World Famous Comics: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
Starring: Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Brad Dourif, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Anamorphic, Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, EP, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC Label: New Line Home Video Number of Items: 4 Region Code: 1 Release Date: November 18, 2003 Running Time: 223 minutes Theatrical Release Date: December 18, 2002
Amazon.com: The extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was perhaps the most comprehensive DVD release to date, and its follow-up proves a similarly colossal achievement, with significant extra footage and a multitude of worthwhile bonus features. The extended version of The Two Towers adds 43 minutes to the theatrical version's 179-minute running time, and there are valuable additions to the film. Two new scenes might appease those who feel that the characterization of Faramir was the film's most egregious departure from the book, and fans will appreciate an appearance of the Huorns at Helm's Deep plus a nod to the absence of Tom Bombadil. Seeing a little more interplay between the gorgeous Eowyn and Aragorn is welcome, as is a grim introduction to Eomer and Theoden's son. And among the many other additions, there's an extended epilogue that might not have worked in the theater, but is more effective here in setting up The Return of the King. While the 30 minutes added to The Fellowship of the Ring felt just right in enriching the film, the extra footage in The Two Towers at times seems a bit extraneous--we see moments that in the theatrical version we had been told about, and some fleshed-out conversations and incidents are rather minor. But director Peter Jackson's vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's world is so marvelous that it's hard to complain about any extra time we can spend there.
While it may seem that there would be nothing left to say after the bevy of features on the extended Fellowship, the four commentary tracks and two discs of supplements on The Two Towers remain informative, fascinating, and funny, far surpassing the recycled materials on the two-disc theatrical version. Highlights of the 6.5 hours' worth of documentaries offer insight on the stunts, the design work, the locations, and the creation of Gollum, and--most intriguing for rabid fans--the film's writers (including Jackson) discuss why they created events that weren't in the book. Providing variety are animatics, rough footage, countless sketches, and a sound-mixing demonstration. Again, the most interesting commentary tracks are by Jackson and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens and by 16 members of the cast (eight of whom didn't appear in the first film, and even including John Noble, whose Denethor character only appears in this extended cut). The first two installments of Peter Jackson's trilogy have established themselves as the best fantasy films of all time, and among the best film trilogies of all time, and their extended-edition DVD sets have set a new standard for expanding on the already-epic films and providing comprehensive bonus features. --David Horiuchi
Description: Not seen in theaters, this unique version of the epic adventure features over 40 minutes of new and extended scenes integrated into the film by the director. DVD set consists of four discs with hours of original content including multiple documentaries, commentaries and design/photo galleries with thousands of images to give viewers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the film. Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship continue their quest to destroy the One Ring and stand against the evil of the dark lord Sauron. The Fellowship has divided and now find themselves taking different paths to defeating Sauron and his allies. Their destinies now lie at two towers - Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupted wizard Saruman waits and Sauron's fortress at Baraddur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.
DVD Features: Audio Commentary DVD ROM Features Documentaries Interactive Menus Interviews Photo gallery Production Sketches Scene Access
Epic Once again, it is truly amazing how 43 extra footage can change your perception of a story. And, it is truly unfortunate that directors are inclined (read: forced) to edit films to appeal to a 'broader' audience. 'The Lord of The Rings : The Two Towers Extended Edition' is a much more complete and meaty version of the film and easily makes the theatrical version obsolete.
I've read the books (about 3 times), and I was one of those 'purists' who was a little frustrated with all of the edits and changes Peter Jackson and co. made to Tolkien's works. Eventually I came around and realized that its not easy translating a massive epic into three two and a half hour long films and I enjoyed the theatrical versions for what they were; an amazing epic fantasy drama of the highest order. Then the Extended Editions came out...
'The Two Towers' Extended Edition features 43 minutes of extra film footage, and once you have watched it you will never understand why these extra 43 minutes were shaved from the film. It may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things (especially when the theatrical cut was almost 3 hours long), but 43 minutes adds so much more to the film. Characters on both sides of this story are properly fleshed out and given more depth, and I cannot stress how important this 43 minutes of extra footage is to the overall story. I've always had an issue with the theatrical 'abridged' version, so the Extended Edition is a breath of fresh air.
For fans of the trilogy, fantasy buffs and movie lovers...
Great Movie! This movie has amazing special effects & does a reasonable job in following the book. It doesn't fully follow the book & for this reason I gave it 4 stars. I would give it 4.5 if I could. It's a long movie, so make sure you have the time to watch it! Beautifully done & very moving. A great story the classic battle between good & evil. If you enjoy fantasy style movies, you are sure to enjoy this! If you can, read the book!
A Great Second Act To A Brilliantly Emerging Saga, 28 Sep 2007 Plot:
The saga continues: Hobbits Frodo and Sam press on to Mordor in the company of the mysterious Gollum. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli travel to the troubled Rohan, while Merry and Pippin discover a new ally in the shape of Treebeard the tree-shepherd.
My Review:
With the success and thrill of the first instalment, and beginning and increasing number of fans, its no wonder why the audiences where aching for this next piece of the Lord of Rings franchise. Peter Jackson has always strengthened the fact that The Two Towers is "the second act" of his epic undertaking, and perhaps the true greatness of the middle chapter will only be clear when viewed as part of the whole story. Nonetheless, some may argue it is not as good as the first, however it's just as pleasing and adrenaline rushing as far as fantasy action films go.
Picking up from where the fantastic Fellowship left off, this next chapter comes in to be a considerably darker film. With Frodo (Wood) falling further under the weight of the Ring, and with some spectacularly shot hallucinations, while Saruman (Christopher Lee) wreaks even more havoc. There's also the first full appearance of the sinister and the complex Gollum, combined with the brilliance of computer trickery and crispy vocals from Andy Serkis.
Other newcomers include the justifiably chagrined brother of the recently deceased Boromir, known as Faramir (David Wenham), and Éowyn (Miranda Otto), who spends much of her time radiating winsome glances in subtlety in the direction of Aragorn (Mortensen). In due course, the plot and its' complexities become more consistent, setting the action up for the forthcoming finale, The Return Of The King. An fantastically executed opening which sees Frodo troubled by dreams about the demise of Gandalf, through to the climactic Battle Of Helm's Deep, which is nothing short of unimaginable. This is brilliant stuff with a great and increasing anticipation. Dir. Jackson cleverly constitutes the louder, brasher sequences with some heart-string-tugging moments, Aragorn and Arwen's troubled relationship of course; and the return of Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen), in his best role ever.
However, those who still believe that the trilogy is beyond criticism may find their views challenged by The Two Towers. It's just as long as the first film, but gets the heroes no closer to a final victory. This act converges more on the part where it concerns them, the problems that come into pass and the choices they make.
Verdict:
Darker and funnier, the ring makes its slow journey towards the everlasting danger, while the Fellowship try to rekindle and understand the choices they make. With great action, better then Fellowship in my opinion; and some truly moving and emotional scenes. This franchise is working its way up and setting standards for the future fantasy action films. 10/10
A MUST HAVE Everyone should have a copy of the LOTR movies in their collections. I have all of the movies and all of the books in my collection. I am looking forward to The Hobbit movie which is supposed to be released in 2010. Movies or books don't get any better than this. Every time I watch these movies, I discover something new that I had not noticed before. Someday, when the urge hits me just right I will buy the extended editions.
the TEN pound DVD...or close to it. If you like The Two Towers, you can buy the itty bitty DVD...you know the one I'm talking about--the one with the sweet picture of Frodo and Gandalf (which gives away the fact that he lives) and the ominous two towers...hence the title. If you like EVERYTHING there is to the trilogy, you get this mother. Back when I was considering a career in everything (and when I say everything, I mean everything from music performance on my violin to CG work to being a court justice to writing the great American novel, etc., etc., etc.) I checked out everything on this DVD. It showed how the actors acted, how the CG guys created Gollum, how the costume guys created, well, costumes, what Peter Jackson ate for breakfast, everything. It was like an odyssey outside the odyssey. These DVDs tend to be a little pricey (or at least they were when I bought them), because you're getting what you paid for. It's a must for diehards, but if you're just curious about the trilogy, I'd rent the itty bitty version first before tackling the meaty stuff.
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