THE
LORD OF THE RINGS - The Two Towers
With Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee,
Liv Tyler Directed by Peter Jackson With the yearly anticipation
of these marvelous cinematic translations of Tolkien's magical three part tale
mid stream, what are we to look forward to for year-end 2004? The producers said
that if you thought the first one was something, wait for the second part! This
is true in many senses. The story takes on a far more fragmented (yet unified)
state. Our
multi-race fellowship assembled to take the ring for disposal in the fires of
Mount Doom in Mordor was split up at the end of part one. Our heroic Hobbit Frodo
and his mate Sam push ahead and encounter the (incredibly detailed, digitally
mapped) creature Golom (he won best digital character at the MTV movie awards).
Human Aragorn and his elf- and dwarf companion make up the trio searching for
the two klutzes Pippin & Merry who enter their own forest adventure. In their
search they hook up with the humans who seek refuge at Helm's Deep where the huge
and extreme battle between them and the evil army assembled to wipe man off the
face of Middle Earth ensues. The film does take a darker tone and is far
more aggressive due to the massively scaled battle sequences. Again there is so
much narrative and visual detail to warrant several viewings - and here on DVD
is your chance in full digital perfection. It does feel very much like an in-between
chapter, fulfilling its purpose perfectly. But, like the first installment, after
a few hours of mesmerizing visuals, genius storytelling and masterfully executed
filmmaking, when it ends, your only disappointment is the year's wait for the
next part. Let's just hope to god no TV series will get spawned from this. Even
though the film has a computer game based on it, some things need to remain sacred
- even some movies.
If you can't wait for the special 4 disc edition with extra stupendously
detailed packaging (like the book and bookend statues from the first film), you'll
have to settle for this double disc first release. The full 172 minute theatrical
version of the film is presented on the first disc in the only logical format,
glorious widescreen. Disc 2 contains many featurettes and in-depth programmes
delving into the effort, sweat, creativity, skill and determination that was poured
into the making of this incredible second episode in this milestone cinematic
event. On set looks, explorations, explanations, interviews and more may take
some of the magic away for viewers who don't want the fantasy spoiled by the mechanics
of it all. But for those who love the technical details and exposing of the "how's
& why's", the looks at the dark forces, sound design, creatures, arms & armour
and the creation of Gollum will be well rewarded. In addition there is the music
video to Gollum's Song by Emiliana Torrini, a look at the special extended
version, the video game, a preview of The Return Of the King and a short
film and making of Sean Astin's (Sam), The Long And Short Of It. As usual
a scintillating, probing and entertaining package (until you've saved up enough
for the even more in depth collector's edition!). 6 / A - PB
click
here for the Two Towers
soundtrack review |
click
here for the Fellowship Of The Ring
soundtrack | click
here for the Fellowship
Of
The Ring DVD review |
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