Yes, New Line Cinema is going all out with impending release of The Return of the King Extended Edition DID, clips are popping up on every site even remotely related to LOTR. And with almost an hour of new footage, and about 600 hours (or thereabouts) of behind-the-scenes documentaries, they can afford to spread the wealth.
Here now is a collection of links from various sites on the web. Some of these clips may repeat.
AOL
Clip 1 (Quicktime)
Clip 2 (Quicktime)
Clip 3 (Quicktime)
IESB
Clip 1 (Windows Media)
Clip 2 (Windows Media)
Clip 3 (Windows Media)
TORN
Clip 1 (Quicktime)
Clip 1 – low rez (Quicktime)
Clip 2 (Quicktime)
Clip 2 – low rez (Quicktime)
Clip 3 (Quicktime)
Clip 3 – low rez (Quicktime)
OFFICIAL SITE
Clip 1 (Quicktime)
TV GUIDE
Clip 1 (Flash)
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AnneMarie writes: I attended the presentation/booksigning of Mr. Alan Lee at the Free Library Of Philadelphia yesterday and would like to share these images with you all. Unfortunately, they did not allow photography in the auditorium during the presentation, so I only got these of Alan signing books.
The event started off with a library employee introducing Mr. Lee, and they he came onstage. Alan talked about ten minutes giving us some background on his life growing up, and then proceeded with a slide show which lasted about a half hour. The images presented during the slide show included original unfinished sketches, finished paintings and photos he took during production of the movie. There where a couple of funny moments when the slides where upsidedown which provided some comic relief. After the slideshow presentation there was a brief Q&A, which in my opinion was way too short, probably due to time constraints as the was quite a line building up for the actual signing of Alan’s work. I asked a question, but had at least ten more in my head I would have loved to ask, and there were many around me who had their hands raised but did not get called on before it was all over. Alan was gracious and humble, and even seemed a bit shy speaking in public. I did record the whole presentation, and will provide a transcript of it when I get time to transcribe it. It might take me some time though so be patient. All is all it was a great experience and an honor just to be in the same room as such an extraordinary artist and person as Mr. Alan Lee.
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People wrote in with a few questions for Ringer spy Warren, whose report we posted a few days ago. Warren answered these questions as well as adding more responses to the review from Robert at Bad Taste
One reader asked “Was there any adult content or offensive language in the Easter Eggs or anywhere else in the Extended Edition?”
Warren: “There was no adult conent or offensive language in the Easter Eggs (Elijah does swear at Dominic after Dominic reveals his identity, but I recall that it was bleeped out), or anywhere else in the movie. I have not had the time to watch the film with any of the commentaries, nor the Appendices.”
Second question: “Do we get to find out the fate of the Disfigured Orc General?”
Warren: “YES!!!!!! The extended scenes during the Battle of Pellenor Fields is phenomenal! In addition to simply more of everything, Eowyn and Merry get thrown from their horse. Once on the ground, we see both engaged in fierce battals slaying Orcs left and right. We then cut to Theoden who sees Eowyn fighting…a smile and look of admiration adorns his face. Merry kills Orc after Orc. Then Eowyn fights the Disfigured Orc, and wounds him (in the leg). Right then, Theoden gets caught by the Witch King and Eoweyn runs to help. After she kills the Witch King, has her emotional moment with Theoden who passes away, we see the Disfigured Orc crawling toward to try and finish her off. Eowyn, injured from her fight with the Witch King crawls away and tries to get Theoden’s sword. It doesn’t look like she’ll make it, but Aragorn and Gimli come through and just whack away at the Disfigured Orc, saving Eowyn.
When the Battle is over, we see the scene where Eomer finds Eowyn who is slack due to her injuries, cradles her in his arms and cries over her. Also, Pippin comes out to the battlefield and finds Merry’s cloak with the elven brooch. He frantically searches for Merry. Later, it is dark out and we see Pippin finding Merry, and promising to look after him.
What make this scene more poignant is that earlier, there is an extended scene when Pippin is whisked away by Ganalf toward Minas Tirith. When Merry runs to the top of the lookout tower to watch him leave, Aragorn follows. Merry then explains to Aragorn how he and Pippin were like twins, always together. Merry says that he always got Pippin into trouble, but was always there to get him out. “Who’ll look after him now?” he asks Aragorn. Thus, roles are reversed as it is Pippin who now says he will look after Merry.
Another additional scene I forgot to mention in my last email.
I talked about how Gandalf explained that the White Tree of Gondor signifies hope, that it will one day blossom when the King returns. Well, there is an additional scene where Denethor marches along in a funeral procession carrying Faramir to the tombs where he is to be burned. Denethor’s madnes is more fully realized as he says “there is no hope for men. Better to die sooner than later.” However, as the scene pulls back from the procession, we see the White Tree…with one single blossom on a branch. Hope returns.
From here, I’ll continue as I did in my last email and comment on Robert’s observations.”
Robert: 56 – The Houses of Healing
One of the most eagerly-awaited scenes, because people who hadn’t read the book did not know exactly what had happened to Eowyn. We witness Eomer’s harrowing tears, and his hug to his sister. Then we move to the Houses of Healing. Aragorn nurses her attentively, though we can see how tired he is. Eomer watches them, worried, but then Eowyn opens her eyes. After a fading sequence, we see her in bed: she wakes up and finally sees Faramir standing beside her. It looks like a dream sequence, but it’s actually an amazing, speechless moment. Definitely the best out of all the new scenes.
Warren: Nothing to add. Very emotional and beautiful.
Robert: 60 – Aragorn subdues the Palantir
Aragorn is in the throne room; he opens the Palantir. Though he experiences agonising pain, with fierce determination he manages to show the sword of Elendir. He sees Arwen in the Palantir and throws it away. In doing so, his Elvish brooch unfastens and falls to the ground, shattering into a thousand pieces.
Warren: A little more detail. During the debate between Eomer, Gandalf, Aragorn, etc. about attacking Mordor. Gandalf asks Aragorn how he knows that Sauron will take the bait. Thus, Aragorn goes to the Palantir. He shows himself to Sauron saying “Long have you searched for me and long have I eluded you.” He then shows Sauron the sword of Elendir and we see Sauron in the Palantir getting his hand chopped by that sword. In return, Sauron shows Aragon Arwen lying on what appears to be her death bed. The shock causes Aragorn to drop the Palantir, and in the process, breaking Arwen brooch, as it falls to stone floor. So later, when Aragorn sees Arwen at his coronation, the moment is more powerful.
Robert: 61 – Faramir and Eowyn
Eowyn, looking dejected, says the whole city has fallen into silence. Faramir tells her this darkness will not last long, and he takes her hand in his. She eventually smiles and leans on him. Nice sequence, but it falls within the realm of classic “comforting” scenes.
Warren: Agree.
Robert: 62 – With the Orcs
Sam and Frodo, disguised as Orcs, meet the troops that are making their way there; they crouch down, hoping not to be seen. But they are captured, whipped and taken into the group. We quickly get to see Aragorn’s troops, only to get swiftly back to our heroes. An inspection takes place. Frodo cannot stand on his feet, which causes the commander to notice them both. Frodo and Sam pretend to fight one another and take advantage of the confusion that ensues to flee unnoticed. Frankly, their flee is quite unbeliavable, so I think it was a good idea to not insert this scene in the theatrical version
Warren: Accurately described. This scene explains how Frodo and Sam crossed the plains without being noticed. They didn’t. They were noticed, not recognized, and escaped.
Robert: 64 – The Mouth of Sauron
The Fellowship moves toward the Black Gate, while Frodo is looking more and more drained and exhausted. The gate opens and the Mouth of Sauron comes out to welcome them. Aragorn acts in an arrogant and conceited manner. The Mouth of Sauron asks who, among them, has the authority to negotiate; but Gandalf challenges him saying that Sauron must give up the land. The Mouth of Sauron shows them Frodo’s coat of Mithril mail, telling them that the hobbit has suffered horribly prior to his death. Aragon moves closer and, upon hearing the Mouth’s words, kills him without a second thought, which makes the scene too much ironic (a charismatic character as the Mouth of Sauron doesn‚t deserve to die so abruptly). ‘End of negotiations’, comes Gimli’s ironic comment. Aragorn tries to console everyone, assuring them he does not believe the Mouth’s version of events.
Warren: Here’s a more embellished version. Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Eomer, Gimli, and Merry and Pippin all ride to the Black Gate. It opens and the Mouth of Sauron comes out, riding on an armor covered horse. He is completely covered in garb with a helmet that covers all except for his mouth…which has no lips and bares rotted teeth. He askas who has the authority to treat with him, and Gandalf says there will be no treaty and that Sauron must be exiled. The Mouth of Sauron then says that his master has bidden him to show them this…and he holds out Frodo’s mithril coat. When Pippin and Merry exclaim horror and sorrow, (Gandalf starts to tear) Gandalf tries to shush them, but the Mouth notices and plays on the fact the “halfling was dear to you.” He then describes Frodo’s death as exceedingly painful. As Aragorn then approaches, the Mouth of Sauron comment, “So this is Isildur’s heir. It takes more than a sword to…” which is when Aragorn abruptly chops his head off. ” I don’t believe him!” he shouts. “I won’t!” The Black Gate then opens further and we see the 10,000 orcs heading their way. When Aragorn says a bit later (after his Henry V speech), “For Frodo.” we understand the emotion of the hobbits, Gandalf and the rest a great deal more.
Last extended scene that I recall. There is an extended fight sequence between Gollum, Sam and Frodo on Mount Doom. At one point, Gollum has Frodo by the throat, and Frodo manages to eke out…”But you swore, Smeagol. You swore on the precious.” And in a look that is all Gollum, he replies…”Smeagol lied.” Of course at that point Sam hits him with a rock and the fight ensues.
That’s all I’ve got. Hope it helps.
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Bjoern writes: Here’s some news regarding Christopher Lee, it has been published today by GMX Online Magazine:
Here is a translation (made by myself):
For outsiders it is perhaps a bit bizarre, that actor Christopher Lee (Count Dooku, Saruman, Dracula) starts his musical career with a metal band. But as yesterday in cologne-ehrenfeld (germany) suddenly many musician, technicians and actors appeared, this seemed to be the most usual thing in world.
For the epical-metal-formation Rhapsody (Italy) Lee took over the role as narrator and kept with his voice their album “Symphony of the Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret” together. But then came the idea to record the song “The Magic of the Wizard’s Dream” with a big choir and orchestra again, but this time as duet with the more classical oriented ex-Dracula. And because for those curiosities there are only a few experts, it was no question to make this production with Joey DeMaio (Manowar). He had much to do, the single had to be finished before starting the video production.
It was a bit difficult to fit into the amazingly accurate timing of a rock production, Lee mentioned. Freestyle wasn’t asked in his duet with Rhapsody singer Fabio Lione. In addition the song was recorded in four different languages – italian, english french and german. And always there were problems distributing the text, Lee complained. The sound differs from his personal taste, but the young audience likes it, that’s the main thing.
The official Rhapdosy homepage added a small note regarding their new single, saying…
RHAPSODY has just confirmed that they will enter the recording studio together with film legend Christopher Lee, to re-record the song “The Magic Of The Wizard’s Dream” from their latest release “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret”.
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“I suppose hobbits need some description nowadays, since they have become rare and shy of the Big People, as they call us.” (The Hobbit, Chapter 1) We have finished going through The Hobbit, but who, or what, exactly, are hobbits? Perhaps the only fantasy creature which can truly be called the creation of J.R.R. Tolkien, where did they come from and where did they go?
Although all of his published works seem to revolve around this dear and funny race of little people, Tolkien gives us very little actual information about their history and origins. Considering the lengthy material written about elves, dwarves and men, hobbits are relatively obscure. They seem to have the most modern society in Middle Earth, yet the least ambition of any of the free peoples.
Was Tolkien just not interested in hobbit society? Or did he assume that people would relate to and understand these creatures, making extensive explanation unnecessary. Join us this weekend in #thehalloffire when we will explore the world of the Halflings as we look at “Concerning Hobbits: Everything you ever wanted to know about those little guys”
===
Upcoming topics:
12/11 and 12/12:
David Salo to take a seat in The Hall of Fire.
We are pleased to announce that Tolkien language expert David Salo will be our special guest during our scheduled HoF chat on Saturday, December 11 at 5:30 P.M. EST.
Mr Salo was the primary language consultant for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. He will be talking about Tolkien’s languages (especially Sindarin and Quenya), about how the languages appeared in the movies, and a bit about his new book, “A Gateway To Sindarin: A Grammar of an Elvish Language from J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings”, as well as answering chatter’s questions.
This will be a moderated Q & A session, and HoF staff are now accepting questions. If you have a question, please submit it to the staff at thehalloffire@theonering.net prior to the event.
(The chat on Sunday, Dec. 12 will center on reactions to the Salo chat, as well as exploring Tolkien’s languages)
===
Place:
#thehalloffire on theonering.net IRC server. Need instructions? Go here:
http://www.theonering.net/barlimans/instructions.html
===
Chat Times:
Saturday Chat:
5:30pm EST (17:30)
[also 11:30pm (23:30) CET and 9:30am Sunday morning Australian summer time]
Sunday Chat:
8:00 pm (20:00) CET
[also 2:00pm (14:00) EST and 6:00am Monday morning Australian summer time]
EST = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast
CET = Central European Time, Central Europe
AEST = Australian East Coast
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Hof-announce mailing list
Hof-announce@theonering.net http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce
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From the folks at the Minnesota Tolkien Society:
Sean Astin’s down home goodness was no greater than when he spoke with and signed autographs for the crowd of over 700 people last night at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Stephen, a manager at Barnes and Noble, the host of last night’s event, said that alot of celebrities come through, but none more genuine and friendly than Sean. Even one of the Mall Security assigned to escort him and his family noted that he was just a real nice guy.
Sean had just returned from New Zealand last week, and had brought his family with him to Minnesota. While Sean talked, they went on rides in Knott’s Camp Snoopy indoor theme park.
Sean was excited to receive a shirt from the Minnesota Tolkien Society (promoting the Return of the Trilogy event), and wore it the whole night, even after he finished signing over 700 autographs for 3 hours straight.
The Return of the Trilogy showing tickets on New Year’s Eve are available here.
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