Empire Strikes Back snowspeeder suicide scene

Cafe Society
1

Backstory: I have a Betamax tape of the copy of Empire Strikes Back that was shown on my parents’ movie theater during first release. There is a scene that shows a speeder getting hit, then spinning out of control and crashing into an AT-AT, causing the AT-AT to explode. I have been trying to get that scene converted to a format that can be viewed on the intar-web.

Unfortunately, after spending a few days trying to figure out how to get that scene from my Betamax (VHF screws) to my TiBook, I’m at an impasse. I haven’t been able to find hardware that will allow me to transfer the scene from VHF screws to USB and transfer it to my TiBook so I can rip it to DVD or QT. I’m still working on it, but I wanted to give everyone an update.

2

Go to Radio Shack and see if you can find a converter box with VHF screws and analog output. If you have an old Atari, Nintendo, Commodore 64, or something similar try using the converter that came with it.

Then get a USB capture device that takes analog inputs. Here’s a list, there may be other brands available also.

3

If I’m remembering right, the flat wire leads were 300 ohms, coaxial, 75. That might help narrow it down some.

4

I happen to have an extra one somewhere. The current equipment from Radio Shack has a 75-ohm connector instead of twin screws.

5

Here ya go. Radio Shack has a 300 ohm (twin screws, UHF) to 75 ohm (coaxial F connector, VHF) converter. Of course then you need a capture device that takes an F connector.

6

Thanks for the replies, fellas. I’m hesitant to actually purchase an expensive capture device just for the purposes of this issue, but I feel a certain obligation. Will advise.

7

!

Wow.

That scene isn’t even on the old pre-Special-Edition laserdisc of TESB I have at home.

I mean, sure, there are a couple of snowspeeders getting hit and spinning out of control and crashing, but none of them crash into an Imperial Walker hard enough to make the Walker explode!

8

Yep. basically I’m going to spend a bunch of money to prove to a bunch of strangers on a message board that I’m not crazy. Damn you SDMB!! :slight_smile:

Sordid history here.

9

Thanks for the update, Dooku (as well as your efforts). Hope you find a solution for those genuinely curious about your finding…

10

I vivedly remember that scene and am surprised that isn’t not in any of the home release versions. If it’s any consolation, a post in rec.arts.sf.starwars.info that lists removed scenes has it mentioned:

Also is an interesting quote about a prerelease version of the film:

11

Dooku, I believe you, since like Skott, I remember that scene very vividly (for reasons that I discussed in that other thread). Either that scene really was shot, or I must join you and Skott in being insane.

Just to confirm that I’m not insane*, I’d love to see that scene again, so keep us posted.

[size=1]* or, if I am insane, at least I could rest assured my lack of sanity has little to do with Star Wars.