Cartoon Network to show "Enhanced" TCW Episodes (starting May 1st)

What is "enhanced", dear reader? Basically, Pop-Up Video, if your memories go that far back.

Gotta say, I'm not really that enthralled with this, at least in theory.

<img src="http://www.starwars.com/img/theclonewars/news20090406/Ambush_Decoded_RedClone.jpg">

<img src="http://www.starwars.com/img/theclonewars/news20090406/Ambush_Decoded_Ventess.jpg">

VIDEO PREVIEW

Enhanced Episodes to Provide In-the-Moment, On-Screen Insights into All Aspects of the Sweeping Galactic Conflict


Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded premieres Friday, May 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT


Coming off of the record-setting first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network announced today it will premiere Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded, a full slate of 22 enhanced episodes from season one of the CG-animated series from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. Using text windows to provide in-the-moment insights into all aspects of the sweeping galactic conflict?from trivia to background on characters and storylines?Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded enhances each episode with exclusive content created by the Lucasfilm Animation talent responsible for the show itself.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded is Cartoon Network?s first-ever season-long commitment to enhancing the content of existing series episodes. Offering a new twist on the beloved series and serving as an unprecedented primer for faithful fans as well as new viewers, Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded premieres Friday, May 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT only on Cartoon Network. This full season of enhanced episodes will continue each Friday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the regular time slot for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, leading up to the fall 2009 premiere of season two.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars has emerged as the preeminent sci-fi series on television, combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars Saga with exciting weekly adventures. Ranking #1 on all television?broadcast and cable?with the key demo of boys 6-11, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a thrilling, weekly 30-minute ?mini-movie? created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.

On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old join favorite characters such as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand new heroes like Anakin?s padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains?led by Count Dooku and General Grievous?are poised to take over the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights and their brave clone troops. Star Wars: The Clone Wars continues the tradition of thrilling stories and astonishing visuals that have always been the hallmark of the Star Wars Saga.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking - [face_old] - still, I'm just very glad that it's proven to be such a success.

 

Hey, at least we get to see the episodes again...and I imagine they will include this feature in the box set DVD. And yes, I remember Pop-Up Video.

 

I think it's a cool idea to hold us over until the Blu-Ray/DVD set and season 2.

 

I'd watch it on DVD but not TV. If that makes sense.

 

Its a pretty cool Idea, we could learn some new stuff.

 

If the information presented in the pop-ups is interesting, it's actually not a bad idea. A new twist on existing episodes as a way to pass the time before the new season starts.

But the real question is, will the pop-ups make a "bloip" sound when they appear?

 

Can't wait for this! Will be counting down the days till May 1st. Star Wars!

 

So this looks like it will be all in-universe stuff, so obviously their saving bts tidbits for the boxed set.

 

Could be a great tool for the young'uns interested in learning more about the GFFA, or really anybody wanting to delve deeper into the subtext of the show. I think it's better than straight reruns, at least.

I could see going more for it on dvd than tv myself. I'm a bit burned out on episodic tv schedules at the moment and am looking forward to SCC wrapping so I can free myself from the "addiction".

 

Oh yes I've heard of pop-up videos before! I don't mind rewatching the episodes again. I know I'll probably get the season one dvd when it comes out in the fall.

 

I guess it's an OK thing to add, could be interesting.. But do we really want pop-ups that tell us the obvious? (Ventress gets mad at droids? Who knew?)

 

Pop up video? Must've been before my time. I only discovered the internet for what it really was in 2003... Kind of sad, considering I was born before it was widespread, possibly even available to the general populace... Well, I can say with certainty that I do remember vaguely the days before Google and Youtube.

And this concept could prove interesting for the show. Make those little Star Wars kiddies a little more knowledgable. What will be next, an episode making the Republic badguys and Seps good guys? Nah, what am I saying, this is Star Wars...

 

If the pop ups are actually informative, like the one talking about the red stripes on the clone's armor, then I think it will be pretty cool. But if the are used to point out painfully obvious junk then like the Ventress one then I think I will pass.

 

I agree. Maybe at some point, they'll explain the total inconsistency of the rank structure and what the yellow, blue and green armor denotes -- not to mention the "goucho" look certain captains wear.

 

Cool idea! Though I'm hoping for more informative facts than "Anakin hates sand."

 

Currently, as the clones are wearing Phase 1 armor, the color denotes command rank (at least, it's supposed to). With Phase 2 (the ROTS armor) the color represents legion affiliation, which is a heck of a lot more sensical to me-why broadcast who your leadership is.

Phase 1 clone armor

Green=Sergeant

Blue=Lieutenant

Red=Captain

Yellow=Battalion Commander or higher

Privates are the all-white boys.

 

I am not fanattic enough to watch them, but it seems to be a good idea.

 

That color code applies to AOTC, but it seems to have been scrapped by the time of TCW. Bly is the only yellow commander we see, Rex is blue but he's a captain, and then we have several variations of red clones which have different ranks, such as the shock troopers. In the animated show it seems colors work much more like they do in Ep3, denoting companies and stuff, or just being a form of personalization.

 

I share the same opinion with G_M. I'll wait for the DVD/Blu-Ray before I bother with the "enhanced" stuff.

 

Yes, this is an interesting point regarding the clones' armor. As stated above, they are currently (in TCW) wearing Phase I (like in AOTC), not having shifted to Phase II yet (like in ROTS). But as pointed out, they don't seem to be following the color rules established by AOTC for Phase I armor, which is that they should denote rank. They already seem to be shifting towards the Phase II armor color usage (denoting unit affiliation), even though the armor itself hasn't changed yet.