The Blu-Ray’s might be announced now, but I’m much more looking forward to Adywan’s version of The Empire Strikes Back which might get released this year.
Here is his latest clip which features the lifting of the X-Wing. Take notice on how much more alive (of course Frank Oz did a good job in the original version) Yoda is in this one and how much better the colors are:
The lightsabers blades look much clearer now and the color tint of Hoth and Dagobah are looking much more natural. And I like the new backgrounds (for example the Rebels leaving Hoth) with the Ion Cannon etc.
This is the first I have heard about Adywan’s edit, and it looks pretty interesting. Where is the easiest place to get a hold of this? (PM if necessary)
It is free and you can download the NTSC, PAL or AVI version next to “STAR WARS: EP IV 2004 Special Edition REVISITED by Adywan” here.
EDIT: Should you have trouble downloading them, here is a Tutorial how to use jdownloader. Unpack the x KB-big .rar file and then load the .dlc file into jdownloader.
I watched it last night. Some of the changes (musical mostly) I could have done without. I liked the EDIT of the Obi-Wan vs. Vader lightsaber battle. It was much quicker, I just wish Adywan didn’t use the music from Episode III for it. The pumped up graphics for the final battle was a bit much also.
Overall, I was glad to see Greedo shoot first in DVD quality. All the color enhancements and continuity changes were much appreciated. When I get some time, I will probably make my own EDIT. I’ll have to do some research about what tools to use. My freeware may be lacking the power for the task.
I agree with you. Hearing the Battle of the Heroes Theme during the Obi-Wan/Vader fight brought me out of the moment, and although they are old, I enjoyed that Adywan sped up the fight.
Concerning color corrections, here is a new vid which shows the difference for the lightsabers on Bespin:
I’m looking forward, if and when you’ll make YOUR edit. If you wanna hear some details about Adywan did it, here’s an interview he did on a Podcast I listened to in the past:
I’m happy to see that there are some people who do have all these things, even if it takes a long time before their work is finished.
Today a new clip was posted. I’m happy with all the new additions and/or improvements. Especially the Background when the Rebel Transporters and Luke’s X-Wing lift off from Hoth.
Sounds like it was mostly Adobe After Effects color correction. That would be all I am interested in. I’m really shocked that a product which costs less than a thousand dollars could do a better job than the hoards at Lucasfilm. How did they let so many mistakes past them (Luke’s green/white lightsaber, etc).
Just finished downloading, and watched some bits and pieces of Episode IV. Very interesting. The thing that stands out the most is the colors look excellent, even better then on the DVD. The changes were not drastic mostly, but noticeable in some places. Did not care for the new music and new editing of the Obi-wan Vader duel. It felt too… modern, and somewhat out of place. Same thing with the new Death Star intro. Felt a little to big, its more ominous when it is by its self. Liked the new drive through Mos Eisley, and the Death Star explosion was back to normal, which is good.
