The Phantom Edit
The Phantom Edit is a re-edited version of the Star Wars film The Phantom Menace, removing elements of the original widely thought to be unsuccessful by critics and adult fans. The purpose of this edit, according to the editor, was to make a much stronger film than what was released by George Lucas. The changes included:
- removing most of Jar-Jar Binks' scenes
- limiting exposition such as the discussion of midi-chlorians
- trimming reiteration of the politics
- re-arranging shots and scenes
- removing "Yippee" and "Oops" from young Anakin's dialog
It was originally circulated on the internet and acclaimed as providing a more focused and better paced version of the film. It is now available on VHS and DVD as well. The DVD contains two deleted scenes and a commentary track by the editor as well as a few easter eggs.
Rumour attributed it to Kevin Smith, probably because his films frequently refer to the Star Wars mythos and he edits his own films. Smith admitted to having seen it but denied that he was the editor. The editor was revealed to be Mike J. Nichols of Santa Clarita, California in the September 7th, 2001 Washington Post. Nichols is also known for his work on indie hit, My Father's House.
This version coined the phrase "Phantom Edit." It was the first to receive any publicity, although there is debate as to whether it was the first version created.
Despite rumours, no lawsuits were filed against Nichols, nor did he sell or make any money from the edit. The editor claims, "I am not a bootlegger!"
Unhappiness with many of the things that fans found irritating about the Phantom Menace (humorous CG characters and comic asides) as well as frustration over some plot changes from the original have prompted a relatively small but devoted group of fans to campaign for the re-release of the original 1970s and 80s versions of the Star Wars Trilogy, rather than the 1997 Special Editions – something George Lucas has so far refused to do. Some of the alterations in the Special Edition trilogy were received by fans as a distortion of the story or characters. For instance, in one scene the smuggler Han Solo is confronted by the bounty hunter Greedo in a bar. Greedo has a blaster pistol trained on Han. In the original edition, Han shoots Greedo first, whereas in the special edition, Greedo shoots first and misses (a fact considered incredible by fans, considering the point-blank range); Han fires back, killing Greedo. While the amended scenes do not change the plot, they do decrease Han Solo's character development, turning the early Han from a scoundrel who shoots pre-emptively into a character who waits until he's threatened.
Although, the 2004 DVD release corrects this and has both Solo and Greedo firing at the sametime.
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Categories: Star Wars films