The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Widescreen) (2 Discs)

 

 

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I only have one thing that I didn't like about my experience. Nothing too major, just a feature I've gotten used to from Amazon. I didmt like that there was about a 2 week period in which my DVD could be delivered and there was no tracking service that would give me an idea of when it would arrive. But, it did come much quicker than I thought, so overall it was a very good experience, and I would consider buying from this company again. Thanks.

Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of "Lord of the Rings" reaches its pinnacle in "Return of the King." The stellar cast, mind-blowing special effects and heartbreaking script are all present in the third movie, which is not only the last of the "Lord of the Rings" films, but the best.

Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) are still following the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) on the path to Mordor, with the increasingly strained Frodo unaware that Gollum is sowing suspicion between the two best friends. By the time he realizes his mistake, he's been dragged into the lair of Shelob, a monstrous spider, and then abducted by orcs who want the Ring he carries. Determined to find his friend, Sam heads into an orc citadel...

Meanwhile, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) takes Pippin (Billy Boyd) with him to Minas Tirith, after the hobbit has a close encounter with Sauron through a palantir. \Not only is the city under siege, but the Steward Denethor is slowly going insane, even sending his one remaining son, Faramir (David Wenham), on a suicide mission to reclaim a dead city. With Minas Tirith crumbling, Aragorn's (Viggo Mortensen) only hope may to be summon an army of the dead, who will only obey the King of Gondor. But even the dead won't help him if Frodo doesn't destroy the Ring...

The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is one of those once-in-a-lifetime movie experiences. There has never been anything quite like it in movie history, and there probably never will be again. It seems somehow fitting that the book that every other fantasy has to measure up to, has now become a sweeping cinematic triumph that actually stays halfway loyal to the books. Good things come to fans who wait, I guess.

Peter Jackson really outdoes himself. You know those battle scenes in "Two Towers" and "Fellowship of the Ring," with the swooping camera and thousands of orcs, clashing with men on a gloomy battlefield? In "Return of the King," Jackson surpasses that. There's everything from volcanic eruptions to an invasion of howling ghosts to the attack of the oliphaunts (like elephants, only bigger). Each action scene a shattering ride, and there's no guarantee that all the beloved characters will make it out alive. Some of them don't.

But if Jackson manages the epic battles well, he does an even better job with the gentler, quieter moments. The action slows down, and the characters take a moment to support and comfort each other. They cry, they hug, they think about home -- such as Gandalf comforting the frightened Pippin with a description of the afterlife. Jackson and his fellow screenwriters Fran Walsh and Phillippa Boyens throw themselves into the semi-formal language of Tolkien's world, resculpting Tolkien's words into equally rich movie dialogue.

Elijah Wood gives an unparalleled performance as Frodo Baggins. Frodo's gradual deterioration is wrenching to watch, and the climactic scene at Mount Doom displays just what the Ring can do to even the pure-hearted hobbit. Sean Astin follows up with his powerful performance as Sam, who is increasingly the "strong" hobbit, rather than the follower. The final scenes between these two outstanding actors are beautiful and understated.

But all the supporting cast also give powerful performances -- Boyd and Dominic Monaghan put their characters through some intense growing pains, and the "I'm going to take care of you" scene is enough to bring tears to your eyes. Mortensen gets more kingly every moment, while Ian McKellen balances action with grandfatherly wisdom. Bernard Hill has a quietly moving final scene, while Miranda Otto makes the despairing Eowyn a strong, kick-butt heroine.

Perhaps the most striking thing about "Return of the King" is the final fourth of the film. While the "multiple endings" may annoy some viewers, it seems somehow right to gently let go of these characters rather than have a sudden, splashy finale. And whether they have a happy or sad ending, Jackson never lets us forget that they all made sacrifices to battle Sauron.

"Return of the King" brings the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy to a close, and cements Jackson's reputation as a master filmmaker. With the outstanding cast, beautiful scripting and amazing direction, this is the best of the "Lord" films -- and that's saying something.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? This trilogy was astounding in its scope, its special fx, its writing, acting, cinematography, on and on.... I would have liked to see each film honoured at the Oscars for their own merits, but heck, a nice 11 for 11 sweep surely does Peter Jackson's masterwork justice. One review of 'The Lord of the Rings' novel once said, "the world is divided into two parts. Those who have read this book, and those who are going to." The same can be said of this amazingly good movie trilogy. If you have seen it, go out and buy this "must have." If you haven't seen it yet...you are truly missing out on an amazing experience. Go see it! NOW!

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5.0 out of 5 stars The adrenaline-rushing conclusion of the Epic
Tolkien 's works had been put into TV with animation by Rankin/Bass (1977 and 1979). In 1978, Ralph Bakshi had animated the first two books of the famous trilogy to the silver... Read more

Published on Jan 1 2010 by Frances L. Arsenault

5.0 out of 5 stars OK, I know, my name's "Frodo" ....
I realize my handle shows my extreme affection for LOTR! but I just had to respond to "A Terrible Letdown" below. Read more

Published on July 24 2007 by frodo

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be four and a half... and I'll tell you why.
This is the most amazing, stunning film I have ever seen in my life. Amazing FX, amazing acting, amazing story. But...

THE ENDING IS WAY TO LONG!!! Read more

Published on May 6 2006 by RICK

5.0 out of 5 stars How can people be so critical?
I don't usually write reviews, especially of such huge and widely established masterpieces like Lord of the Rings, figuring that everyone else has said it before and better... Read more

Published on Aug 26 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Still waiting for the extended version!
I LOVE the Lord of the Rings. I loved the first movie, loved the second, loved the third, but less so than the first two. Read more

Published on Aug 9 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars The crowning touch to an amazing trilogy!!
The only bad thing I can say about this movie is that it's the last one. Oh yeah, and it isn't the extended version DVD. Read more

Published on July 19 2004 by Brainy Babe

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece Beyond Description
It is impossible to fairly credit the genius and masterpiece that this movie is in a few short words. Read more

Published on July 19 2004 by dreg_87

1.0 out of 5 stars I WATCH THIS WHEN I CANT FALL ASLEEP
NOPE, I JUST DONT SEE HOW PEOPLE LOVE THIS MOVIE. BUT I TELL YOU THIS THE THE HOLLYWOOD MEDIA FAVORS THIS MOVIE ALOT, AND SO DO THE PEOPLE FOLLOW. Read more

Published on July 19 2004 by J. Caceres

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot, and a sexy voice!!!!
Viggo Mortensen has an incredibly Sexy singing voice!!(...) He is a Hottie! Go Pippin, your voice rocks too!! Aragorn is my hero!(...)

Published on July 17 2004 by Mary A. Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars The "King" saves us from the usual movie mire
The only author to captivate me more or as much as Frank Herbert is that great modern creator of mythos, J.R.R. Tolkein. Read more

Published on July 17 2004 by SystemStructure

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