Dawn Under Heaven - A Halo Fan Film
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- A futuristic war film based on the Halo franchise, Dawn Under Heaven takes place during the fall of planet Reach by the Covenant armada in the year 2552. It’s a story about friendship, hope, and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
The project began in Lee Anderson’s garage in the summer of 2010 during the emerging era of Halo cosplay, RUclips culture, and affordable digital filmmaking tools. At the time there was a surprising lack of live-action Halo storytelling, which drove us (and many other fan films) to build our own piece of the Halo universe.
We hope you enjoy our work, and continue to support the passion that goes into indie filmmaking, and fan films.
Please send any inquiries to:
Dawnunderheavenfilm@gmail.com
Check out the full original soundtrack by composer Ryan Jones:
• Dawn Under Heaven OST
Spanish subtitles by: V. Silva
French subtitles by: « Halo.fr » www.halo.fr
![HALO - [Fan Animation] - Remember](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E5_ynsjwd48/mqdefault.jpg)
I find it funny how due to paramount's failure with the handling of the halo tv show and the countless clips critizing the show, that the algorithm has added this short film to our recommended list. it brought fans to something that shows an actual attempt at capturing the halo feeling and tone, and the creators of this earns every bit of the love even after 3 years.
It's been my assessment that every fan-made video trumps Paramount's dumpsterfire because at least the fans appreciate the source material.
Agreed
They fill the ODST hole that Bungie left for us
why paramount's shity show did not fo well was partly becuase theactors did not like halo andbecauseparamount is just out for money now days not out to give fans what they want unfortunately
This film, is truly remarkable for the story, and limited budget. Having said that, it's Brilliant. I have not enjoyed, a Halo, EP. For a long time. When that actor removed his helmet, I was shocked, and stopped my subscription. Been like that ever since. However this mini-film, is technically great storyline brilliant and good. Think what, they could do, if'n they had more funds. 🤔
Huge props to the Covenant for lending their assets for a movie.
They lost the war so they didn't have a choice.
A bunch of Halo Fans can do a better job than a multi billion studio. Now this is is how you do a Halo film
That’s because corporations lack heart and passion and their conquest is only fueled by greed
The multi-million dollar studio is all about making profit. Cutting corners and creating boring soap operas in an attempt to maximize profits. It's like that with basically every studio these days.
So I found this after watching the 3rd episode of Paramount’s “Halo” series and this blows that show out of the water. Great job gentlemen, great job.
u said it man
@Samir Rayes you think the show is better than this?
@Samir Rayes the way I see it, at least effort and care was put into this. The Paramount show is a clear cash grab with no love
@@thatoneguy9666 yes, I agree. It's like they didn't even look any of the Halo lore up at all! This was pretty good tho
@@thatoneguy9666 your comments are the textbook example of an eyeroll, if you haven’t watched the show don’t criticize it.
It just blows me away that “ Amateurs” can put together fan films of this intense quality!! I’m 65 so I won’t see it, but the giant studios are going the way of the dinosaurs. I see a time when
“ labor of love “ films will be the norm.
I'm sure you'll see it 😊
Forward Unto Dawn is also really good.
Thank you for the open minded and complimentary comment.
If you want to see (in my opinion) the pinnacle of what a single person (yes... a _single_ person. One. Solo.) can do...
Check out *"Astartes"* if you haven't.
It's here on RUclips. It's all CGI, and this quality is not the norm (yet) but it's a "must watch".
I've been saying something similar for years. Before we get to that point, i think we're gonna start seeing fans re edit big budget movies that were considered disappointing. Didn't like the new Star Wars trilogy? Don't worry, starwarsfanforlife will set it right .
Snyder cut? Nah, i want to see the Batmanfanforever87 cut.
Yes sir.
This film is one of the reasons why the Halo community is one of my top favorites
heh, just made the 117 like for ya!
UNSC UNSC UNSC
SirKain XD- let’s finish this fight
@@starsilverinfinity We need a weapon XD
ruclips.net/video/IpEQtpnGp_I/видео.html
“Would you like to see the relevant data” 343 guilty spark reference.
"...the Prophets. They have betrayed us." - Arbiter
Yank me 😘
I heard that in his voice
Ronald Reagan and “yank me” was a cortana reference
HELLO THERE
What a fantastic fan film! A fairly standard Halo story (get the Forerunner McGuffin), but I enjoyed the Human element present. Bravo!
Halo Canon same
Do u know what music there using
@@Themadkilla93Original Score Ryan Robert Jones
This was gold. I was ready for a shootout but I'm glad that instead of a overload with C.G.I; we get a terrific story with a run time of 30 min!
Yeah its good for these short films to keep is simple and just focus of executing it well
That "match starting" beep sound effects at 4:45 was genius.
That happens in Halo 3 ODST
I love that little gem
No it was derivative. Still good, but derivative.
I miss when storytelling wasnt agenda driven, but like, story and narrative and character development. This is just beautiful for so many reasons. Even the cgi is not bad to look at
Reach broke before the marines did.
That War Hammer reference xd
Oorah
Wrong universe laddie
@@ezekyleabbadon9555 It might be the wrong universe but that reference could be used in any sci fi universe with a humanity in it lmao but instead of Cadia it's another random human colony or some shieeeet
Like cadia
This is what the halo community is. Sure, there are always people complaining over the newest game, but we are also people doing what we love, and coming together to make an amazing experience together. Great work!
Great short film, the CGI was on point, made it feel like Reach with the amount of ships. Pat yourself on the back ppl... I salute you all
honestly i thought i was watching a halo reach film lol
The Breaking Potato I respect them for the job they did
Cortana: "Halo... it's finished."
Master Chief: "No, I think we're just getting started."
Halo has turned into something bigger than even Jason Jones ever imagined. Fans who create these fan films guarantee that this franchise will never die. The game might... but the lore will continue. Well done.
Wash your mouth out with soap. So long as fans are out there the game will never die.
How come we don’t see French, Germans, Russians, Hispanics (well Hispanics are always in the U.S. Army), and Chinese fighting Earth’s enemies? Has the U.S. conquered the World finally and now they want to conquer the Universe?
@@yolamontalvan9502 Haven't you seen the ODST live trailer. I'm just a stupid Merican but they definitely weren't Americans.
Agreed
Yola Montalvan we do you idiot
"Rosetta.. Why aren't you in human form?"
"CGI Limits"
Facts
@@kathrynstewart-mcdonald Nagging Too
Kathryn Coluzzi why dude
ODST never had AI;
Spartans did in the program;
They had them for social interaction because the marines of the UNSC or ODST wouldnt bother with Spartans for being so advance, therefore the AI being a spartans Programed friend more a less.
@@Emess_902 and also as combat boosters and for a person to talk to so they dont get too far into grievance that they just become broken down to completely emotionless states
This was amazing
Hey
Love it vids
Give it a shoutout
The Halo community in my oppinion is more like a family. Back in the halo 3 days... It still has that bond, although week. Our intrests strengthen the games developers potential. And gives us hope that there wil lbe a good halo game again.
Better than Forward Unto Dawn and that was cannon.
This is proof a live action Halo can not only work but the best thing since sliced bread.
True that!
Hey who let you out of hell? Get back down there
Doom is just Angry Halo.
Congrats on the amazing premiere and fan film, from all of us at Project: Contingency!
Now all we need is a sequel ;)
Yup. We need a sequel
yo, keep up the progress on contingency. we believe in you guys!
Yes I'd like to see a sequel
I agree, a sequel is definitely needed
When this is thousands of times better than an official Halo TV show
crazy
@@odstslayer741 million if you seen episode 8
@@josephcasper8803 shut up
lol this has 117 likes
I dont know about other scifi universes but Halo, ive noticed something unique about the fandom. They produce quality material thats connected to the lore, this makes halo infinite
Never salute a superior officer in the field.
Makes them a sniper magnet ☠
Crystal Clear Mobile Restoration I heard that in a movie somewhere I think it was Forrest Gump wasn’t it
@@mojo7901 It was indeed Forrest Gump.
Sniper check sir.
I'll remember to always salute any jerk COs in the field then.
Lol wow someone been watching lot of ww2 movies.
“We’ve all run the simulations” crouch in front of Scarab and aim
"Go for the legs, they said..."....
@@ChapterMasterADO That's a quote from Halo 2.
@@ChapterMasterADO nigga it's a video game, and this is a fan film. And these simulations you're talking of don't exist in the real world either.
Yeah that bit was stupid.
I've waited YEARS for this. YOU. DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT! AXIOS!!!!!
May I ask why that's your profile pic?
AXIOS!!!!!
AXIOS!!!!!!!
AXIOS!
AXIOS!
wow this is wayyyy more entertaining than Halo Paramount show
Hats off to you guys thank you for making such a masterpiece
The acting wasn't bad but the dialogue wasn't all that special, and the relationship between James and Rosetta sadly felt rushed in. However, the assets and overall visual fidelity plus the soundtrack were pretty amazing, thank you for finishing this project and bringing a little more magic into the Halo content pool on RUclips, proving there are truly talented people in the Halo community with a lot of love for the universe.
Millions I love to see any to be honest
@@bryanpseno4203 you mean any live action Halo stuffs?
All points fair and valid , but hey, for a fan made film this is pretty fucking good.
Summed it up
@@BotBruh448 you forgot about Halo Nightfall with Mike Colter from the Luke Cage TV series that was a big budget film you can see it right here on RUclips I was kind of disappointed
This scrub number straight up just jumped in front of a Scarab all by his lonesome and expected to be able to buy the Pelican time to escape, what a doof.
If this film weren't so great I wouldn't have enjoyed the cheesy Master Chief and Cortana moment with Rosetta remembering her real name. Y'all started this back in 2010? I'm baffled and incredibly impressed by your guys' drive and will to complete this. Everything was awesome. I was trying to be critical throughout the whole film to try and find any moments where something looked off, but everything was spot-fucking-on. Like, I"m genuinely amazed with the work, detail, and dedication you put into this.
would have been funny if the scarab just ignored him and shot the pelican still, then the lone dude is just standing there thinking "what the fuck was i thinking?" right as he gets stepped on by the scarab lol
Cortana remembered her real name?
If that isn't sarcasm, what I meant was in the moment when Rosetta remembered her name it reminded me of the cheesy moments between Chief and Cortana in the games, like when Cortana said "When this is all over, promise me you'll figure out who's the machine" or "Don't make a girl a promise if you know you can't keep it."
We are so glad you enjoyed the movie! Believe us, there were many times when we thought we weren't going to finish!
Little Snuggle I think that's a good job they did
We need another ODST game
Yes!
Id love to see more pre-augmented Buck when he was still ODST
There was gonna be a Halo 5 ODST game or something along of the lines but it was scrapped before they started working on it because 343i realized if they worked on Halo 5 ODST and Halo Infinite all at once both games would do terrible since there would be too much stress on the development teams and they would be unable to reach their deadline with a fully complete game. But it's possible another ODST game might come after Halo Infinite.
@@greenradiozone824 I think that was because of the new engine they were creating for Halo 6. Not enough people to do all things at once. Maybe with the new engine they will make Halo 5 ODST.
@@thelastword4616 Not just that, it's not all the engine work. The fact of having to split the development team in half to work on one game will make progress way slower, more stressful and more unreliable. The slipspace engine is still relatively new so the developers will have to take some time to get used to it. Rushing through all the work will just break everything.
Gotta say, this was amazing for a fan film. After seeing the official TV show, this feels more like halo by a lot. It's amazing to see that fans can capture the feeling of Halo than a high price tag show. Amazing job!
For a fan made, with probably a tight budget this is class
Absolutely agreed
This was so amazing. I wish there was more but what I watched, I’m not complaining. So goddamn beautiful and perfect. The work and love put into this clearly shows. I’m so amazed at the Halo Community and what WE can do for a game we all love. So proud of you guys and all the work you have done. Keep it up! I’ll be supporting you 100% of the time
Plot twist
It was a Forerunner cellphone
So a Nokia?
Taylor N I had a Nokia and I broke it so hard.
Dv1974 HOLY SHIT
God dammit.
@Cypher Impressive, it made me use two percent of my power.
This was brilliantly done guys! I cringed a little bit at the ‘kneeling in front of the scarab’ scene but that’s about it. The rest was really good for a fan film! Just makes you wonder what the big production companies could accomplish for Halo fans if all the politics didn’t get in the way.
I like how you used politics in the right way, most people don't.
Politics always ruin a good idea. It would be nice to a movie come out one day though.
I think the only reason he was kneeling was because he was just trying to buy the pilot time to take off, he knew he wasn’t gonna be able to do anything against the Scarab.
The music was awesome during the scarab scene , but ya agreed.
Tbh it's hard to see how else it would have been resolved, and also he had a realistic reaction to the effect although the act of going for it was odd. But honestly it was so well executed I actually got this scene and I loved it.
I, being a big halo fan since the Bungie days, find this to be one, if not the best fan made films regarding Halo. The creators of this film did their research and made an epic film. Keep up the good work.
Imagine a fan film being better than a studio with a $200M budget. LUL.
90 million but yes
@@braydoxastora5584 $90 million production budget. Nearly $200 million total with marketing, etc.
That crazy they would give $200 for a fan flim video on RUclips that would be crazy
I absolutely LOVE how you focused this around ODSTs instead of SPARTANs. It's awesome to think that at the end of the day, ODSTs are still unaugmented humans and embark on suicide ops while SPARTANs are expected to come home more often than ODSTs to continue the fight. Great work replicating that atmosphere throughout the film!
Edit: clarification
Connor S Soartan-3s were sent on suicide missions usually.
Spartans were sent on more suicidal missions then ODST Oni sent thousands just to die
Dude. Spartans were literally cannon fodder. They weren't expected to come back ever. If they did guess what? Another suicide mission until they died
@@recklesssquirel5962 Clarified what I meant. I know SPARTANs (primarily 3s and sometimes 2s) were sent, but ODSTs are much more likely to die on said missions then SPARTANs.
@@ConnorCrispy can you tell me of any mission that either the ODSTs or Spartans weren't expected to die but simply too stubborn to do so?
this has to be one of the highest quality halo fan film to date
HOLY WORT WORT WORT. I can honestly say that all the effort that you put on this film, was worth. I've seen some other fan films but yours is exceptional. The CGI was amazing. I truly did not expect the Scarab to appear, on other films they recycle battle scenes/covenant animations or the even use ships that are not from the Halo Universe. I just want to say, thank you for theses 33 minutes, I really hope that if 343 launches the Halo TV Serie, they could achieve a quality like yours, THANK YOU GUYS, CONGRATS!!!!
Gianilamuelas Holy go go go?
Legend405 clan "Go go go" but backwards 💀
Gianilamuelas I agree it's pretty good!
Watching this 3 years later and want to see more!!!
This will be the pioneer for Halo fan films to come.
I think the only way Halo will ever live on is through the cheer dedication of passionate fellas, the real fans.
"When the fans make a better movie then the original owners"
I know right this was awesome
There isn’t an original film tbh.
Bungie never made a film 343 did but that was okay not to shabby
There was an attempt made at a halo movie but went under due to funding all props were then sold to what u now know as the avatar movie hmmm don't those hornets look like hornets from halo lol but ya millions over budget but then u get random groups like u who can put out a fucking masterpiece what is wrong with Hollywood bunch of fakes filling in for ppl like u thanks again for the real halo movie 10/10
Than*
I don't know what everyone else is talking about this halo fan film was great. It really shows haw evil the cavnent really was.
I know it's been a year, I'm watching this again and you guys still have my crying like a baby. "Good Job"!!!😭🤧
I would like to know the budget of this, cause this was incredible from the CGI to the costumes and the acting, amazing
The suits the weapons the sounds the CGI animation everything is so amazing the lightning shadows and helmets and the Details in every single thing is so amazing i wish there will be more its awesome keep it up the work
the marines' helmets were waaaay too small
FAN MADE AND ALREADY BETTER THEN THE HALO TV SERIES!
This is absolutely magnificent. The best part about the Halo fanbase is the passion we have for the series.
"helljumper helljumper..."
You again! You're every where!
Wait wtf? I THOUGHT YOU ONLY COMMENTED ON ANIME RELATED VIDS! I didn't know you were a fan of Halo too! Nice! :D
It warms my heart knowing that to this day people are still dedicated to halo thank you thank you very much and keep on believing
Why is it always that fan-made films are what the people enjoy and want to see more of? Because the people who made them put their heart and soul into their work and it's beautifull. Hollywood got nothing on these lads.
*_love for halo intensifies_*
Gracias por los subtítulos es una excelente película,its amazing ,good job
Yo traduje su español. I am translating what was said. 'Thank you for the subtitles, it is an excellent movie.'
Gracias :)
Jajajajajaja vale madre, yo la ví subtitulada en inglés generado automáticamente. No pensé que estuviera en español :(
El Convenio, está genial wtf!!!!
@T-Rex T-20 Simón
Esta es toda la peli o es algo asi como un adelanto? O va por capítulos? Digo si pueden decirme.
This movie should have an official release on the big screen. It is as good as a movie made out of any Halo novel.
For fan content, this is absolutely nuts. Although one thing that really bothered me was how small his ODST shoulder armor is. its like miniature for some reason
The acting is great, the props are freaking incredible and the special effects are amazing. Amazon should be taking notes. This is one of the best fan films i've ever seen. It's nearly as good as Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.
I hope they end up boarding the autumn
I hope not, that only mean they are dead.
@@diosbatman exactly
lol
I hope you end up boarding the autumn
@@cosmicderringer1824 same
343 steals the money made from a fan made film
oh wait that was Disney
Not even that. They were told the film could be made as long as no money was earned from it. Then they decided to monetize it, even though they're the biggest media conglomerate ever. Total slap in the face. For as much flack as 343 gets from the community, at least they allow fan content like this to be made without doing any slimy bullshit.
@@TheGawd100 343 doesn't have any control, it's M$, since they own the rights and are the parent of 343.
@@ericandruszko7563 Yeah, that's true. But 343 does also make a point to showcase fan content as well. I dont think Microsoft is telling them to do that.
@@TheGawd100 Well yea. I was referring to M$ punishing those who break copyright. If they aren't punishing someone, or sending 343 to do something, then 343 is doing their own thing. Hell, 343 even praises people who DO break copyright, like the Eldewrito team. 343 straight up said "M$ told us to shut you guys down, but this project is amazing, sorry we have to do it." I mean, the game still lives and is playable, but that isn't the point.
@@TheGawd100 And giving in-game rewards for being good enough to be featured too.
I don’t know why this even got one thumbs down, it does say ‘fan made’ and this was so freaken good. Seriously the acting was great, the special effects were good, better than some movies these days, I tip my hat to them
Reach events inspiring film makers to create amazing projects like this, THANK YOU GUYS!
This is Actually better than 95% of Films on Netflix
Well Done Guys!
This would be 100 times better than the freaking halo tv series. I would watch this all-day
Congrats on the premiere. Best fan film I’ve seen. I enjoyed this more then Nightfall!! I think big production companies should take note. You guys did this with nothing! Amazing job
Delta Charlie Props nightfall ignored the lore >_> “durrr it’s part of Installation 04! It entered slipspace despite having no operational systems hurrdeehurr!”
That flies in the face of the lore completely...
This movie though? Sure the effects are B-grade tier, but holy shit do they not disappoint... there’s a couple of times where the effects are less than stellar but it’s a fan film so it’s on the same level comparatively as say... the effects in Infinity War xD
It’s amazing what you can do with little resources but you a have a passion for what is being created
@@JMAN-pg4tg Creation. That is a concept of what Halo *is.*
Nightfall lol
Wow, this is so much better than most movies out now. Kudos to everyone involved!
*How Many Times Should We Make Them Salute?: YES*
Great work
How are there people disliking this video? It's a fan made film. For the people who disliked this video, what have you made yourself that was this good? Congrats guys! Nice job!
This will be on my list of best fan films I have had the pleasure of watching! Great job, hope you guys don't stop with just the one.
It’s amazing how Reach continues on after its initial launch over 8 yrs ago. Even more amazing is how many of us that are still there.
Enjoyed this immensely.
Thank you for the ride.
Now for Part 2
"The Relic".
I look forward to the next battle.
We will do battle!
We will win the Peace!
Captain Kenneth: "We got the dawn watching our heads."
The Covenant, through a fresh hull breach: "ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?"
Impressive. Great job. Good luck with Netflix. You made a great movie. Really enjoyed this.
Truly a masterpiece for a fan film. You guys really have a talent
infinitely better than the official TV show
I’m really glad to see this masterpiece. Halo fans are the only people how really appreciate this franchise, please don’t watch the garbage Paramount’s tv show, I didn’t and I won’t, they only care about money, and never wanted to bring us a good history.
Fantastic work!
I'd like to see a prequel, detailing what happened with the previous AI. Would be cool to see Riley and James having to cope with a rogue AI whilst also trying to complete their mission.
This felt more HALO than the Halo Nightfall series...
Knightfall was a disappointment it was like having sex with stormy Daniel, but 3 minutes in and you get limp LOL
@@charlesneely at least we got a cool helmet in halo 5
Halo night fall was remarkably shit .
Nightfall had the budget but it wat the director of it is why it failed... Like most bad movies. . .
@@Bushwhackerdk I use the nightfall armor with the Mark VI Gen 1 helmet
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for putting this together.
It's incredibly inspiring to see halo fans do what they do best!
I mean not the best quality and we didnt get to see any real fighting but the dedication put into this film is great!!!! If only a huge amount of funding could be put into halo movie with a great visionary style like this one.
wow it's been 4 years andi can say i found this in recomended and i loved every bit of it, the funny thing is i want more but thats how it goes when someone does a good fan film or a good movie 15/10 great job sir on making this 😊😉
How is this better than the show, and the show had a 10 million dollar per episode? Oh, I can tell you the answer.
Passion. These guys had more passion and respect for Halo than the entire Halo series leadership and 99% of the cast.
I expected this to be shit.
It was not.
Good Job.
Well said yellow
Expectations subverted!
_"Expectations subverted!"_
Subversions expected?
Bet
Remember Reach. This is pure gold
Damn, this was great! It's not perfect, but I can really feel the passion for the franchise watching this. This is way better than anything Bungie/343 has produced. I really hope some day we (the fans) can get a big budget movie. There's so much lore to explore. Thanks for reminding me why I love this game & community. ❤️
Man, that CGI is ON POINT. You could put that on the big screen and everyone would buy it. The acting may be a bit 'fan film'-y, but it has a sincerity that Hollywood hasn't had for years.
Dave Cullen recommended this video this week.
Bro i used to watch reach machinimas and make them in game but ya'll really put together a movie give yourself a pat on the back
Your success makes us incredibly jealous, well done guys! Very impressed by the storytelling and acting!
Absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to see what else you do with this story
This is just pure gold...
Wow… great story.. great fan film.. wish we had a series like this 😢
“Were it so easy..”
Excellent job guys. A huge thank you from a huge halo fan.
Glad I saw this in my recommended
This is an absolute master piece for a fan halo film. Keep it up with the good work, and I hope to see more things like this in the future.
Normally im not a fan of Halo fan films because i find them cheesy but props to you guys on this film, i enjoyed every second!!
As a Halo fan: this was pretty good.
As a filmmaker, I must ask: what was the budget for this?
Does it matter it had better effects and better acting somehow then the last jedi.
@@Alpha-106 LOL
thats for certain.
They had about tree fidy.
I do believe this could have been way better by just moving the cast members into different positions.
@@Alpha-106 better effects than the last jedi what movie did you watch 😂 as it looked incredible no matter what your opinion is on the story
First of all my congratulations for the entire Dawn Under Heaven crew!
It is truly incredible that you guys finished your 9-year project, and the outcome (in my opinion) is a brilliant visual masterpiece, with a strong cast and a decent story.
(I'm a Finnish Halo fan and an aspiring filmmaker, currently attending a media high school. My dream is to write/direct the first awesome video game film [I think that there have only been okay ones so far], and make it about the series which played a huge part in my childhood... Halo.)
I wish to clear out that:
1) I totally enjoyed this film, and would give it 7-8/10.
2) *I by no means am an expert or a professional in film making or reviewing. I just wish to provide my constructive feedback to spark like minded conversation and new levels of awesomeness to everybody's next piece of work!*
I think that the Dawn Under Heaven Halo fan film is good, but not quite excellent. *I wish to explain my humble and fully subjective opinions of what was great, what just fine and which aspects could have been improved upon... again; only in my opinion! ;)*
(And one more note before I start my unofficial review, I totally roger that this production did not have access to even a fraction of the budget that the modern "Hollywood level productions" have in feature length film making. And if I were to judge this movie relative to it's recourses compared to for example Forward Unto Dawn, I would give DUH an automatic 117/10!)
So with that out of the way, I'm going to go through the things in chronological order.
- The opening credits in space are nice, but a bit generic. To fully utilize this part I would have had the credits take place around the corridors of the ship or just shooting close ups of the ODST armor. A valid counter argument could be that this was too unrealistic, could very well have been. #stillwouldhavebeenworldbuilding
- The name of the movie and the *ARTSTYLE* xD heavily implies to the Forward Unto Dawns kind of "grey militaristic tale", for my vocabulary lacks the better explanation. You guys do you, but I would have surely centered the story around an ODST, but I would not have made the theme so strongly resembling of the FUD, which to many Halo fans felt like a disappointment.
+ The Halo 3 ODST kind of briefing of the universe is cool and it summarises the most important points!
+ I love the allegory: "...the planet Reach, our bastion of military might on Earth's doorstep."
+ I absolutely love the transition from "slipspace" to Reach's orbit (still I think that it could have been included with a different beginning credits scene, example: from a window of a corridor)
+ You have imitated the Halo Reach "info font" very well!
+ The transition from the actual planet to the hologram is neat!
+ This is one of the strongest elements of the film, and retains it's awesomness all the way through: The armor pieces look absolutely 117% real, awesome work there!
+- 1:32 The sound effects and the lighting: really hits Halo feels for me! The few wider shots later on in the conversation break the feel for me but over all it's retained fairly well.
- Salutes in the movie feel a bit underwhelming. They are not quite as snappy and loud as I'd like. This could be because the costumes are delicate or something...?
- 50% of the time the acting sounds and looks a bit unnatural. Actors seem like they are trying to remember their lines and they change the tone of their voice very little.
+ 2:47 this shot of the ODST pod really sells it for me!
- 3:14 instead of this relatively clumsy scene in both visual and audio I would have shot this scene of my man James talking from his POV, like in the beginning of ODST. Then his speech would not have sounded so filtered and the scene would play out visually smoother.
? Rosetta's "bubble" form is my preferred one, it looks nice. Fine if they change it but why does it change? Did I miss a thing?
+- Scene with ODSTs looking down at Reach is absolutely gorgeus! Still I would have shown an exterior shot of the pods getting ready at the belly of the DUH so we had a better understanding of the sitsuation.
- When James visor first shifts to black, I would have had him have a pause and then say something after the visor blacked out to symbolize that he is still the very same dude
+ The whole scene of crashing into the Covenant ship is gorgeus, no complaints.
+ As I talked about the lack of expressions with the actors, it's so refreshing for me when the slightly awkward tho nice private burst into the tent, the personality levels just rose greatly!
- This is the point when there should already begin to be heavy character development between James & Rosetta for the dramatic scenes later on to work. Make James get really mad at her at first, thinking that she was the fault to the crash. Then have the private tell him that Rosetta actually saved him. Something like this.
+- 10:49 This dynamic (moving) just feels good! I know that they are harder to shoot, but in my opinion this film does itself a disfavor by using too many stills and wide shots.
+ 10:54 James in the background just looks right!
+ 11:01 *WHAM!* Just gorgeus! (Tho the actors could have had some sort of a stronger reaction)
? 12:31 Beautiful! Tho isn't Reach supposed to be glassed? I could be wrong...
+ 12:37 Absolutely adoring the ODST helmet! Tho I would have added a stronger release pop when removing it.
+- 17:46 "My seat could have used some more padding..." classic and in my opinion hilarious marine humor. There really should have been a lot more of it and humor in general.
+- 18:35 The hologram effect is nice, Rosettas slightly robotic voice is nice, the actress isnt bad at all, but I don't get why she had to be a bubble in the first place? Also I find it that they should have over exaggerated her body language, as it is typical for the AIs in Halo.
- Rosettas fit is never explained?
+ 19:37 Loving the shot behind the cables.
+ 20:54 The following scenes really feel like Halo, and the H3 flashback is real!
+++ 22:10 [Halo theme intensifies]
- Sorry guys, but for me the drama between James and Rosetta didn't work. There should have been more focus on their character development earlier.
+ 26:27 A Scarab!? Didn't see that coming in a fanfilm! :D It sells it self for me in both visual and audio... Than you for this.
? For me it first felt wierd that they shot it, but then I realized that they didn't play H3. They don't know how powerfull its armor is or its weakpoint. Also later on I see that it's a scaled down version, seems reasonable for me.
+ 27:56 Awesome job with the burn makeup!
+- Visually I love the CGI Scarab leg and how the tanks plasmagun is so bright it even shines through an ODST visor, but other than that I wasn't able to enjoy James martyr moment. :/ Mostly because what was he going to do? He did not know about the bubble shield (which was nice tho), and didn't even fire a shot... Did I miss a thing here too?
+ 29:14 Isn't it funny that almost every single piece of Halo media ends in air/space? xD It's kinda a tradition really.
+ 29:50 And that's how armor abilities were invented! xD
I'd just like to say thank you for reading and I am fully aware of that:
A) it's easy to critique but far more difficult to create something from a scratch.
B) It has to be truly challenging to maintain a stable vision through 9 years of hard work with limited resources.
C) If I was set out to make this film, it would have never even happened. xD
LOVE - A fan from Finland
PAIMEN PRODUCTIONS 9 years! TF!
PAIMEN PRODUCTIONS Props on being the first “review” in a comment section that actually gives good criticism, I’m surprised anyone would put the time into a comment like you have!
gg👌
Spot on critique. I found myself nodding in agreement to every point you made. And I love the fact you timestamped it all. Clearly yo< wrote your comments out of love and a sincere desire to help this team improve. I must agree. I really enjoyed what i saw and now I want MORE. Just not in another 9 years. Hopefully their next film will take a fraction of that time now that the learning as you go process was ironed out with this project. I would go on a hunger strike until the sequel is finished but I truly love...chocolate too darn much to ever stop snacking on it for 9 years (or even 9 days) 😃
As a fellow Halo fan but from the US, I personally love your critique. As someone with a lot of knowledge behind the lore of Halo there were some things that bothered me but I didn’t think about them from a filmmakers perspective that you really nailed well.
For example not all smart AI’s are actually cloned from human brains. Cortana was the first one to be created this way. Also I believe they were hinting at the fact Rosetta could be experiencing rampancy but as you pointed out they don’t explain it.
As for Reach being glassed even official lore has got the timeline messed up a bit but as of August 30th 2552 I believe most of Reach would have been glassed, but not all of it.
Final note, but this can simply come down to production costs. The fact no marine had a sidearm, the ODST should have had an M7S SMG which is the kind from ODST, and the drop pods didn’t properly show the deceleration process while dropping
Just to clarify, i'm not the biggest lore junkie when it comes to halo, but the glassing of Reach was indeed *hella quick* but even that takes time, didn't it took a week or two for the elite fleet to glass a fraction of delta halo? So, yes the planet was being glassed *BUT* it shouldn't look like it did in the lone wolf mission *yet* but i wouldn't blame the filmmakers for not including a *progressive degradation of the enviroment* in the film, yes it would have been cool to see how the vegetation or rivers are slowly dying off/being evaporated because of what's going on in, what i asume is, the other side of the planet, or maybe idk a marine exclaiming "we need to move quickly, the temperature is rising, i think we lost, Reach.... Reach is being glassed" could have been added; don't know if that would have been cheesy or something but i think it would have worked
Also for context, the glassing of new alexandria took *3 days*, but it had escentially *damaged the atmosphere and enviroment of Reach beyond repair* and by that time the UNSC had escentially said *we outta here* no more reinforcements, no more attacks, evacuation of the planet was the last order for almost everyone, so since in the start they say "we lost new alexandria" or something along those lines, this could have taken place in that timeframe, just mentioning it on the film would have added a lot to the story in my humble opinion
I think that this film only problem is the lack or urgency, why risk everything for this artifact? Was something i asked myself at the start and something i feel really wasn't answeared right until the end *even though no one knew what this thing was and therefore i see no reason why the odst would risk his life for it* but maybe if they would've added that one line i mentioned before *"Reach is being glassed, we need to get outta here soon"* then the lets say *doomsday clock* narrative device would have made more interesting the story and risen the stakes in the plot by a lot more
Other than that i agree with everything you said and i trully believe this fan film is a work of art.
P.s: english is not my first language, so sorry if i butchered it XP
Wow. Awesome flick. The story was great. Nice to see the ODST getting in on the story. Another perspective on the Reach saga. Good job.
High five from all of us at Dance Nocturnal. Great seeing Tom Ringberg in action!
Phenomenal work! I love the story and can only imagine what y'all are capable of with a bigger budget! Keep up the great work! I'd rather watch more of this than the current series. ODSTs really deserved a lot more love.
Great Job! You make me hope about future Halo Films