War of the Stars: A New Hope Grindhoused

September 18, 2011 @ 10:53 am

There's a good reason this is one of the best fanedits ever. If it looks like a quick hack job was done to your favorite movie, that's because you weren't paying attention.

February 2, 2010 @ 8:18 pm

I admit that at its release 1 month ago, I didnt have much nagging interest in watching this edit. But the greatness of Jaws Shraksploitation kept gnawing at my brain. With the Jan FEOTM awards poll running I figured I owe it to The Man to give this a go to see if he earns another vote from me. (He does)

The opening DVD intro made me smile because I remembered what type of film I was about to watch and it really set the mood. By the time we got to the (now) bloody battle on the blockade runner I was sold – This was going to be great!

Enter Vader “1…2…3…” I almost pissed myself – all the new JEJ lines worked great, so great that I wanted more. I didnt mind the scenes switching in tone when Vaders lines jumped from original, to jive, back to original – as the whole tone of the film was a lighter, low budget action ride now in the tradition of 70′s grindhouse/exploitation films.

Most of the additions (especially the 16mm source) worked for the better IMO creating an authentic GH feel more so than JAWS (IMO) which felt like a good transfer w/ a grain filter on it) TWotS LOOKS like a real film source that has been played for decades. Kudos sir. If DVD’s could deteriorate with each viewing then this one surely would fall apart after the multiple viewings it will receive from me.

notable standout scenes for me: !!!SPOILERS!!!

The blockade runner shootout blood/decapitation
vader interrogating leia
the entire cantina sequence
the disco soundtrack during death star escape
luke/leia chasm shootout/swing
vader kills kenobi FX test
the disco soundtrack during the 1st trench run
tarkin looking at vader like wtf? when he says “now they will know why they fear the night”
luke being controlled in trench

Entertainment – original: 10/10 – grindhoused: 10/10 – this was a pleasure to watch and was very funny and well thoughtout/assembled.

A/V Editing – 10/10 – there were “errors” but I gather they were intentional and really added to the atmosphere of a GH film. the new soundtrack pushed the limits and was simultaneously cool and funny.

DVD features – 10/10 – 2 great funny videos and a nice SFX before/after elevate this disc above the usual bare bones releases.

Final Score – 10/10 – excellent.

The Empire Wants More…. So do I

review from March 29 2012

Hard to say much about this edit that hasn’t already been said, but I loved this edit to bits. Bursting with creativity, technical wizadry, respect and love for the original, but allowing us to experience this great film in a whole new way. Personal highlights – Vader’s dialogue replacement, new soundtrack while Luke stares at the two suns (this edit was the inspiration for me to try soundtrack replacement edits of my own), and the brilliant Cantina scene. Neil Young!! Can’t wait for part 2.

I had way too much fun watching this.

This is now my favorite version of Star Wars–hands-down more enjoyable than the 1977 theatrical cut. If justice and history could give each other oiled back rubs, the War of the Stars would henceforth be included as a bonus feature on every legitimate release of A New Hope.

Technically hard to rate due to the nature of the film, but still top marks. Enjoyed the translation / interaction between the droids .
The sound effects etc. Makes you fall in love with Grind house, all over again.