be some recognition in these situations of those influences that have come before us. Like or hate George Lucas, he deserves credit for his work. Likewise so do other editors that contributed in some indirect or direct way to an individual’s final cut. Fanediting is an odd business, but it is ultimately no different than any other artistic or scientific endeavor, except that of course there won’t be any lawsuits. When I watch Spence’s version of ROTS (or was it HAL9000′s??) he paved the way for how the end anakin obiwan fight scene should play out. Then there was Stankpac’s edit of ROTS that incorporated Spence’s work (who credited him for it), and then proceeded to lay out a bold vision for how the rest of the movie should play out. His work on the opening is particularly noteworthy. But really when you compare Stankpac’s edit with this scene-for-scene, it is clear that Stankpac inspired much of the work presented here. Not saying what Kerr has done here is bad, but I am just saying what noone else has said and give credit where credit is due.
Now, regarding the specifics of new changes Kerr has made, the good news is that I think his additions and changes to scene arrangement did ultimately succeed in his stated primary goal of trying to make Anakin seem like a little less of a tool and more of a victim, so props for that! I am not going to dissect each scene here, but suffice it to say that there were some changes Kerr has made from Stankpac’s version that I liked and some I didn’t like. The one I will mention that most stands out in my mind (probably because it was one of the last) that annoyed me was how Anakin turns off his lightsaber and turns his back on Obiwan. I also preferred Stankpac’s arrangement of the end epilogue sequences, although once again both are very, very similar.
You definitely deserve some credit from an audio editing standpoint. Your tinkering with sound effects and voice over work, did not go unnoticed, and I mostly enjoyed that aspect. On the other hand, your edit is only in 2.0 stereo, which was disappointing for me.
Video resolution/compression quality I thought was quite good for a SL DVD, though it looked as if you were missing a bit of contrast in the whites and blacks? It certainly didn’t look bad, but I can’t help but wonder if a bit of clipping occurred in these ranges at some point in your editing workflow.
Video quality: 8/10
Sound quality: 8/10
Creativity/originality: 6/10
Technical editing work: 9/10
A lot has already been said, but I have a few things to add. 1st, On a separate but related philosophical note, I think it is interesting how fanedits evolve with some popular movies such as this. Editors build on the work previous editors do, which is understandable and mostly fine, however there probably should be some recognition in these situations of those influences that have come before us. Like or hate George Lucas, he deserves credit for his work. Likewise so do other editors that contributed in some indirect or direct way to an individual’s final cut. Fanediting is an odd business, but it is ultimately no different than any other artistic or scientific endeavor, except that of course there won’t be any lawsuits. When I watch Spence’s version of ROTS (or was it HAL9000′s??) he paved the way for how the end anakin obiwan fight scene should play out. Then there was Stankpac’s edit of ROTS that incorporated Spence’s work (who credited him for it), and then proceeded to lay out a bold vision for how the rest of the movie should play out. His work on the opening is particularly noteworthy. But really when you compare Stankpac’s edit with this scene-for-scene, it is clear that Stankpac inspired much of the work presented here. Not saying what Kerr has done here is bad, but I am just saying what noone else has said and give credit where credit is due.
Now, regarding the specifics of new changes Kerr has made, the good news is that I think his additions and changes to scene arrangement did ultimately succeed in his stated primary goal of trying to make Anakin seem like a little less of a tool and more of a victim, so props for that! I am not going to dissect each scene here, but suffice it to say that there were some changes Kerr has made from Stankpac’s version that I liked and some I didn’t like. The one I will mention that most stands out in my mind (probably because it was one of the last) that annoyed me was how Anakin turns off his lightsaber and turns his back on Obiwan. I also preferred Stankpac’s arrangement of the end epilogue sequences, although once again both are very, very similar.
You definitely deserve some credit from an audio editing standpoint. Your tinkering with sound effects and voice over work, did not go unnoticed, and I mostly enjoyed that aspect. On the other hand, your edit is only in 2.0 stereo, which was disappointing for me.
Video resolution/compression quality I thought was quite good for a SL DVD, though it looked as if you were missing a bit of contrast in the whites and blacks? It certainly didn’t look bad, but I can’t help but wonder if a bit of clipping occurred in these ranges at some point in your editing workflow.
Video quality: 8/10
Sound quality: 8/10
Creativity/originality: 6/10
Technical editing work: 9/10
G
(Updated: September 11, 2012)
Enjoyment
10.0
Review by InfoDroid — April 9, 2011 @ 1:30 am
Dear Kerr,
Just got done watching this on YouTube. It’s not an easy film to edit, but you made what I thought were some very innovative choices during a few key moments that I haven’t seen tried before. Your solution to the Palpatine transformation problem, the fast-paced, uncut Mustafar duel and pretty much the entire third act of the film were all examples of how we can turn garbage into greatness just by snipping a few shots.
For example, look how much more effective the Vader transformation is without the “Frankenstein” scene. And you don’t even miss it! Padme’s death also felt so much more poignant.
One thing I was hoping for was a change in the voice of the “surfer dude” Neimoidian on Grevious’ ship. Just a pet peeve of mine. And I thought there was a slight misstep in the order of the birth of the Rebellion scene and Padme and Anakin’s talk at her apartment. I think if you flip the order of those two scenes, it would be much more effective because it provides the causation for Padme to start doubting the Republic’s stance on the war.
But those two tiny quibbles aside, it’s still a ten-star review for me. I think it’s the best edit of ROTS to date. I only wish there was a DVD version available. It would be my preferred version of Episode III.
Very, very good work!
–InfoDroid
Dear Kerr,
Just got done watching this on YouTube. It’s not an easy film to edit, but you made what I thought were some very innovative choices during a few key moments that I haven’t seen tried before. Your solution to the Palpatine transformation problem, the fast-paced, uncut Mustafar duel and pretty much the entire third act of the film were all examples of how we can turn garbage into greatness just by snipping a few shots.
For example, look how much more effective the Vader transformation is without the “Frankenstein” scene. And you don’t even miss it! Padme’s death also felt so much more poignant.
One thing I was hoping for was a change in the voice of the “surfer dude” Neimoidian on Grevious’ ship. Just a pet peeve of mine. And I thought there was a slight misstep in the order of the birth of the Rebellion scene and Padme and Anakin’s talk at her apartment. I think if you flip the order of those two scenes, it would be much more effective because it provides the causation for Padme to start doubting the Republic’s stance on the war.
But those two tiny quibbles aside, it’s still a ten-star review for me. I think it’s the best edit of ROTS to date. I only wish there was a DVD version available. It would be my preferred version of Episode III.
Very, very good work!
–InfoDroid
I
(Updated: September 11, 2012)
Enjoyment
9.0
Review by Diamond Wan — March 6, 2011 @ 10:24 am
Hats off to Kerr- this is an amazing Episode 3 fanedit. Amazing that at 88 minutes in length, it did not feel like a chop-up hack of the original! I have been planning an Episode 3 edit in my head for some time, and Kerr’s edit has a very close feel to what I am planning, and I have to admit, he added several concepts that I may “borrow”.
Quick list of things I loved: Along with all of the usuals that accompany any Episode 3 fanedit (balcony scene removal, less Anakin whining, etc), the opening battle sequence moves at a strong pace and gets to the point, Grievious has been retooled to be far more sinister (and his hacking cough is almost all gone!), the deleted scenes add extra texture as to how Palpitine works Anakin against the senate/Jedi, Anakin’s fall is far more believable, the Obi/Aniakin fight is nicely condensed, (but I still can’t stand those damn floating discs), Padme’s death and the ending works far better.
Wish list: Wish the audio was Dolby Digital 5.1 as opposed to Dolby Surround. Also, the video quality was passable, but barely. Was very obvious that this is at least two generations away from the original DVD quality (The original Ep 3 DVD has the sharpest and best picture of the Prequel Trilogy).
Conclusion: There were a few moments I would remove from this edit, and a few moments I would add back in, but for now, this stands as my “best of” Episode 3 edits, and sits alongside L8wtrs Episode One, and my edit of Episode 2 – It is nice to actually enjoy the Prequel trilogy again – thank you.
Review by Diamond Wan — March 7, 2011 @ 1:19 am
I forgot to mention perhaps my favorite part of Kerrs edit in my previous review – How he handled Palpitine becoming “Prune Face” is a standout – although I eagerly await Bob Garcia’s digital handywork on this scene which looks to top Kerrs excellent editing and digital lighting work.
Overall 9/10
Hats off to Kerr- this is an amazing Episode 3 fanedit. Amazing that at 88 minutes in length, it did not feel like a chop-up hack of the original! I have been planning an Episode 3 edit in my head for some time, and Kerr’s edit has a very close feel to what I am planning, and I have to admit, he added several concepts that I may “borrow”.
Quick list of things I loved: Along with all of the usuals that accompany any Episode 3 fanedit (balcony scene removal, less Anakin whining, etc), the opening battle sequence moves at a strong pace and gets to the point, Grievious has been retooled to be far more sinister (and his hacking cough is almost all gone!), the deleted scenes add extra texture as to how Palpitine works Anakin against the senate/Jedi, Anakin’s fall is far more believable, the Obi/Aniakin fight is nicely condensed, (but I still can’t stand those damn floating discs), Padme’s death and the ending works far better.
Wish list: Wish the audio was Dolby Digital 5.1 as opposed to Dolby Surround. Also, the video quality was passable, but barely. Was very obvious that this is at least two generations away from the original DVD quality (The original Ep 3 DVD has the sharpest and best picture of the Prequel Trilogy).
Conclusion: There were a few moments I would remove from this edit, and a few moments I would add back in, but for now, this stands as my “best of” Episode 3 edits, and sits alongside L8wtrs Episode One, and my edit of Episode 2 – It is nice to actually enjoy the Prequel trilogy again – thank you.
Review by Diamond Wan — March 7, 2011 @ 1:19 am
I forgot to mention perhaps my favorite part of Kerrs edit in my previous review – How he handled Palpitine becoming “Prune Face” is a standout – although I eagerly await Bob Garcia’s digital handywork on this scene which looks to top Kerrs excellent editing and digital lighting work.
Overall 9/10
D
(Updated: September 11, 2012)
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
Review by L8wrtr — January 28, 2011 @ 9:07 am
Because I have a workprint of my own for Episode III, I have shied away from watching other editors takes on it. I actually enjoyed Episode III in the theaters, at least when compared to Episode I & II. By its very nature, because of where it must point to (episodes 4, 5 & 6) and because Lucas wasted a lot of time in Episodes I & II, content alone made III the best of the Prequel. But while it was great in the theater, it didn’t hold up well under repeated viewing. The beginning, while closer in feeling to Star Wars action was a bloated mess, Anakin was still a whiner, Padme was weak and uninteresting, and worst of all, Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side felt uneven, there was something there at the base, but it has always just felt off.
As with all of my reviews, they are intended as constructive evaluations of the edit and no offense is intended to the editor.
AUDIO
Audio quality was spectacular. Kerr’s touch was amazing. He added music in the perfect places, never overpowering, but perfect for the scene. Many times his additions were so subtle that I think only people who know the movie with the intimacy of having edited it would notice them. His blending of scenes was fantastic, and his very subtle additions were perfect. 10/10
VIDEO
Overall quality was very good. The new crawl seemed to stutter and surge and at times the quality seemed not quite as good as the original, but overall held up well on my 52″ Plasma. The editing itself was seamless. The transitions, wipes, minor tweaks (and this edit is FULL of tweaks) were transparent and again, really only someone who knows this thing back and forth will notice where he has done his work. 9/10
STORY
How does this compare to the original? AMAZING. BRILLIANT. This is for the time being, my absolute go-to version of E3. It doesn’t hurt that I would guestimate that my work print shares numerous concepts and even identical edits as Kerr’s, but his editor’s knife was absolutely brilliant. Anakin is no longer whining. No longer brooding (in the wrong way) but definitely alone, increasingly isolated and trapped. To some degree his character felt a little hallow, I wanted more depth, but that is not the fault of Kerr, he pulled the most out of what was available, and I’ll take an Anakin that is a little flat, over one that is whining, brooding and intolerably annoying. Padme’s character is slightly improved and benefits from the use of deleted scenes. A particularly impressive improvement is the turning point of Anakin’s life in Palpatine’s office; this was simply JAW DROPPING. When I caught on to how Kerr was handling this I literally applauded from my sofa. Every clip, nip and tuck that Kerr made up to this point had narrowed Anakin’s choices, boxed him into a corner, and made him *gasp*… sympathetic, and so when the moment finally came, it was in fact believable. This achievement alone makes this edit worth it. It is the entire point of the movie, and Kerr’s approach succeeds wonderfully.
*spoiler*
There were only a few choices that I didn’t care for. The jump from Padme’s balcony to her arriving on Mustafar was just too much for me. It was the only time where I actually felt rushed. While this edit moves very briskly, I never felt like things were missing, or that corners were being cut. TMBTM has commented that the length of this edit doesn’t ‘feel’ Star Wars-like, and I have to agree, the pace is very fast, but that is really the only choice to make because the thing that draws this movie out is tons of useless screen time. For most of the edit while the pace is brisk, nothing is ever missing, everything lines-up. Every scene leads logically to the next and no important piece of information, or emotion is left out, until the balcony scene. It was the only point in the movie where as a viewer I felt “oh, we’re missing a piece of the story” Not that it was critical, and it in fact leaves it ambiguous, did Padme bring Obi-Wan with her on purpose, or did he sneak on? I think Kerr’s intention is to have her bring Obi-Wan there, but it just doesn’t feel correct and without the transition scene of her leaving and Obi-Wan sneaking aboard, I just felt like that subconscious beat that a good movie has, was off. But really, that’s about it.
His choice to cut out Yoda vs Palpatine is a struggle for me. While watching the movie, it’s not really missed. The pacing of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s battle benefits from the removal. This is the battle that we’ve waited 20 years for. Now it happens in brilliant, fast-paced, every-man for himself fashion, right up to a brilliant finale. But as the movie begins to wrap, you’re left with questions, where was Yoda? Why was he hanging out an a rock with Bail instead of joining Obi-Wan? Surely if they’re going up against the most powerful Jedi ever, they would want their combined abilities. (this is of course a problem that Kerr inherited from the original, the choice to split up and attach each Sith individually was idiotic and forced) so Kerr isn’t entirely at fault here, but his choice to cut out Yoda/Palpatine highlights this problem.
Story Improvement: 10/10
But overall I can EASILY forgive both of these ‘issues’ because the sum of this edit is so amazing.
OVERALL
This is simply the best Star Wars fanedit that I have seen to date because it makes Revenge of the Sith a truly great movie. Not just acceptable. Not just watchable, but worthy of the title Star Wars. It tells the story that we have been waiting to see, but without whining, without insipid dialogue, over-explained context, brow-beating political diatribes. It’s fast, fun, dark and ultimately, satisfying.
10/10
Thank you Kerr. Now I just need a worth Episode II and the Circle shall be complete.
Because I have a workprint of my own for Episode III, I have shied away from watching other editors takes on it. I actually enjoyed Episode III in the theaters, at least when compared to Episode I & II. By its very nature, because of where it must point to (episodes 4, 5 & 6) and because Lucas wasted a lot of time in Episodes I & II, content alone made III the best of the Prequel. But while it was great in the theater, it didn’t hold up well under repeated viewing. The beginning, while closer in feeling to Star Wars action was a bloated mess, Anakin was still a whiner, Padme was weak and uninteresting, and worst of all, Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side felt uneven, there was something there at the base, but it has always just felt off.
As with all of my reviews, they are intended as constructive evaluations of the edit and no offense is intended to the editor.
AUDIO
Audio quality was spectacular. Kerr’s touch was amazing. He added music in the perfect places, never overpowering, but perfect for the scene. Many times his additions were so subtle that I think only people who know the movie with the intimacy of having edited it would notice them. His blending of scenes was fantastic, and his very subtle additions were perfect. 10/10
VIDEO
Overall quality was very good. The new crawl seemed to stutter and surge and at times the quality seemed not quite as good as the original, but overall held up well on my 52″ Plasma. The editing itself was seamless. The transitions, wipes, minor tweaks (and this edit is FULL of tweaks) were transparent and again, really only someone who knows this thing back and forth will notice where he has done his work. 9/10
STORY
How does this compare to the original? AMAZING. BRILLIANT. This is for the time being, my absolute go-to version of E3. It doesn’t hurt that I would guestimate that my work print shares numerous concepts and even identical edits as Kerr’s, but his editor’s knife was absolutely brilliant. Anakin is no longer whining. No longer brooding (in the wrong way) but definitely alone, increasingly isolated and trapped. To some degree his character felt a little hallow, I wanted more depth, but that is not the fault of Kerr, he pulled the most out of what was available, and I’ll take an Anakin that is a little flat, over one that is whining, brooding and intolerably annoying. Padme’s character is slightly improved and benefits from the use of deleted scenes. A particularly impressive improvement is the turning point of Anakin’s life in Palpatine’s office; this was simply JAW DROPPING. When I caught on to how Kerr was handling this I literally applauded from my sofa. Every clip, nip and tuck that Kerr made up to this point had narrowed Anakin’s choices, boxed him into a corner, and made him *gasp*… sympathetic, and so when the moment finally came, it was in fact believable. This achievement alone makes this edit worth it. It is the entire point of the movie, and Kerr’s approach succeeds wonderfully.
*spoiler*
There were only a few choices that I didn’t care for. The jump from Padme’s balcony to her arriving on Mustafar was just too much for me. It was the only time where I actually felt rushed. While this edit moves very briskly, I never felt like things were missing, or that corners were being cut. TMBTM has commented that the length of this edit doesn’t ‘feel’ Star Wars-like, and I have to agree, the pace is very fast, but that is really the only choice to make because the thing that draws this movie out is tons of useless screen time. For most of the edit while the pace is brisk, nothing is ever missing, everything lines-up. Every scene leads logically to the next and no important piece of information, or emotion is left out, until the balcony scene. It was the only point in the movie where as a viewer I felt “oh, we’re missing a piece of the story” Not that it was critical, and it in fact leaves it ambiguous, did Padme bring Obi-Wan with her on purpose, or did he sneak on? I think Kerr’s intention is to have her bring Obi-Wan there, but it just doesn’t feel correct and without the transition scene of her leaving and Obi-Wan sneaking aboard, I just felt like that subconscious beat that a good movie has, was off. But really, that’s about it.
His choice to cut out Yoda vs Palpatine is a struggle for me. While watching the movie, it’s not really missed. The pacing of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s battle benefits from the removal. This is the battle that we’ve waited 20 years for. Now it happens in brilliant, fast-paced, every-man for himself fashion, right up to a brilliant finale. But as the movie begins to wrap, you’re left with questions, where was Yoda? Why was he hanging out an a rock with Bail instead of joining Obi-Wan? Surely if they’re going up against the most powerful Jedi ever, they would want their combined abilities. (this is of course a problem that Kerr inherited from the original, the choice to split up and attach each Sith individually was idiotic and forced) so Kerr isn’t entirely at fault here, but his choice to cut out Yoda/Palpatine highlights this problem.
Story Improvement: 10/10
But overall I can EASILY forgive both of these ‘issues’ because the sum of this edit is so amazing.
OVERALL
This is simply the best Star Wars fanedit that I have seen to date because it makes Revenge of the Sith a truly great movie. Not just acceptable. Not just watchable, but worthy of the title Star Wars. It tells the story that we have been waiting to see, but without whining, without insipid dialogue, over-explained context, brow-beating political diatribes. It’s fast, fun, dark and ultimately, satisfying.
10/10
Thank you Kerr. Now I just need a worth Episode II and the Circle shall be complete.
L