I admit, I've never really watched that many fan films. I don't really have an excuse, I've also been unaware as to how many there are out there. A recent example of one that did catch my attention was Batman: Dead End. That one was a cool little flick featuring appearances from other big film franchises. Then I heard about something called Revelations, a new film based in the Star Wars universe. With the Star Wars hype machine in full motion building up to the release of the final feature.
Well, I paid a visit to the Panic Struck Productions site and discovered an elaborate production. a 47 minute production that is available in Windows Media and Quicktime format. I proceeded to download the Quicktime version, but as soon as I did that, I discovered something else. They had a DVD image available, 3.5 gigabytes of uncompressed glory. Now this was the only to go. In addition to having the full film, it also includes two audio commentaries, one from the director, and one on the special effects. Now if all that isn't enough, there is another 4.5 gigabyte image for a second disk. This disk is all behind the scenes footage. Wait, there's more, there is also full color art that can be used to print out a DVD case cover and images to print DVD labels. To top it all off there is also a zip file containing the music score so that you can burn your own soundtrack.
By now, you must be asking yourself if it is any good. I can answer that with a single word, Yes. Considering that the budget was less than $20,000 and the entire cast and crew were working on a volunteer status, sometimes needing to put up their own money, this is an impressive result. The production values are better than any of the few fan films I have seen. It may better to term it an independent film, as that's what it really is.
Anyway, the story is set between Episode III and Episode IV. It follows Zhanna, the Emperor's Hand, and rival of Darth Vader, and the hunt for the last Jedi. We are also introduced to a new type of Jedi, the Seer. Seer's were a group who have visions which the Jedi Council made use of, but over time they became unreliable and have since gone underground. Taryn Anwar is our heroine who has escaped from the Imperials and with her ragtag cohorts are searching for an artifact of great power which could help bring down the Empire.
Article comments
1 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Great stuff Chris. I downloaded this a couple nights ago, but ain't got round to it yet. Lookin forward to it, though, more so after your review.
2 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks, it is definitely worth watching. You can feel the enthusiasm and that more than makes up for being low budget, if you believe in what you are doing you can convey that feeling to others.
I hope you like it!
The DVD images are great.
3 - Tenel K
Well, I'm a french SW Fan, a pure OT Fan and an As of EU - NJO. I've seen Revelations just before ROTS and I'm so glad. Glad to see this "Chef d'Oeuvre" (french term). I've seen it 4 times yet. It's magnifique, so closed with EU and OT atmospher. Actresses and Actors are very very good. Animations anf Art effects are so remarquable. I'm really proud of all people who made the movie. I give the link at my friends and other french fans.. And they all enjoyed and had a good time.
Really, guys, it's with people like you that Fans are proud and happy to be fans !
Tenel K from Fanwarz.com
4 - Tenel K
Well, I'm a french SW Fan, a pure OT Fan and an As of EU - NJO. I've seen Revelations just before ROTS and I'm so glad. Glad to see this "Chef d'Oeuvre" (french term). I've seen it 4 times yet. It's magnifique, so closed with EU and OT atmospher. Actresses and Actors are very very good. Animations and Art effects are so remarquable. I'm really proud of all people who made the movie. I give the link at my friends and other french fans.. And they all enjoyed and had a good time.
Really, guys, it's with people like you that Fans are proud and happy to be fans !
Tenel K from Fanwarz.com
5 - TenelK
Well, I'm a french SW Fan, a pure OT Fan and an As of EU - NJO. I've seen Revelations just before ROTS and I'm so glad. Glad to see this "Chef d'Oeuvre" (french term). I've seen it 4 times yet. It's magnifique, so closed with EU and OT atmospher. Actresses and Actors are very very good. Animations and Art effects are so remarquable. I'm really proud of all people who made the movie. I give the link at my friends and other french fans.. And they all enjoyed and had a good time.
Really, guys, it's with people like you that Fans are proud and happy to be fans !
Tenel K from Fanwarz.com