Customer Reviews

The Two Towers Visual Companion: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion (The Lord of the Rings)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Last year's "Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion" was a must-have for newbies to Middle-Earth, who previously didn't know what a hobbit was or what the big deal was about an elf/human romance. Jude Fisher follows up with the "Two Towers Visual Companion," to give readers little bits and pieces that aren't quite in the movies.

Fisher goes over the various people, places, and occasionally new races that are introduced in "Two Towers." She doesn't recap much stuff from the previous movie, so if you want to fully understand this book, pick up the "Fellowship" guide first. It's sprinkled with plenty of bright pictures, usually several for each character, and background information that will be new to some who've only watched the movie. (For example, the tale of Beren and Luthien is contrasted to Aragorn and Arwen's involvement, and Gollum's history is spelled out in greater detail). Fans will definitely want to check out the pictures of Treebeard, Grima Wormtongue, and the battle of Helm's Deep.

It's sort of a guidebook to Middle-Earth, and so mainly the areas of greatest activity are shown. That means not a lot of hobbit stuff. However, there's a great fold-out map of the Helm's Deep Battle, and a very poetic foreword by actor Viggo Mortenson in which he praises Jude Fisher and briefly analyzes the depths of "Lord of the Rings." (Mortenson's literary skill is never more evident than it is here)

This book is primarily intended for people who haven't read the books, but longtime fans may enjoy it as well.

I just received my copy today, and enjoyed thumbing through the pages. Personally, I don't think it's quite as appealing as the first book, though probably only a half-star inferior. Perhaps the novelty has worn off just a tad.

The new characters are introduced, and as with the first book, there are some frightening pictures of orcs. There is also a most lovely portrait of Arwen. Gollum receives much more treatment in this book--for obvious reasons. Another highlight are the numerous quotations from the Tolkien stories, many of which just stay with those of us who have not read the original books.

The photos are great (I was quite surprised by the Ent!), but at times, I got the impression the publishers were struggling a bit to fill pages. This is a minor complaint, and the book is worth having. I do hope the slight inferiority of this one to the first is not a preview of the same regarding the film!

As with last year's Visual Guide to "Fellowship of the Ring," this book mostly serves as a teaser for the film to come, allowing the reader/viewer to linger over some few images of the hours of pleasure ahead. Almost everyone will come away wanting more, but that is its intention. The photos give us a wonderful taste of the film's drama and epic quality, and allow a deep appreciation of its artistry. A nice little bonus is the four-page fold-out overview of the battle of Helm's Deep. I can't imagine that anyone who loved the first film and anticipates loving the next won't want a copy of this book.

If there are things in the movie you don't quiet get or are a little foggy this book will really help. Great big pictures and good history of Middle Earth. Well put together!

I'm an amateur artist and bought this book for some good reference pics--particulary of the actors--for doing some LOTR drawings. The problem is that the pics are rather small much of the time (a lot of fluffy text takes up much of the pages), and the shots usually aren't that interesting, anyway. There are few headshots of the main characters, and Gollum isn't featured at all, outside of the back of his head.

Of course, you can find tons of beautiful LOTR images online, such as at the official movie site, but for drawing, I find it more convenient to have a photo reference on the table in front of me. If you're just a fan and don't care about creating portraits, I'd still recommend just looking around online. The photos in this book are surprisingly mediocre given the absolutely stunning source material.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Visual Companion is the second in the series and features full-page, full color photos, drawings and illustrations from the upcoming movie release, a well as a foreword by Viggo Mortensen, a.k.a. Aragorn. Familiar characters are show and discussed, such as Gollum and Treebeard, not to mention the wonderful foldout battle plan of the climactic events at Helm's Deep. There is also a brand new map of Rohan and Gondor, specially commissioned, as well as a selection of large-format shots of Middle-earth. It is the perfect item to be acquire to gear up one's excitement just before the movie release.

Originally published on December 9th, 2002.

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This is a great book about the "Lord of the Rings" movie "The Two Towers" that one will enjoy reading over and over again.

This Visual Companion is really beautiful. I personally would have enjoyed more details in the text. But the photographs and drawings are great.

A great companion book to go along with our set of movies and hard cover Lord of the Rings items. Very well laid out and full of interesting information.

Great book, beautiful images and a very special foreword by Viggo Mortensen. In my opinion, satisfaction 100% Guaranteed!