I'm sure the scene will play better in the theater once the shots have been tweaked a bit more. The visuals that have been show so far have been spectacular.

That would be extreme mass toy merchandising.

Yeah, Ash. I totally agree about the lava surfing. Not only does the idea seem bad, but the visuals were kind of terrible, too. I don't know if it was a bad compositing job, or a case of unfinished effects, but that sh*t looks pretty terrible. I'm hoping that this one won't have too many gimmicky action stunts, like "lava surfing" by the way.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Star Wars dork - member of the fan club and all (literally a card carrying member). But that shot alone frightens me to think that our "duel" might not be as cool as we want it to be....

On a separate side-note, I've even seen a single episode of Star Trek or any of their movies - Pickard just happens to be my last name...

I have some other issues about the choices made - calling the clones by names kind of ruins "TK-14" and the whole nameless, faceless, expendable drone that you can kill because he doesn't have an identity or a soul. Showing their faces and giving them names was a bad choice.

I have loved everything I have seen from the trailers and tv spots so far.....except that lava surfing. I agree, it looks cheesy.

Just an update on some related topics. I was quite surprised at this:
www.theforce.net/episode3/story/C3_Star_Wars_TV_Show_Info_Recap_91637.asp
I was shocked Lucas would direct the first season. I would have thought he wanted to be done with Star Wars. I was also surprised that the show would take place between Episodes 3 and 4. I figured Lucas would want to go at a time far before the saga or far after. I am torn about a live action tv show. It could be really good or really awful. Hehe, maybe like the two trilogies now?

Not surprised at some of this and annoyed with a new DVD box set release:
www.theforce.net/episode3/story/C3_More_from_George_Lucas_at_Media_QA_91615.asp
I wondered why Mr. Lucas would hold out the original trilogy deleted scenes from the initial release. I guess it is so you would have to buy ANOTHER big box set to get them.

The release of another box set was, and has been, expected for some time; so, no surprise for me there. Getting the new box set with all six movies in HD-DVD will be cool.

Regarding the trailers, yeah, this is going to be one exciting, fun, tragic, and sad movie. I don't know about you, but for the last few weeks I have stayed away from any more spoilers. I think I have already know too many specifics. The lava "surf" scene doesn't have me concerned on way or the other since every SW movie has something like that in it that's kinda cheesy. I'd rather focus more on what I like.

As for the TV series, makes no difference to me who directs them, just as long as they are as great as the five (soon to be six) movies that came before.

I am sure the rerelease of the saga is standard DVD with the addition of the bonus disc. I am sure there is a High Definition release planned for somewhere down the line, but with the format war looming, good chance it could be on hold for awhile. If history is any indication, Lucas will wait for the dust to settle before his puts the films out in Hidef.

It'll happen for sure according to insiders, just a question of when. I'll still be picking up what ever is put out in between though. Still have all the original LD's, the Definitive Collection, the "faces" LD's, the SE Box Set, and the Japanese LD import of TPM.

Regarding ROTS, I got in both the Obi-Wan and Anakin Lightsaber replicas from MR over the last couple weeks. Been looking forward to these for a while. Can't wait for the Sideous saber and the ROTS Vader helmet.

Did you guys see this? Kevin Smith has his review up for Episode III. Be warned though, spoilers and language ahead. I skimmed most of it because I didn't want to read the spoilers. You get the gist of what he thinks about the movie in the first sentence.

viewaskew.com/news/sith/

Yeah, I'm avoiding spoilers too, but I read the first part of that. Gotta say I'm not surprised though, this one is going to be the best of the saga. It'll be interesting to see what Kevin does with his part of the TV series too.

Just talked to a friend of mine and found out I may have a chance to view episode III before it releases to the public. This great friend of mine, has a friend that manages one of the movie theaters in Des Moines, IA. He is planning on having a bunch of his buddies over for a private showing, I have a good chance of being included. This totally rocks...