The director of three new “warts-and-all” documentaries set to be released with the new editions of Lord of the Rings on DVD this autumn says he was not consulted over cuts made by studio New Line. Wellington film-maker Costa Botes was given full access to the set of Peter Jackson’s fantasy triptych and his work is said to take a more critical approach in comparison to the original documentaries that appeared with the films the first time they were released on DVD. He shot about 800 hours of footage, starting work a year before the cameras rolled with Jackson’s full blessing. Botes told New Zealand website Stuff that he is pleased the films are coming out, even though his deal with the studio means he will see no royalties from DVD sales, but is disappointed that he has not been consulted about cuts. [More]
Day: July 3, 2006
Ninety years ago, Allied commanders launched the World War I offensive lastingly remembered as the Battle of the Somme. At 7.30am on 1 July 1916, officers blew their whistles to signal the start of the attack. As 11 British divisions clambered out of their trenches and walked slowly towards the enemy lines, German machine guns opened fire, causing wholesale carnage. The first day of that battle was the bloodiest in the whole history of the British Army. By the end of the day, the British had suffered 60,000 casualties; almost 20,000 were dead, including 60% of all the officers involved. [More]
Lesley writes: On July 1st, I attended what is, I suspect, a mostly unknown and unheralded opera called Leithian, the tale of Beren and Lúthien. It was held at the Liederkranz Hall, a small venue near Central Park on E. 87th in New York City. The composer and Metropolitan Opera singer, Adam Klein, also performed the lead role of Beren. Approximately 20 musicians and singers contributed, some singers trading off to play instruments from time to time. [More]
Lesley writes: On July 1st, I attended what is, I suspect, a mostly unknown and unheralded opera called Leithian, the tale of Beren and Lúthien. It was held at the Liederkranz Hall, a small venue near Central Park on E. 87th in New York City. The composer and Metropolitan Opera singer, Adam Klein, also performed the lead role of Beren. Approximately 20 musicians and singers contributed, some singers trading off to play instruments from time to time.
Only the first half of the opera was presented — the author’s website informs us the complete work is over four hours long, and only certain excerpts of it have ever been performed live.
The evening began with a prologue entitled The Music of the Ainur, from the first chapter of the Silmarillion, featuring narration and an interesting blend of avant-garde piano, organ and the voices of the choir — Melkor’s strident disruptions clearly portrayed. But the real surprise came when Klein began his first solo as Beren wandering in the forest. With rich and ringing vocals, he brought everyone to absolute attention. Other highlights were performances by David Gagnon as Finrod and C. David Morrow as Sauron. Tami Swartz, Klein’s fiancée in real life, was a compelling Lúthien in her blue mantle, with long brown hair, a clear voice and a pure gaze, while Klein, with even longer hair, stalked the stage in a tunic and knee-high moccasins.
The story lends itself to opera perfectly — the guy of lesser origins wants the high-born girl, her parents hate him, they send him on an impossible quest to get rid of him, and then problem after problem ensues, with arias or duets sung at each turn. The first half ended as Lúthien rescues Beren from Sauron’s tower and she and Beren are reunited.
The small audience was enthusiastic, and the whole event had a cozy family feel to it. We found out Klein’s parents had sold us our tickets, when he announced, “As soon as my parents are seated, we’ll begin,” and they took their places in the front row. But as informal as the occasion felt, the music was flawlessly performed — the care and professionalism from everyone was evident.
I would like to see the second half someday, and there is a chance, as Klein called out, “Part 2 next year!” as the applause subsided. [adamcjklein.us]
It is a very slow holiday weekend in North America, with Canada Day & the Fourth of July only days apart. The studios are reluctant to release anything this time of year, let alone anything that may potentially be a big seller. This week we are thrown two box office bombs in the form of Johnny Depp’s ‘The Libertine’ and former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan’s ‘The Matador’. [More]
Folks from Billy’s Loons Charities write: We would like to announce an auction of a beautiful Caricature of Billy Boyd, drawn by So Cal Art Studios at the 2006 ORC in Pasadena. The So Cal Art Studios donated this 16″ by 20″ framed art to Billy’s Loons Charities(BLC) and Billy Boyd signed it for this Auction at ORC. All proceeds will be donated to the Scottish Youth Theatre, where Billy Boyd is a patron and BLC is a sponsor. Many thanks to So Cal Art Studios and Billy Boyd! [More]