The First Lantern: Yeah, it was a new story they made up for the movie I think. Rori Dag was the first Lantern in the comics. As for the segment, I loved it when Avra makes the first construct. Gave me goosebumps.

Laira: I'm pretty sure Dos Santos was a storyboarder on the movie, and I totally think he boarded that fight. It so looked like his style plus with martial arts in it (a hobby of his).

Abin Sur: The problem was that Emerald Knights Lauren Montgomery said it was originally conceived as a prequel to First Flight and it was going to be either Sur or Sinestro (I can't remember) mentoring Arisia. Then certain parties (never identified but we can guess) demanded Hal Jordan be in it. So the movie is no longer in continuity with First Flight and is it's own thing.

So if that never happened, then Atrocitus' vision would have been a neat set up for a third animated movie and the Sinestro Corps.

Overall: Yeah, I agree it was a decent movie. But sandwiched between All-Star Superman and Batman: Year One, it probably seems even more lackluster, imo.

P.S. Sorry for not being around lately, got really busy with various online projects.