Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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155 of 164 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dude of the Rings, February 1, 2002
Produced at as joint production between Cromwell Productions Limited and Eagle Media, J.R.R. TOLKEIN: MASTERS OF THE RINGS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF THE RINGS (not to be confused with an unauthorized version out there by nearly the same name) is a treat for any serious fan of Tolkein. Indeed, I watched the DVD twice the first day I bought it.Perhaps the greatest feature available on the disc is the 3D CGI mapping and virtual tour of Middle-Earth, a treat for the eyes laying out in exacting detail the geography of one of the 20th century's most beloved tales. While the lands of Mordor don't exactly spring to life on the screen before you, the wizards manage to lay out all of the key locations as they (chronologically) appear in THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Additionally, the film on the disc features excerpted interviews with Tolkein experts (ranging from literary critics, Tolkein scholars, Tolkein family members, to military specialists) and even a few words from the master himself, J.R.R. Tolkein. While these video clips are well worth the purchase price, don't be boondoggled: it isn't as if Tolkein gives you any grand insight into the substance behind RINGS, as he spends a great deal talking about WHERE he wrote the epic and not so much his methodology. Certainly, a great deal more information is learned from the others interviewed than from Tolkein. Additionally, the disc offers several brief interviews with artists (including two music videos) whose work is heavily laced with Tolkein inspirations. One feature, an interactive interview with a literary historian, is very interesting, but the footage (for reasons unknown to me) appears fuzzy and 'jiggling' on the screen, whereas the same footage is vibrant and crisp throughout the film.
Lastly, the DVD offers a library of The Brothers Hildebrandt images from throughout the years. Is it a great DVD? For Tolkein purists, you betcha. For Tolkein neophytes inspired by the recent blockbuster film, be warned: the entire story of THE LORD OF THE RINGS is laid out, not in precise detail, but enough to give away some of the surprises that lay ahead for the silver screen.
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58 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointing, October 12, 2002
I bought this DVD based on laudatory reviews I read here and was VERY disappointed in what I got. I was expecting background information on the author and his work, but this DVD contains very little of that. I don't understand HOW in the world it can bill itself as "the definitive guide to the world of the rings." What a joke.My biggest single gripe is that a large part of the DVD consists of a synopsis of the Lord of the Rings, complete with bad renactments of some of the scenes. Not ONE of the "actors" looked remotely suitable for the part he was supposed to be playing, and they were wearing some of the most ludicrous costumes I've ever seen in my life. (Hobbits in plumed hats? Give me a break!) The whole thing was pointless and stupid. It was way too spoiler-ridden for anyone who hasn't read the books, and for those who had, it was stupendously BORING, due to being so poorly done. All in all, a complete waste of time. Another large percentage of the screen time is given over to pretentious prattle from so-called "experts" who don't do a thing except spout their own precious opinions (as opposed to providing actual information that might help the viewer better understand the world created by Tolkien). And then there were the bits about artists and musicians influenced by Tolkien...can we say TEDIOUS, boys and girls? I can't understand why filmmakers think people are even interested in that stuff. I got this video because I wanted to to know more about Middle-Earth, not some no-name musician who wrote a few songs based on Tolkien's books. The DVD also contains an attempt at rendering a 3D landscape of Middle-Earth. That was kind of interesting to watch, but unfortunately, it was not completely accurate. I think the Atlas of Middle-Earth would be a better way to get a handle of on the geography of Tolkien's world. In short, I didn't learn a blasted thing from this DVD that I didn't know already. The only thing that was genuinely new to me was the clips of Tolkien speaking. I'll admit those were sort of amusing, but not, I think, for the reason intended. (Another reviewer here mentioned JRRT's "unintelligble speech" being captured on film. Unintelligible is definitely the word for it...the man may be a great writer, but he talked like he had a mouth full of pipeweed!) Those were worth seeing, but not worth the price of the DVD. If anyone ever makes a GOOD video presentation on the life and work of Tolkien. I'd be happy to buy it. Unfortunately, this is not it.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For completists only..., October 31, 2002
I too bought this due to some early 'rave' reviews, and after viewing it all can only think "it's not too bad...at least it didn't cost a lot". The disc basically has a narrator/host telling you the storyline of the Lord of the Rings interspersed with bland re-enactments, computer-generated geographic locations(nothing too complex or awe-inspiring), and interviews with 'experts'. This stuff is ok, but nothing really insightful or extremely interesting(well, the story is...but you can/should read the books for that right?). The two main selling points are some clips of the author and the art gallery. The clips are, as many pointed out, a little hard to hear but it's good to see them nonetheless. The big issue I have is with the Brothers Hildebrandt gallery. When you try to view these in its 'extras' section, you get small versions of them...as if they were framed and mounted on the screen at a distance. What moron decided to do this? You get big full-screen versions of the artwork(most?) in the actual documentary(so i guess you can pause them then to enjoy the detail), but you'd have to sit/fast foward through the feature everytime just to do that. The point of having a stills gallery is to access them all conveniently, but that's ruined by the artwork's small dimensions on the screen. Anyway, I wouldn't recommended this unless you're a completist with money to spare, or a beginner who wants the 'cliff notes' on the books. Not essential by any means due to its dissapointingly executed presentation, but not an entirely bad dvd either.
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