Hey a little update on this situation. I was not able to fix the issue on this computer... but then again I didn't try to yet knowing what I now know. What I did was install it on another computer, and transfer the save file and I was able to trigger the cutscene.I've narrowed down what I think the possibilities are for causing this error:1: When I installed the game on this computer I checked optional data to be installed.2: I applied one of the patches mid game instead of before starting a new game.3: My particular ati graphics card has already given me issues before in the past. (such as not being able to select anything in the 3d view of valve hammer editor and sprites appearing on my HUD in certain half-life mods that should NOT be there)So my suggestions to yall would be to copy your save files and save them somewhere for the time being. Then proceed to uninstall FF8 from the add/remove programs feature in windows. When you reinstall you could try unchecking the optional data box (unless you didn't do it the first time and still had the issue.. i'm still not entirely sure how the extra data could corrupt the game, but it is one of the variables in my personal situation)If that doesn't work out try what I did and transfer your save file to another computer and install FF8 on that.If all else fails and there are still a number of you out there getting this issue (i was actually surprised to see how recent this topic was, i figured i'd be one of a few actually still playing this game, but apparently theres enough people still playing it to experience the exact same issue i'd encountered) please feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] and I will gladly defeat this portion of the game for you and return you your save file. If you're a first timer for this game and are worried about what you'll miss as far as cutscenes, storylines, battles go I'm sure there are a few videos on the net that contain all this info although you probably won't get as much enjoyment out of it, I promise to enjoy it enough for the both of us.