Star Wars - Rogue One: Where Rebels Dare

Rogue One is a solid, enjoyable Star Wars movie, and TM2YC is an outstanding editor. So my expectations were high going in. Both the movie and editor happily surprised me: it turns out there IS a better R1 hidden inside the theatrical cut.

The narrative edits that really added to my enjoyment of the movie:
- The opening crawl and music, followed by the pan down from star field to planet. I expected it to feel merely like a gimmick, but this really does add a thrill of recognition and excitement.
- The sequencing of the characters introductions. The story flows better now.
- Removing the Krennic / Vader scene. The original scene was frustrating (Wait, I thought Krennic reported to Tarkin. Now he's reporting to Vader? So, is he Tarkin's peer? I'm confused.). Yes we lose a Vader scene, but now the relationship between Tarkin and Krennic stays central, making both of them stronger for me. And we thankfully lose the idiotic staging of that scene (Really? Why must the empire always include a bottomless pit in their structures, and with little or no railings to prevent accidents?)
- Multiple short trims to the final battle (in space and on the ground). Removing a few weak moments improves the overall pacing.

The technical edits are outstanding, as expected in a TM2YC edit.

TM2YC's narrative editing helps the story shine brighter, and his technical prowess makes the changes seamless. This edit convincingly replaces the original!

This is not my first fan edit of Rogue One - I have seen DigModiFicaTion's Rise of the Rebellion. With that said, this, like DigModiFicaTion's edit, are a lot better than the theatrical cut.

When it comes to this cut by TM2YC, I love how they re-arranged scenes, cut/trimmed lines/scenes. It makes the film more watchable/enjoyable. I also love the crawl. I had no problem with the theatrical cut saying Rogue One and moving on to the story, but with the crawl it add that Star Wars flavour.

I can defiantly see myself watching this edit more than the blu-ray I own.

Thanks, TM2YC for a great edit - can't wait to see what else you come out with!

Overview - The Rebel Alliance (without any Bothans), pursues a trail as thin as a spider’s thread.
The Empire has a purported “planet killer,” though a rumor whispers there may be a design flaw.
“Rogue” is better than “Farce Awakens,” but I couldn’t like it. The story was clunky, characters were self-absorbed stiffs, and the script seems to idle for an hour before kicking into overdrive.
Still, I had faith in TM2YC. If anyone could redeem this almost gem, I thought he could.

Video - 1280 X 534p AVC. Editing and rearranging is first rate. I rarely noticed changes, and when I did they definitely seemed to tighten the story, improve the pace, or cut the nonsense. I liked what was done here.

Audio - 448 kbps AC-3. 2 Channel stereo. No subs. Dialogue is murky throughout. Whether on Lah'mu, Jedha or Eadu, conversations are a hit n miss affair. Galen Erso, in particular, is seldom the most clear. Events that occur on Yavin or Scarif, however, are generally well miked.
Being a Star Wars tentpole, 5.1 sound would be particularly welcome. I’ll get back to that.
Neither her nor there, an audio commentary could have useful to aspiring editors, explaining work processes.

Narrative - This is a tremendous improvement! The story is unchanged, though considerably tighter. From the opening crawl to delaying Vader’s arrival, all changes strike me as for the better. I found the original fan-service moments patronizing and applaud any removal. I still see a continuity problem of C3PO and R2D2 chilling on Yavin while the Alliance fleet deploys. When did they board Tantive IV?

Enjoyment - The full file included a cutlist (thanks) as well as alternate scenes (most generous). I really like this edit. A lot. The 2.0 stereo left a lot to be desired. TM2YC is one of the site’s best editors, I am certain this is in his skill sets. Moreover, this is Star Wars. I am watching at home on a large set with surround speakers and sub woofer, not on my phone with earbuds. Improve the audio and this would displace my Disney version of “Rogue One.”

Really, really enjoyed this. Looks and sounds great. Highly recommend. Thanks for taking the time to make it!

Watched the MP4 today, and had a very entertaining time.

I am not a Star Wars guy, though I do have a deep nostalgic fondness for the original trilogy and this fan edit does elicit a more classic Star Wars feel without being too fan oriented. It is amazing how by simply (well, not simple from a technical stand point -- well done as always TM2YC) creating an original style opening immediately put me in the Star Wars zone. But TM2YC does more than this of course.... his reordering/restructuring of scenes creates a more fluid narrative and the additional/alteration of music cues/score (TM2YC always does FANTASTIC music work and Rogue One is another shining example of his master craftsmanship) creates a more emotional connection to the story and it's characters. While still not a perfect movie, TM2YC has done an exemplary job and for me has elevated the film above it's original cut.

My only nit pick observation, the time passage title card says "13 years later" but Jyn states in her interrogation with the Rebels that it has been 15 years since she last saw her father. Unless I missed a detail...? lol

Otherwise, another excellent edit by the ever exceptional TM2YC.

Thumbs Up.