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Preview Image for Review for Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith (UK)
Review for Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith (UK) (Review)

Unique ID Code: 0000144466
Added by: Jitendar Canth
Added on: 7/9/2011 15:32

Changes made to Review for Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith (UK)

Revision 1

Created on Wednesday, 7th September 2011, 15:40
Change Submitted by Jitendar Canth

List of Changes:

    • Change #1 - <newline> <newline>If that isn[apost]t enough of a hint as to why I[apost]m so hesitant in approaching Star Wars again, I[apost]ll spell it out for you. I[apost]m utterly jaded with Star Wars, I[apost]m actually tired of the franchise, and have been ever since 2005, when Revenge of the Sith was released. This is actually only my third time watching the film, the first in the cinema, the second when I bought the DVD, and today, six years later. Actually my disillusionment stretches back even further to 2004 with the release of the original trilogy on DVD, an event that ought to have been a cause for fan celebration, but turned into a grand controversy as it became apparent that George Lucas can[apost]t stop tinkering with the films. He treats them like an Internet Browser, adding new features and changing things with each new release, except he doesn[apost]t do us the courtesy of issuing release notes with each version, and neither does he allow those of us who prefer the earlier versions to have them as we would wish. <newline> <newline>After the degree of alteration to the 2004 versions of the original trilogy became apparent, my cynicism eclipsed any feelings of joy and wonder I may have once had for films that, as a child, I considered my favourites. I approached news of the Blu-ray release warily, excited at the idea of having these films look as good as they possibly can, but concerned at what may have been altered yet again. I already hate the idea of the packaging for the 9-disc complete saga. Putting discs in card sleeves is a recipe for having them pre-scratched before they even get near the player. I can already envisage the hardcore collectors buying all three releases, the complete saga for the extras discs, and the two trilogy collections in their sensible plastic cases for everyday play. And somewhere in Hollywood, there[apost]s a massive [apost]kaching[apost] sound. Then word started filtering out on just what had been changed for the original trilogy this time around, and the likelihood of me buying the Blu-ray release diminished considerably. Just so you know, this is the state of mind with which I am going to watch Revenge of the Sith. This[apost]ll be as fair and balanced as Fox News! <newline> <newline>The Clone War that began at the end of Attack of the Clones is coming to its conclusion as Revenge of the Sith begins. In a last ditch attempt to gain ground, the Separatists lead a daring attack on Coruscant, capturing Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, in an effort to hold him and the galaxy to ransom. It[apost]s down to two plucky Jedi to mount a rescue attempt, and free him from the grasp of Count Dooku, and the reptilian cyborg General Grievous. In actuality, this is the first move in the endgame for the Dark Lord of the Sith, Lord Sidious, as one of the plucky Jedi is none other than Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied one, the one who will bring balance to the Force. Lord Sidious has decided who his next apprentice shall be, and all that remains is to sow seeds of mistrust, and lay the perfect breadcrumbs of temptation, and the plan that has been developing a thousand years will unfold, and the Sith will rule the galaxy once more. <newline> <newline>For Anakin Skywalker is a powerful Jedi, rapidly growing in ability. It[apost]s that growth of power, and his close relationship with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine that already causes the Jedi Council to mistrust him. When Palpatine insists that Anakin be his liaison to the Council, and the Council hesitates in making him a Jedi master, that only increases the mistrust on both sides. In addition to that, Anakin starts having nightmares about his pregnant wife Padmé, the same precognitive visions that presaged his mother[apost]s death, and the Jedi can[apost]t help him protect her, teaching him that death and loss are a natural part of life. At the same time, his mentor and best friend Obi Wan is sent halfway across the galaxy to hunt down General Grievous. Separated from his friends, lustful for power, fearful for his wife, the conditions are ripe for a Jedi to fall to the dark side. <newline> <newline>[heading]Picture[/heading] <newline>Revenge of the Sith gets a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, which is I quote, "Movie captured and created directly from the digital source." I[apost]m not going to be picking nits about the transfer, as Revenge of the Sith looks absolutely fantastic. The image is clear and sharp, and the digital cinematography borders on the filmic on occasion, when it comes to richness of detail, depth and dimension. [url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000077997"][imgmc=0000132998.jpg][/url] <newline>If that isn[apost]t enough of a hint as to why I[apost]m so hesitant in approaching Star Wars again, I[apost]ll spell it out for you. I[apost]m utterly jaded with Star Wars, I[apost]m actually tired of the franchise, and have been ever since 2005, when Revenge of the Sith was released. This is actually only my third time watching the film, the first in the cinema, the second when I bought the DVD, and today, six years later. Actually my disillusionment stretches back even further to 2004 with the release of the original trilogy on DVD, an event that ought to have been a cause for fan celebration, but turned into a grand controversy as it became apparent that George Lucas can[apost]t stop tinkering with the films. He treats them like an Internet Browser, adding new features and changing things with each new release, except he doesn[apost]t do us the courtesy of issuing release notes with each version, and neither does he allow those of us who prefer the earlier versions to have them as we would wish. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000077999"][imgmc=0000132996.jpg][/url] <newline>After the degree of alteration to the 2004 versions of the original trilogy became apparent, my cynicism eclipsed any feelings of joy and wonder I may have once had for films that, as a child, I considered my favourites. I approached news of the Blu-ray release warily, excited at the idea of having these films look as good as they possibly can, but concerned at what may have been altered yet again. I already hate the idea of the packaging for the 9-disc complete saga. Putting discs in card sleeves is a recipe for having them pre-scratched before they even get near the player. I can already envisage the hardcore collectors buying all three releases, the complete saga for the extras discs, and the two trilogy collections in their sensible plastic cases for everyday play. And somewhere in Hollywood, there[apost]s a massive [apost]kaching[apost] sound. Then word started filtering out on just what had been changed for the original trilogy this time around, and the likelihood of me buying the Blu-ray release diminished considerably. Just so you know, this is the state of mind with which I am going to watch Revenge of the Sith. This[apost]ll be as fair and balanced as Fox News! <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078000"][imgmc=0000132995.jpg][/url] <newline>The Clone War that began at the end of Attack of the Clones is coming to its conclusion as Revenge of the Sith begins. In a last ditch attempt to gain ground, the Separatists lead a daring attack on Coruscant, capturing Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, in an effort to hold him and the galaxy to ransom. It[apost]s down to two plucky Jedi to mount a rescue attempt, and free him from the grasp of Count Dooku, and the reptilian cyborg General Grievous. In actuality, this is the first move in the endgame for the Dark Lord of the Sith, Lord Sidious, as one of the plucky Jedi is none other than Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied one, the one who will bring balance to the Force. Lord Sidious has decided who his next apprentice shall be, and all that remains is to sow seeds of mistrust, and lay the perfect breadcrumbs of temptation, and the plan that has been developing a thousand years will unfold, and the Sith will rule the galaxy once more. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078002"][imgmc=0000132993.jpg][/url] <newline>For Anakin Skywalker is a powerful Jedi, rapidly growing in ability. It[apost]s that growth of power, and his close relationship with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine that already causes the Jedi Council to mistrust him. When Palpatine insists that Anakin be his liaison to the Council, and the Council hesitates in making him a Jedi master, that only increases the mistrust on both sides. In addition to that, Anakin starts having nightmares about his pregnant wife Padmé, the same precognitive visions that presaged his mother[apost]s death, and the Jedi can[apost]t help him protect her, teaching him that death and loss are a natural part of life. At the same time, his mentor and best friend Obi Wan is sent halfway across the galaxy to hunt down General Grievous. Separated from his friends, lustful for power, fearful for his wife, the conditions are ripe for a Jedi to fall to the dark side. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078003"][imgmc=0000132992.jpg][/url] <newline>[heading]Picture[/heading] <newline>Revenge of the Sith gets a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, which is I quote, "Movie captured and created directly from the digital source." I[apost]m not going to be picking nits about the transfer, as Revenge of the Sith looks absolutely fantastic. The image is clear and sharp, and the digital cinematography borders on the filmic on occasion, when it comes to richness of detail, depth and dimension. <newline> <newline>
    • Change #2 - battle. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078004"][imgmc=0000132991.jpg][/url] <newline>[heading]Sou
    • Change #3 - [/page1] <newline>[page2]
    • Change #4 - ][page2] <newline> <newline> <newline>[heading]Ext
    • Change #5 - ws well. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078005"][imgmc=0000132990.jpg][/url] <newline>[b]Disc
    • Change #6 - s movie. <newline> <newline>It[apost]s
    • Change #7 - ray. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078007"][imgmc=0000132988.jpg][/url] <newline>There ar
    • Change #8 - <newline> <newline>[heading]Conclusion[/heading] <newline>Revenge of the Sith is a grand spectacle, a relentless thrill ride, and an amazing action movie. It grabs you by the throat from the first frame and remains latched on like a determined Rotweiller until the end credits. In that respect it is a success, and an improvement over the leaden pacing of Attack of the Clones, and the overly cute Phantom Menace. And yes, I am disappointed by it, and not just by the CGI overdose I mentioned earlier (which I can, with a little effort get past). What I can[apost]t get past is that as a storytelling opportunity, Revenge of the Sith tells us nothing new, it doesn[apost]t add to the Star Wars saga, it doesn[apost]t blow us away with any revelatory knowledge, there[apost]s no light bulb moment that makes you sit up and re-evaluate the saga and draw any new conclusions from it. It just takes Obi-Wan[apost]s confession about the downfall of Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, and gives it pixels. <newline> <newline>In the end, that turns out to be a criticism of the entire prequel trilogy. George Lucas had the end of the story, spelt out in the original Star Wars movie novelisations, Palpatine[apost]s rise to power, The Clone War, Anakin[apost]s fall to the dark side and Vader[apost]s rise, and the battle between Obi Wan and Anakin that wound up roasting the latter in lava. He used the prequels to show us just that, a railway journey from A to B to C, with no diversions, no dead ends, no red herrings, and only a few inconsequential surprises. Everything incidental that did happen, whether it was the Separatists, Count Dooku, Jango Fett, and the Trade Federation all felt like the necessary stepping-stones for the story to advance, but in terms of the narrative, really just padding. <newline> <newline>I wanted the unexpected from the prequels, and I still have a whole lot of what-ifs that get me thinking. What if the Jedi Order that Obi-Wan waxed lyrical about in Star Wars really was corrupt and morally bankrupt, what if Palpatine and Sidious weren[apost]t one and the same (clones), what if the one who championed Anakin to the Jedi, who believed so strongly in the prophecy, Qui Gon, was actually a bad guy? Obi-Wan[apost]s truth from a certain point of view should have given George Lucas a world of possibilities when it came to telling the prequel stories, yet he has remained pretty much constrained by that which was previously established. It[apost]s always a danger when you are telling a prequel story with a set end point, but the somewhat pedestrian recitation of established facts, albeit with an expanded narrative, is actually what I find most dull about the prequel movies, even more so than the turgid dialogue. The only surprise I had with the prequels was the revelation that the Clone War was a war between clones and droids. I always assumed that it would be clone versus clone. <newline> <newline>Revenge of the Sith is enjoyable, mostly because it gets relentlessly dark and dramatic, giving us a downfall worthy of the name. Lucas even restrains his predilection for comedy, although that is after the opening act. If there is a comic relief character in this film, it[apost]s General Grievous, the coughing, cowardly cyborg. He[apost]s supposed to be a badass, who collects lightsabers from his defeated foes, but comes off as annoying as Jar-Jar Binks. The problem is that we get half of the story. We[apost]re told in the commentary to get The Clone Wars cartoon for the other half. I hate it when films do this, giving us half the story, and acting as an advert for a media tie-in. Admittedly it isn[apost]t as annoying as when The Matrix did it, or The Chronicles of Riddick, but it is still pretty disappointing. <newline> <newline>But once Revenge of the Sith gets past this, it does two things very right, predictable though they are. The downfall of Anakin Skywalker, his temptation to the dark side by Lord Sidious is dramatic and effective, even though Sidious is telegraphing his intentions pretty strongly. Also the Order 66 moment, the betrayal of the Jedi and the fall of the order hit all the dramatic high notes. It doesn[apost]t hurt that Revenge of the Sith has some serious lightsaber action to it, and this is the film where Ewan McGregor really excels as Obi-Wan, really taking the role by the scruff of the neck and inhabiting it. I do feel that the end of the film stretches a little long, as George Lucas once again indulges his tendencies to spell everything out, leave nothing to the imagination. Like many other fans, I also could have done without Darth Vader[apost]s first words in the mask, and I also felt that the Qui-Gon revelation at the end of the film was an utterly pointless throwaway. <newline>url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078008"][imgmc=0000132987.jpg][/url] <newline>[heading]Conclusion[/heading] <newline>Revenge of the Sith is a grand spectacle, a relentless thrill ride, and an amazing action movie. It grabs you by the throat from the first frame and remains latched on like a determined Rotweiller until the end credits. In that respect it is a success, and an improvement over the leaden pacing of Attack of the Clones, and the overly cute Phantom Menace. And yes, I am disappointed by it, and not just by the CGI overdose I mentioned earlier (which I can, with a little effort get past). What I can[apost]t get past is that as a storytelling opportunity, Revenge of the Sith tells us nothing new, it doesn[apost]t add to the Star Wars saga, it doesn[apost]t blow us away with any revelatory knowledge, there[apost]s no light bulb moment that makes you sit up and re-evaluate the saga and draw any new conclusions from it. It just takes Obi-Wan[apost]s confession about the downfall of Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, and gives it pixels. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078009"][imgmc=0000132986.jpg][/url] <newline>In the end, that turns out to be a criticism of the entire prequel trilogy. George Lucas had the end of the story, spelt out in the original Star Wars movie novelisations, Palpatine[apost]s rise to power, The Clone War, Anakin[apost]s fall to the dark side and Vader[apost]s rise, and the battle between Obi Wan and Anakin that wound up roasting the latter in lava. He used the prequels to show us just that, a railway journey from A to B to C, with no diversions, no dead ends, no red herrings, and only a few inconsequential surprises. Everything incidental that did happen, whether it was the Separatists, Count Dooku, Jango Fett, and the Trade Federation all felt like the necessary stepping-stones for the story to advance, but in terms of the narrative, really just padding. <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078012"][imgmc=0000132983.jpg][/url] <newline>I wanted the unexpected from the prequels, and I still have a whole lot of what-ifs that get me thinking. What if the Jedi Order that Obi-Wan waxed lyrical about in Star Wars really was corrupt and morally bankrupt, what if Palpatine and Sidious weren[apost]t one and the same (clones), what if the one who championed Anakin to the Jedi, who believed so strongly in the prophecy, Qui Gon, was actually a bad guy? Obi-Wan[apost]s truth from a certain point of view should have given George Lucas a world of possibilities when it came to telling the prequel stories, yet he has remained pretty much constrained by that which was previously established. It[apost]s always a danger when you are telling a prequel story with a set end point, but the somewhat pedestrian recitation of established facts, albeit with an expanded narrative, is actually what I find most dull about the prequel movies, even more so than the turgid dialogue. The only surprise I had with the prequels was the revelation that the Clone War was a war between clones and droids. I always assumed that it would be clone versus clone. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078015"][imgmc=0000132980.jpg][/url] <newline>Revenge of the Sith is enjoyable, mostly because it gets relentlessly dark and dramatic, giving us a downfall worthy of the name. Lucas even restrains his predilection for comedy, although that is after the opening act. If there is a comic relief character in this film, it[apost]s General Grievous, the coughing, cowardly cyborg. He[apost]s supposed to be a badass, who collects lightsabers from his defeated foes, but comes off as annoying as Jar-Jar Binks. The problem is that we get half of the story. We[apost]re told in the commentary to get The Clone Wars cartoon for the other half. I hate it when films do this, giving us half the story, and acting as an advert for a media tie-in. Admittedly it isn[apost]t as annoying as when The Matrix did it, or The Chronicles of Riddick, but it is still pretty disappointing. <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078017"][imgmc=0000132978.jpg][/url] <newline>But once Revenge of the Sith gets past this, it does two things very right, predictable though they are. The downfall of Anakin Skywalker, his temptation to the dark side by Lord Sidious is dramatic and effective, even though Sidious is telegraphing his intentions pretty strongly. Also the Order 66 moment, the betrayal of the Jedi and the fall of the order hit all the dramatic high notes. It doesn[apost]t hurt that Revenge of the Sith has some serious lightsaber action to it, and this is the film where Ewan McGregor really excels as Obi-Wan, really taking the role by the scruff of the neck and inhabiting it. I do feel that the end of the film stretches a little long, as George Lucas once again indulges his tendencies to spell everything out, leave nothing to the imagination. Like many other fans, I also could have done without Darth Vader[apost]s first words in the mask, and I also felt that the Qui-Gon revelation at the end of the film was an utterly pointless throwaway. <newline> <newline>[url="http://www.myreviewer.com/default.asp?a=0000078019"][imgmc=0000132976.jpg][/url] <newline>Re

Initial Version

Created on Wednesday, 7th September 2011, 15:32
First Submitted by Jitendar Canth