Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Versions) - April 6, 2010

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Silmarillion is a can of worms that would be even more difficult to film than LOTR. The material is so dense that movies could be made from individual chapters (Ainulindale, Valaquenta, Turin, Beren and Luthien, Tuor, Earendil, Akallabeth, etc.). The subject matter primarily concerns elves instead of men, so there would probably be a bigger disconnect from potential audiences, compared to LOTR. Also, the outcome of the battles is mostly in favor of "dark" forces until the Valar finally become involved, and much of the subject matter is not pretty. So although it could probably be done - and would be interesting - it would require several movies and would not be as appealing as to the masses as LOTR.

The writing style is very dry.

Other related writings were a little more interesting. Like the first meeting between Thorin and Gandalf.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by radagast

The writing style is very dry.

During my first attempts to read it, I gave up a couple of times. When you develop famililarity with the names, terminology, themes, and Tolkien's overall philosophy, it becomes progressively easier. It evolved in his mind and was written and re-written from 1917 to 1977 (Tolkien's son finished it after his death). So what we're seeing is the passion of an Oxford Professor of Anglo Saxon, a self-proclaimed philologist ("one who loves words"), condensed over a period of more than 50 years - into slightly more than 300 pages! In my opinion, the most amazing thing about it is that, although Tolkien was a devout Catholic, you will search hard in Silmarillion or LOTR to find any evidence of his religious belief (it is there but "hidden"). He intentionally left it out and cited the overt religious character of the King Arthur legends as a deficiency.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Silmarillion is a can of worms that would be even more difficult to film than LOTR. The material is so dense that movies could be made from individual chapters (Ainulindale, Valaquenta, Turin, Beren and Luthien, Tuor, Earendil, Akallabeth, etc.). The subject matter primarily concerns elves instead of men, so there would probably be a bigger disconnect from potential audiences, compared to LOTR. Also, the outcome of the battles is mostly in favor of "dark" forces until the Valar finally become involved, and much of the subject matter is not pretty. So although it could probably be done - and would be interesting - it would require several movies and would not be as appealing as to the masses as LOTR.

Great post Grand Bob......great way to explain your opinion with deep insight on something you are obviously well versed in.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

During my first attempts to read it, I gave up a couple of times. When you develop famililarity with the names, terminology, themes, and Tolkien's overall philosophy, it becomes progressively easier. It evolved in his mind and was written and re-written from 1917 to 1977 (Tolkien's son finished it after his death). So what we're seeing is the passion of an Oxford Professor of Anglo Saxon, a self-proclaimed philologist ("one who loves words"), condensed over a period of more than 50 years - into slightly more than 300 pages! In my opinion, the most amazing thing about it is that, although Tolkien was a devout Catholic, you will search hard in Silmarillion or LOTR to find any evidence of his religious belief (it is there but "hidden"). He intentionally left it out and cited the overt religious character of the King Arthur legends as a deficiency.

Tolkien disliked Christian allegory, which ironically his friend C.S. Lewis was known for in his fiction. There are books analyzing Tolkien's "mythology for Britain" which notes that just the same, his Christian beliefs do influence some of the mythology. Monotheism is one example.

[Grand Bob]

Originally Posted by radagast

Tolkien disliked Christian allegory, which ironically his friend C.S. Lewis was known for in his fiction.

After reading his "Letters", one wonders how they maintained their friendship!

[Goldengirl]

I was unsuccessful, even though I, too, am a Tolkien nerd. But I put the audiobook on (read by Martin Shaw) and I was able to follow it closely. I came to love it so much, that at one point I couldn't tell ya if I preferred it to LotR itself or not. Probably that's cause I love the elves (as written by Tolkien) and yes, most of the stories deal with elves (except Of Turin Turambar). I urge folks who are interested to try listening to it--Martin Shaw is a popular British actor, and he knows how to bring out the best in these stories by voice alone. I'd love to see them dramatized, like on an HBO series, but this is doubtful in my lifetime (I'm a Golden girl) due to the resistance, or rather refusal of the Tolkien Estate.

My best advice to new readers, though, would be to skip the Ainulindale and Valaquenta entirely at first. You will want to go back, after you get into the Silmarillion proper, and read those, cause they tell you about the Powers (the Valar) and the Maiar (the "lesser powers, which Sauron and Gandalf are categorized by.) The back- story of Numenorians (the men that Aragorn is descended from) is also very interesting.

[LeBougre]

Just like in Germany, we'll have in France (on April 6th, same release dae than the US) a Steelbook for each movie !

[vegeta88]

Originally Posted by LeBougre

Just like in Germany, we'll have in France (on April 6th, same release dae than the US) a Steelbook for each movie !

I don't think I can properly express just how awesome those are

[demiscy]

the trilogy cover looks good..
I dont think the individuals are the final ones.. too much "credits" on the bottom of the front cover...

[panamablu]

Originally Posted by iFarid

Warner Bros. did in fact release packaging info for the trilogy a couple of months ago in flyers.

They're 3 seperate blue cases with the original 2-Disc DVD artwork.

That"s great news!

[lDlisturb3d]

Why are they gonna make us double Dip. Come on how about some customer appreciation!

[mredman]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Why are they gonna make us double Dip. Come on how about some customer appreciation!

what sucks these are the greatest movies of all time

[philzilla]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Why are they gonna make us double Dip. Come on how about some customer appreciation!

how exactly are they making you?

[DaveFi]

Originally Posted by philzilla

how exactly are they making you?

Exactly. Don't buy it. I'm not.

[metalgeargreed]

Originally Posted by mredman

what sucks these are the greatest movies of all time

Can you give me next weeks lotto numbers?


I'm gonna double dip. I'll be enjoying my Lord of the Rings Blu Ray while the theatrical haters are watching.....their dvds.

[Adrock]

Originally Posted by metalgeargreed

Can you give me next weeks lotto numbers?


I'm gonna double dip. I'll be enjoying my Lord of the Rings Blu Ray while the theatrical haters are watching.....their dvds.

Cool avatar Maybe we'll see that on BD someday

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Why are they gonna make us double Dip. Come on how about some customer appreciation!

Why making you double dip? No one is making me double dip. I am not interested in the TE, I am not getting them.

[STARSCREAM]

Can't wait for these!

[vegeta88]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Why making you double dip? No one is making me double dip. I am not interested in the TE, I am not getting them.

We can't hold their temptations against us?!?!
The steel books are really enticing but I am going to try and hold strong ... no matter how long it takes

[Q?]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Why making you double dip? No one is making me double dip. I am not interested in the TE, I am not getting them.

My Precious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have stupid power over me, I'm getting them!