| 11-11-02 Latest News |
John Rhys-Davies Talks TTT!
Xoanon @ 1:31 pm EST
Mia Tanja Vucicevic (for "Gloria"): If my eyes aren't playing tricks on me, you seem to have lost considerable weight.
JRD: This was the first time that I had to be "widened" for the screen, as my rounded figure had thinned a little. If I'd know how good that felt, I'd have lost weight sooner. I don't have a problem with showing the scars on my leg that remain after a plane accident, or talk about how I lost the tip of my middle finger, but kilos were always a painful issue. I was tired of being a burly fellow playing fat and likeable characters. I hope I am still likeable, although slimmer. The chubby don't have it easy, trust me. We can all hardly wait to get rid of extra weight.
Gloria: Is it true that the director Peter Jackson had to talk you into accepting the role of the Dwarf Gimli in "The Fellowship of the Ring"?
JRD: I had my doubts about whether he'd manage to pull off the gigantic project that took two years of filming in New Zealand. But now that the film has been proclaimed as one of the best of all time, I am thankful to my son who told me I'd make a huge mistake if I declined the part.
Gloria: Weren't you after another role in "The Lord of the Rings"?
JRD: I wanted the part of Boromir's father who, influenced by the power of darkness, plunges into despair and thinks it useless to fight against the evil lord of Mordor. But that character doesn't appear in the sequel "The Two Towers". I wasn't supposed to give that away, but there you have it. Since I've already blurted that out, I'll also admit I was shocked to learn that Peter Jackson had envisioned me a Dwarf. I am six feet tall, tallest of the actors playing the Fellowship, and I of all was selected to play the little Gimli. I was correct in guessing I wouldn't have the easiest time with make-up. The transformation took five hours every day, fourteenmonths straight. I ended up with an allergy to the glue that held Gimli's mask to my face. My skin started peeling off after six months and in the end there was nothing to glue the mask to. I took to resting for a day or two after every couple of scenes. That was the only solution, because stopping the filming, as my doctor advised me, was out of the question. After I heroically endured all that and returned to Los Angeles, my friends asked, "Where the hell have you been? We thought you retired." Of course, it was soon clear that my career was not over and I still had a lot to do.
Gloria: How did they make you appear smaller in the film?
JRD: Cinematic tricks, ranging from the simplest - using the camera from below, which optically shortens people - to filming alongside Tall Paul, an ex basketball player from New Zealand next to whom even I looked tiny.
Good Day Oregon Talks To Brian Sibley
Xoanon @ 1:24 pm EST
This morning on Good Day Oregon, they talked (live) to Brian Sibley. He talked about the armor and hobbit feet while The Two Towers trailer ran. He spoke of how one of the most extraordinary things he saw during filming were the huge cabinets that housed all the armor. He was asked about the surprises, but said he wouldn't tell. But he hinted about how awesome the battle at Helm's Deep is, that it is the turning point in the story. He spoke a bit about the "miniature" of Helm's Deep and how the soldiers were digitally added to it. The interview was short, but they did pimp his book at the end.
Help Support our Players!
Flinch @ 6:51 am EST
For over a year now members of the Gaming Community have organized a Gaming League for players in the Orange County area, this league has provided a place for kids of all ages to come and play games related to J.R.R. Tolkiens works in a postive environemtn free of the negative influences they would come across without having somewhere to turn. This is made possible by the efforts of Norman Lao [Lao_of_Gondor from TheOneRing.net], Solar Blanke, and myself. With the growth of our League and the expanding world that is Lord of the Rings Gaming it has become difficult for us to keep the league going without spending money out of our own pockets each week to provide the venue for our play. For a while this wasn't so bad but as the league grows the burden on our finances has caused us to look for outside help. With this we have decided to offer up a Signed copy of The Fellowship of the Ring. This Houghton Mifflin book comes signed by Peter Jackson, Sean Astin, Philipa Boyens, and Fran Walsh during their time at the Brentano's book store. It has been a valued piece in my collection for some time, but with the need of our league I have decided to offer it up to another fan in an effort to raise funds to support our players. I have never been more proud of a group of people than I am of our League, players of all ages freely give of what cards they have to new players. If we invite friends from outside communities to visit our group they are always welcomed with open arms and treated like one of the gang! Through the tireless efforts of Lao of Gondor, and Solar Blanke these kids have found a new home in our league, and it is our hope to provide them with this environment for as long as we possibly can. Please help us support our league and continue to provide a possitive playing environment for our kids. Click Here to view our Signed Copy of the Fellowship of the Ring
Direct Donations can be made to our League Honor Page through Amazon.com
Weekend Round Up
Xoanon @ 12:37 am EST
Media Watch: Germany's 'Marie-Claire' You Will Be Watching Gollum! Video Ezy 2003 Calendar Pics Media Watch: Movie Magic Sir Ian McKellen's life under the lights Game Boys Famous Players Canada Selling TTT Tickets South Island high on British wish list Peter Jackson's TTT Cameo? Official Site Switches To TTT Polls Everywhere! Go Vote! More TTT Images More UK Booksignings TTT Photo Guide - Script Overview Or What?! TTT Edition of the Sunday Times Magazine Hall of Fire Chats Nov 9&10 Sibley & Fisher In Cambridge Great New Gollum Pic! LOTR:FOTR Extended DVD Ships Extended Edition Review and Screencaps New Line Auctions World Premiere Spot Pollitis Anyone?
TTT Topps Cards Madness!
Xoanon @ 12:19 am EST
Ringer Spy Trueogre sends along these great Topps TTT cards! Take a look!
| 11-10-02 Latest News |
Media Watch: Movie Magic
Xoanon @ 11:37 pm EST
Shawna writes: Here are some scans from a magazine called Movie Magic. The article is mostly old info, and in some cases not terribly accurate. One pic caption claims the movies were made in Sydney. Tch!
More Booksigning Dates!
Demosthenes @ 3:54 pm EST
Ringer Spy Irascian sent along the list of all current dates for talks/booksignings by Brian Sibley (Making of Movie Trilogy) and Jude Fisher (Visual Companion). Borders, Cambridge, 6.30, Tuesday 12th Nov Ottakar's, Greenwhich, 6.30, Thursday 14th Nov Ottakar's, Milton Keynes, 6.30, Wednesday 20th Nov
TTT Photo Guide - Script Overview Or What?!
Demosthenes @ 12:30 am EST
Aunt Dora Baggins from the TORn discussion boards recently bought the Two Towers Photo Guide. For anyone who doesn't mind MAJOR SPOILERS, this seems to be the book: it includes practically a scene-by-scene overview of the whole film. One does note, though, that it doesn't conclusively list either the ending or the beginning ... at least, I've received no mention of plunges or anything like that. There's are more than 100 photographs included - all of them straight from TTT, and nearly half of them new! I'd also like to thank everyone who has been sending in information about the Photo Guide and Visual Companion, your e-mails are read and appreciated. It feels like we've received a billion e-mails over the last few days about the Visual Companion, the Photo Guide, The Making Of The Movie Trilogy. You may have read my previous post about some of the spoilers in the Visual Companion here. You also may have read some of the equally interesting Topps Cards spoilers that Xoanon posted here. Dora writes: Last night I bought the Two Towers Photo Guide and also the Visual Companion at Barnes and Noble. The Photo Guide is subtitled "The Illustrated Story from the Epic New Line Cinema Film". It begins with Frodo having nightmares about what has happened to him in FOTR; this must be the way they fill in the background. Then we see Pippin and Merry in the hands of the orcs. Then Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas find the leaf brooch, and meet Eomer. The Uruks are attacked by the Riders, and Merry and Pippin escape, chased by Grishnakh and rescued by Treebeard. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas meet Gandalf in Fangorn. Gandalf summons Shadowfax. Frodo, Sam and Gollum are in the Dead Marshes. Flashback to Smeagol killing Deagol. Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas enter Edoras. Wormtongue 'comforts' Eowyn for the death of Theodred. Gandalf frees Theoden, who literally throws Wormtongue out. Saruman sends the Dunlendings and Wild Men to burn the villages of Rohan. Theoden decides to evacuate his city to Helms Deep. Aragorn turns Theodred's horse free. (The horse is named Brego and is battle-shocked.) Gollum leads Frodo and Sam to the Black Gate. They see an army of Easterlings marching out. Grima returns to Saruman and tells him Theoden will send refugees to Helms Deep. Saruman sends his orcs to attack. Elrond calls a council of elves in Lothlorien. He tries to convince the elves to take part in the fight. He confronts Arwen about her decision to stay in Middle Earth with Aragorn. The refugees are attacked by warg-riders. Frodo and Sam are captured by Faramir, who vows to take the Ring to Minas Tirith and complete Boromir's quest. Merry and Pippin go to Entmoot. The refugees arrive at Helms Deep. Theoden tells Eowyn that Aragorn fell to the warg riders. Aragorn is badly wounded but alive. He struggles to his feet and finds the horse Brego has come to rescue him. He rides to Helms Deep and tells Theoden that thousands of Uruk Hai are coming. There are only three hundred defenders. Legolas feels betrayed by his people. Faramir takes Frodo and Sam and Gollum to Osgiliath. Sam convinces him not to take the Ring, and to let them go. Faramir leads them to the old sewers where they can elude the orcs. From his tower, Saruman watches the Ents destroy Isengard's defenses. After the battle at Helms Deep (which the picture book kind of skips), Gandalf says, "The Battle of Helms Deep is over. The Battle for Middle Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits, somewhere in the wilderness. The Uruk Hai assault the gates with a battering ram. Kind Theoden leads a heroic charge out the gates. Eomer arrives with 2000 cavalry. The orcs are trapped and flee to the entrance, which they find blocked by Ents and Huorns. (No mention of Arwen. Whew!)
The Visual Companion has more about Helms Deep. In a blinding lightning storm, 10,000 Uruk Hai arrive at Deeping Wall. The defenders watch from the wall. Eowyn and the refugees retreat into the caves. Explosives blast a hole in the wall, and Aragorn is thrown off the wall.
TTT Edition of The Sunday Times Magazine
Arathorn @ 12:04 am EST
Here are some amazing photos from Ringer Spy Bellerophon of tomorrow's Sunday Times Magazine special edition on The Two Towers. An advertising flier for the magazine that was being handed out in Leicester Square today can be found here: [More]
Update:
This snippet from Ringer Spy Taniwha:
Regarding the photo from the Sunday Times with crew ... it looks like Osgiliath to me; the 'wet set' on Peterkin St in Taita, as previously seen in the Evening Post photos. You can see these here and here. I was there the day the EP shot those, and read the shoot pages for the day...
And more commentary on that image from Ringer Spy Telcontar:
Firstly, the soldier far left is in Gondorian armour -- it looks Elvish, but the shoulder "scales" are seen on earlier Gondor regalia (and notice the Tree on his breastplate). Secondly, the man labeled "Viggo stand-in" is not a stand-in, he's an Ithilien Ranger (notice similar outfit on Faramir pics). Lastly, and most importantly, the orcs are NOT Isengard orcs -- they are Mordor orcs (totally different facial features, clothing, etc). To be fair, we didn't claim that they were Isengard orcs or Uruks ;-) - Ara
So it may be Osgiliath (since we have no idea what scenes PJ has written there) or Minas Tirith during the siege -- although I would doubt that considering the "ruined" look of the architecture. So a battle scene in Osgiliath between orcs, rangers, and soldiers from Minas Tirith? Sounds good to me.
| 11-09-02 Latest News |
Hall of Fire Chats Nov 9&10
Demosthenes @ 10:15 pm EST
Okay, we're a little late this week, but better than never, eh? This weekend we resume our chats with a critical chapter of the The Two Towers ... Book Four: Chapter VIII: The Stairs of Cirith Ungol The action presents the turning point in the quest to destroy the ring, most notably with Gollum, but also with Frodo affirming his determination to continue irrespective of his chances, and events elsewhere. Courage is found in many places, and Frodo somehow seems to discover his at Minas Morgul. Join us this weekend for one or even both of our scheduled chats! Remember, the Hall of Fire is not only for Tolkien scholars but for novices too, and it's one of the few chances available to talk Tolkien with your fellow fans. Upcoming Discussions: Place: Saturday Chat: 5:30 pm ET (17:30) [also 11:30 pm (23:30) CET and 7:30 am Sunday (07:30) AET] Sunday Chat: 7:00 pm (19:00) CET [also 1:00 pm (13:00) ET and 4:00 am (04:00) Monday morning AET] ET = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast Got a topic? Send it here.
Nov 16-17 Everything about Palantiri.
Nov 23-24 TTT Bk 4 Ch9: Shelob's Lair
#thehalloffire on theonering.net server; come to theonering.net’s chat room Barliman's and then type /join #thehalloffire .
CET = Central European Time, Central Europe
Extended Edition Review and Screencaps
Demosthenes @ 6:09 am EST
Nerwen writes: F-S film has a very detailed review of the LOTR:FOTR special extended edition at their site and they also have lots of pictures. The review won't be much of help to anyone who can't read Finnsih, but I believe people would love to see these pictures. Since the whole site is in Finnish only, here are the links to the galleries (the pictures are thumbnailed so there are larger versions available):
Ringer Report on London Gollum Sighting
Demosthenes @ 3:21 am EST
Well, I must say, London is a town of extremes! I woke that morning (Nov 6) to a wet, windy, and very cold grey morning (to my southern American bones), rising two hours early to take a required college walking tour of St Albans. I fell asleep to the strains of the LoTR soundtrack, with Brian Sibley's new book - signed to myself - beside my bed, after devouring the contents. And a lovely book it is, with a beautiful sequence of in-depth looks at all areas of the creation and creativity that went into making LoTR into the exquisite film it is. I HIGHLY recommend buying it. After I escaped St Albans around 2 (no offence to anyone living there, but it was wretched) I beelined directly to Waterstones on Piccadilly street, where my aching and freezing body was welcomed in by two sensations - heat, and Howard Shore's music. I couldn't say which I appreciated more. Since the highlights of the event are detailed in several places already, I simply want to add my own impressions to the mix. I missed the afternoon session with the children, dismayed to learn that I had just missed Andy Serkis. However, I did get to listen in the background during the TOR.n 'exclusive' private interview, which was quite enlightening! The footage of the computer games was astonishing - well done to the artists who created that! The figurines for the tabletop games were beautifully carved and hand-detailed, and questioning revealed that the figures had to be approved by the actors they portrayed (!) before they went into production. That is true and admirable dedication. The books were well done - There were two childrens' books, the first on Creatures, which had small captions on the more exotic races and animals - including a tantalizing snippet on wargs, another on the mumakil (no photos, unfortunately) and more information on the birthing of Orcs. The other Photo Guide was a largely photo-driven and sequential treatment of the film, which offered yet more hints - the expansion of the battle of Helms' Deep looks to be a very character-building time for Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. The stills and quotes also hinted broadly at the harsh banishment of Wormtongue, and Eowyn's and Arwen's expanded parts in the film. The two focus books were also very nice - I am broke, so Sibley's won out for sheer volume of information. It is beautifully written and illustrated by lovely stills, backstage shots, and drawings wherever (and I do mean wherever) appropriate. The queue for the 6:30 discussion by the authors was amazing. I arrived at 5:30, and there were already six people in line. Lucky seventh! The queue got longer and longer, and discussions raged about everything Tolkien, but mostly the films - and then - DISASTER!! I am ashamed to admit that I was on the second floor before my poor brain found the light - I was behind Andy Serkis. He was joking and laughing about events during filming - completely relaxed and at ease, despite the hassle. So, I screwed my courage to the sticking place, and asked him several questions (we were on the ground by this time, and the alarm had shut off - you see how long it took me!) which he He was extremely polite and friendly, and seemed genuinely interested in my questions. He revealed how difficult the Gollum-movements were, but commented that he didn't have any trouble with them. Later, while waiting for the elevators, I asked him what he did now (just finished as Iago in Othello onstage) and whether he found it strange working both stage and screen. He didn't, and commented extensively on how the two complement each other - the rehearsals needed for stage acting helped with the analysis of Tolkien's characters, and the acting styles changed from stage to screen as well. He confirmed that most of the cast did act in both, and said that Jackson did that on purpose. He praised Jackson's choice and was very complimentary of his fellow castmembers. Later, during his 'speech,' he revealed how much he had put into his portrayal of Gollum. He had a deep understanding of the character, and his motives and emotional state, even the onset of schizophrenia. Besides all that, we were treated to a full-body recap of Gollum, as Andy showed that the amazing voice was impossible to recreate without having the posture and movements as well. The most intriguing moment was the short dialogue between Smeagol and Gollum, with changing voice and posture - we are all in for a treat in The Two Towers. Very glad to be in London,
The fire alarm blared, shattering nerves and ears alike, but the brave (and rather devoted) fans stayed perched in our stairwell until every hope was gone. Then all of us, speakers, techies, and fans alike, swept into the fire escape to face 6 flights of stairs down. I was behind the speakers and one gentleman that I half recognized. His face nagged at my brain, fighting the alarm-numbness.
answered.
Kat
the 'American lady in the robe and dress' :)
Middle-earth Cookbook Release!
Jincey @ 12:09 am EST
We've been keeping you up to date with news about Diamond_T's new cookbook "Regional Cooking from Middle-earth: Recipes of the Third Age". The cookbook (which is pictured directly below) is now available for pre-order from the locations she has listed at the end of her letter:
Hello Dear Cousins,
Thank you again for your interest in my cookbook. Beginning on November 11th (just in time for those parties and cooking to watch that extended DVD for 9 1/2 hours)... the cookbook will be available! You can walk in or order from the following locations... (the first location will ship anywhere in the world, even if you use checks!) Call and RESERVE YOUR COPY IN ADVANCE!!! I would be very sad if some of you ordered and it was sold out. Make sure that you tell them when you will be in to pick up, or if you want it shipped, be sure to include all of your pertinent information. IF there is a back order, it will only be about 48 hours, and then shipped the same day it is received. It's $25 US. PA sales tax is 6%. Shipping will vary, but they will go out priority mail unless otherwise specified. We have an excellent order center! Thanks again for your interest, and I hope you love the cookbook as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season.
All the best,
Emerald/Diamond_T
Mandala Books (the one that will ship anywhere)
211 South Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-682-2703
Phantom of the Attic
214 South Craig St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-682-6290
potalert@yahoo.com
Duppstadt's Country Store (Somerset County, PA)
Route 30 East
Buckstown, PA 15563
814-754-4400
Pete's Bookstore (beginning Nov. 12)
212 W. Main St.
Somerset, PA 15501
814-443-0931
| 11-08-02 Latest News |
IMDB Correction: TTT Is Finished
Demosthenes @ 11:07 pm EST
This just posted on IMDB: According to a New Line Cinema publicist, reports citing that the upcoming Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers are incomplete are, in fact, erroneous, and that the movie will make its December 18th release on schedule, with no delays of any kind. Previous coverage had cited that New Zealand moviemaker Peter Jackson was facing a frantic month of re-editing, due to the fact that the director had been busy ever since the first film picked up multiple awards at the Oscars and British Academy Awards earlier this year. New Line has said that this is incorrect.
The Two Treebeards!
Demosthenes @ 8:34 am EST
Ringer Spy 431 sent in a scan of an alternative Treebeard card from the Decipher Trading Game. It's called "Treebeard Earthborn". We've put them both together, so you can double the Treebeard enjoyment!
Treebeard
Hoom! I dom't want to be hasty, but this is just beyond amazing!
Treebeard Earthborn
Ringer Spy 431 found this rare Treebeard Earthborn card in his Theoden starterdeck and sent us a scan to share.
Movie Spoilers from the Visual Companion
Demosthenes @ 5:37 am EST
TORn Discussion Board member Lacrimae Rerum wrote up this fascinating and spoiler-filled post after buying the Visual Companion the other day. I just bought the book this afternoon and haven’t had chance to finish reading it yet, but though I would post a few now as they will all be rather disparate in any case. Gollum: Dead Marshes: Easterlings marching in a very organised column armed with long shafted halberds (actually now I look at the word it doesn’t seem right - anyway pikes with an axe blade attached) Faramir: Ugluk is confirmed as Lurtz’s replacement. Saruman: First mention of the Corsairs of Umbar. Theodred is only badly wounded at the fords then brought back to Edoras "The death of Thodred ... brought home to have his wound tended ... may also lie at Grima’s hand". Grima is "captivated by Eowyn" whom Saruman promises to him after the fall of Rohan. It is mentioned that Eomer is banished. Apparently the folks from Edoras originally set out for Dunharrow, but seek safe haven at Helm's Deep. Orcs attack the company on the road to Dunharrow and Aragorn’s bond with the horse Brego "will serve him well". Wild men and Dunlendings will both be involved. Helm’s Deep: "Saruman’s arm will have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here" Fingers crossed this will continue as an adaption of the Caradhras quote. In the book this was actually in reference to Sauron. Interesting use, though. - Dem. Elrond, Celeborn and Galadriel debate about whether to send troops to Helm's Deep. The battle of Helm's Deep: Still no mention of anything after Helm's Deep or Faramir.
His history is described in detail along with a photo of him and Deagol in the boat - a suggestion this will be in the film?
The phantoms are described as "Locked in their armour, weeds threading through their silver hair, there appear to lie beneath the surface thousands of dead warriors - Men, Elves and Orcs- their faces spectral, their bodies bloated and pale." Also a mention of the ghostly candles/will o’ the wisps.
In shot we saw of Frodo with his shirt open it does very much appear that he does not have the ring in either hand, nor around his neck. It says "Faramir, like his brother, is tempted to take the ring to use on behalf of his people. It is among the embattled ruins of the ancient city of Osgiliath that Faramir must decide the fate of the ring and its bearer."
"The wizard Saruman ... has been corrupted by his quest for knowledge and power so that he thinks to challenge the Dark Lord himself. Driven at first by Sauron’s command and lately by his own ambition." He "has developed a great appetite for power in the world" and "is determined to aquire the ring and use it for his own purposes."
Not many real soldiers - mostly "a motley bunch of old men and untested boys." Women and children take refuge in the glittering caves where they will be defended by Eowyn.
Aragorn is "blown off the wall into the midst of the enemy horde" by the explosion in the culvert. Eomer turns up with 2,000 Rohirrim reinforcements and charges the Uruks’ flanks. The Uruk-hai ... flee ... and find their way blocked by a mighty forest of angry Ents and HUORNS."
Extended Edition Screening Review - Thom
Demosthenes @ 3:15 am EST
Our adventure to Chicago from Detroit (275 miles one way) to see "IT" on a big screen was great. First we stopped at Fantasy Headquarters, about nine miles from the theatre (on Milwaukee St). It is a huge costume and accessory place. It had aisles and rows of whatever you can imagine costume- or makeupwise. They were, however, out of one item: They were out of elf ear tips! Relentlessly we searched all the other creature ears they had in stock until we came across something I thought would do. It was a $13.00 gamble, but it worked. I won't say here what type fake creature ears my wife used, but the popular guess was Vulcan (wrong, by the way). In a dark parking lot on the far east side of Chicago she was transformed into Lady Arwen's cousin, accompanied by her strikingly handsome warrior of Rohan. We ascended to the city streets and placed ourselves in line among the faithful. It was a magical evening ... good thing for all the hassles we had to deal with to be able to go. The extended version far surpassed our expectations. In my opinion it is the version that should be seen on the big screen. After every new line or complete new scene, the audience showed its approval with hoots, laughs, or applause. However, the theatre was very warm ... very ... very warm, especially for people dressed for a middle-Earth winter. Despite this glitch the time sped by until dear brave little Frodo utters those loving words to his faithful companion Samwise: "Sam, I'm glad you're with me." Then it was over. We had our pictures taken by other costumees who had traveled from Saint Louis for the event. Thanks again, ladies.
| 11-07-02 Latest News |
Media Watch: Script Magazine
Xoanon @ 11:11 pm EST
Shawna from bagendinn.com sends along these scans from Script Magazine, take a look!
And The Winning Hat Is ...
Demosthenes @ 9:51 pm EST
The voting results on the LoTR hat competition have come through, and we have a winner! New Line received about 3,500 votes and the Gray Gondor Wings hat won. Here's a chart of the percentage of votes for each hat entry and an image of the winning Wings hat which will be ready in a couple of weeks.
Reviews, Reviews, Reviews...
leo @ 6:40 pm EST
They just keep on coming, here are the latest Extended DVD reviews from people who saw the extended cut during the Moviefone/AOL screenings... holbytla attended the dvd screening in Virginia, which I guess is not that special unless it takes you an eight hour drive to get there.. Anyway, her review can be found here: [More] Next up is Charles who wrote a very nice summary of what he saw... [More] Diane's also got to see the extended cut and here's what she has to say about it: [More] And next up is Jeff's review. I'm starting to think that there were more people at the Chicago-screening then there were at the other ones... [More] A very short review came in from Timothy, but then again; if you read all the reviews before this one you can probably dream what's in the film anyway. [More] And then there was Elf who accidently sent her review to the GreenBooks staff (thanks Quickbeam), and we nearly had to miss out on her very good review! [More] And last but not least there's the review from Brian over at LightsOutEntertainment which is a great read as well! You can check that one out here: [More] And that's that! Have fun reading! Update: Thom's expectations were far surpassed. [More]
Extended DVD Review - Elf
leo @ 6:31 pm EST
I hope it is not too late to get this review in. I was one of the fortunate few who were able to view the FOTR Extended Edition at the theater in Dallas last night. It was incredible and that does not do it justice. The difference in sound was the first thing that brought awareness that this was something never seen or heard before. I must have seen the original movie in theaters eight times or more and have watched it at home at least that many, but this was spectacular! The combined effect of the surround sound with the enhanced sound nearly lifted me out of my seat. When the musical themes swelled, the whole theater felt it--literally and emotionally. It does justice to Howard Shore's score. --Elf Collins
The only word that comes close is "seamless." The introduction of new music and scenes and dialogue was all perfectly seamless. Even when you know where it is different, it is so well done it feels right--like the difference between the movie and the book. It was so true to the spirit of the original that the changes did not detract. The fact that Howard Shore wrote new music to accomplish this is part of the secret. The music with which you are familiar flows into the new and carries the other components with it.
Since the first few scenes were unchanged, one had time to adjust to the sound difference before being treated to the additional screen material. Every bit of added scene only complimented the original. I dearly love the way the original handled the opening and agree it was perfect for a time-limited version. This time the worlds and characters were given more depth--some of which I wish had made it to the theater cut. The viewer is given a much greater understanding of who the hobbits are and what the values are that makes Frodo who he is. The light-hearted nature of the hobbits has more time to emerge as you watch Merry and Pippin.
Likewise, the conflict in Aragorn is conveyed MUCH better. You--and especially the viewer not so acquainted with the books--now understand how deep the struggle goes in him regarding his heritage and a little more concerning his relationship to Arwen. As one reviewer put it, you see the high regard the elves have for him. And you feel the weight of the destiny he has to choose to accept or reject. The struggle in Boromir also is given new dimension.
The relationship between Legolas and Gimli begins to show glimmers of humor and depth of feeling. Both characters are strengthened by the exposure. This satisfies a little the wishes of all who wanted to see more interplay like the books portrayed. The humor introduced in all the characters such as Gandalf's impatience with Pippin, Pippin's over-indulgence with food, and Aragorn's addition to the sword-training scene make them warm and authentic. They emerge as real people with feelings with which one identifies.
The scene that benefitted the most from the additional material was Lothlorien. The added exterior and interior views of the land as well as the depth given to Haldir and company was very helpful and enjoyable. The gift-giving scenes make sense out of things they will have to explain somehow in the movies to come. Gimli's affection for Galadriel has a much greater basis for its existence now. The gravity of the situation and the respect the elves have for the Company are emphasized as the elves reveal they have never before clothed outsiders in their cloaks.
My suggestion to New Line would be to show this Extended Version in theaters in limited scope--many theaters but only limited screens--just before the premiere of The Two Towers. The fans who wanted a refresher, those poor souls who never got around to seeing the first one, and all of those of us who want to see the Extended version in all its glory would come. I know I would go again, and I have ordered the Extended DVD Collector's Gift Set! It deserves to be seen in the theater. Nothing else will quite do it justice. It would be quite a money-maker and would only strengthen the fan base for TTT. One runs out of superlatives when talking about this movie, but they really are all that apply!
Extended DVD Review - Timothy
leo @ 6:22 pm EST
This is my first time writng in, but the Extended Version was so spectacular it requires it. I went expecting a bit of a line and other fans 'dressed' for the occasion. Alas, I was the only one in partial dress. But, everyone else was able to identify the right line easily enough. :D I have found previously in other movies that added scenes and extended movies normally don't justify the expense of buying it again. Nothing story-intensive is usually there, just some side tidbits. This Extended DVD IS the exception. The start of the movie is most different, the trip between Hobbiton and Rivendell really pulls alot of loose ends together and sets up for on-coming scenes, Rivendell and Lochlorien have been expanded with most-important scenes and revelations. Especially between Grimli and Galadriel. This was a part that should never have been cut out of the original theatre release. And the digital format and theatre projection was breathtaking. The difference was like having seen it orignally on a badly received TV signal through rabbit-earred antennas. The clarity, sharpness and color presentation were just - breathtaking. Immediately noticed when the green General Audiences Previews screen came up. And the TTT trailer preview - Webster's hasn't created the words to do it justice in writing. Others have already gone into details. This is just my spin on it.
Extended DVD Review - Jeff
leo @ 6:18 pm EST
I saw the extended DVD edition last night in Chicago on the big screen.
I read somewhere that the extended DVD is in some ways a different movie than the original theatrical version. That is very true. The original theatrical version forsakes some characterization for a streamlined plot. Many of the extended DVD version's new and extended scenese added to characterization. We especially get "new" scenes that add to the characterization of Aragon, Gimli, Bilbo, Boromir, Galadriel, and Celeborn. Celeborn actually gets more than one line! He is even the one who gives the Fellowship their elven cloaks and their boats, so that they can outrun orcs that are after them. The whole Lothlorien scene has much new material added in, so that it is much closer to the book. Galadriel no longer seems so mysterious and perhaps sinister. We now get to see her more caring and lighter side, especially in the gift giving scenes and in her greeting the Fellowship. we even get to see Nenya during the mirror scene, when she tells Frodo to bear a ring of power is to be alone. We get to see wonderful interaction between her and Gimli, both when she first greets the Fellowship and when she bestows her gifts (Merry and Pippin get daggers, Sam gets the rope, she talks to Aragon about Arwen, Legolas gets a bow). In fact, Gimli's characterization is also much improved. Before, I felt like he was just a stock character. Now he is rounded, with more lines throughout the movie. Lothlorien itself now feels more like a sanctuary than a mysterious, dangerous forest. The other major changes are in Hobbiton, with the opening scene being very much different-- Bilbo writing his book and talking about Hobbits, with humorous scenes of Hobbits interspersed, including a Hobbit getting wax out of his ear, and a snippet of Sam gardening. Though, for some reason I can't touch upon, I liked the theatrical version's opening better. We also get to see Bilbo's dread of the Sackville-Bagginses in this opening scene and during the party. There is also much more interaction of Bilbo with the guests at the party, as well as a humorous scene between him and Frodo at the party. We also get to see the Gaffer, Sam, Frodo, Pippin, Merry, and Rosie at a pub. Though I didn't really feel that scene added that much. In fact, I felt there was a little too much humor added into the Hobbiton scenes now.
There is a wonderful scene when Frodo and Sam first set out on their journey when they see Wood Elves going to the Grey Havens, and Sam mentions how it makes him sad and mentions the towers near the see. Great foreshadowing of Arwen's plight and the plight of the Elves, and maybe even of Frodo leaving at the end of the books. We also get to see good interaction between Sam and Frodo when Sam tries to go to sleep on the ground under a tree and says he can't. This is another instance where we see the very close relationship between Sam and Frodo. Although, no place do we outright hear that Sam is Frodo's gardener.
The journey from when we first meet the Black Riders/Nazgul to Bree is pretty much the same. There are a few more lines at Bree here and there, but things are pretty much the same there.
There is more to the fight scenes with the troll in Moria and to the fight scene at the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen. There are also new lines at the gates of Moria, with a funny exchange between Legolas and Gimli and between Gandalf and Pippin.
We also learn that the riches of Moria was mithril, which makes Frodo's wearing a mithril coat much more meaningful. Gandalf even says that Bilbo's mithril coat was worth more than the whole Shire.
There is much more of Boromir's temptation by the ring, beginning with a new scene at the Council of Elrond, in which he almost takes the ring until Gandalf utters the Black Speech. Boromir seems much more sinister and tortured in this version. I really felt like he was a traitor in the midst of the Fellowship.
There is even more characterization of Gollumhttp://theonering.net/movie/char/smeagol.html. Gandalf tells us that his real name is Smeagol and that he has been tormented by the Ring. And we get to see that Gollumhttp://theonering.net/movie/char/smeagol.html followed the Fellowship down the Anduin, when the Fellowship makes a stop for the night.
We get more background on Aragon, seeing him at his mother's grave in Rivendell, his interaction over Arwen with Galadriel in the Lothlorien gift-giving scene, his singing of Luthien and Beren after passing through the Midgewater Marshes.
There are many more humorous lines here and there throughout.
In some ways I liked the theatrical version better, with the much more streamlined plot, but in some ways I liked this one better, with much more characterization. In short, buy both DVDs.
Jeff
Extended DVD Review - Diane
leo @ 6:13 pm EST
I have been a regular reader of your TORn site and have appreciated the updates. Here's one of my own. I was one of the fortunate few who were able to view the FOTR Extended Edition at the theater last night. It was incredible and that does not do it justice. The difference in sound was the first thing that brought awareness that this was something never seen or heard before. I must have seen the original movie in theaters eight times or more and have watched it at home at least that many, but this was spectacular! The combined effect of the surround sound with the enhanced sound nearly lifted me out of my seat. When the musical themes swelled, the whole theater felt it--literally and emotionally. It does justice to Howard Shore's score. The only word that comes close is "seamless." The introduction of new music and scenes and dialogue was all perfectly seamless. Even when you know where it is different, it is so well done it feels right--like the difference between the movie and the book. It was so true to the spirit of the original that the changes did not detract. The fact that Howard Shore wrote new music to accomplish this is part of the secret. The music with which you are familiar flows into the new and carries the other components with it. Since the first few scenes were unchanged, one had time to adjust to the sound difference before being treated to the additional screen material. Every bit of added scene only complimented the original. I dearly love the way the original handled the opening and agree it was perfect for a time-limited version. This time the worlds and characters were given more depth--some of which I wish had made it to the theater cut. The viewer is given a much greater understanding of who the hobbits are and what the values are that makes Frodo who he is. The light-hearted nature of the hobbits has more time to emerge as you watch Merry and Pippin. Likewise, the conflict in Aragorn is conveyed MUCH better. You--and especially the viewer not so acquainted with the books--now understand how deep the struggle goes in him regarding his heritage and a little more concerning his relationship to Arwen. As one reviewer put it, you see the high regard the elves have for him. And you feel the weight of the destiny he has to choose to accept or reject. The struggle in Boromir also is given new dimension. The relationship between Legolas and Gimli begins to show glimmers of humor and depth of feeling. Both characters are strengthened by the exposure. This satisfies a little the wishes of all who wanted to see more interplay like the books portrayed. The humor introduced in all the characters such as Gandalf's impatience with Pippin, Pippin's over-indulgence with food, and Aragorn's addition to the sword-training scene make them warm and authentic. They emerge as real people with feelings with which one identifies. The scene that benefitted the most from the additional material was Lothlorien. The added exterior and interior views of the land as well as the depth given to Haldir and company was very helpful and enjoyable. The gift-giving scenes make sense out of things they will have to explain somehow in the movies to come. Gimli's affection for Galadriel has a much greater basis for its existence now. The gravity of the situation and the respect the elves have for the Company are emphasized as the elves reveal they have never before clothed outsiders in their cloaks. My suggestion to New Line would be to show this Extended Version in theaters in limited scope--many theaters but only limited screens--just before the premiere of The Two Towers. The fans who wanted a refresher, those poor souls who never got around to seeing the first one, and all of those of us who want to see the Extended version in all its glory would come. I know I would go again, and I have ordered the Extended DVD Collector's Gift Set! It deserves to be seen in the theater. Nothing else will quite do it justice. It would be quite a money-maker and would only strengthen the fan base for TTT. One runs out of superlatives when talking about this movie, but they really are all that apply! --Diane
Extended Edition Screening Review - Charles
Demosthenes @ 6:02 pm EST
As far as the new 'introduction to Hobbits' at the start...well, the background stuff between Frodo and Sam, and at the Green Dragon was very useful for the emotional buildup of the central characters, but, otherwise, I felt that the originally released version of the intro/Hobbiton part was more likely to grip the interest of an audience. Further on, the Frodo/Sam relationship was deepened well in the additional traveling scenes. Throughout the film, one could see where PJ had sliced a few seconds here and there to try to edit down to the 3 hour limit. It was however, incredibly heartbreaking to see how much had been lost by the cuts at Lothlorien. The giftgiving for all was beautiful, and Gimli really grew as a terribly touching character. The other thing that I think was tremendously amplified in emotional impact was Aragorn and Boromir's relationship, and the importance of this relationship for setting Aragorn on his path to take up the challenge of his heritage. Yes, Boromir showed more terrible lust for the ring at Rivendell, held back only by the powers of Gandalf. But he also challenged Aragorn more to remember the world of Men and his heritage. "Yes, there is great weakness [in the world of Men]; but there is also great strength." And at the same time the scene at the grave of Aragorn's mother really underscored how distanced Isildur's heir had become from Humanity -- and thus from _himself_ and from confidence in his own strength to fight the Evil. Boromir was seen killing many more Uruk-hai, and Aragorn had a heartbreaking added line before the tear fell from his face after Boromir's death...recalling the exchange between the two at Lochlorien, when Boromir had dreamed of returning to the White City with him, and the guards calling out that the Lords of Gondor had returned. The guards would still call, but Boromir would not be there. So in sum, the majority of the additions layered great depth to the emotional charge of the story for virtually all the protagonists, and these are the strengh of the Extended Edition.
Extended DVD Review - Holbytla
leo @ 6:00 pm EST
Like everyone else who has written in, I was lucky enough to win one of the passes to see the Special Edition DVD on the big screen. However, I may have driven farther than anyone else to take advantage of the privilege … 8 hours each way from Charlotte, N.C., to Merrifield, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. Two hours into the journey, I stopped off in Winston-Salem, N.C., to pick up my faithful elven sidekick, Lithilien Quicksilver, and we made the rest of the jaunt to our nation’s capital together. We were the first in line at noon Tuesday, much to the dismay of the manager at the National Amusements Lee Highway Multiplex. Despite the sad shake of his head that clearly conveyed he thought we needed to get a life, he and his staff made us welcome, letting us hang out in the lobby rather than the cold driving rain and allowing us unfettered use of the facilities. We were the entire line until about 3 p.m., when two local Ringers and members of council-of-elrond.com, Erendis and Iorethdttr (who also leads the TOR.n line party for Washington, D.C.), arrived in full costume, including gorgeous hand-made elven cloaks. Ultimately, the D.C. showing was rather sparsely attended (approximately 90 fans), which was a blessing given the fact that New Line had distributed 400 passes for a 300-seat theater and then reserved the 100 prime seats – virtually all of the center section of the theater – for VIPs who never showed up. Fortunately, New Line did not consider the first six rows of the theater to be prime real estate, so those of us at the front of the fan line were able to snatch the very seats we wanted most. It was sad, however, to see the rest of the fan faithful, packed into one narrow side section, outside the best audio zone, while all of those sweet seats in the center section went unused. (To be fair to New Line, they did open up the unused section just before the movie began, but moving was awkward so most fans stayed put in their original seats.) Others have covered the new scenes in great detail, so let me just say that while many will insist on calling the Special Edition the “Director’s Cut,” I will always think of it as the “Book Lovers’ Cut.” So many wonderful touches from the books are there – the charming new “Concerning Hobbits” section that gives us so much more insight into the nature of hobbits; Bilbo’s battle with the Sackville-Bagginses; Frodo’s wonderful quote explaining to his hobbit companions that he is choosing to trust Strider because servants of the Enemy would “look fair and feel foul” while Strider “looks foul and feels fair”; Merry’s reflection on what midges in the Midgewater Marshes eat when they can’t get hobbit; a glimpse of Sam’s father, The Gaffer; the first mention of Gollumhttp://theonering.net/movie/char/smeagol.html’s real name; substantial new insight into Aragorn’s reluctance to lead and his ongoing conflict with Boromir; and, of course, the brilliant gift-giving scene (although some of the gifts are changed from those in the book). Those fans who thought Peter Jackson drew too generous a picture of Boromir in the theatrical release will find plenty in the Special Edition to balance the portrait. The Boromir in this version is much darker and sinister, and more well-rounded Marton Csokas’ Celeborn is reborn in this version as well – his new lines and scenes give us a completely different view of Galadriel’s husband and the actor who plays him. The vicious running jokes about Csokas should begin to dissipate once fans get to see the new-and-much-improved version. Haldir, Gimli, Merry and Pippin fans also will find much to like. Boromir’s death scene, which I would have sworn to be the peak of perfection in the theatrical release, is even more powerful here. Howard Shore’s additional score is, in places, even more hauntingly beautiful and grand (who would have thought that possible?) than the music in the theatrical release. His touch is absolutely unerring, and there were times when I was so swept away by his stunning new musical phrases that I could barely absorb what was happening on the screen. DLP Cinema, a Texas Instruments Company, deserves mega-kudos for their incredible digital projection system. It was electric to see the movie in all its glory – flawless, crisp, richly hued and free of those annoying black dots and jumps that mark film reels. The sound, too, was far and above anything I had heard before, even in far more modern theaters. You didn’t just see and hear the flood at the Ford of Bruinen – you could actually feel it rumble through the core of your body, as if the weight of the water were about to crash down on you personally. It literally swept us away. Be prepared, however. Once you see the SE DVD, you’ll never want to watch the theatrical version again. This has to be the movie as PJ truly intended it, and it is brilliant beyond belief. -- holbytla
Extended Edition Screening Review - holbytla
Demosthenes @ 5:56 pm EST
Like everyone else who has written in, I was lucky enough to win one of the passes to see the Special Edition DVD on the big screen. However, I may have driven farther than anyone else to take advantage of the privilege - 8 hours each way from Charlotte, N.C., to Merrifield, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. Two hours into the journey, I stopped off in Winston-Salem, N.C., to pick up my faithful elven sidekick, Lithilien Quicksilver, and we made the rest of the jaunt to our nation’s capital together. We were the first in line at noon Tuesday, much to the dismay of the manager at the National Amusements Lee Highway Multiplex. Despite the sad shake of his head that clearly conveyed he thought we needed to get a life, he and his staff made us welcome, letting us hang out in the lobby rather than the cold driving rain and allowing us unfettered use of the facilities. We were the entire line until about 3 p.m., when two local Ringers and members of council-of-elrond.com, Erendis and Iorethdttr (who also leads the TOR.n line party for Washington, D.C.), arrived in full costume, including gorgeous hand-made elven cloaks. Ultimately, the D.C. showing was rather sparsely attended (approximately 90 fans), which was a blessing given the fact that New Line had distributed 400 passes for a 300-seat theater and then reserved the 100 prime seats - virtually all of the center section of the theater - for VIPs who never showed up. Fortunately, New Line did not consider the first six rows of the theater to be prime real estate, so those of us at the front of the fan line were able to snatch the very seats we wanted most. It was sad, however, to see the rest of the fan faithful, packed into one narrow side section, outside the best audio zone, while all of those sweet seats in the center section went unused. (To be fair to New Line, they did open up the unused section just before the movie began, but moving was awkward so most fans stayed put in their original seats.) Others have covered the new scenes in great detail, so let me just say that while many will insist on calling the Special Edition the 'Director’s Cut', I will always think of it as the 'Book Lovers’ Cut.' So many wonderful touches from the books are there - the charming new Concerning Hobbits section that gives us so much more insight into the nature of hobbits; Bilbo’s battle with the Sackville-Bagginses; Frodo’s wonderful quote explaining to his hobbit companions that he is choosing to trust Strider because servants of the Enemy would look fair and feel foul while Strider looks foul and feels fair; Merry’s reflection on what midges in the Midgewater Marshes eat when they can’t get hobbit; a glimpse of Sam’s father, The Gaffer; the first mention of Gollum’s real name; substantial new insight into Aragorn’s reluctance to lead and his ongoing conflict with Boromir; and, of course, the brilliant gift-giving scene (although some of the gifts are changed from those in the book). Those fans who thought Peter Jackson drew too generous a picture of Boromir in the theatrical release will find plenty in the Special Edition to balance the portrait. The Boromir in this version is much darker and sinister, and more well-rounded. Marton Csokas’ Celeborn is reborn in this version as well - his new lines and scenes give us a completely different view of Galadriel’s husband and the actor who plays him. The vicious running jokes about Csokas should begin to dissipate once fans get to see the new-and-much-improved version. Haldir, Gimli, Merry and Pippin fans also will find much to like. Boromir’s death scene, which I would have sworn to be the peak of perfection in the theatrical release, is even more powerful here. Howard Shore’s additional score is, in places, even more hauntingly beautiful and grand (who would have thought that possible?) than the music in the theatrical release. His touch is absolutely unerring, and there were times when I was so swept away by his stunning new musical phrases that I could barely absorb what was happening on the screen. DLP Cinema, a Texas Instruments Company, deserves mega-kudos for their incredible digital projection system. It was electric to see the movie in all its glory - flawless, crisp, richly hued and free of those annoying black dots and jumps that mark film reels. The sound, too, was far and above anything I had heard before, even in far more modern theaters. You didn’t just see and hear the flood at the Ford of Bruinen - you could actually feel it rumble through the core of your body, as if the weight of the water were about to crash down on you personally. It literally swept us away. Be prepared, however. Once you see the SE DVD, you’ll never want to watch the theatrical version again. This has to be the movie as PJ truly intended it, and it is brilliant beyond belief.
More Extended Edition Screening Reviews!
Demosthenes @ 5:26 am EST
Okay, the rest of the great Extended Edition Screening reviews from some of the lucky people that won tickets through the Moviefone/AOL contest. First up is Phil, who says that the added footage improved the movie and can't wait to see it again on DVD next week. [More] Vana attended the Chicago viewing and writes that the depths of many of the characters is greatly improved. [More] Vikster wrote this list of highlights. [More] Don writes: "More character development, more humour, and more warmth. It just added to the whole experience of the film." [More] "More like the books than the original", writes Ed. "However, I wouldn't say Lindorie saw the screening in Texas and is apparently still blown away by the experience! [More] Vash was very impressed with what he saw. [More] Lorie didn't even have a ticket, but was resourceful enough to get in nevertheless! [More] Lady Illanir of Gondor said that the Extended Edition brought back the same feelings of adrenalin rush she experienced seeing the theatrical version. [More] Davros's said the detail was amazing and that the only disappointment was to have to surrender his invitation. (This one contains minor TTT spoilers - Dem.) [More] Josh's is really brief: How in the world did New Line decide not to show this version originally is beyond me. The extra 30 minutes helps development all the characters immensely. The only added footage that didn't work for me was that of Bilbo in the beginning talking about hobbits. It was good, I enjoyed it, but it didn't seem as smooth and seamless as the rest of the added footage. I will never again watch the theatrical version, EXTENDED version all the way. I can't wait for Tuesday. Kato's favourite addition was the 'gift' scene in Lothlorien. [More] DPM drove 3.5 hours each way to see it says it was well worth the effort. [More] Lhunsarniel wrote this very comprehensive review for us all. [More] Gregg: "The original cut of FOTR was a great, great movie. But this is so much better." [More] Rosamunde agrees with our Miami report. The sound and total digital experience was fantastic! [More] Yesiquilt: "It's got all the frosting on the cake now, and they should have put it out this way in the first place." [More] Lori: "I was expecting a real crowd for something like this. Those who didn't come really missed out." [More] Jim writes: "FOTR, the extended version is the ONLY version I will ever watch again! It was pretty much everything I hoped for and more." [More] Fozzer wrote a that review you can read here. [More Lee writes: "Watch every moment of this new version carefully, as you may be in for some real surprises!" [More] Paul made some very interesting comments about the new pacing in this excellent review. [More] Thanks to everyone who wrote a review and sent it in! These were exhausting to compile, but very very interesting to read! Sounds like we're really in for a treat.
it's better - just different." [More]
Brendan: "Much more depth into the characters, especially Aragorn." [More]
Extended Edition Screening Review - Brendan
Demosthenes @ 5:23 am EST
Wow! I was one of the lucky few to see the extended edition of The Fellowship Of The Ring, and I was able to see it on AMC's Digital Projection screen! Let me just say first that seeing The Fellowship Of The Ring DIGITALLY with ADDITIONAL SCENES was incredible! The quality was superb in every aspect! The new Two Towers trailer was shown right in front of the viewing of the extended edition and looks incredible! I believe it looks better than the trailer for The Fellowship Of The Ring that released last year and let me tell you, seeing the trailer on a digitally projected theater screen is quite different than seeing it on my computer screen! The Extended Edition of FOTR itself was spectacular and WAYYYYY better than the theatrical version! It gives much more depth into the characters, especially Aragorn, who has the majority of the new scenes to his benefit! In one new scene for example, we see Aragorn at the grave of his mother and then Elrond comes up behind him and how he made it into Rivendell with the elves is fully explained. I won't go in depth into the scenes just because I know there have been plenty of reviews of the extended edition lately and probably almost everybody knows the new scenes. There are two quite funny scenes added as well that will please everybody. I can't do them justice here so I won't try. There is another scene with Gollum although it is very brief and only his hands are seen. Also a reference to him and how his name was once Smeagol and a bit of explaining on the part of Gandalf on a little bit of the history of Gollum while him and Frodo are in the Mines Of Moria after Frodo spots Gollum tracking them. And of course the best scene is the gift giving scene which does justice to the book. All in all, I was very pleased with this edition as the original theatrical version will be gathering dust on my shelf for quite some time now that we have this much better edition. I can't wait until Tuesday when It comes out and I can watch it again with the commentary's and the DTS sound!
A great experience that I was glad to be able to partake in!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Paul
Demosthenes @ 5:18 am EST
Review of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Extended Edition First, a thank you to Cinemark Legacy in Plano (TX), and to Amberly (sic?) of New Line for allowing me to view the special screening as a stand-by in line. My daughter won a ticket to the screening, but opted to take her brother as her guest. I had to be there to drive them both home. The rest of the family came to see Santa Clause 2 – when it finished, Amberly also let the rest of the family come in (they saw about 3 hours of the film). Second, this was the finest theater I have ever been in (including Cinerama Dome in Hollywood); this is the only DLP (Digital Light Processing, Texas Instruments) in the North Texas area. The video was beautiful, clear and unblemished (none of the scratches or end-reel burns of film); the sound system was incredible. I highly recommend to all that if you get the chance to view a film in one of these theaters, do it – you will be impressed. I met a man in line who had actually worked on the DLP engineering here in the Dallas area for TI; he explained some of the rudimentary techniques and principles. He was excited about seeing his product at work with this film (he also got in as a stand-by). One more note before the review. Cinemark Legacy has not yet finalized their commitment to showing The Two Towers. I found out that one thing they are waiting on is word from New Line as to the availability of a digital version of the December 18th release. Apparently New Line is at least contemplating making a digital version for theatrical release. On with the film (feature?, this was a digital version, no film was in the room). First of all, this was NOT a showing of the DVD. This was a digital copy of the extended edition; no intermission or break of any kind. The viewing began right on time (6:00 p.m.) with the new Two Towers trailer – looked great on that screen, with that sound system. Rather than review the details of the changes to the feature, I’ll just give my overall impressions and thoughts: 1) The additional scenes are evenly spread throughout the feature. I checked my watch throughout the viewing – the first half of the film (Pippin: Right! Where are we going?) originally timed at about 1 hour, 30 minutes – it is now at 1 hour, 45 minutes. The second half has also gone from about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour, 45 minutes (including end credits). Overall, I consider the original release to be a wonderful, sufficient expression of the first book in the trilogy. That release is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. The extended edition fleshes out a story that already had skeleton, muscle and sinew. The original stood and walked on its’ own merit; the extended edition not only stands and walks, it runs all over any other fantasy/adventure competition. If choosing only one of the releases, this is the one to see. Only 41 days until the Two Towers – see y’all in line.
2) The two most significant benefactors from the additional scenes are a) the Shire/Hobbits and b) Boromir. I realize there are other significant additions (Council of Elrond, the door to the Mines of Moria, Lothlorien), but the changes in the Shire and in Boromir most changed my impressions and expectations in this version (compared to the original release). In the Shire, Peter has completely recut our introduction to hobbits in general, and to the Baggins’ in particular. This refocusing really sets up the entire story line (all three films/books) and just what is at stake. Boromir’s character is given much more interplay with the entire fellowship; his own inner struggle with loyalty, honor and power is much more prominent. This, of course, further intensifies the emotional ending with his fall, repentance and personal sacrifice (girls, and maybe some guys, make sure your hankies are available).
3) The pace of the film is not nearly as frenetic. I didn’t think just 30 minutes interspersed throughout would make such a difference, but we now get opportunities to catch our breath and regroup our emotions (just as the characters do). My biggest critique (not complaint) with the original version is that Peter, due to time constraints, had to quickly pace the film; it moved so fast, it didn’t seem like three hours long.
4) In some ways, this reminded of comparing a long theatrical movie that gets shown on commercial television and is edited for time, against the full-length, uncut version of the film. Many years ago my wife and I would annually watch “The Sound of Music” on TV. This 178 minute film was somehow shown in a three-hour time frame including 45 minutes of commercials. We eventually watched the full-length version, and saw the directors’ intentions in certain responses from the actors. It was actually the short chunks that got cut which better enhanced the film when added back in. We saw the same thing last night – some of what you have already seen (close up actor’s looks, short responses) will have more context around them – I believe we are seeing a better representation of Peter’s vision and intention when he was actually filming the movie.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lee
Demosthenes @ 5:13 am EST
Extended Edition Report, Los Angeles, November 5, 2002: I won't go into detail, as I expect so many other TORn reporters will cover the DVD in detail. Let me just say this: This is a different movie. Footage has not merely been "dropped in" or added; scenes have been CHANGED, and in some case footage removed because of material added elsewhere. I hate to be a spoiler for those who might like the surprise of seeing this for themselves. So it merely remains to be said: watch every moment of this new version carefully, as you may be in for some real surprises!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Jim
Demosthenes @ 5:09 am EST
Well, I am happy to report that FOTR, the extended version is the ONLY version I will ever watch again! It was pretty much everything I hoped for and more. With the original version my primary criticism was that it cut way too much out of the Shire and Lothlorien.....both of those issues are now are taken care of.....wonderfully! The other important difference is character depth......Boromir especially, but also just about everyone else had more depth.......the hobbits, Gandalf, Aragorn, Arwen, Galadriel, Gimili, Legolas......it was great to see those interrelationships between characters come to life! On the technical side, I would say that the sound has been greatly enhanced and the digital transfer was very clean. I noticed much more surround effect and and the dialog was clearer. The Mines of Moria, the Balrog and the drums of Moria were all noticeably more tense. The sound of the Moria drums actually made my chest rattle and feel heavy.....it was really cool! Hopefully this comes through on my DVD surround system at home! There was also some great additional fighting footage which was excellent! It really made the scenes flow better and less confusing. The sequence of events in each fight scene is much clearer. The fighting also made it clear that our hobbits are a little tougher than what they appeared to be in the original! Wow! The fight scene at Amon Hen is extended beautifully and we see some great extended action of Legolas's bow work, Gimli's Axe and Boromir's courageous stand. I could go on and on but then I would be giving too much away.......suffice to say that it was an extraordinary evening and makes me even more enthusiastic to see The Two Towers.........this time I think Peter will get pretty much all he wants with no constraints from the studio. 41 days to go! I can't wait! There is a Santa Claus and his name is Peter Jackson!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lori
Demosthenes @ 4:58 am EST
My husband and I got to view the digital projection of the Fellowship of the Ring Extended version at Universal City Walk in Los Angeles. We were able to get reasonable seats ( center back ) even though a large central area was taped off for VIPs. I was surprised that the theater wasn't completely filled. I was expecting a real crowd for something like this. Those who didn't come really missed out. We were really impressed with the digital projection. We have seen FOTR many times before, but never with this much clarity and sharpness. It was really beautiful! And each new scene seemed like a new gift, like finding something more under the Christmas tree after you thought everything had been opened. We liked most of the additional scenes... the sections on the Hobbits and the Shire, more camping out on the trail, more on Lothlorien, more Gimli. The two scenes we weren't too sure about: the addition to the Council of Elrond and the extended scene of Boramir and Aragon in Rivendale looking at the shards. I am not sure wether or not the actions of the characters made as much sense with the new edit. But, they were a lot of fun to see. I didn't feel the film was too long, even for sitting in a theater. Of course, being fairly familiar with something can make it seem to go by faster, so it is hard to know how I would feel if it had been released this way. However, I do remember that I wished the first release was longer, giving more time to fulfilling the richness of the books. This extended version goes a long way to reaching that goal. It also has more humor in it, with the scene leaving Rivendale my favorite humorous addition. I hope "The Two Towers" will be shown digitally, because that is definitely the way to see it.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Yesiquilt
Demosthenes @ 4:52 am EST
My son and I were one of the lucky people who got to see the extended DVD at the Chicago location. The extra footage was funny (the extra Hobbiton stuff is a hoot!), touching (Aragorn singing the Lay of Luthien), scary (was Haldir going to turn them back at the border?), beautiful (the first view of "Elvendom on Earth"!), and sweet (Sam and Frodo talking about Rosie on the way out of the tavern). We loved every minute of it. It's got all the frosting on the cake now, and they should have put it out this way in the first place. As wonderful as it was to sit in a room full of maybe 300 other people just as crazy about LOTR as we are, I could have lived without the teenage girls behind us screaming every time Sean Bean entered the scene. To say nothing of CRYING when Boromir died! But of course, they won't be in my living room when I buy it on Tuesday. (My son's remark - did they think he was going to pull through this time?!) I don't think I will ever watch the original theatrical release again. This one was too incredible.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Rosamunde Brownlocks
Demosthenes @ 4:47 am EST
Just wanted to say that the Miami report on the sound quality of the THX sound and the experience of seeing the movie in digital was spot on. I saw it at McClurg Court in Chicago, and was finally able to see and hear things I had missed in all previous viewings (for example: the "Ashes on my tomatoes!" line, and the bird's nest in the eye of the Argonath (sp?) statue. Also, same feeling about the scenes - definitely should have had the longer Lothlorien in the original, while the other additions made it a richer, deeper, and (often) funnier movie! Viewers like myself who wanted more of the hobbits will be happy with the extra small bits. The addition of scenes of Frodo with Bilbo, Sam, and Gandalf added to the appreciation of Frodo's character, as the added Aragorn scenes did for Aragorn. And thank heavens they showed the TTT preview beforehand! I had not been able to manage to see it until then. Thank you Moviefone! Only disappointment: I had hoped it would be a bigger "event", but it was very sedate. Still - I hope that they can use digital projection and THX sound in more theatres for TTT!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Gregg
Demosthenes @ 4:44 am EST
I was lucky enough to see the Extended Cut last night in Seattle, thanks to Moviefone. My experience is almost a carbon copy of Miami MOFO s, just on the opposite coast. I had to drive 3 and 1/2 hours from Portland to Seattle...but it was very worth it! The theater was an amazing experience-no flicker, absolutely AMAZING sound. Everyone should get the joy of seeing it that way. But it was the movie itself that I really, really loved. I have loved the books for decades. And I was one of the crazy ones who saw a midnight showing of FOTR last December so that I could be one of the first. I think Peter Jackson has given us an incredible gift. As my brother said last night (he came with me) - It's amazing to get a great technical director AND someone who loves the books. And he's right. The original cut of FOTR was a great, great movie. But this is so much better. My main complaints with FOTR were fairly minor. They obviously emphasized the action over the depth of story telling in what they put on screen. It was all well done, but it made the first cut seem so breathless and intense. And, I didn t like Lorien-too short, and Galadriel in my mind should have been obviously good but offering a test to the Fellowship, not possibly bad who might be tempting the Fellowship. Those two areas have been so vastly improved by the extended cut. It's not just the extra stuff - it s how the extra stuff slows down the pace, gives room to breathe, and adds so much more meaning to the action stuff. You understand more deeply why they're risking their lives to destroy this ring. You realize what's at stake. You have time to laugh, and breathe, and know the characters. And Lorien - it's heaven. Galadriel now feels right. There's now a reason for the Fellowship to be there. I'm glad the first version my daughters will see (in a few more years) will be this extended edition. And if you haven't seen it, make sure you get the new version and watch it as soon as possible. You will love it!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lhunsarniel
Demosthenes @ 4:39 am EST
I was lucky enough to see this special screening in Los Angeles, Universal City to be exact. Arriving hours early-just in case, I was among the first 10 to enter and register in. While I was dismayed at the center portion of the theatre being roped off for New Line associates, press etc, we busted through and sat amongst those seats-much better. They showed the Two Towers trailer first, then the FOTR began. You no doubt have read all the reports and teasers/spoilers-the whatevers but I'll just add the ones that stuck out in my mind the most. This may be too long to include as one of your reports, but what the heck. Here goes! The beginning is almost identical with just a few additions. The opening scenes of the prophecy include Isuldur after he's struck down Sauron and he himself puts the ring on and disappears as his company is being attacked. He jumps into the water to escape the attackers only to lose the ring and then the arrows find him-that made more sense. I liked this as I'd personally wanted to see someone other than Bilbo and Frodo disappear when wearing the Ring. Bilbo's scenes at his writing table as he is writing his book are very enjoyable. He narrates over scenes of Hobbits and their ways with some humorous footage included here including one involving an intense pursuit of ear wax. There is knocking at Bilbo's door and he calls out to Frodo never once turning to face us, to answer the door but Frodo is not about. Bilbo continues telling the intro story as you see the original footage plus some of Hobbiton and life there. Back at Bag-End, Bilbo's door is knocked on again and he calls out to Frodo who again, is not about, but then we cut to Frodo sitting out in the woods reading and hearing Garndalf's approach as in the first version. This part has some additions and a few subtractions as well but over all, is great and we get more of a sense of who the Hobbits are and what is going on with a wee bit of their history. The set-up for Bilbo's party is a bit different too. Gandalf and Frodo's interaction of Bilbo's being up to something are more in depth here. There is a neat scene with Merry, Pippin and Frodo singing and Frodo dancing around them I believe in the Green Dragon and also a new scene with Sam, the Gaffer and a few others sitting around discussing the outside world and the "cracked' Bagginses to which Frodo admits to being, but enjoys. More interaction between Rosie and Sam and a bit of 'jealousy' on Sam's part as a patron hits on Rosie on his way out. Frodo assures Sam that Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one to which Sam says you think so? He pauses considering what he just asked. Bilbo's party has some changes. An interesting scene I found was one where Bilbo and Frodo are trying to hide from the Sackville-Bagginses and he admits to Frodo he is selfish and his reasoning for adopting him was to prevent the very S-B's from getting anything of his. Frodo asks if he's been drinking the Gaffer's brew to which Bilbo admits he has, but that had nothing to do with his telling him that. Interesting interplay between these two. The film continues much as it does originally: dare I use that term. As Sam and Frodo set out on their journey, there is additional footage of them that I really enjoyed and the music that accompanied it was fabulous as well. The two Hobbits see Elves on their way to the Gray Havens and it's got a misty wonderful feel to it with some very lovely layered vocal work.. As the two are camping out, Sam is seen cooking while Frodo is up in the tree branches smoking his pipe seeming blissfully unaware of what the next part of his life is about to undergo. As night falls, Sam cannot sleep so Frodo tells him to imagine he's back at home in his nice comfy bed and feather pillow to which Sam tries, but fails and grabs a leftover to console him while Frodo sleeps. The film continues much as we've already seen. The next set of changes occur at Bree-seems to be a different greeting with Butterbur and his welcoming them in. The additional scenes of the joining up of Hobbits and Strider is welcome as well. Pippin gets quite a few one-liners here that brought a lot of laughs. His delivery of the multi meal habits of Hobbits gets the usual laughs. You just gotta love Pippin-his lovable innocent personality really comes through in this version. At the night scene we get to see and hear Aragorn singing in Elvish. Frodo wakes up and inquires as to the lady he is singing about. Aragorn tells her story briefly. The scenes at Rivendell are quite different and the film really reveals a lot more to the Fellowship's personalities. When Boromir wanders the chamber where the shards of Narsil are displayed, he meets and talks briefly with Aragorn-nice scene. Then to the Council scene. Elrond gives much more dialogue here which is both informative and welcome. Then we come to Boromir's part. We've read before about more Boromir and his purpose of wanting the Ring and his telling more of a back-up reason, but as he approaches the Ring, Gandalf puts on a spell display that knocked my socks off, and I wasn't even wearing socks! Wow, this was a great scene indeed. Boromir went back to his seat like a puppy with his tail tucked. Wow! The theatre was rumbling and it was awesome. Just when you wonder if Gandalf really has magical wizard powers, well, the scene reveals all the proof you could ask for. As the Fellowship is about to part, there is a new scene of Aragorn at his mother's grave. Elrond and Aragorn engage in dialogue here that explains a little bit more of Aragorn's fate or what have you. Also a sad scene of Aragorn and Arwen having a quiet but difficult parting as he nods to her and she bows her head and teary eyes. The next real departure scene was a bit odd I felt, but welcome as well. The Fellowship is awaiting Frodo to lead them on their journey out of Rivendell and Frodo whispers to Gandalf, which way, left or right and Gandalf tells him which direction to go once out of the gates. (Left by the way). It was a kind of an awkward humor scene at this point, but I guess thinking it over now, it was necessary because you really see that Frodo has absolutely no idea where Mordor is and he is so dependant on Gandalf's direction and guidance that the story as it continues on and the events we're all familiar with become so much more emotionally-impacting. The Mines of Moria had a lot more footage and helped further tell the tale. Gandalf describes Mithril to the Fellowship and its value. Now Frodo is wearing a shield of the stuff unbeknownst to his companions, he seems to have a new respect for it. A new scene of Gandalf asking Frodo to help an old man out and pausing to tell him in murmured voices about the forces at work against the Quest would be internal as well as external and already, Frodo is being warned to be especially on his guard. There are reinforcing scenes between Legolas and Gimli that displayed the friction between the two races that were rather funny as well. Lothlorien had some very interesting changes. When Gimli claims his superior senses and Haldir and company come upon them, the scene where the Elf says Come, the Lady of the Wood is waiting... is now missing, but there are now loads of new dialogue scenes between Haldir and Legolas and Haldir and Aragorn all in Elvish. There is much more interaction between the Lothlorien Elves and the Fellowship and when Celeborn and Galadriel approach them, Celeborn has loads more dialogue. Galadriel has more to her scenes, but I found her character was somewhat distilled from the 2001 version to which I had become so accustomed to seeing her as a very strong, dominant figure, as probably most of us had. The new scenes show Celeborn being just as involved if not more in the greeting. He also speaks a lot more with Aragorn and Legolas. Interestingly enough, the possibility of Gandalf not completely passing into shadow comes up here as Galadriel states that no one really knew the complete powers or abilities of Gandalf and she hints that he may not be completely gone from them. Hmmmm, ok, if this had been in the 2001 release, I think unfamiliar audience members would be biting their nails in anticipation when seeing TTT trailers while the "old timer" Tolkien fanatics and avid readers would be speculating how this issue would be dealt with. The Lamentation of Gandalf scene now features Sam standing up and reciting his own tribute to Gandalf by way of a spontaneous poem which he almost apologizes for its being so 'lame'. Aragorn is shown sitting next to a slumbering Gimli who is snoring so loud that Aragorn reaches across and what looks to be either him whacking Gimli to wake him up or stop his snoring or? More humor is intermixed with the somber so it's an interesting dichotomy of emotion in this new footage: slightly disjointed, but did I like it. The much anticipated gift-giving scene came up and I was not disappointed. I felt a wee hint of the Wizard of Oz where Galadriel gives Merry and Pippin swords/knives and she tells Pippin he will find his courage-very touching as we know what will come to him later on. The scene with Sam brought much laughter when she gives Sam his rope and he quips about the others getting the weapons, but he gladly accepts them not wanting to be rude. Gimli's scene was very touching. He was so humbled and so embarrassed by his request that he turns away probably blushing beneath all that flaming beard and hair yet he gets what he asked for and more-not one strand of her hair, but three. As the Fellowship is leaving and getting into their boats, Legolas picks up a piece of Lembas and nibbles just a small corner and says just one bite can fill up the belly of a grown man to which Merry and Pippin turn to each other and Merry asks Pippin how many he ate and Pippin admits to having 4 and lets out a belch to wake the dead! The audience ate this scene up. There are a few additional new scenes and some that had been deleted, and new music, but overall, I think this is truly THE version New Line should have released last year and I truly hope they have the intelligence and enough compassion for the true fans to release this version theatrically for at least a few weeks before TTT breaks out to help stay off the hunger and thirst that we're all experiencing right now. Not only will they prove they care for the fans and followers, but hey, they can make a couple million more $$$ to boot. Hey New Line CFO's are you reading this? As the credits began to roll a few exuberant fans off on the sidelines voiced some appreciative comments and clapping. There was some slight audience participation/reaction i.e. cheering at PJ's carrot-eating appearance, Boromir and Aragorn's fighting scenes etc. If this is released back into theatres, I'm sure there would be additional cheering, clapping and audience gobbling-up. Let's face it. LOTR has created some extreme junkies and we just gotta have our fix, again and again and again. The scene where the Fellowship is setting up camp and cooking features a bit more as well. Boromir teaching Merry and Pippin to fight also sneaks in a part where Aragorn gets up and tells them to break it up and the other three end up tossing him into almost a back flip landing smack dab on his back. Again, Pippin is getting a one-liner in here and there.
Extended Edition Screening Review - DPM
Demosthenes @ 4:35 am EST
Well, I drove 3.5 hours each way to see it (to Washington DC from Johnstown, PA) and it was worth every mile and rain drop I had to weather on the way back. The movie, digitally projected, looked AMAZING. It was like watching it on a big screen TV in High Definition it was that good. This is clearly the future of movie watching. I got there early thinking the lines would be bad and seeing as they warned us about FIRST COME seating, I wasn't taking any chances. I was disappointed the turnout was so low. About 100 people total. They checked us in and only asked for the printout of the email, no ID was required. We got free popcorn and soda and after the movie, they had posters out at the exit for everyone, although some took more than one (shame on them). I guess this isn't hard to believe, but the movie is much better now with the added footage, if only to explain a lot of what happens in future scenes or in TTT, and to really *flesh* out the story. Someone who is not versed in the books, will really get it now. I especially like the new beginning with Bilbo and his voice over. Great history on Hobbits. However, the film benefits the most from the added Lorien scenes, beginning with the Fellowship entering the woods til they depart with the gift giving. This sequence has the most footage added, I'd say 7-10 min it seemed like. The second big thing I like about it is, it gives you a much better understanding why Aragorn is the way he is. When I saw the original, the thing that upset me the most was the portrail of Aragorn and the fact that the movie didn't explain it well enough (seeing as it deviated from the book). Well, its in there now. The last thing I'll mention is the fleshing out of Boromir's character and his motives, which was well done and much needed. Overall, the new scenes blended perfectly, There may be one or two *rough* transitions. I also noticed that they changed some camera angles on existing scenes. The new music was great and even some of the original music was changed if the scene was extended or something was added after it. Man, they really worked on getting it right. So, there you go. Great flick. I'm grateful to see it again on the big screen. Can't wait til next Tuesday. Bravo PJ and company. DPM. P.S. I think the font on the credits was also made bigger. Thank god. I think we may actually be able to read them now, and the fan club roll (at least I could in the theater). They did not roll the fan club names at this showing though.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Kato
Demosthenes @ 4:31 am EST
I saw the same showing that Switz did, at McClurg in Chicago. Very, very cool. The additions were seamless, and really should have been in the original release. There is nothing which is superflouous to this version at all. My favorite addition is probably the "gift" sequence in Lothlorien, followed by the extended opening in the Shire. Lots of great humor added throughout, which really helped flesh out the characters, especially Merry and Pippin. Thanks go out to all the people at New Line who decided to do this, it was much appreciated. I was hoping they'd have some "Two Towers" promo items to hand out, but no such luck. This showing was good enough of a gift, though.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Davros
Demosthenes @ 4:23 am EST
I had gotten a VIP pass to the extended cut of FOTR at Chicago's McClurg Court Theatre - needless to say, an opportunity to see the DVD a week early was too good to pass up! I hadn't heard anything about digital presentation, so I had assumed that was all it would be - video projection of the DVD on one of their smaller screens. Imagine my surpise when I was directed to Theatre 1! As any Chicago-area fan knows, McClurg Court's theatre 1 is the place to be for an event movie - it has probably the biggest screen in town, and the sound system is amazing. Even more, though, I knew it has been digital since AOTC was released in May. So I had my fingers crossed... They had actually taped off a large section of the middle of the theatre for people with the VIP passes, so I was amazed to be able to get a terriffic seat, even if I didn't arrive early. The only catch was that I had to surrender my invitation, which was a lovely piece of parchment stationery with elven script in gold leaf. I was sad to let go of it. But, the seat was sweet. The crowd was small - barely a third of the room's capacity, I'd say - but very enthusiastic, including many in varying forms of elvish costume. It's always a pleasure to see something like this with the right kind of crowd. Eventually, the lights went down, and they kicked right into a full digital trailer for TTT - it was just unbelievably exciting to see something I'd only seen on my desktop, now on a gigantic screen with booming, perfect sound. When the wargs bound across the screen, it seems like they're about to leap out into the crowd. Treebeard's legs were so massive and detailed. The shot that starts on the tower of Orthanc and pulls back through Saruman's army had to be seen to be believed. Just incredible. When TTT is released, I urge everyone to move heaven and earth to get to a digital theatre to see it. Then the movie started - I first saw FOTR in pretty much the same seat at McClurg, but that was from film, and this was a whole new ball game. The Last Alliance seemed more grand and awe-inspiring than ever - when they showed the line of elves whirling their blades agaist the Orcish line, every elf was in focus. There was so much detail in the image, it was almost scary. All through the film, I kept seeing scene after scene, full of details I had never noticed. It was just glorious. My only reservation is sadness for the fans who couldn't attend these screenings. I really hope they organize some kind of large-scale rerelease down the line so everyone can experience a digital FOTR. It's that much better than the film version. As for the extra material, I loved it. I really think it's a better film, and will probably never watch the short version again! I just wanted to tell all the fans who are still waiting to see it, your faith will be rewarded. Wow. Is it just me, or is it a great time to be a geek right now?
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lady Illanir of Gondor
Demosthenes @ 4:15 am EST
Last night I had the privilege and LUCK to see the Extended Version of Fellowship. I haven't had such an adrenaline rush since I saw it all those months ago for the first time! While the cut we all saw for six months in the theatres (I saw it at a theatre in Cleveland in late JUNE) was great and can stand by itself, the scenes that Peter and New Line have put back in only make it better. Often you can understand why scenes were taken out, but here I don't know why any of these were cut. The movie is funnier, first off. There are times when we missed lines because we were laughing so hard! From "Concerning Hobbits" (the new introduction right after Galadriel's narration) to scenes outside of Moira to scenes in Lothlorien, even when things are sad you get a glimmer of the humor that gives you hope Middle Earth will be saved. Some of the jokes are at Pippin's expense, but a fair number come at Aragorn and Gimli's. The characters are also much more rounded and fuller. The hobbits are much more mischievous, the elves more elegant (Elrond is still the holier-than-all-thou-mortals-and-you-can't-have-my-daughter-until-you-claim-your-throne-you-greasy-ranger" that we have all come to love) especially Galadriel and Celeborn, and even Boromir is more understandable. There is one part that makes his death scene later even MORE poignant. As for more violence, I think it is offset by the peace and fun you also get added back in. Yes, the Mines have more killing, and, yes, the final battle has more death, but then there are the scenes in the Shire, especially at the Green Dragon. There is also the gift giving scene, that was sweet without making you sick. I would highly recommend this to any fan of LOTR. It may not be on the big screen, but it will not matter.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lorie
Demosthenes @ 4:00 am EST
I, too, was at the Chicago screening last night. Without a ticket, I might add, but someone who was alone was kind enough to bring me in as their guest. The theater was *not* full, probably a combination of bad weather and people not valuing things they get for free. I think if anyone had leaked the location sooner, we'd have had every seat full. Of course, then I might not have made it in, since I only found the location an hour before the showing. The guys giving out the tickets, which included a free drink and popcorn, indicated that there were other "freebies" that didn't arrive in time to be handed out. Didn't matter one bit, as far as I was concerned. The audience, while not capacity, was very enthusiastic about the screening. Applause and hooting when the lights went down; wild applause for the Two Towers trailer; applause again when the movie started (and when it ended, of course). Delighted reactions to all the new materials, no matter how small. Places where one or two lines were added got laughs and cheers. As for the EE itself, marvelous movie that *everyone* should have seen on the big screen. Small as some changes are, they add greatly to the characterization and the lore of the story. I don't think I need to go into spoilers, since the DVD reviews get pretty detailed on what is added. To me, the EE is what the movie should have been all along. The theatrical release came so close, but there were places where I was saying "but..." Not so with this version, which is just delightfully done. Every member of the Fellowship gets to shine a little more, particularly Merry & Pippin, but also Gimli and his relationship with Legolas. Heck, I finally got to see Gimli with his helmet off. And see Legolas' attitude toward dwarves -- or one dwarf - change. I went home very, very happy and wild to own the DVD (soon!) and see TT.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Vash
Demosthenes @ 3:53 am EST
Last night myself, my wife and a friend went into Chicago to wrangle ourselves a seat for the big screen viewing of Fellowship's Extended Edition. We were sorely worried that we'd be without seats, as we were a bit late, but there was plenty of room in the theatre when we got there, and we managed to grab some perfect seats. And, because it was a Tuesday night, the eventually full theatre was packed with die-hard Tolkien nuts. It was the perfect crowd to see this movie with. And, I might add, the perfect place to see this movie. The theatre was THX certified, and they used a Texas Instruments digital projector to get the movie on the screen - it was like watching a movie-sized HDTV!! A lot of the humor got cut, which is a sad thing, because it's the most genuine humor that I've seen in a movie to date. For example (as the party is preparing to leave Lothlorien, Legloas pulls out some lembas and shows it to Pippin and Merry): Legolas: Lembas; elvish waybread. A small bite will fill a grown man's stomach for a full day. (He smiles, takes a bite, and puts it back in the pack). (Merry and Pippin both smile in an over-polite fashion. When Legolas is out of earshot, Merry leans over to Pippin). Merry: How many did *you* eat? Pippin: Four. (Pippin belches and gets a *very* uncomfortable look on his face) But, on to the major stuff: The first major addition is in the beginning, where we move from the narration by Galadriel to Bilbo penning the first chapter of his book, Concerning Hobbits. The warmth which Bilbo uses to describe the Shire way of life makes it something to be protected. I had known that the Shire was worth protecting when I saw the theatrical cut, but only in an intellectual fashion. Now, having seen the Extended cut, I *felt* that it was something to be protected. The second addition is the extended Lothlorien sequence. We get to see much more the elven city, even Caras Galadon. The most remarkable part that was put back in was the gift giving sequence. The entire Lotlorien sequence gives Celeborn and Galadriel a softer side - they seem much more like they were in the book. (EVERYONE seems more like they were in the book; that's the best I can say, as there is too much detail to full convey all of the little bits and pieces that were put back in). The recut of the film is fantastic: that alone justifies the purchase of the DVD next Tuesday. And after reading the review that Moriarity put up over at Ain't It Cool News of all the goodness that PJ packed into the special features, I'm near-salivating. :)
This cut of Fellowship stands head and shoulders above the theatrical cut. The extra 1/2 hour of footage makes the film actually feel a bit shorter, because it flows so well together. The additions made are here and there, mostly, little bits that add roundness and soul to the movie.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Lindorie
Demosthenes @ 3:38 am EST
I was just told that you wanted reviews from dvd screening. Hope you find this useful. I am still totally blown away and thought that as a nearly 48-year old, there wasn't much left that could do this to me. The word "WOW !" will be a large part of my vocabulary for days to come. ;) I was one of the fortunate few to win passes to a digital screeening of the DVD from Moviefone. It was shown at the Cinemark Legacy theater in Plano, TX, which happens to be the closest theater to my home. I am blessed! I asked my friend, Dandy Baggins to go with me and we shared an experience that will last a lifetime! I will not say what the additions were because I do not like spoilers, myself. I will say that all of the additions added greatly to the story and filled in blanks that really should have been filled originally. New Line should be ashamed that they were so uptight about that 3 hour time. I just want to say that this was not an ordinary screening. This was a digital remaster or whatever it's called and with digital sound! It was like seeing the movie for the first time!(even though i had seen it 19 times thatrically before and at least 10 times at home.) Dandy and I cried and held each other for most of it it was so amazing! The new stuff is fantastic and very well done. PJ said that things weren't as smooth, but that is debatable. I don't know if there are any plans to release this to the general public in theaters, but I highly, HIGHLY recommend that everyone write to New Line and ask that it be done!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Ed
Demosthenes @ 3:19 am EST
They showed the latest trailer for TTT prior to the film, to the cheers and claps of all - including
Hi, I went to the FOTR: EE screening in NYC and loved every minute of it (all 210 of 'em!) Regarding the new cut, it's a lot more like the book than the original film was - funnier, livelier, and much more focused on the minutiae of middle earth. However, I wouldn't say it's better - just different.
Richard Taylor (who I was sitting one row in front of!) Seeing FOTR on the big screen one last time was a great introduction to this new version, and I can't thank AOL/New Line/Moviefone enough!
Extended Edition Screening Review - Don
Demosthenes @ 3:15 am EST
Amazing is all I can say! More character development, more humor, and more warmth. It just added to the whole experience of the film. I especially loved what it added to the relationships built in the story. You understand more about the I especially loved the Lothlorien sequence in the extended edition. It gave more of the impression I I won't write everything I could say but just sum it up as "Thanks PJ for giving us this version" and to
Frodo/Bilbo, Gimli/Galadriel relationships, not to mention others. You can feel the intimacy building in the Fellowship in this film version.
had from the book than the theatrical version did. Lorien felt less spooky and surreal. It still carried a majestic aura but felt warmer and more inviting. The elves (especially Galadriel) were able to show a personable, caring side. The gift giving scenes were great!
those that are debating on the purchase of this version "It is so worth it!"
Extended Edition Screening Review - Vikster
Demosthenes @ 3:10 am EST
It's the morning after my screening of LOTR: SE at the Loew's Boston Common in Boston MA. All I can say is WOW. My mind is so full of new and different images. I can't wait to see the movie again and again. What did I love? The list is too numerous but here are the highlights in the order in which my brain remembers them. While watching the movie I had the vague feeling that many of the scenes were different somehow. Either recut, shot from a different angle or with a different close-up. I'll need to see the movie a few more times before I can say with certainty which scenes were different (oh the sacrifices....grin). The only scene that did not work for me was Aragorn's new scene at Rivendell when he and Elrond are at Aragorn's mother's grave. They were talking about Aragorn's destiny and the re-forged sword and then there was an abrupt cut to Sting. For a moment I laughed thinking that Sting was Narsil re-forged. I think LOTR: SE is wonderful and just improves upon an already brilliant movie. I thank Moviefone and New Line for allowing us to see the movie on a big screen with awesome surround sound. I hope next year they'll decide to release the SE on the big screen for the general public. I'd love to see it again in all it's glory.
1.) The new and very amusing opening with Bilbo's description of Hobbits and the Shire. Very charming.
2.) Hobbits singing and partying at the Green Dragon. Need I say more?
3.) Elrond's farewell at Rivendell and the very funny moment at the end of the new scene. Left or right Gandalf (snerk).
4.) Boromir, Merry, and Pippin practicing and the tossing of Aragorn (this still makes me giggle)
5.) Every new moment in Lorien was amazing, Celeborn had a wonderfully expanded role which made him seem far less the dullard in the theatrical cut. Gimli snoring (too funny). Sam's poem (very sweet). The new lembas scene (still laughing). Boromir's kind words to Frodo when everyone else was embarrassed and shocked (wonderful). The gift giving scene was absolutely beautiful and charming (it should have been in the theatrical cut).
6.) Aragorn and Boromir arguing. It made Boromir's death scene so much more poignant.
7.) Merry and Pippin's new role during the final battle scene. It was appropriate that they help Boromir take down as many orcs as possible. Not just stand there with stunned expressions.
Extended Edition Screening Review - Vana
Demosthenes @ 3:07 am EST
My husband and I were at the EE showing last night at McClurg Court in downtown Chicago. It wasn't nearly as packed as we had expected! We got right in, and had great seats, even though we didn't make it to the theatre until half an hour before the show. As for the film itself - it was amazing. Lots of details from the book were there, and pretty much all of the male characters gained a good deal of depth from the extra screen time. Some fans will be glad to hear that Celeborn, especially, benefits from some extra time, and more lines! This edition is just fantastic, and I can hardly wait to see it again next week, in my own home. But seeing it in a digital, THX theatre was an amazing experience. Well worth the trouble and the trip! A long-time TOR.n fan, Vána
Extended Edition Screening Review - Phil
Demosthenes @ 2:58 am EST
A friend and I attended the free showing at the Loews Cineplex on 34th Street in Manhattan. We got there about 5:40 PM for a 6 PM show and thought we were in the wrong place when we didn't see a line of people. Further confusing us was the long line across the street at the Manhattan Center (opera house/theater), which was actually for a People magazine event with Justin Timberlake. It turned out that, on the 2nd floor landing of the Loews, there was a table set up where staffers were checking e-mail addresses against the printouts we brought along. We each got a ticket for a free soda and popcorn bag and were directed to theater 7, (I assume) the largest one in the multiplex. At first, we were told we could only sit in the first four rows or the last three, and that the middle eight rows were reserved. I counted wrong and we sat in the last of the "reserved" rows, but 10 minutes later the same guy told everyone that we could sit anywhere. Since we were right in the middle of the theater, we stayed put. The most disappointing thing about the whole evening was that the theater wasn't that crowded. It was about 3/4 full, which wasn't bad, but I had expected to fight for seats, especially in Manhattan. A few minutes after 6, the projector came on and we were treated to a DLP version of the full TTT trailer. Then, with no further ads or trailers, the FOTR extended version started. Overall, we agreed that the added footage improved the movie. I liked the original opening, but I thought that Bilbo's introduction of hobbits and The Shire was effective and charming. Throughout the movie, the additions helped to clarify character motivations or explain events of the story that were only alluded to in the original version. The gifts scene in Lothlorien might have been the most effective addition; we both really enjoyed Gimli's hesitation and embarrassment with Galadriel. A few bits seemed thrown in just for geeks like us, such as Gandalf's line about Smeagol being Gollum's real name. I expected the movie to feel like it was 3 1/2 hours long, and it did, though I was never bored even though this was my fourth viewing. The digital projection was clear, the colors bright and crisp, and the sound was outstanding. I can't wait to see this version again on DVD next week. And I'm even more excited now for TTT next month.
| 11-06-02 Latest News |
Amazing TTT Exhibit Photos!
Xoanon @ 8:39 pm EST
Ringer Spies Hoggie & Erendira sends along these amazing pictures from this years LOTR exhibit in Toronto! Take a look at these!
Pavement announces 30 pages of LOTR goodness!
Tehanu @ 5:46 pm EST
TORNadoes in Australia and NZ should make sure they can get to a good magazine store in December, because the Auckland magazine Pavement is going all-out with a Two Towers special in their December issue. I still remember their outstanding interview with Sean Astin a few years back - anyone Down Under who can get hold of a December issue of Pavement can look forward to some more of the same. - 30+ pages of features on Two Towers, including dual covers on sale simultaneously (mag goes on sale throughout NZ on Dec 1 and in Australia from Dec 19, the opening day of the movie throughout the world). The features include... - Miranda Otto (photographed exclusively in NYC) Pavement editor Bernard McDonald spent 5 days on the set of Two Towers mid-2002 interviewing various cast members and production heads, watching Peter Jackson directing on-set and on location and visiting the various LOTR departments (CGI, Weta props, costumes, makeup, etc). This is part two of Pavement's LOTR trilogy of issues dedicated to the film. The first, featuring Liv Tyler and Elijah Wood on the two covers, sold out. For fans of LOTR outside NZ, the new issue can be purchased from Pavement via email (pavement@pavement.co.nz) or post (Pavement, PO Box 309, Auckland 1, New Zealand). Cost NZ$20 each (including postage & handling). A2 cover posters NZ$20 each (including postage & handling). NZ$30 for a copy and poster. Orders within New Zealand are NZ$10 per copy or poster (including postage & handling), NZ$20 for a copy and poster. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery after date of publication. Sorry, no copies or posters of Fellowship of the Ring issues left.
They wrote in to give us an outline of what's coming up in their Two Towers special:
- Orlando Bloom (photographed exclusively in LA)
- Christopher Lee
- John Rhys-Davies (photographed exclusively in NYC)
- Bernard Hill (photographed exclusively in NYC)
- Karl Urban (photographed exclusively in NYC)
- Andy Serkis (Gollum)
- Barrie Osbourne (US producer)
- Billy Boyd
- Dominic Monaghan
- Peter Jackson
First Batch of Extended DVD Reviews!
leo @ 12:22 pm EST
Wow.. we've literally been flooded with reviews from people who saw the Extended DVD during one of the ten screenings that took place all over the US last night, and don't worry; we'll be posting them all! And just to prove that we will; here's the first batch of them for everyone's reading pleasure. But beware of the !!spoilers!!
First one to send in her review was Shawna, who attended the Seattle screening and sent in a very complete (almost) scene-by-scene review of the movie, lots of spoilerish things... [More]
Next up is plaidpjs who gave a very brief overall account of his reaction to seeing the DVD... [More]
Douglas McEwan saw the Extended DVD in LA and wrote his most memorable moments down here... [More]
From Chicago Mary dropped us a line about her thoughts on the Extended cut.. [More]
And then there was girloftheShire who saw the DVD in Chicago as well (I wonder if they know each other;)) and also wrote up a report! [More]
Switz (who was actually the first one to write us yesterday) got some sleep, thought of some more things to say and spoil about the film and wrote them down here! [More]
Well and after that I thought that maybe the wave of reviews landing in our inbox had stopped, but alas.. Edwin (who attended the Dallas screening) started the second one... [More]
Another Chicago-attandee Simeon's wrote up his two cents and they can be found here.. [More]
Long time reader but first time, err.. writer Dan attended the Minneapolis screening last night and wrote up his spoiler-filled review here: [More]
Well.. these are the first ones, if we'll get more I'll be posting those later today but first I really need some food...
Media Watch: Variety Magazine Talks New Zealand
Xoanon @ 12:20 pm EST
grammaboodawg writes: There's a HUGE ad in Variety magazine (Nov. 4-10, 2002 issue) highlighting New Zealand. The caption reads: "New Zealand: In our December 16 issue, Variety spotlights New Zealand, with the latest trends impacting the showbiz industry. From film production to television and more, we'll profile the movers and shakers driving entertainment in this South Pacific production community. We'll also spotlight the 10th anniversary of WETA Digital, one of the leading digital effects studios in the world. With extensive expertise in 3D animation, WETA and its sister company, WETA Workshop, have raised the bar in the industry, beginning with 'Heavenly Creatures,' and most recently the entire 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Join us in congratulating WETA Digital on this milestone."
Extended DVD Review - Dan
leo @ 12:17 pm EST
A friend and I went to see the Extended Cut last night at a theater here in Minneapolis, MN. Needless to say my wife was not interested in more LOTR, she thinks I may be a bit obsessed (which I might be). Yesterday it was crazy around the state what with the elections, and the morning commute filled with snow! So I was more than ready to spend some time in Middle Earth getting away from it all. I must admit I did go in with a small amount of skepticism. I've been a DVD collector for a few years now and have been burned by Directors cuts before. But I had faith that Peter Jackson wouldn't do this to us, but didn't want to get overtly excited. However, I must say that after watching last nights cut, I was more than pleasantly surprised, I'm ecstatic!!!
I had already planned on buying this cut (somehow), and already own the theatrical cut. New Line was definitely preaching to the choir, as others I spoke to last night were also already planning on buying the extended cut. Most of us just felt privileged to see this cut in the theater. And let me start with that, the digital projection was flawless!!! I noticed details that I've never seen before: background action, colors popping out, etching on swords, just amazing. And the sound was killer, 8:1 is what the technician told us. They didn't give us any pep talk on digital, just a brochure on DLP, the company that makes the digital projectors. Turns out this theater has had the digital projector for some time, but has had trouble getting the word out. Suffice to say that I am now tainted, and can never go back to regular projection.
And for the movie itself, the tone was different. I had read that what once felt like an epic, really was now an epic, and I don't just mean the length. Everything had a better pace. I won't go through the entire movie, others have done that. But here are some highlights that stood out for me. The Shire is now much more evolved. The storyline flows much better with Bilbo doing the Shire narration rather than Gandalf. Frodo's story is now more involved, at an earlier stage. And more of the Hobbit characters that we only had a glimpse of are seen. Hooray for the Green Dragon, very cool!
I wouldn't have minded a bit more of Bree, not much was changed here. But Frodo and Sam's glimpse of the Wood Elves was fantastic! Where do I get the music for that? And a mention here for Howard Shore. I thought he might lengthen things a bit, with a touch here and there, but that the music cues would sound very similar. It did not! Some of the new music cues had choral singing, and it was fantastic! Aragorn has been fleshed out very well, and is now more of the type of character I wanted him to be. Not that before was bad, but now, if you hadn't already wanted to follow him as King, you will. All the characters have been fleshed out well for that matter. I expected maybe one or two new memorable lines, but lost count as they just kept coming.
The two biggest stand outs for me were Rivendell, and Lothlorien. I felt myself becoming emotionally absorbed through these new sequences as much as I had in my first viewing. I was very impressed. And the great thing is that all of these new scenes are seamless. Only one was a bit out of pace, Haldir is still the only weak point for me. And not in a bad way, but for some reason his performance is a bit off. But don't let that get in the way. The new scenes with Celeborn and Galadriel are fantastic. And the gift giving scene was probably the one I was most looking forward to. It did not disappoint! I'm going to make my wife watch at least that part (and hopefully all the rest of course), it is wonderful. And just wait till you see Gimli's interaction with Galadriel, priceless!
So for any doubters out there, don't bother doubting. There is now way this DVD won't be in your LOTR collection. It is a cinematic masterpiece made even better in this new cut. I'm afraid this movie has set the bar so high, that ANY movie I see is going to be measured against it. It has moved me more than any movie has in a long time. Thank you again Peter and associates, you have truly hit the bulls eye this time. Ok, let me check my watch now, how much longer until TTT?
Dan
Miami Mofo Talks FOTR: Digital!
Xoanon @ 12:15 pm EST
Hi Xo!
Miami Mofo here to say that I have seen (and heard) the future! I am refering, of course, to last evening's screening of the digitally projected, special extended version of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.'
Last Thursday, I received an e-mail from AOL/Moviefone informing me that I had been chosen to attend the special screening. As excitied as I was to receive this news, my enthusiasm was somewhat tempered by the fact that I had a 240 mile, 3 1/2 hour drive from Miami to Orlando if I wanted to see it. Seven hours of driving (plus $50 in gas and tolls) to watch something on the big screen that I'll be able to watch seven days later at home did sound kind of extreme. Fortunately however, I noticed the words "digitally projected" on the invite which piqued my curiousity even further, which eventually led to my deciding to go. So yesterday at 1:15PM, ignoring the voice in my head that said, "Fly, you fool," I loaded the LotR:FotR soundtrack into my car's cd changer, and hit the road for the drive to the AMC Pleasure Island theatres in Lake Buena Vista, Fl.
Three and a half hours later I found myself in 'Downtown Disney' (sigh ... you just can't escape the Mouse when traveling to Central Florida), presenting my pass, and receiving in return, entrance to the theatre AND a coupon for a free popcorn and a drink courtesy of DLP Cinema/Texas Instruments (see scan). Unfortunately, the concessionaire didn't have a clue when I asked for a 'proper 1420,' so I had to settle for a coke instead. I then proceeded to theatre 19 (of 24) and was delighted to find a center seat, four rows up in the stadium seating section, so that my eyes were center screen, both horizontally and vertically. As I sat down, I couldn't help but wonder how much better could the digital projection viewing experience possibly be when compared to the last time I saw LotR:FotR on the big screen. That was back on March 29th, when The Two Towers preview was added to the final final reel of what turned out to be a perfect print. Fifteen minutes later when the lights dimmed, I would have my answer.
The screening began, appropriately enough, with the current T2T trailer, and although I was immedately struck by how incredible the visual quality was, it was the audio that blew me away! From the moment that Sir Ian says, "I return now at the turn of the tide," the timbre and resonance of his voice, coming through the theatre speakers, made me realize just how special this presentation was going to be. Two minutes later, with my heart still racing, the special extended version began.
I'm not going to go into the added and extended scenes -- others before me have done that quite nicely, thank you, except to say that they were a delight to watch. I was worried that these scenes might decrease my appreciation of the original release because of feeling cheated by the fact that said scenes were not in the original, but I'm happy to report that this was not the case -- with the sole exception of Lothlorien. I'm afraid New Line dropped the ball when they forced PJ to cut that scene. The other added/extended scenes were not as critical, but definitely enhanced the Fellowship experience. But what REALLY enhanced the experience, was digital projection. Everything was crystal clear in perfect focus (and will remain so -- no print degradation), with perfect sound -- every word of dialogue, every note of the soundtrack, every sound effect from the wind gently whistling through the trees to the monstrous Balrog, all heard in perfect clarity. I can still hear the ring hit the floor when Bilbo drops it even as I type this. The experience was, in a word, perfect, and well worth the trip, even though I didn't return home until 1:15AM.
Extended DVD Review - Simeon
leo @ 12:05 pm EST
I saw the Extended Edition in Chicago on Tuesday. While the pass said to arrive early, there were plenty of empty seats. The epic-masterpiece-now-ten-times-better was shown in the McClurg Court Theater located downtown. It is large space, and it still contained the digital projector installed for Attack of the Clones, so it was perfect for this event. New Line definitely made all of us feel like a group of friends rather than a group of sardines because they didn't overbook the space, and we each got a free drink and popcorn.
Plenty of people will write in about the movie, and there are detailed descriptions out there now about what makes the Extended Edition remarkable. In a few words, it comes down to this: New Line took one of the greatest films ever and perhaps made it THE greatest film ever. You decide when you get the DVD. Having watched the theatrical release DVD countless times, my mouth opened in awe when I saw the extensions, the additions, and other changes (there are MANY tiny changes, even ones that people have not reported -- for example, new music has in some cases been placed behind what seem to be unaltered sequences).
The additional aspects of character development that we see in this version will undoubtedly make a huge impact on our experience in seeing TTT.
Simeon
Extended DVD Review - Edwin
leo @ 11:57 am EST
Even though I have never posted to a web site before, I felt that I needed to since I was lucky enough to attend last nights preview in Dallas. What a movie!!! The extra scenes were magnificent and really made the movie very smooth. Unlike the attempts by Gorge Lucas, the scenes had meaning and were not just there for the sake of being there. My wife, who went just because I won, even spoke all the way home on how much better the movie was (which I didn't think was possible at first, but am in complete agreement). Bravos all the way around and enjoy it next week. You will!!!
It was much more in line with the book, which should please even the most rigid Tolkien thinker.
I would also like to mention how professional the whole experience was. All of the winners, movie staff and promotional people were pleasant and we even got free soda and popcorn (which the rules of the contest stated was not included).
I hope the response that New Line gets may influence decisions for "The Return of the King" run time and they understand that more may be better in the long run.
Edwin
Potter Mania Vs. The One Ring
Xoanon @ 11:54 am EST
Melissa writes: This is an excerpt from a Times article on LoTR and Harry Potter: The competition between Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter- the sibling rivals of the AOL Time Warner entertainment family- is intense. Last year's Fellowship of the Ring, the first of three J.R.R. Tolkien-based movies to be released by the company's New Line division, came in second at the box office behind Harry Potter. Unlike Potter, however, it ended up on numerous cities' best-of-the-year lists and revieved 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture (The Sorcerer's Stone recieved only three.) This time it's widely assumed in Hollywood that Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, set for release on Dec.18, will outgross Chamber of Secrets. Potter mania seems to have quieted a bit, in part because Rowling hasn't published a book in two years. The article also says that the third Harry Potter movie, Prisoner of Azbaban, won't come out until 2004. That means that Return of the King will get all the views in 2003!
Extended DVD Review - Switz
leo @ 11:53 am EST
Switz here again. Now that I have had a chance to reflect at length about the extended version (and have gotten some sleep), let me share some additional details. SPOILERS!?!
In the prologue, we see Isuldur put on the ring, roll down the river embankment, and then the ring slips off (of its own accord?) into the water, he is shot in back.
After prologue, Bilbo is sitting writing "Concerning Hobbits" and there is much dialogue (some directly from books) about hobbits and their lifestyle. Also Sackville-Bagginses get mentioned. Then cut to Frodo sitting under tree reading when he hears Gandalf.
There were things inserted into the birthday party scene: Bilbo and Frodo dodging the Sackville-Bagginses, Bilbo telling Frodo why he took Frodo in after his parents died.
Additional footage at tavern (can't remember name) in Hobbiton after Bilbo has left, Merry and Pip singing, everyone having grand old time. Sam makes some comment about another hobbit "flirting" with Rosie as he and Frodo are leaving.
Trip to Bree has some minor additions, but my memory tells me things at Prancing Pony pretty much the same.
Trip to Weathertop takes longer, but I don't recall exact details, or dialogue. (Sorry) Flight to the Ford seems pretty much unchanged.
Rivendell opening unchanged. Boromir and Aragorn have additional dialogue ("Who are you?" "A friend of Gandalf the Grey.", additional dialogue between Arwen and Aragorn, dialogue between Aragorn and Elrond about Aragorn's mother and also about Arwen, Boromir talks about his dream to the council, Fellowship shown getting ready to depart (Arwen and other elves in scene, she with sort of teary eyes), Frodo leads them out of Rivendell, says to Gandalf "Which way, right or left?" (got big laugh).
Moria gate scene is extended. Gandalf tries more passwords. Watcher scene seemed a bit longer, more action (?). Once in Moria, much more dialogue: discussion of dwarves mining, show veins of mithril. Somewhere in here, Pip does something foolish. Gandalf reprimands him, but I don't recall details. Reference to Smeagol is made by Gandalf in Moria scene after Frodo spies Gollum.
Fight with cave troll longer, Boromir get airlifted and slammed into wall, Sam seen doing more fighting as are Merry and Pippin. And Legolas seems to have more screen time as well. Flight to bridge of Khazad-dum seemed same, Balrog scenes maybe a bit longer, fall of Gandalf unchanged, as is scene outside Moria.
Much put back in Lothlorien. Haldir tells them they may not proceed any further, they're up in trees, he says something to Frodo about great evil, Haldir and Aragorn have a conversation in Elvish (Aragorn obviously trying to plead Frodo's case and their need for assistance), additional dialogue with Celeborn and Galadriel talking to fellowship, mor dialogue between Boromir and Aragorn about Minas Tirith, mirror scene longer (Galadriel shows Frodo Nenya), gift-giving scene (everyone gets cape, bow for Legolas, daggers for Merry and Pip, rope for Sam (and he asks for a dagger, too!), don't recall Boromir's gift, Aragorn and Galadriel have talk about Arwen, Gimli asks for nothing (get hair from Galadriel), light of Earendil for Frodo.
I think there is additional dialogue between Frodo and Boromir after landing. Also, I think there may have been a few more sentences between Frodo and Aragorn about the ring. Fight at end is longer. Legolas shoots off six arrows in rapid succession, instead of only 3 in the original cut. More action with Aragorn and Gimli as well.
Merry and Pip seem more aggressive, Boromir fights longer to keep Merry and Pippin safe before being shot.
That's about all I can remember. Some additional general impressions that I have from heard dialogue (but can't remember placement): one gets a better feeling for the animosity the elves have for dwarves from some things that Legolas says, instead of just Haldir's comments and the animosity that comes from Gimli. Merry and Pippin start to change, beginning to realize that they must defend themselves and Frodo, losing their innocence.
Again, my comment from last night that this should have been the theater release still holds true. Again, I applaud New Line for having the guts to allow Peter to film all three movies at once (quite a gamble without knowing what the return would be), but I wish they had gone out on the limb just a bit further to have allowed the release of this longer version. As it stands right now, except for those of us last night who won the Moviefone contest and some other specially invited people, everyone will be watching this spectacular visual sight on a small TV screen. And the digital clarity was absolutely fabulous. Maybe we need to start a campaign to have New Line put the extended version into some theaters to afford everyone the opportunity for the big screen experience. Or is there some long range plan to have a "Day with LOTR" and book a theater and show all 3 extended versions (because TT is coming in at around 2:45 so there will probably be an extended version DVD also!), at once, with potty and dinner breaks between each?
Thanks to everyone at TORN (that's how I found out about the Moviefone/AOL contest). Keep up the great work.
-- Switz
Media Watch: PocketGames Magazine
Xoanon @ 11:45 am EST
Simpetarwen writes: I went out to get the PlayStation Magazine for the TTT DVD game thanks to your posting on TORn and found this on the newsstand as well: PocketGames Winter issue (on newsstands until Jan 1, 2003) - cover article "LOTR:TTT World-exclusive First Review - Every tough level mapped & boss strategies outlined!" There is a full review of the Electronic Arts Game Boy Advance LOTR:TTT game (p.51-54), which includes a run-down of the 5 character-warriors for the game (with mention of a mysterious sixth character), a very brief review of the upcoming film as well as previous animated films and the books. The best though is (in their own words) "an enormous, chokingly comprehensive walkthrough of TTT." They aren't kidding either! There are seventeen (17) pages (pages 78 to 95) of character studies, artifact descriptions, screen shots for the world maps with map keys identifying significant concerns, and a tremendous discussion of "game-breaking strategies".
Extended DVD Review - girloftheShire
leo @ 11:43 am EST
Hi!
I had one of the most enjoyable experiences ever last night! I want to thank New Line Cinema and Moviefone SO MUCH!!!!! I was a lucky winner of the special extended edition sweepstakes in Chicago.
I arrived at the theater two hours early, and there wasn't an elf, hobbit, mortal, or spirit in line! I was the first one there. But my guest and I decided to walk around a while, and when we came back there was someone else in line. They were joking about how this was probably all a big hoax, and the theater people would probably just stick us in front of a little TV screen and pop in the video! Thankfully, it was so much better than that.
The line really started filling shortly before 5, and at 5 we were allowed inside the theater, and finally out of the freezing cold! Meanwhile, "White Oleander" viewers were allowed in upon arrival. Argh....
Once in the theater, a lady and her husband in front of us started chatting and she was also a die-hard Rings fan, and I asked everyone I met there last night if they visited theonering.net regularly, and everyone said yes! This lady said she lives on the site. So do I :) We talked with her for a long time which was really nice, and helped the hour till show time go by fast.
Finally, there was movement on the screen. Everyone in the theater errupted with clapping, yelling, and shouts of "Frodo lives!" ...The following preview has been aproved for all adiences... you got it! We saw the new Two Towers trailor!!!!!! And this screen we saw it on was massive! Huge! Monstrous!!!!! It was brilliant. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the preview alone. Everyone was cheering at the end of it, too. Then the movie began.
The extended edition seems so much different than the theatrical release! There's not only man new scenes, but there's also great one-liners added in. And there's so many more comical lines/scenes. My favorite is when the fellowship is leaving Rivendell, and Elrond informs them none of them must go further than they will. They say, "We await the Ringbearer," and let Frodo go first. When he starts leaving, he pauses and asks, "Mordor, Gandalf. Is it left or right?" Gandalf replies, "Left." Great stuff! There's so much more hilarious stuff like that! Especially with Pippin. All in all, this movie was so awesome, and it was magnificent seeing it on the big screen. Tolkien fans will love the movie even more after seeing this. So buy it the day it comes out (as if you weren't going to already)!!
~girloftheShire
Extended DVD Review - Mary
leo @ 11:39 am EST
Wow!!!!
I saw the Extended Edition of LOTR in Chicago last night! It was so much fun to see it with other fans. Cries of delight at added scenes. You gain insight into the internal struggles of both Frodo and Aragorn. The Lothlorian additions (Sam singing, the company receiving their gifts) is wonderful.
I can only compare it to when they clean an old masterpiece of art and it reveals breath-taking details. The Extended Edition adds detail to this film masterpiece.
Mary in Chicago
Extended DVD Review - Douglas
leo @ 11:37 am EST
I saw the extended version screening at Universal Studios in Los Angeles this evening and, put simply, The extended version of "The Fellowship Of The Ring" rocks and rules! Such a big improvement! Now the ring's betrayal of Isildur makes visual sense, more maps, LOTS more Hobbiton! Much more Lothlorien with vital stuff restored, like the giving of Galadriel's gifts. A little bit more Gollum. Some of Tolkien's jokes restored. Aragorn & Boromir have a much more complete relationship arc, so Boromir's swearing of fealty as he dies no longer comes from left field. Celeborn has enough lines to establish his identity. We finally meet the Gaffer, and Vita Sackville-Baggins, who is every bit the hobbit harridan she should be. And some unecessary but very welcome shots of additional breathtaking scenic beauty. And then there's the shot of the Urak-Hai warrior licking Boromir's blood off his blade before going after Aragorn. Nasty. Fights are more violent overall.
Definately the definitive version! Now I can't wait for "The Two Towers" extended version, and I haven't even seen the release version yet.
Douglas McEwan
Extended DVD Review - plaidpjs
leo @ 11:31 am EST
Greetings TORN! I was lucky enough to have gotten to see the expanded edition of Lord of the Rings at one of last nights viewings. All of the scenes were added so seamlessly that I really do feel this is Peter Jackson's true vision of the story. While I've heard many accounts detailing the footage itself, what I found the most noticable was how the extended footage really added to deepening the relationships between the characters and provided more insight into their actions. Even the brief and subtle additons add immensely to the flow of the storyline. The overall effect is simply a superior version overall, with more humor, insight and drama. Sincerely, plaidpjs
Extended DVD Review - Shawna
leo @ 11:25 am EST
Thanks to an online pal who won tickets, I got to attend this great screening Tuesday night. The biggest thing: This wasn't just a movie with a few new scenes spliced in, it was a whole 'nother movie entirely. Very, very few scenes were exactly as they were before, and the whole thing seemed completely re-scored, so even familiar scenes sometimes had slightly different music in them. Sometimes it was something as small as just a new cut to a different camera angle on something, or even a single line that had been added or changed, so all in all, it was a completely fresh Scene-by-scene as much as I can remember. Some of these descriptions will sound familiar if you've read the reviews so far. Prologue: A new bit of business with Isildur fighting and putting on the Ring, which he loses in the river. Opening sequence is completely changed, and is now a great voiceover by Bilbo as he writes "Concerning Hobbits" with a few bits of funny Hobbit business, and a beautiful shot of Sam lovingly planting flowers outside Bag End. Bilbo gets interrupted by people knocking on the door, and has a truly fantastic freakout moment when he misplaces the Ring. Then it cuts to the opening we're familiar with, with Frodo reading and happening on Gandalf. There is a fair amount of new dialogue here, and some of Gandalf's dialogue is replaced by Bilbo's voiceovers. This bit felt slightly disjointed, to me, but I did love the new lines. The party scene has a few new bits in it, including a great Bilbo/Frodo sequence which spells out more of their relationship and is also quite funny. New scene: The Green Dragon. Singing, table dancing Merry and Pip! With Frodo running around the table they're on! Frodo and Sam and the Gaffer chatting about strange goings-on. A very brief glance between Rosie and Sam, who turns away from her. A bit more on their exit from the pub, where the hobbit behind Sam says goodnight to Rosie in an efflusive manner, and Sam gets indignant. Frodo pats him and says, "Don't worry, Sam. Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one." whereupon Sam pauses, confused and concerned and says "You think she does?" My take: I could've done without this bit, because I disliked how it portrayed Sam as a doofus. Next new scene: Frodo and Sam on their journey, Frodo reading, Sam cooking. They hear the singing of the wood elves, and go watch them leave, and talk about the Havens. Wonderful foreshadowing here, where Sam says that the whole idea of sailing away, never to return, makes him very sad. Frodo and Sam have a lovely moment between them with this. Next great new scene: Frodo and Sam laying by the fire, trying to get sleep. Sam complains about being poked in the back by roots, and Frodo tells him, in a quiet, loving and gentle voice, to imagine being back in his bed, with soft feather pillows. Sam listens to him, and they lay there for a moment, and then he says, "nope, this isn't going to work, I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight." Frodo smiles gently and says, "Me neither, Sam." There were a few new bits on the journey to Bree, and in Bree itself. New lines from the Gatekeeper and Barliman. There's a small bit in the Midgewater marshes, and a few other new long shots. There are a couple of new shots of Merry actually saying his "how do we know..." line, and a nice little dig about the way Aragorn smells! Then there's a lovely little scene where Viggo sings a song about Beren and Luthien. He plays this very well, in terms of the Aragorn/Arwen story. Weathertop is the same, but there's a great little added line at the stone trolls from Sam. The horse chase and waking up in Rivendell is the same. We meet Boromir, who has a few more lines and interaction with Aragorn. The Council scene has a major new added bit, where Boromir goes for the Ring, and Gandalf stops him by chanting "Azh Nazg..." which causes all hell to break loose. There are a few new shots here and there of everyone during this. Even Figwit gets a new shot! Woo! There's the scene of Aragorn at his mother's grave, talking to Elrond, which is great. The best bit in Rivendell, though, is when the Comapny departs, and Frodo looks achingly beautiful, and small, as he tries to be courageous and lead the party out, but has to ask Gandalf which way Mordor is. The journey: A few more long shots. The most fantastic bit here is an extension of the Boromir/Merry/Pippin scene, where Aragorn goes to pull M/P off Boromir, and they attack him as well, knocking him down, all of them ending up in a giggling pile. Caradhras: There's a new shot of Merry and Pip, freezing their poor little hobbit butts off, and Boromir saying they can't survive the cold. The walls of Moria: A lovely new sequence here, where Gimli waxes poetic a bit more, as they search for the door, and Legolas (!) has a funny line about it!!! (I absolutely loved this, and I hope he gets more funny lines in the next movies--it's a nice break from his normal suave sniper character.) There is a drop-dead funny bit where Pippin teases Gandalf for not being able to open the doors and Gandalf says he'll use Pip's head to bust them open if he doesn't shush. Inside the Mines there is a new sequence where they discuss what Moria's true treasure was (Mithril.) The cave troll sequence is extended a bit with a few new bits of action, primarily focusing on Boromir. Balrog and all that is pretty much the same. The next new stuff is Lothlorien, which is HUGELY expanded. It almost seems criminal to me now, how much they sliced from the theatrical version. There is a ton of new Haldir stuff, and a lot of new dialogue in Elvish (including some from Legolas.) There is even a line in Dwarvish, too, which is great. There is a lot of new Celeborn and Galadriel stuff at the meeting. There's an expanded bit between Merry and Legolas ("I haven't the heart to tell you..") and then a cute bit with Sam trying to recite some poetry for Gandalf. There's a new bit where Galadriel shows Nenya to Frodo during the Mirror scene. The gifting and send off is all new, and we get to see a softer, gentler side of Galadriel, which is great. Sam makes her laugh, with a funny little question. Galadriel and Aragorn have a scene talking about Arwen. Then there's the Lembas scene, as Dom described at the ComiCon breakfast. I won't spoil that one for you any more, but suffice it to say I had to force myself to stop laughing, and that it's pure Peter Jackson. Celeborn and Aragorn have a scene where Celeborn tells him that there are "new orcs" pursuing them. They all finally push off down the river, and then there's a new scene where they stop for the night. Boromir spies Gollum, and then has a confrontation with Aragorn, where we see how he's really starting to lose it. Sam goes all concerned on Frodo and tries to get him to eat something. The next newness is in the Amon Hen battle scene where we get to see a lot more battle action from Legolas, Merry and Pippin. There's a fabulous new bit in the Lurtz/Aragorn battle. And then a heartbreaking new line at the end of Boromir's death scene. That's about it. I'm sure I've forgotten a few things, and I haven't quite gone into as much detail as I'd like, but this is the gist of it. It's absolutely wonderful, and I could seriously watch it another 9 times (as I saw the original in the theater), as a whole new movie. I loved seeing more smiles from Galadriel and Legolas, more funny lines, more character interaction, more setup of Pippin as a ninny (which will be lovely to contrast with how much his character grows later), more sensitive Aragorn, more tidbits of history and details, more non-English dialogue, more screentime for Haldir and Celeborn, and, best of all, for this hobbit, more Sam and Frodo! Thanks, Peter! -Shawna
experience. Being able to see it at the wonderful Cinerama (with the new TTT trailer before, too--woot!) made it all the better, as well.
For Viggophiles Everywhere!
Demosthenes @ 8:24 am EST
Way back when Viggo Mortensen was last in Wellington, the people at Antipodean Viggophile took some video of the occasion. The video has been set to music and the result is a quirky four-part view of the day Antipodean Viggophiles converged on Wellington. We've hosted them all here for convenience, but you can also find them here. The music is by a fantastic kiwi band called Rhombus, and you really should check out Antipodean Viggophile, who were kind enough to let us host these files. By the way, you will need Quicktime to view these files. You can get it here.
EXCLUSIVE: Amazing Decipher Trading Card Images
Demosthenes @ 5:38 am EST
TORn Staffer Quickbeam got the lowdown for us on six fantastic new cards that Decipher is about to release. These awesome cards are from "The Two Towers" set that Decipher is releasing on Wednesday, November 6th. We've got the EXCLUSIVE first look at these images, so enjoy! Update We've added another two images from the Two Towers deck for your viewing enjoyment. Now you can check out "From the Armoury" and "Khazad Ai-menu". They're directly below, and the others are slightly further down. Thanks to Elf of Ossiriand for sending these in!
From the Armoury
Gimli models the latest in chainmail for Legolas and Aragorn. From the way Legolas and Aragorn are standing, it looks as though they are trying very hard not to laugh ...
Khazad Ai-Menu
A dwarven battle cry from elves? But wait and look a little closer ...
Brought Back Alive
Merry and Pippin being carried by Uruks of Mordor and Isengard.
Easterling Axeman
Check the detail on the helm of this Easterling! You can even see his eyes through the visor slits.
Hornburg Courtyard
A beautiful statue in the courtyard of the Hornburg at Helm's Deep. Could this be Helm Hammerhand himself? Note the horn he's carrying in addition to the warhammer in the left hand. Of course, Tolkien's Helm went unarmed when slaying Dunlendings.
Elite Rider
This is one of the elite riders of Rohan. Perhaps a member of Eomer's Eored, which did battle with the orcs that took Merry and Pippin?
Flanking Attack
These Oliphaunts of the Haradrim really are huge. Big as a house is an understatement.
Treebeard
Hoom! I dom't want to be hasty, but this is just beyond amazing! If you're wondering how much infuence Alan Lee might have add in Treebeard's creation, check out his famous illustration from Lord of the Rings here.
Moviefone/AOL Extended Edition Screening Report!
Demosthenes @ 3:28 am EST
Switz was one of the very lucky people to see the Extended Edition at the theatre this evening, and wrote this little report for us: I just got home from the Extended LOTR screening at McClurg Court in downtown Chicago. What a spectacular movie! I give New Line a great deal of credit for their gamble, but I wish they had had the guts to go with the long version as the original theater release. The additional details, scenes, backstory titbits (Aragorn's mother, Sacville-Baggins jokes, Smeagol reference) really added to the experience. Can hardly wait the extra week to be able to see this version again!!
Chris Lee Talks About Those Saruman Rumours
Demosthenes @ 2:55 am EST
Well, if you're soundless (like my computer has been for the last month), or simply don't have Quicktime, here's a transcript of what Chris had to say: Interviewer: As you know, there was some concern over the proposed changes in the death of Saruman, before you left for NZ. Has that issue been resolved? Christopher Lee: The answer to that, quite simply, is that I don't know. This subject has come up, many times. I've even been quoted as saying that I've signed a petition, which had been drawn up by a lot of people asking for changes to be made. I don't know where they got the information from as to what happens to Saruman in the Two Towers. I don't really know myself. There has been no final decision made as to how Saruman dies. That I can say. Interviewer: Are you happy with that? Christopher Lee: Yes because there are alternative possiblities. And the one that people think they know is the answer, is not necessarily correct. But I can't honestly say, because that lies in the hands of the director when he cuts the picture. The end! And what does all that mean? Certainly that - as has been speculated - multiple death scenes were filmed for Saruman. The one that people think they know is almost certainly the infamous (notorious?) Wizard Kabob ending. In fact, some people believe that Wizard Kabob is a prank that Peter Jackson played on people attempting to spy on the production. But is it the *one*? Even that, Chris doesn't know. He says it's "not necessarily correct". Of course, that doesn't automatically mean it's wrong and it doesn't mean it's right either. I guess we'll have to keep that in mind as we wait to find out!
| 11-05-02 Latest News |
Andy Serkis Confirmed For UK Booksigning Event Tomorrow!
Xoanon @ 1:13 pm EST
Lord of the Rings star celebrates book launch with Tolkien fans Andy Serkis, the British actor who plays the central character of Gollum, in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is appearing at Waterstones, Piccadilly on November 6 at 1.30pm. As the first public event fans have the chance to meet a key cast member and view exclusive clips from the film the build-up starts here! Andy is coming down to meet many hundreds of Tolkien fans of all ages who are converging to celebrate the launch of HarperCollins official children¹s¹ and adults¹ tie-in books for The Two Towers, the second of Peter Jackson¹s spectacular Lord of the Rings trilogy. The ghoulish character of Gollum features heavily in the latest film release as he scours Middle Earth in pursuit of the Ring he once possessed. For one day only, Andy will be reacquainted with the Ring that tormented his character throughout the film trilogy. As well as joining in with a talk with local schoolchildren and the authors, Brian Sibley and Jude Fisher, Andy is available for a photocall at 1.45pm and press interviews from 2.30pm until 4pm as part of a full day of Lord of the rings activity. Children from St Peters School and St Georges Hanover School in Westminster are unaware of the presence of this Lord of the Rings celebrity until he is unveiled Brian and Jude when they begin their talk on the works of Tolkien and the film trilogy at 2pm. Andy originally auditioned to provide the voice-over for the computer-generated Gollum, but the actor whose film work includes ŒTopsy Turvey¹ and Œ24 Hour Party People¹ gave such a physical performance to the reading of the part that director Peter Jackson requested Andy act out Gollum¹s scenes with Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin). Broadcaster and author, Brian Sibley, and fantasy author and publisher, Jude Fisher, will be in store from midday to discuss and sign copies of their new titles, ŒThe Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy¹ and ŒThe Two Towers Visual Companion¹ respectively. The authors will then host a chat forum at 6.30 p.m. for members of the public to discuss Tolkien and the film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, which will be followed by Q&As and book signings. As the official chroniclers of Peter Jackson¹s Oscar-winning interpretation of the Tolkien novels, Brian and Jude made numerous visits on location in New Zealand. In the company of Jackson and the principal cast, including Sir Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen and Christopher Lee, they observed the making of one of the most long-awaited and challenging productions of all time.
Gollum retrieves his precious Ring for one day as Middle Earth comes to London
Even Santa makes concessions for the kids of Hogwarts and the little folk of Middle-earth
Xoanon @ 12:31 pm EST
No studio wants to clash with holiday titans "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." So Christmas comes early to theaters as Tim Allen's "The Santa Clause 2" debuted Friday, one day after Halloween, marking an unusually speedy start to Hollywood's holiday season. The 1994 original, in which Allen played a divorced dad who inherits the Kris Kringle gig after accidentally snuffing Santa, opened almost four weeks before Thanksgiving. That time slot this year is occupied by the second adventure of Harry and friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their first adventure, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was last year's top-grossing movie. The first "Lord of the Rings" film ran a close second in 2001's box-office chart, so with part two coming just before Christmas, Disney chose to deliver "Santa Clause 2" early rather than risk being buried by the Hogwarts express and the hobbit stampede. "I believe now after the heat we've been getting on our movie that we could probably compete with `Harry Potter,' " Allen said. "But you have to stay away from big movies like `Harry Potter' or `Lord of the Rings.' You just have to." POWERFUL PAIR OF SEQUELS Director Chris Columbus and all major cast members return for the second "Harry Potter," including Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, and Emma Watson and Rupert Grint as chums Hermione and Ron. Grint said the new movie "has a lot more action. I prefer it to the first one. It's darker, and it's quite funny, as well." Adapted from the second of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" best-sellers, the movie chronicles Harry's second year at Hogwarts as he deals with the celebrity of his first-year heroics and a new danger lurking at the school. Radcliffe said he gets to reveal a more ominous side to Harry. "I think everybody has a dark side," Radcliffe said. "So I think it was great to be able to show Harry's dark side. It was great to be able to do, to show that he's not flawless, he's not the perfect person." Speaking of dark sides, director Peter Jackson's middle chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" picks up where the first left off, with the fellowship now fractured, its members striking off on separate journeys in their quest to destroy a ring of absolute evil. While Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) lead a confrontation against evil wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee), hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) carry the ring to the foul lands of Mordor, the hangout of ultimate bad guy Sauron. "Film One is a very linear story of this fellowship of nine characters finding their way through this land. Films Two and Three, the aperture opens wider, and you see a broader picture of Middle-earth," said Mark Ordesky, an executive producer of the trilogy, whose final installment comes next year.
"As Frodo and Sam creep their way along, they periodically pass by huge columns of evil-looking creatures that are being drawn to Sauron. He's like a lighthouse calling all evil to him. And then you've got Aragorn, the lost king of Gondor. He sees that no one's really working together, and he's nation building, and all of this is essentially a prelude to film three."
USM Group To Screen FoTR EE
Demosthenes @ 2:32 am EST
Here's an opportunity for people who live nearby the University of Southern Maine to see the extended edition of FoTR on a big screen! NB: I've updated this with some more information. Shaun writes: I recently finished talks with New Line Cinema concerning the license to a very special release coming this November. The Interactive Simulations Group/Board of Student Organizations of the University of Southern Maine presents: The Lord of the Rings View the complete, extended version of the masterpiece film directed by Peter Jackson. With more than 30 minutes of additional footage re-intergrated into the film, this version will NOT be shown in theatres. Here is your chance to see the epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic as it was meant to be (on a big screen). You can watch this epic film at USM on November 17th, 2002 at the Luther Bonney Auditorium. Where: Luther Bonney Hall Auditorium is located at the USM-Portland campus (Portland, Maine). Easy to find as it is right off EXIT 6 of I-295. Screening begins at 2:00pm. Admission is free and open to all USM students/Community members. It is also open to the general public. We are using the A/V system in the auditorium which includes a projection system which is attached to a computer and A/V rack. DVD projection will be used. I expect the picture to be pretty good (we recently showed AKIRA S/E), the sound acceptable (stereo) but not full Dolby 8.1 or THX. Won't be the same quality as was presented in the recent ten screenings (I wish) but still on a big screen and much better then watching at home. The auditorium seats about 100-125. The added enjoyment of watching it with fellow fans is the big plus! A popcorn machine/stand will also be running overtime.... For those who make it along, enjoy!
The Fellowship of the Ring: Special Extended Edition
Running time: 208 minutes (Intermission will occur for 10 minutes).
The Card that Flipped -- DecipherCon Day Four
Quickbeam @ 12:00 am EST
Greetings -- Quickbeam here. This day held a special treat for me. I sat down with two of the LOTR Trading Card Game's senior designers, Chuck Kallenbach and Tom Lischke. I learned a lot about what happens behind the secret walls of Decipher. Quickbeam: At what point in developing these Two Towers cards did you see the wonderful images from Peter Jackon's new film? I heard a rumor that you had an entire reel of film and used a telecine to freeze frame at any point in the movie you wished -- just to pick out prime images for the cards. True? Chuck: Well, that rumor is completely true. But only for the Star Wars CCG. When we worked on that, it was already 20 years old. There were no secrets. Now when we work on LOTR cards, we start several months before the release of the film. When we started TTT design in April 2002, there wasn't even a rough cut of the film yet. Tom: We have never seen a rough cut. Our art director, Dan Burns, will go down to New Zealand and choose several hundred images from what New Line Cinema allows him see. Those images go into a process where we get low resolution versions quickly (sent from NZ) to use in designing cards. C: They have to burn the files onto a CD and send them. However, when we first started work we had the story and script to work from, which gave us a jumping off point for card design. T: We also had the books! That's always the better place to begin. Q: I know many fans will be pleased to hear you are turning to the original source. C: With the Sauron Orcs in TTT, we already knew without the movie that there would be conflict within the ranks about what they would do with Merry and Pippin. So we designed a lot of cards for Sauron Culture that would exemplify that in game play. But when we got our image resources we found there were no images for those particular Orcs. So we made changes to the cards at the development stage to account for that. Q: After the Fellowship base card set, you no longer had to rely just on preliminary images from a CD. You could draw from the entire film after its theatrical release for all future cards. C: Yes. There were things that New Line certainly did not want us to reveal too early -- like the Balrog -- which as you know did not appear in the Fellowship base set. It showed up in the later Mines of Moria expansion in the spring so as not to spoil the appearance of the creature as audiences saw it. T: We are sometimes surprised by how fortunate Decipher is in having the ability to use these images and bring them to fans in the first place. Q: Will there be more cards for Ents besides the one Treebeard? Even a separate Ent Culture? That would be awesome! C: Absolutely. Nobody wants Ents more than we do. We will probably stick with the original plan, which is to keep Ents in the Gandalf Culture. But that's two expansions down the road; the next one immediately coming in March 2003 is Battle of Helm's Deep expansion. Then after that will be the Ents of Fangorn expansion. Q: Now about this Gollum chap. Will we see him very soon, or will you wait until the later expansion? And which side will this card play on? Fellowship or Shadow player? Slinker or Stinker? C: Certainly Gollum will be in the Helm's Deep expansion. We wanted to put him in the first base set for TTT but could not. Much like the Balrog. Now to your second question. He is the one character that we get questioned about the most. Everyone has an interest in him and how he will affect the game. Why not have Gollum play on both sides? I will say nothing more for now. Q: What is the best story you have about creating a card for the new TTT set? From first thought of design all the way to final print run.... C: These cards are like our children. We love them all equally. T: For my part, this TTT process was more like an engineering project than the Fellowship set. We already understood the game mechanics and had to focus on shoring up what worked and what did not. It was more about thinking in the larger framework and expanding the horizon of the entire game for the future. Where it would go and how it would continue to work in the long-term. Q: Having so many new characters to choose from, as you work on designs, must make your office feel like a playground. You have all these heroic and dastardly people to choose from -- and then have to figure out where they fit in game play. T: We really focused on making the Elves feel like Elves. The Ithilien Rangers must feel like Ithilien Rangers. So we have this whole new palette to paint from and we were careful not to mix up the colors. Q: There's a remarkably varied audience for this game. There are really casual players, like the suburban Mom who enjoys the beautiful images of Orlando Bloom and just sits down with her kids to play -- and then you have serious players seeking to dominate the tournament circuit. How do you consider this disparity when you are designing the game? T: You've just described the central design issue for a licensed TCG. The short form of this process is accessibility. That means "depth without too much complexity." Any given card should be understandable.... all players should be able to quickly read it and understand it. That makes it good for casual players. But the meat of the game for veteran players comes from how those relatively simple cards might interact to create much more depth and tactical possibility. Q: What about your personal love of Tolkien's works? Is it something that creates a special bond between the designers and the project -- getting to work on something which you are already fanatical about? T: I know of one bond between us and the project. Several of us had played the earlier Middle-earth CCG from Iron Crown Enterprises and enjoyed the experience playing together.... years before Decipher acquired the license. For me it extends way beyond that. I've been a Tolkien fan and collector for years, collecting every edition of The Hobbit and LOTR that I came across. Q: So this really runs in your blood? T: Absolutely. C: For me, the thing that draws and binds me to Tolkien's work is the struggle of the characters against prejudice and adversity. That's what brings me back to the story over and over -- perhaps what connects all Tolkien fans. It's what we seek to recreate in our game. If we can make that connection we are doing justice to the wonderful work that we get to interpret. Did you ever want to play LOTR but your friend had gone off to the dentist? It's the middle of the night and you wanted to challenge another player from Germany? Ever thought of going head-on with the champions and even trading cards with them? Well, it won't be long before we have the perfect solution to these nagging quandries. The new Online LOTR Trading Card Game is almost here! Decipher is close to revealing this fascinating new project -- with the help of their developer, World's Apart Productions. President Scott Martins gave me the inside scoop: the creative wheels are quickly spinning and the game will be ready for open Beta testing in April 2003. They have a cracker jack team of engineers, designers and artists working to bring it all together. This online version of the full LOTR TCG will include all the paper cards available in the game (even the new TTT cards), now made virtual. Going online under your own account you will find your cards listed; and before a match begins you can assemble any Deck you like. Then click over to a lobby where you'll find other players waiting with their own decks -- and you simply join in. I saw some really COOL interfaces for the game. You will recognize colors and shapes in the "playing field" that are recreations of card Culture templates (like Shire green with the big leaf or Ringwraith cold grey). Sections of this interface show the Site Path on the side, all your cards in one section -- and of course what your opponent has in play. They are planning to make it adjustable so you can customize it any way you please. And when I asked about getting some of Howard Shore's film score for use as incidental music in the game, I saw a light bulb go off over Scott's head. He said, "That just might be possible." Throughout the game you can see which part of your turn phase is current with little icons in the corner. Rules are fully enforced: the computer will never allow cheating or let someone illegally construct a deck. A little chat window on the bottom lets you talk to your opponent. Scott said they are probably going to include a "beginner's learning tool" that will highlight any useful card that should be played at certain times. Thus the novice will get much more familiar with his cards in real situations as he progresses. Tournaments around the clock. All kinds of tournaments. Can you imagine? The thirst for playing really good card games at any possible time will at last be quenched! You will get to trade with others anywhere -- anytime. With a secure trading system, Decipher will keep an electronic log of every card's owner and its entire history. Post on a message board what you have to offer (and what you want) and then the system automatically accepts from another player who comes along and offers up the cards you want. But they haven't quite figured it out the pricing yet. What will it cost the player? Decipher and World's Apart are very interested in getting input from YOU, the players.... It is likely that the LOTR Online TCG will have randomized booster packs just like the paper cards. We should all go to the website and tell them on the Message Boards what we think. This is going to be a fantastic product and having the chance to give input during its creation is even better. You can even sign up to be a Beta tester! [Click here] This whole experience at DecipherCon has been a blast. And it has really changed my mind about the LOTR Trading Card Game. To me, I just love playing the game. To others, it is a serious bug they catch, trying to collect every card they can (shiny foils, foreign language cards, etc). Of course you have the hard-core tournament players, who are all quite brilliant. Now I have learned that this gaming thing has another powerful aspect: Community. When we had brunch for the Championship winners Sunday morning, a whole room of people were brought together. The tension of the previous Tournament now evaporated! Previous opponents who sat across the battle lines of the game were now friends again, enjoying a good talk. Players who once locked horns were now back to being pals. It felt rather like a big extended family; they have rough spots when the stakes are high (and they get passionate about it), but when it's all over they sit back down and trade, discuss strategies, and relax with good company. But they are still part of the family. I recognized that this "community" of players is exactly what the word implies. There was an awards ceremony where the Decipher Game Management Authority recognized the many judges, volunteers, retailers and players who support the larger world of gaming. This was the first ever Decipher Hall of Fame Awards. [click here] Matthew Yakobina won a special award as 2002 DGMA Player of the Year for being "one of the most consistent performers" in many tournaments world-wide. He also got a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The top winners for the LOTR World Championships received their One Rings and cash awards; and in the case of Matthieu Brochu, a gorgeous glass trophy and the keys to his new PT Cruiser. He's driving back to Canada in style! It was such a shining moment for all of them. I was glad to see such dedication and hard work given the acknowledgment it deserves. It refreshed my notions of what makes this "world of gaming" really connect, and how it can fulfill the people who live it. Much too hasty,