SAga of a Starworld SE/Re-edit

[David Kerin]

I'll have to look at the credits and see if I can get the "Saga of a Starworld" in there. If I can get it to look right, I'll do it.

I like the idea of multiple covers, but I don't want to make them. I'll make one, but if others out there want to design a DVD cover for it, I'd certainly include that as well. Would be great to have 4 or 5 (of more) designs done by different fans. So please, anyone feel interested, please do it. Battlestar Galactica: Saga of a Starworld Special Edition DVD cover needs Designing!

[kingfish]

It rocks. Looking forward to seeing more. I liked that Steve's ship was in there also.

[David Kerin]

Got a couple of Steve's ships in there. There is another of his ships with the fleet in the beginning.

[KJ]

Colonial escort ships with the 5 Battlestars at Cimtar with small shuttles zipping in and out of the fleet! (faints almost)

Hmmmmm?

KJ

[David Kerin]

Hi all...

Saga re-edit is coming along, and all the main "chunks" are in. Still tweaking the audio, color balance, adding more stuff ino the composites... etc. Thought I'd take a moment to get down the additions/alterations to the edit.

*Additional class escort ship to the fleet (Steve W's Ranger class)
*additional shuttle/ship activity in the fleet.
*modified Apollo/Zak launch scene
*viper flyby outside window while Adama/Adar talk
*opening gambling scene restored with Starbuck and Gemini (Jolly back hair and all)
*many,many more raiders in shots as they approach fleet/Zak
*additional sequences to fleet destruction
*Triton, Acropolis and Solaria nameplates on other Battlestars (Pacifica could be the smaller class)
*Atlantia death squadron kamikaziis the Atlantia bridge and hull
*projected displays on Imperious Leader chamber walls
*High energy beam from orbit strikes city behind Serina
*many additional colony destruction scenes. Orbital energy beam attacks from basestars (many different shots here)
*alternate basestar version based on Ralph McQuarrie design
*a DeSanto Viper appears in one shot.
*other colony planets/cities destroyed
*alternate class battlestar trying to defend planet (thanks Steve W.)
*outer planet destruction sequences
*the destruction of the Columbia defending a colony world
*enhanced Starbuck crashland shot.
*some additional fleet forming shots
*enhanced Baltar on Caprica sequence
*Adama saying to Athena that he plans to resign scene restored.
*Apollo arguing with Adama about resigning scene restored.
*enhanced Nova of Madagon. Not majorly changed, but added to some to the "nebulous" shots, and worked in some different viper shots.
*Viper passes over landram before "returning to base" on Carillon
*enhanced ovion mine sequence and entering Lotay's chamber
*add in additional shot as Adama enters council chambers just before Uri makes his peace announcement. (in movie version but was removed from pilot version for whatever reason)
*added laser streaks from blasters/Cylon rifles in ovion mine fight scenes
*shot where Muffit bites the Cylon's leg and the Cylon falls over is GONE!
*more fighters approaching fleet in final battle (over the horizon of Carillon)
*vipers on surface of Carillon. changed color from orange to match surface better... added figures walking/running in background matte painting... Vipers flying off and overhead
*added new shots to end battle to take out repeating footage, and place the battle more amongst the fleet
*changed shot of basestar over Carillon surface as vipers approach
*energy starts to strike from surface to basestar as basestar opens fire (over Carillon surface)
*baltar's "epilogue"... removed epilogue title... altered color (though still different in hue/lighting from first IL's chamber)... removed line about offering peace to the humans (more as it was re-edited for Lost Planet of the Gods)


The above list is a general overview, as there are numerous other subtle alterations that fall under that list's "umbrella".

Not ALL of the repeated shots have been removed, as some of the beauty shots (close up) of single Vipers or Raiders may still be repeated. The models still look better than CGI. So in the closeups I stuck with the original footage. For wider shots with multiple ships I did add more with CGI/compositing over original footage.

The major changes/additions are definately to the open/destruction scenes, and then the latter third on Carillon from the ground battle to the end of the film. Most of the middle is more character oriented and any changes there are subtle.

Current runtime is around 2 hours and 26 minutes.

I think that is the most of them. For now at least. Have to get all the tweaking done on these, watch it, then probably end up with a list of addiional alterations.

Will try to get a little more stuff on youtube soon.

[SilentBob]

WOW!!!!!!! Can't wait to see it!!!!!

[Aussie Warrior]

thats a pretty big list of improvements, a definate must see

[martok2112]

Now if we can only get it in THX.

Dave, that is quite a list of improvements there, and from what I saw in the previews....you lived up to it quite well.

[David Kerin]

Unfortunately audio is not my strong point. While I know the THX was not meant seriously, 5.1 surround was asked about before. And while I wish I could, I do not have the audio knowledge to mix this thing into 5.1 surround. Wish I could.

And initially I was talking about adding in the Serina sickness scenes but decided against it as it does conflict too much with the Lost Planet of the Gods. Still have to go back and look at the final deleted scene where they are singing the anthem of sorts. My initial thoughts is it just looks too rediculous. But maybe with music added in, who knows. Not planning for it though at this stage.

[martok2112]

Originally Posted by David Kerin

Unfortunately audio is not my strong point. While I know the THX was not meant seriously, 5.1 surround was asked about before. And while I wish I could, I do not have the audio knowledge to mix this thing into 5.1 surround. Wish I could.

And initially I was talking about adding in the Serina sickness scenes but decided against it as it does conflict too much with the Lost Planet of the Gods. Still have to go back and look at the final deleted scene where they are singing the anthem of sorts. My initial thoughts is it just looks too rediculous. But maybe with music added in, who knows. Not planning for it though at this stage.

The video making/editing program I have apparently has a surround sound mixer in it. I dunno if I might be able to help though. Since Galactica was shot and recorded in mono, I don't know if I'd have the means to be able to convert it to surround audio. (Besides, I've never really tinkered with the feature.)

[David Kerin]

Yeah, considering how it was originally recorded with the audio setup/mixing of the day, to go in and set up the audio elements for proper 5.1 surround would be quite an undertaking. I know the theatrical release was "sensurround", but who knows what that really entailed.

[SilentBob]

Originally Posted by David Kerin

Yeah, considering how it was originally recorded with the audio setup/mixing of the day, to go in and set up the audio elements for proper 5.1 surround would be quite an undertaking. I know the theatrical release was "sensurround", but who knows what that really entailed.

I remember seeing the "sensurround" version multiple times in the theater. On another note....who remembers the original airing of Saga Of A Star World being interrupted by an ABC news special report of President Carter and the live signing of the Israel/Egypt peace treaty, and then ABC completing the show in it's entirty?

[David Kerin]

I remember it like it was yestersday. Being a little kid, watching the show, knowing I was already up past my bed time, then President Carter comes on. I was fuming! At least as much as a 10 year old fumes. Luckily my parents let me stay up to watch the end.

To this day, my dislike of President Carter has more to do with that than politics. Petty? Maybe, but he inturrupted Battlestar Galactica!

[SilentBob]

Originally Posted by David Kerin

I remember it like it was yestersday. Being a little kid, watching the show, knowing I was already up past my bed time, then President Carter comes on. I was fuming! At least as much as a 10 year old fumes. Luckily my parents let me stay up to watch the end.

To this day, my dislike of President Carter has more to do with that than politics. Petty? Maybe, but he inturrupted Battlestar Galactica!

Yeah, that peanut eater could've waited a day.

I was thinking for War of the Gods, in addition to adding in the mythical hooves scene, how about restoring the infrared sequences. I actually really thought those were pretty cool.

[David Kerin]

I do like the infrared scene where he questions Iblis about Earth and Iblis admits knowledge of the planet. I don't think War of the Gods has that much I would change to it, other than the few deleted scenes, the hoove, and maybe enhancing the interior of the ship of lights. A little more glow/shine to add to the alternate reality feel.

How about enhancing the game of Triad. Maybe adding some electronic "First Down" markers and such.

Here's some other ideas:

When they go to the Agro ship to check out the fruit, they just show 8 pieces fruit hanging on a tree, hardly a miracle. Maybe show fruit magically growing, add piles of fruit laying on the ground.

When the ships get abducted by the Ship of Light, it's ok to leave it a mystery as to how it's done in the beginning. But by the time Boomer's Viper gets abducted, and Starbuck & Sheeba's shuttle, I want to see how the ships are abducted by the Ship of Light.

Also one of the deleted scenes shows them flying by a bunch of planets, that would be cool to put back in.


Oh, and is there anything you can do for the rope dance?

[David Kerin]

Damn you...

Just when I thought I was on the last of the episodes I wanted to play with, you had to mention more possibilities with WOTG.

Triad game could be interesting. The planet scene in those deleted scenes though is the same scene used in Hand of God. So I don't know if they were originally to be used in WOTG, or it was a mistake on those who gathered the deleted scenes for the DVD set.

I would definately like to see (and add) a scene showing the vipers and/or shuttle plucked from space.

Rope dance... hmmm. Can't I just try to create an exact digital recreation of Lorne Greene and duplicate his voice patter to a "T"? That may be easier than trying to fix the rope dance. I still don't know if I'm attracted to or scared of the woman in the spandex doing the rope dance.

[SilentBob]

Or replace the agro ship with an original design, instead of a re-used ship from Silent Running.

I actually like the agro ship design.

[bionicbob]

Hi! First time Forum writer here! Just want to say I just recently downloaded all your re-edits and have greatly enjoyed them! Wonderful work! Looking forward to your SAGA re-edit with much anticipation.

Had an idea though for it, had you considered re-editing the opening Voice-Over ("There are those that believe...)? Instead of the static shot of the starfield maybe have the opening take place ON EARTH. Keep the voice over but place it over a quick montage of ancient sites like the Sphinx, pyraminds of Mexico, Easter Island, the Nazca Lines etc. and then panning up to the stars and the opening credits.... probably a dumb idea but I thought I would share...

Anyway keep up the great work!

[David Kerin]

Hi Bionicbob... that is actually an interesting idea. Would tie the link in story telling between us and the people out there. Will have to look into that.

Glad you liked the re-edits so far. These have all started as a fun thing for me to do on the computer, and a way to have that BSG fan geek in me be satisfied. I've found with each one ways to try to incorporate the new footage to hopefully make it blend a bit better.

I'm actually rendering the initial edit of Saga right now so I will be able to sit down at a TV, watch it, and scribble all my notes of adjustments to make. I do really like the idea though of imagery from Earth during the narration. Maybe blended in with the nebulous/starfield images.

Just when I thought I was finished!

Also... while I know the footage was stollen from Silent Running, I actually really like those models used as the Agro Ships. I don't think any CGI creation could do the same justice as those physical models. I look at the borrowing of footage as one of those means of television production in order to get more visual impact for the $$$. Kind of the same way a certain Buck Rogers in the 25th Century matte painting was used in Star Trek the Next Generation. (anyone else out there know which one I'm talking about?) Still not sure how that happened considering one was Universal and the other Paramount.

I think I know the perfect transition for that new opening. After going through some of the ancient Earth ruins, sequay (sp?) with a shot of a primitive man looking up to the stars.

Something like that might be harvested from the movie Quest For Fire. Not sure though, never actually seen it. Just read about it.

Tried to grab Judgement Day and Experiment but looks like they aren't seeded.

http://www.demonoid.com/files/?uid=1245187&seeded=2

[bionicbob]

Glad you liked my idea.

The primitive man idea is pretty cool too, it never occurred to me (but then the whole Galactica timeline I am not clear on....how long ago did the 13th Tribe come to Earth? were there humans already on Earth? Saga says they are approaching the 7 millenium of Man but is that the age of the Colonies or their entire race...oh well that is different thread I will have to start elsewhere) .... along with Quest for Fire, 2001 A Space Odessy has great shots of ancient man looking upward.

I too like the original Argo ships, I wouldn't change them at all.

Too bad you are not going to include the deleted Serina scenes. While I understand they conflict future series continuity, they are very powerful and add a whole new tragic love dimension to Serina and Apollos relationship. I think it is one of the best and most touching subplots of the entire movie. I for one would love to see the scenes restored.

And if you really think about it, maybe it does not conflict with continuity at all. Maybe Serina decides not ever to tell Apollo about her fatal illness. And rather than succumb to its terrible effects she joins the Colonial Warriors, wishing to die defending her son and the Fleet than wasting away in a Life Centre chamber. What do you think? Or is that stretching it too far?

[KJ]

Originally Posted by David Kerin

Yeah, considering how it was originally recorded with the audio setup/mixing of the day, to go in and set up the audio elements for proper 5.1 surround would be quite an undertaking. I know the theatrical release was "sensurround", but who knows what that really entailed.

Thats easy just go here Dave...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensurround

Done and dusted.

Anyways folks how things, been busy myself so tell me how it goes?

Originally Posted by David Kerin

Saga re-edit is coming along, and all the main "chunks" are in. Still tweaking the audio, color balance, adding more stuff ino the composites... etc. Thought I'd take a moment to get down the additions/alterations to the edit.

*Additional class escort ship to the fleet (Steve W's Ranger class)
*additional shuttle/ship activity in the fleet.
*modified Apollo/Zak launch scene
*viper flyby outside window while Adama/Adar talk
*opening gambling scene restored with Starbuck and Gemini (Jolly back hair and all)
*many,many more raiders in shots as they approach fleet/Zak
*additional sequences to fleet destruction
*Triton, Acropolis and Solaria nameplates on other Battlestars (Pacifica could be the smaller class)
*Atlantia death squadron kamikaziis the Atlantia bridge and hull
*projected displays on Imperious Leader chamber walls
*High energy beam from orbit strikes city behind Serina
*many additional colony destruction scenes. Orbital energy beam attacks from basestars (many different shots here)
*alternate basestar version based on Ralph McQuarrie design
*a DeSanto Viper appears in one shot.
*other colony planets/cities destroyed
*alternate class battlestar trying to defend planet (thanks Steve W.)
*outer planet destruction sequences
*the destruction of the Columbia defending a colony world
*enhanced Starbuck crashland shot.
*some additional fleet forming shots
*enhanced Baltar on Caprica sequence
*Adama saying to Athena that he plans to resign scene restored.
*Apollo arguing with Adama about resigning scene restored.
*enhanced Nova of Madagon. Not majorly changed, but added to some to the "nebulous" shots, and worked in some different viper shots.
*Viper passes over landram before "returning to base" on Carillon
*enhanced ovion mine sequence and entering Lotay's chamber
*add in additional shot as Adama enters council chambers just before Uri makes his peace announcement. (in movie version but was removed from pilot version for whatever reason)
*added laser streaks from blasters/Cylon rifles in ovion mine fight scenes
*shot where Muffit bites the Cylon's leg and the Cylon falls over is GONE!
*more fighters approaching fleet in final battle (over the horizon of Carillon)
*vipers on surface of Carillon. changed color from orange to match surface better... added figures walking/running in background matte painting... Vipers flying off and overhead
*added new shots to end battle to take out repeating footage, and place the battle more amongst the fleet
*changed shot of basestar over Carillon surface as vipers approach
*energy starts to strike from surface to basestar as basestar opens fire (over Carillon surface)
*baltar's "epilogue"... removed epilogue title... altered color (though still different in hue/lighting from first IL's chamber)... removed line about offering peace to the humans (more as it was re-edited for Lost Planet of the Gods)


The above list is a general overview, as there are numerous other subtle alterations that fall under that list's "umbrella".

Not ALL of the repeated shots have been removed, as some of the beauty shots (close up) of single Vipers or Raiders may still be repeated. The models still look better than CGI. So in the closeups I stuck with the original footage. For wider shots with multiple ships I did add more with CGI/compositing over original footage.

The major changes/additions are definately to the open/destruction scenes, and then the latter third on Carillon from the ground battle to the end of the film. Most of the middle is more character oriented and any changes there are subtle.

Current runtime is around 2 hours and 26 minutes.

I think that is the most of them. For now at least. Have to get all the tweaking done on these, watch it, then probably end up with a list of addiional alterations.

Will try to get a little more stuff on youtube soon.

I bow my head sir, you're "the don" nuff said! Can't tell you how many people i want to show this to when its done. They rib me all the time about the new show, but thats only cos deep down they don't like remakes and have a fondness for the classic series themselves.

If i may, find a way to leak this to several of the original BG stars somehow and gauge their reactions to it?! Who knows they might be blown away by the love fans still possess over the original Galactica nearly 30 years and counting.

Hmmm? whats this, Jjrak telling you how to recut my second favorite BG episode next i see. Thought WOTG's was good enough as it is. Mostly everything in BG needs a Star Trek/Star Wars SE style make over BUT WOTG's. Yeah when the time comes for that one, i'll pass on my ideas to ya boss!

Anyways i'll see you guys when i see ya next time i pass by, in the meantime look out for that BG comic book from Dynamic Entertainment (which is currently delayed?) and take care of yourselves in the meantime o.k.

Be



KJ

[David Kerin]

Well after this one I am definately going to take a break from the episodes for a while. There are some that could be fun to do, but this one had alot, and I need to get the heck away from my computer and video stuff. Do it at work, do it in a current freelance project, and do it for fun. So I think they're all adding up on me and I'll need to do something like... throw a ball. But heaven knows at some point I'll import that video and start playing around with something else.

Thanks for all the great support and kind words from all of you. Much appreciated.

Dave

[ernie90125]

I can understand that David. You're work has given us enthusiasm and a major talking point for some time. Its amazing what one man can do. You're a credit to the fanbase !!!!

[martok2112]

You deserve every bit of the praise, David.