Lord Of The Rings, The: The Return Of The King (Widescreen) (US)
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This Christmas the journey ends
Certificate: PG-13
Running Time: 201 mins
Retail Price: $36.95
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
The final battle for Middle-earth begins. Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, continue their dangerous mission toward to fire of Mount Doom in order to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn struggles to fulfill his legacy as he leads his outnumbered followers against the growing power of the Dark Lord Sauron, so the the Ring-bearer may complete his quest.
Special Features:
The Quest Fulfilled: A Director`s Vision
A Filmmaker`s Journey: Making The Return of the King
National Geographic Special - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Featurettes:
Aragorn`s Destiny
Minas Tirith: Capital of Gondor
The Battle of Pelennor Fields
Samwise the Brave
Eowyn: White Lady of Rohan
Digital Horse Doubles
Original Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Supertrailer
A Special Look at EA`s The Lord of the Rings Series of Video Games
Exclusive Online Content
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital EX 6.1 English
Subtitle Tracks:
French
English
CC: English
Directed By:
Peter Jackson
Written By:
Peter Jackson
Philippa Boyens
Frances Walsh
J.R.R. Tolkien
Starring:
Elijah Wood
Hugo Weaving
Liv Tyler
Andy Serkis
John Rhys-Davies
Viggo Mortensen
Dominic Monaghan
Ian McKellen
Ian Holm
Bernard Hill
Billy Boyd
Orlando Bloom
Cate Blanchett
Sean Bean
Sean Astin
Casting By:
Ann Robinson
Liz Mullane
Amy MacLean
John Hubbard
Victoria Burrows
Soundtrack By:
Frances Walsh
Howard Shore
Annie Lennox
Director of Photography:
Andrew Lesnie
Editor:
Jamie Selkirk
Annie Collins
Costume Designer:
Richard Taylor
Ngila Dickson
Production Designer:
Grant Major
Producer:
Frances Walsh
Jamie Selkirk
Rick Porras
Barrie M. Osborne
Peter Jackson
Executive Producer:
Harvey Weinstein
Bob Weinstein
Robert Shaye
Mark Ordesky
Michael Lynne
Distributor:
Alliance Atlantis
Your Opinions and Comments
Well, sort of.
While the final chapter in Jackson`s adaptation of Tolkein`s novel is indeed spectacular and emotional, I think it`s the weakest of the trilogy (at least for the first viewing). It sure wraps things up, but then again - something is missing.
The video transfer is excellent. The transfer shows no compression signs and the image is crystal clear. The colors are very nicely saturated and the dark scenes are beautifully rendered. As in the other two movies of the trilogy, one cannot ignore the amazing battle scenes, both real-life and CG - they are, indeed, spectacular. However, a few CG effects (the galloping horses, in particular) simply don`t feel real enough.
The DD 5.1 soundtrack is excellent as well. There is almost a constant usage of the surrounds and the sub. The sound is very rich and the channel separation is superb.
The menus are all beautifully animated with sound.
The extras on the 2nd disk include an extensive 2-hour behind the scenes look (divided into numerous parts), but alas, again, no commentary. There`s also a rather short explanation about the CG in the movie. Overall, the extras are somehow disappointing.
Bottom line - the final episode in the trilogy is an impressive movie, no doubt about it. Nonetheless, it was seriously overrated with it winning 11 Oscars. The trilogy itself is superb. Its last chapter, however, is its weakest link.
Almost five years after watching the movie, I finally got the chance to sit through the extended version of it, and yeah - it's actually better with adding several layers of depth to the movie's scope. It's still, for me, the weakest link in the trilogy, but still - an awesome movie.
Recommended.