Die Jar Jar, Die

By Jack on 2001-06-06 11:55:13

Once upon a time in a not so far away galaxy some filmmakers were making a movie that the entire population of one small planet was breathlessly awaiting. That movie was made and thousands of fans were let down, hard. That movie was "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace", riddled with meaningless and annoying characters, scenes, lines and Jar Jar. This troubled fans beyond compare. Many people wept bitterly and then went back to their lives, making no attempt to correct this.

The movie was nominated for a whopping seven "worst" awards at the "Razzies", including worst picture of the year. (The film "won" for worst supporting actor for Ahmed Best, the voice of Jar-Jar Binks.) Many thought that this was the end of what was a great movie series.

Then it happened. A mystery filmmaker, going only by the name The Phantom Editor, addressed these concerns and released a new version of George Lucas? interstellar instalment. Re-edited and packaged as "The Phantom Edit" the ?new and improved? version created quite a stir, with fans climbing over each other to get their hands on a copy.

Running 20 minutes shorter than the theatrical release, The Phantom Edit is excised as much redundant material as possible. Jar Jar Binks has, unsurprisingly, been a casualty, with his role reduced as much as story coherence would allow. Other cuts have removed much of Anakin?s simpering and seen the underwater encounter with a giant sea-beast removed entirely.

While amateur takes on Star Wars are hardly new, what makes The Phantom Edit stand out is the seamlessness of the cuts and the professional feel of the finished product. The Internet has become a-buzz with rumour and speculation as to who is behind the mysterious Phantom Editor with Kevin Smith?s name dropped as a possible culprit ? though the director has denied responsibility.

While we may never know who is responsible for this, many fans will forever be indebted to this silent hero. And with that we honor you, Phantom Editor.

The Phantom Edit's Fan Page can be found here.

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