Aquaman: Special Edition

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Faneditor Name:
Original Movie/Show Title:
Genre:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
2018
Original Running Time:
143 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
124 minutes
Subtitles Available:
Available in HD:
Synopsis:
A tighter, more focused story of the reluctant heir to the kingdom of Atlantis, now with much of the unnecessary exposition as possible removed, Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs removed, "Ocean Master" references removed, and as many plot holes as possible removed.
Intention:
Goals:
• To keep Arthur dumb and funny, and make the rest of the movie a little more more serious, closer to the rest of the DCEU.
• Remove as much unnecessary exposition as possible
• Remove Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs
• Remove "Ocean Master" references
• Remove as many plot holes as possible* (can't get them all)
Additional Notes:
*2022 Update** Now in 5.1 Audio with full subtitles
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
*2022 Update**

Now in 5.1 Audio with full subtitles
Editing Details:
The goal was to take out as much "cheese" factor and make the movie feel more militaristic.
Cuts and Additions:
• Removed intro narration
• Movie intro starts with Lighthouse setting shot and removed Thomas tying the shutters OPEN.*
• Removed Atlanna and TV scene (to remove Atlanna expelling water)*
• Tightened scene with arrival of soldiers, removed some of the story Atlanna was telling to Arthur, removed the discussion with soldiers and Atlanna (for better mystery setup)
• Removed discussion about tears on pier between Thomas and Atlanna (lame)
• Removed Aquarium scene with young Arthur (not relevant anymore)
• Tightened Black Manta's arrival on the submarine to remove some of his dumb lines. He mostly only talks to his dad. (trying to create more villainous vibe)
• Removed Black Manta's lines to sub captain about jobs
• Removed Manta knife discussion (not important)
• Removed "its a man" lines from pirate watching the video of Arthur's arrival (silly)
• Removed Black Manta line "Its not a man"
• Removed Black Manta and Arthur discussing about meeting eventually, shortening fight (silly)
• Removed lines "you knew to live so you can kill that sob" (silly)
• Removed King Orm's history lesson about the meeting place (overt exposition)
• Removed mention of the "Ocean Master" title (silly)
• Brought explosion sooner (pacing)
• Removed Vulko's "to arms!" line (silly)
• Moved payout of gold to Black Manta to right after the attack (to connect his importance sooner)
• Removed Black Manta lines "he killed my father" and "keep the money, I want Aquaman" (silly)
• Tightened Mara and Arthur's discussion to remove JL references, and the lines "I’ve been looking for you", "because you’re a lady", "you are the firstborn... your people executed", and discussion of Volko and the Trident (overt exposition)
• Removed Mara introducing herself after saving Thomas (better that they just already know each other already somehow... JL?)
• Shortened Dr. Shin's rant to remove question of the existence of Atlanteans* (removed world not believing in Atlaneans in spite of knowing about Aquaman)
• Removed Vulko and teen Arthur swimming lesson (silly)
• Removed "They still think Atlantis is a fairy tale"*
• Removed "Ocean Master" reference by Mara (silly)
• Removed refence to the Trident being "forged"*
• Removed line "it gave us the ability to breathe underwater" (the evolved thing covers it)
• Removed Vulko's line "it’s an ancient recording dating back..."
• Removed Orms' line "I can’t believe you’re finally here. I've heard so many stories about you
• Removed shots of being killed from Orm's visual presentation (hypocritical)*
• Removed teen Arthur's lines "you mean the executed her? because of me?" (bad acting)
• Removed Mara's line about hating the surface people too
• Removed Orm throwing up water in the air pocket*
• Removed the second, higher pitched "bad guys behind us, aaaahhhh!"
• Removed Orm flying beside Arthur and Mara on their escape
• Removed Mara inside whale dismissing how he talked to it*
• Removed Pitbull song and the ocean exit shots, cuts directly to shadow of plane overhead
• Tightened Arthur and Mara discussion in plane to let her respond quicker
• Removed Orm's Captain (Murk) lines when tracking Mara
• Removed King Nereus describing his daughter Mara as the Princess of Xebel, instead just being a concerned dad
• Removed Black Manta's lines with Orm when getting equipment, and the shots and lines of how the gun works.
• Changed Depeche Mode song to the Black Manta theme from the soundtrack
• Lowered romantic comedy sound effects as much as possible from Arthur and Mera's discussion in the desert
• Removed mention of "forging" weapons again
• Removed water fountain scene in order to better set up the Pinocchio reference
• Removed Arthur knowing who all the statues were
• Moved up explosion slightly to reduce the loving gaze between Mera and Arthur
• Removed Black Manta monologue on his arrival
• Removed Black Manta announcing his name to Arthur
• Removed Arthur telling Black Manta "I thought I told you not to make this a habit"
• Removed Mera breaking facemask of solder and shot of Murk healing his arm
• Removed Murk and the toilet
• Removed Black Manta stabbing Arthur with the Manta knife
• Removed a couple shots of Arthur on the boat to better set up the no-shirt to shirt shot
• Removed flashback shot of young Arthur talking to fish
• Removed Karathen saying Arthur is the only one who can hear it
• Shortened Karathen's arrival at battle to show less destruction to both sides (focus on Atlantean reaction)
• Removed Mera’s final speech (silly)
• Trimmed Arthur’s ending narration and final Aquaman shots, ends on sunrise on dock with Atlanna and Thomas, rounding out the love story.
• Added new Aquaman logo screen before cinematic credits.
• Changed music after Black Manta mid-credit scene to be more fast paced.
Opening Sequence

Faneditor Name:
Original Movie/Show Title:
Genre:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
2018
Original Running Time:
143 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
124 minutes
Subtitles Available:
Available in HD:
Synopsis:
A tighter, more focused story of the reluctant heir to the kingdom of Atlantis, now with much of the unnecessary exposition as possible removed, Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs removed, "Ocean Master" references removed, and as many plot holes as possible removed.
Intention:
Goals:
• To keep Arthur dumb and funny, and make the rest of the movie a little more more serious, closer to the rest of the DCEU.
• Remove as much unnecessary exposition as possible
• Remove Depeche Mode and Pitbull songs
• Remove "Ocean Master" references
• Remove as many plot holes as possible* (can't get them all)
Additional Notes:
*2022 Update** Now in 5.1 Audio with full subtitles
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
*2022 Update**

Now in 5.1 Audio with full subtitles
Editing Details:
The goal was to take out as much "cheese" factor and make the movie feel more militaristic.
Cuts and Additions:
• Removed intro narration
• Movie intro starts with Lighthouse setting shot and removed Thomas tying the shutters OPEN.*
• Removed Atlanna and TV scene (to remove Atlanna expelling water)*
• Tightened scene with arrival of soldiers, removed some of the story Atlanna was telling to Arthur, removed the discussion with soldiers and Atlanna (for better mystery setup)
• Removed discussion about tears on pier between Thomas and Atlanna (lame)
• Removed Aquarium scene with young Arthur (not relevant anymore)
• Tightened Black Manta's arrival on the submarine to remove some of his dumb lines. He mostly only talks to his dad. (trying to create more villainous vibe)
• Removed Black Manta's lines to sub captain about jobs
• Removed Manta knife discussion (not important)
• Removed "its a man" lines from pirate watching the video of Arthur's arrival (silly)
• Removed Black Manta line "Its not a man"
• Removed Black Manta and Arthur discussing about meeting eventually, shortening fight (silly)
• Removed lines "you knew to live so you can kill that sob" (silly)
• Removed King Orm's history lesson about the meeting place (overt exposition)
• Removed mention of the "Ocean Master" title (silly)
• Brought explosion sooner (pacing)
• Removed Vulko's "to arms!" line (silly)
• Moved payout of gold to Black Manta to right after the attack (to connect his importance sooner)
• Removed Black Manta lines "he killed my father" and "keep the money, I want Aquaman" (silly)
• Tightened Mara and Arthur's discussion to remove JL references, and the lines "I’ve been looking for you", "because you’re a lady", "you are the firstborn... your people executed", and discussion of Volko and the Trident (overt exposition)
• Removed Mara introducing herself after saving Thomas (better that they just already know each other already somehow... JL?)
• Shortened Dr. Shin's rant to remove question of the existence of Atlanteans* (removed world not believing in Atlaneans in spite of knowing about Aquaman)
• Removed Vulko and teen Arthur swimming lesson (silly)
• Removed "They still think Atlantis is a fairy tale"*
• Removed "Ocean Master" reference by Mara (silly)
• Removed refence to the Trident being "forged"*
• Removed line "it gave us the ability to breathe underwater" (the evolved thing covers it)
• Removed Vulko's line "it’s an ancient recording dating back..."
• Removed Orms' line "I can’t believe you’re finally here. I've heard so many stories about you
• Removed shots of being killed from Orm's visual presentation (hypocritical)*
• Removed teen Arthur's lines "you mean the executed her? because of me?" (bad acting)
• Removed Mara's line about hating the surface people too
• Removed Orm throwing up water in the air pocket*
• Removed the second, higher pitched "bad guys behind us, aaaahhhh!"
• Removed Orm flying beside Arthur and Mara on their escape
• Removed Mara inside whale dismissing how he talked to it*
• Removed Pitbull song and the ocean exit shots, cuts directly to shadow of plane overhead
• Tightened Arthur and Mara discussion in plane to let her respond quicker
• Removed Orm's Captain (Murk) lines when tracking Mara
• Removed King Nereus describing his daughter Mara as the Princess of Xebel, instead just being a concerned dad
• Removed Black Manta's lines with Orm when getting equipment, and the shots and lines of how the gun works.
• Changed Depeche Mode song to the Black Manta theme from the soundtrack
• Lowered romantic comedy sound effects as much as possible from Arthur and Mera's discussion in the desert
• Removed mention of "forging" weapons again
• Removed water fountain scene in order to better set up the Pinocchio reference
• Removed Arthur knowing who all the statues were
• Moved up explosion slightly to reduce the loving gaze between Mera and Arthur
• Removed Black Manta monologue on his arrival
• Removed Black Manta announcing his name to Arthur
• Removed Arthur telling Black Manta "I thought I told you not to make this a habit"
• Removed Mera breaking facemask of solder and shot of Murk healing his arm
• Removed Murk and the toilet
• Removed Black Manta stabbing Arthur with the Manta knife
• Removed a couple shots of Arthur on the boat to better set up the no-shirt to shirt shot
• Removed flashback shot of young Arthur talking to fish
• Removed Karathen saying Arthur is the only one who can hear it
• Shortened Karathen's arrival at battle to show less destruction to both sides (focus on Atlantean reaction)
• Removed Mera’s final speech (silly)
• Trimmed Arthur’s ending narration and final Aquaman shots, ends on sunrise on dock with Atlanna and Thomas, rounding out the love story.
• Added new Aquaman logo screen before cinematic credits.
• Changed music after Black Manta mid-credit scene to be more fast paced.
Opening Sequence

Trusted Reviewer reviews

2 reviews
Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
After experiencing his outstanding WW84 and Suicide Squad edits, I was eager to see what Wakeupkeo could do with a DC film I actually enjoyed in the first place -- not surprisingly, the answer is "improve it considerably." All of the plot and tone quibbles I had with the original cut are smoothed over, and what's left is a flawless, beautiful psychedelic neon adventure movie with heart and humour, and nary a cringe moment to be found. A "B+" movie taken to an "A," well done.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 2 0
(Updated: April 29, 2021)
Overall rating
 
9.4
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
9.0
Narrative
 
9.0
Enjoyment
 
8.0
As someone who did not enjoy the theatrical release of Aquaman I have to say this edit made the film considerably more enjoyable. The cuts made really benefit the pacing. Despite 20+ minutes being removed nothing is missed and there are no plotholes. The highlight for me was the choice to cut two jarringly out of place tracks as it gave the soundtrack far greater cohesion. I also felt the characterisation of Arthur feels more consistent. Great job.
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User reviews

17 reviews
 
94%
 
6%
5-7 stars
 
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3-5 stars
 
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1-3 stars
 
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Overall rating
 
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0(17)
Audio Editing
 
9.7(17)
Visual Editing
 
9.8(17)
Narrative
 
9.8(17)
Enjoyment
 
10.0(17)
View all user reviews View most helpful
Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
Much approved story for Aquaman, definitely recommend anyone if you want a direct cohesive story to get through, this is for you.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
"Aquaman Special Edition" delivers a fresh and refined take on the original film, offering a more engaging and cohesive experience. Through precise editing, the pacing is tightened, improving the overall flow while trimming unnecessary scenes to focus more on character development and plot clarity. The underwater visuals are brilliantly enhanced, bringing the vibrant world of Atlantis to life with stunning color grading and immersive effects. Aquaman's journey is given greater emotional depth, making the storyline feel more satisfying and impactful. The sound design is equally impressive, with a perfectly balanced soundtrack and effects that draw viewers deeper into the film’s aquatic setting. Whether you're revisiting the story or watching for the first time, this fan edit transforms the movie into a more polished and captivating adventure.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
8.3
Audio/Video Quality
 
9.0
Audio Editing
 
7.0
Visual Editing
 
8.0
Narrative
 
9.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
This project was a real breath of fresh air for me, don't get me wrong I like the original but this version truly felt like blowing the dust of an old DVD or cutting the small uneven corners which for me meant a truly great time with a film. I couldn't recommend this fanedit enough, it's a truly entertaining ride. If you haven't seen it, you should. Thank me later.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
The poor soundtrack choices in theatrical/digital had me looking for fanedits that changed such aspect. This one in particular did some things I never knew I wanted: reducing kid Arthur's bad acting, trimming down exposition dumps and general Marvel-liness (I didn't mind it on my first watch, maybe I just got sick of funnies in superhero movies since the trash that was Love and Thunder). The edits were clean as well, it's been years since I last watched it and I didn't notice anything off. A perfect fan edit all in all!

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
 
10.0
Audio Editing
 
10.0
Visual Editing
 
10.0
Narrative
 
10.0
Enjoyment
 
10.0
Aquaman much like Wonderwoman was a movie that I didn't think needed that much editing much less 19 minutes. But after finishing I had to watch my bluray copy to see what all was changed, There were obvious things I noticed like parts of his childhood but I didn't know the extent of how far it went. The editing and moving of scenes is seamless and never left me missing out on anything, extra props for editing the soundtrack cause I am not fond of pitbull.

Now if you don't like this movie I doubt this edit will change your opinion some hate the cheesiness this is the movie with a drumming octopus, I love it for that reason cause it wasn't afraid to take risks and be more colorful and show the more outlandish side of Aquaman.
Not much more I can say other than this edit comes highly recommended and will probably be my go to edit from now on.

User Review

Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
View all user reviews