**RotK EE - Special Features** - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Avie · 12-13-2004, 12:31 PM

I cannot for the life of me recall who points this out but someone mentions the interesting parallels beteen Theoden and Denethor...both old men who have lost their sons and see the alternatives, Eomer in Theoden's case and Faramir in Denethor's, as poor substitutes. Interesting analogy.
But on another note entirely. That bloke from WETA could bore professionally for New Zealand. Pity it isn't an Olympic sport. I hear ONE more sentence about hobbit feet and I swear to God I'll eat my mac

Elladan and Elrohir · 12-13-2004, 10:37 PM

If they think Theoden thought Eomer was a poor substitute for him, then they're dumber than your average pretty-boy Mirkwood elf.

Rose Cotton · 12-19-2004, 03:24 PM

I loved the special features this time around. I really enjoyed hearing more information about our dear Proffesser Tolkien.

Of course any fan who heard that there would be a Aragon and Sauron duel was simply horrified including me. And so I went into the explination sceptical on how they could justify it. I still think it was a bad idea and am completely relieved that they changed it but when I was watching the explination on how it was going to be done I could help but be intriged by it. Not by the fighting but by the fact that Sauron would apear in a beautiful and glorious form.

I loved hearing all about the horses which I didn't think would be interesting at first. I also got a laugh at David Wenham's decription on how to look like your riding a horse.

Hearing the stories of the last days of the filming was very touching. And if anyone's afraid that these movies will fade from our minds we alway will know that we'll have the imprint of Viggo kissing Billy on our minds for all eternity.

You get the idea in part of the features that they're less for the fans and more for Peter Jackson and co. to try to earn our sympathy. The way they described all the trouble they went through really made me apreciate the movies.

I also enjoyed the little bit about Cameron Duncan. Very sweet.

The commetaries were what I always look forward to the most. So far I've watched the Director and Cast commentary. The cast commentary was as great as ever. Watching the director's commentary was a bit of a tease because PJ would keep hinting at scenes that he didn't put into the EE. One of which, when Samwise has to pass the watchers and Cirith Ungol, was a scene was was really hoping for and expecting.

If PJ dosn't make that 25th Anniversery Edition of the movies I'm going to have to kill him.

And thank God for pick ups and last minute changes. I don't know how many times I heard someone say, oh that was a pick up. It's like half the movie would have been gone without them.

That's pritty much my scope of the features. Can't wait till the Anniversery Edition.

Tigerlily Gamgee · 12-21-2004, 11:38 PM

I haven't had a chance to watch much of the extras yet, but I've enjoyed those which I did. I watched disk one of the commentary. There are a lot of interesting things in there, and the humor of Billy Boyd and Dominic Monghan really help keep your attention. I find that when it goes too long with just factual information it tends to lose my attention. Maybe I just have a horrible attention span.

I also watched the short piece with Ngila about the costume. I loved this section, because I love the costumes, and I wish it had been longer. The close up shots of Eowyn's gowns are wonderful, because they are some of my favorites, particularly the green gown. I was pleased, we well, to see some shots of her in her blue gown that weren't just of her shoulders. I was displeased, however, that the stills gallery did not contain pictures of this gown... only the underdress with the robe. Ah well.

Lastly, I've watched the piece about the horses. I loved this piece... I mean, I've been a horse lover for years, and I even took lessons for quite some time, so this was of particular interest to me. I loved when they talked about the training of the horses, and I got the biggest kick out of where they talked about "riding the barrell" (oh David Wenham... you saucy man... hehe). I also liked at the end, where they talked about how some of the cast and crew purchased their horses because of the relationships they ha built with them. How lovely

Evisse the Blue · 12-26-2004, 01:02 PM

IMO, the best part about this box set were the Special Features. I watched most of the documentaries and enjoyed all of them very much.

I agree with Essex that the first one concerning Tolkien was one of the best ever - it had lots (but not too much) valuable information and it was beautifully presented and commented upon by people who were obviously great admirers of the Professor.

I too loved the one about the horses...

very funny it was. I thought that was beautiful, that they gave their due to the horsies, because it was obvious they played a very important part in the movie. After watching this and the sound effects documentary (where they were describing various animal sounds) it did feel like I was watching Discovery Channel!

Not that I'm complaining, though.

Second to that, my favourite was the one (I forget the name) in which the crew and PJ recall the hellish days immediately before they had to hand in the completed, edited and cut ROTK movie right before the premiere...They actually came this close to not completing it and they were working under amazing pressure, days and nights on end to complete the damn thing.

I laughed out loud at the part when PJ said in an interview that 'Everything was under control". Oh my. If there was an inspirational piece put together for movie makers (and not only) this is it! Sort of echoes the Fellowship's task. In the end it makes you wonder if they achieved what is still (despite some flaws) a wonderful movie, the likes of which I've yet to see accomplished - by sheer luck, by the kiss of fate or simply hard work was all it took...

The end had me all in tears, with Viggo saying Namarië and all... It's touching, isn't it, to see how difficult it was for everyone involved in this project to let go... especially since now we know exactly how they felt...

Beruthiel · 12-29-2004, 05:19 AM

Oh I loved the features on this dvd SO much! I think its my favourite out of all the EEs. I really enjoyed the costume design one (Ngila Dickson is amazing! I want one of those dresses!), the horses riding one (who didn't think the barrel riding was hilarious?), Cameras in Middle Earth (Heart wrenching!) and the one about Cameron Duncan.

What was great about them is that you really feel part of the LOTR family that formed there and there are things that make you laugh but at the same time there are things that make you cry. I know I bawled my eyes out several times while watching this dvd!

I enjoyed the cast commentaries a lot. Billy and Dom are hilarious! Love those guys. Has anyone else seen the easter egg with Elijah and Dom? Classic!

Quote:

If there was an inspirational piece put together for movie makers (and not only) this is it!

It certainly inspired me! I wish I had the chance to work in the film industry...

This is by far my favourite of all the EEs not only because the movie is great, but the special features are just amazing! Cheers PJ!

Arwen Imladris · 12-29-2004, 08:58 PM

Yet again, the Special features were incredible. I'm really glad that PJ & co. did so much work for us. It really does mean a lot to be brought into their world.

Watching Elijah's last scene, that was so sad! I almost cried! I also thought it was very interesting to see the stuff about the music, I love Howard Shore.

12-13-2004, 12:31 PM	#1
Avie Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 20	I cannot for the life of me recall who points this out but someone mentions the interesting parallels beteen Theoden and Denethor...both old men who have lost their sons and see the alternatives, Eomer in Theoden's case and Faramir in Denethor's, as poor substitutes. Interesting analogy. But on another note entirely. That bloke from WETA could bore professionally for New Zealand. Pity it isn't an Olympic sport. I hear ONE more sentence about hobbit feet and I swear to God I'll eat my mac __________________ And my trusted servant Patsy

12-13-2004, 10:37 PM	#2
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	If they think Theoden thought Eomer was a poor substitute for him, then they're dumber than your average pretty-boy Mirkwood elf. __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING

12-19-2004, 03:24 PM	#3
Rose Cotton Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: A place worse then Mordor........School! Posts: 1,075	I loved the special features this time around. I really enjoyed hearing more information about our dear Proffesser Tolkien. Of course any fan who heard that there would be a Aragon and Sauron duel was simply horrified including me. And so I went into the explination sceptical on how they could justify it. I still think it was a bad idea and am completely relieved that they changed it but when I was watching the explination on how it was going to be done I could help but be intriged by it. Not by the fighting but by the fact that Sauron would apear in a beautiful and glorious form. I loved hearing all about the horses which I didn't think would be interesting at first. I also got a laugh at David Wenham's decription on how to look like your riding a horse. Hearing the stories of the last days of the filming was very touching. And if anyone's afraid that these movies will fade from our minds we alway will know that we'll have the imprint of Viggo kissing Billy on our minds for all eternity. You get the idea in part of the features that they're less for the fans and more for Peter Jackson and co. to try to earn our sympathy. The way they described all the trouble they went through really made me apreciate the movies. I also enjoyed the little bit about Cameron Duncan. Very sweet. The commetaries were what I always look forward to the most. So far I've watched the Director and Cast commentary. The cast commentary was as great as ever. Watching the director's commentary was a bit of a tease because PJ would keep hinting at scenes that he didn't put into the EE. One of which, when Samwise has to pass the watchers and Cirith Ungol, was a scene was was really hoping for and expecting. If PJ dosn't make that 25th Anniversery Edition of the movies I'm going to have to kill him. And thank God for pick ups and last minute changes. I don't know how many times I heard someone say, oh that was a pick up. It's like half the movie would have been gone without them. That's pritty much my scope of the features. Can't wait till the Anniversery Edition. __________________ "There's nothing you can do, Harry... nothing... he's gone."-Remus Lupin "The closer we are to danger, the further we are from harm."-Pippin (now how can you argue with that logic?)

12-21-2004, 11:38 PM	#4
Tigerlily Gamgee Hostess of Spirits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Meduseld Posts: 1,055	I haven't had a chance to watch much of the extras yet, but I've enjoyed those which I did. I watched disk one of the commentary. There are a lot of interesting things in there, and the humor of Billy Boyd and Dominic Monghan really help keep your attention. I find that when it goes too long with just factual information it tends to lose my attention. Maybe I just have a horrible attention span. I also watched the short piece with Ngila about the costume. I loved this section, because I love the costumes, and I wish it had been longer. The close up shots of Eowyn's gowns are wonderful, because they are some of my favorites, particularly the green gown. I was pleased, we well, to see some shots of her in her blue gown that weren't just of her shoulders. I was displeased, however, that the stills gallery did not contain pictures of this gown... only the underdress with the robe. Ah well. Lastly, I've watched the piece about the horses. I loved this piece... I mean, I've been a horse lover for years, and I even took lessons for quite some time, so this was of particular interest to me. I loved when they talked about the training of the horses, and I got the biggest kick out of where they talked about "riding the barrell" (oh David Wenham... you saucy man... hehe). I also liked at the end, where they talked about how some of the cast and crew purchased their horses because of the relationships they ha built with them. How lovely __________________ ~ ExerciseJunky.com (Hobbits fitness of choice!)~ ~Lady of Rohan: An Eowyn Fansite ~ ~The NEW/OLD Barrow Downs Photo Page~

12-26-2004, 01:02 PM	#5
Evisse the Blue Brightness of a Blade Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: wherever I may roam Posts: 2,685	IMO, the best part about this box set were the Special Features. I watched most of the documentaries and enjoyed all of them very much. I agree with Essex that the first one concerning Tolkien was one of the best ever - it had lots (but not too much) valuable information and it was beautifully presented and commented upon by people who were obviously great admirers of the Professor. I too loved the one about the horses... very funny it was. I thought that was beautiful, that they gave their due to the horsies, because it was obvious they played a very important part in the movie. After watching this and the sound effects documentary (where they were describing various animal sounds) it did feel like I was watching Discovery Channel! Not that I'm complaining, though. Second to that, my favourite was the one (I forget the name) in which the crew and PJ recall the hellish days immediately before they had to hand in the completed, edited and cut ROTK movie right before the premiere...They actually came this close to not completing it and they were working under amazing pressure, days and nights on end to complete the damn thing. I laughed out loud at the part when PJ said in an interview that 'Everything was under control". Oh my. If there was an inspirational piece put together for movie makers (and not only) this is it! Sort of echoes the Fellowship's task. In the end it makes you wonder if they achieved what is still (despite some flaws) a wonderful movie, the likes of which I've yet to see accomplished - by sheer luck, by the kiss of fate or simply hard work was all it took... The end had me all in tears, with Viggo saying Namarië and all... It's touching, isn't it, to see how difficult it was for everyone involved in this project to let go... especially since now we know exactly how they felt... __________________ And no one was ill, and everyone was pleased, except those who had to mow the grass.

12-29-2004, 08:58 PM	#7
Arwen Imladris Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a box with a fox Posts: 1,347	Yet again, the Special features were incredible. I'm really glad that PJ & co. did so much work for us. It really does mean a lot to be brought into their world. Watching Elijah's last scene, that was so sad! I almost cried! I also thought it was very interesting to see the stuff about the music, I love Howard Shore. __________________ "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies, we must go, yes, we must go at once."