The Tolkien Thread.

[Gawdzilla]

Anybody read Lord of the Rings?

I stopped counting how many times I'd read after # 25 - and that doesn't count picking up a book to re-read a particular passage or more.

I'm going through it right now, as a matter of fact - I'm preparing to deploy to A-stan, and find I always return to it just before I say goodbye to my book collection. (Although, this time at least, I'm bringing it in digital form).

I've also been reading The Hobbit to my granddaughter, though she's a little too young to pay attention still.

Of course, read many (if not all) of JRRT's other works, as well as the stuff published by his son (facinating the way some stories developed, and what stuff got left on the cutting room floor).

Be safe out there.

And if you run out of reading material, Google Books has a poo-poo load of stuff, some free, some not.

[tnjrp]

They also had the best extras of any DVDs ever. I'm talking about the extended editions, of course.

Thou shalt not have other LOTR movies but the extended editions

Did go to the cineplex for the orinals myself tho. But the DVD versions are clearly superior.

[Gawdzilla]

They also had the best extras of any DVDs ever. I'm talking about the extended editions, of course.

Thou shalt not have other LOTR movies but the extended editions

Did go to the cineplex for the orinals myself tho. But the DVD versions are clearly superior.

I gave my theatrical releases away as soon the Ex-DVDs came out. Brenda and I watched the extras disk straight through each time. [/nerd]

[tnjrp]

Brenda and I watched the extras disk straight through each time. [/nerd]

I bow before your dork powers! Even I have not watched all of them on any release, tho I think my lifemate did sit through pretty much everything on The Fellowship of the Ring. Still, the bitz I did watch were very informative... Like the part where they show how the Uruk-Hai marching on the Helm's Deep past the jutting rock their leader climbs on to wave his sword/cleaver were all CGI puppets -- I though that scene was shot with actors

[Gawdzilla]

Brenda and I watched the extras disk straight through each time. [/nerd]

I bow before your dork powers! Even I have not watched all of them on any release, tho I think my lifemate did sit through pretty much everything on The Fellowship of the Ring. Still, the bitz I did watch were very informative... Like the part where they show how the Uruk-Hai marching on the Helm's Deep past the jutting rock their leader climbs on to wave his sword/cleaver were all CGI puppets -- I though that scene was shot with actors

I drooled over the Weta parts. I knew they'd be doing some awesome stuff in the future once that technology was generally available, and they haven't disappointed.

[Jumbo]

Brenda and I watched the extras disk straight through each time. [/nerd]

I've watched the lot too. I have a mini dvd player and watch a bit in bed and made it through the lot over a few weeks.

The sheer scale of the project is almost incoprehensible. The amount of work that is so subtle you may not notice is incredible too.

Th extras means i now have a clue about digital colour grading and it was interesting to see how it was used to emphasise actors lines by altering the lighting and colour on them as the delivered the lines.

As for the books i cant remember who many times i've read them. Currently i'm going through the Children of Hurin but the Silmarrilion is always on the go. The latter is IMO Tolkiens most interesting work and one i never tire of.

[Gawdzilla]

The movies were at times too good. The reason I say this that the hastily done bits really stand out for me. For example, the archer orcs at Isengard when the Ents attack. They have to keep to their backs to the camera because they've been very poorly made up. Definitely a third string effort there.

[Gawdzilla]

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

I would definitely advise seeing this before you buy it.

[j.mills]

The extras brought home to me still further what a magnificent project those movies were. The interviewees were so enthusiastic, the crafting so meticulous and creative. They seriously make me feel good about what humanity can accomplish, with best efforts and right goodwill. Everyone involved was plainly working hell for leather: assembling chainmail by hand, ffs; carving Theoden's sigil on the inside of his armour(!); and painting thousands of tiny skulls for a momentary scene only in the extended version... We might measure the advance of civilisation by the extent to which we are able to offer employment of that calibre to the widest number, so that everyone can not merely survive but love what they are doing. I'd have been happy to be even the tea-boy for those movies!

[Gawdzilla]

My favorite secondary character was Cancer Boy, the head of the army at the Battle of the Pellinor. He was also the bull Uruk in the first movie and the Lord of the Nazgul. They used him. :hehe:

[drl2]

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

I would definitely advise seeing this before you buy it.

I haven't clicked that link but I'm guessing if I did I'd find a line of orcs singing "Where there's a whip, <crack!> there's a waaaay"...

[Gawdzilla]

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

I would definitely advise seeing this before you buy it.

I haven't clicked that link but I'm guessing if I did I'd find a line of orcs singing "Where there's a whip, <crack!> there's a waaaay"...

It has the WORST vision of Sam Gamgee I've ever heard of.

[virphen]

Doesn't it also end about 2/3rds of the way through the story?

[Gawdzilla]

Doesn't it also end about 2/3rds of the way through the story?

At Helm's Deep.

[virphen]

Mmmmm, well that's a bit like stopping Star Wars at the end of Empire Strikes Back "fuck off, you're never going to find out what happens".

A little different when it's from a book though.

[Gawdzilla]

Mmmmm, well that's a bit like stopping Star Wars at the end of Empire Strikes Back "fuck off, you're never going to find out what happens".

A little different when it's from a book though.

Bakshi planned a three-parter, then money ran tight. He did Wizards and Fire and Ice, but never got the change up to do the last one. His option ran out before he could finish it.

But if you want truly crappy JRR, try the Rankin-Bass "Hobbit".

[j.mills]

I recall being impressed with the natural fluidity of movement in the animated effort. FWIW.

[Gawdzilla]

I recall being impressed with the natural fluidity of movement in the animated effort. FWIW.

They used too much rotogravure because they couldn't animate it all, no money. (Assuming you're talking about the Bakshi LOTR.)

[j.mills]

That's cheaper? Is it different to the two years of rotoscoping post-production they used on A Scanner Darkly?

(Yes, the Bakshi(?). Ironic name for someone who ran out of money - not very 'bakshi-ish'! Geddit? Geddit? )

[Shaker]

Bakshi(?). Ironic name for someone who ran out of money - not very 'bakshi-ish'! Geddit? Geddit? )

Oh dear