The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Theatrical and Extended Limited Edition)

Best, love watching the whole series yearly!

LOVE THIS MOVIE.

I'm probably the billionth person to review this, but I absolutely HATED this movie in the theater! The theatrical release absolutely BUTCHERED the novel, added scenes and events that never occurred, and had me griping for 20 minutes after the credits ended about everything that was left out of and wrong with the film. Fortunately the extended version of the film makes up for most of the problems I had with it, and almost everything I pointed out that was missing either appears in the extended version, or was deferred until "The Return of the King." This is still the weakest of the three movies by quite a bit, but it was the weakest of the books as well. The fact that Peter Jackson took artistic license and made the Ents refuse to go to war on their own, and instead had them manipulated into it by Pippin and Merry still ticks me off, as does the fact that the two Hobbits growing quite a bit after drinking the Entwater isn't emphasized enough. One of them became the tallest hobbit in history, and the other wasn't far behind, and that isn't shown when they get together with Sam and Frodo again. Throw in the battle with the warg riders that does NOT happen anywhere in the series, and Aragorn falling off a cliff so everyone thinks he's dead, which never happened either, and I was pretty steamed with the liberties Jackson's team took with the book, just because they thought it would make for good action and gripping drama. (Ok, Legolas standing on a rise and killing a warg with every shot one after the other was really cool, as was him swinging up in the saddle behind a rider when the bad guys were closing in on him.) But that's NOT in the book! Neither is a bunch of elves showing up to fight at Helm's Deep, and making them like robots instead of hundreds of brilliant fighters like Legolas did them a great disservice. (Of course we were subjected to the same ridiculous portrayal in the last of the Hobbit movies as well.) I could grouse about the differences between the book and the film forever, but I also have to concede that what Peter Jackson managed in his sweeping saga of "The Lord of the Rings" was everything I ever hoped for after I fell in love with the books at age eleven. The director's commentary version of this film explains why he and the really excellent artistic and writing teams he assembled did things the way they did. Once I understood that, I realized the quandaries they faced on what to include and when. Tolkien wrote the novels in distinct sections, but the order they were published in serial form and the order they were assembled into the novels didn't always match. So although the book ends with a cliffhanger, the film doesn't, That's a bit due to Peter Jackson's style - most of the movies end on a hopeful note, even though the first two show that there are great challenges ahead. This movie ended halfway through the last chapter of the book, unlike the other two films. The ending seems cheerful, but we know Gollum is back, and bad things are ahead for the unsuspecting duo of Frodo and Sam. I'm still stunned that so much of what was missing from the theatrical release appears here in the extended version, or in the extended version of "The Return of the King," which was absolutely brilliant and the ending was utterly faithful to the book. The song "Into the West" during the credits was great too. Unfortunately, the song during the credits of "The Two Towers" is forgettable, but it's also in competition with Enya's "Let it be" from "The Fellowship of the Ring," which was the best song of the three. This movie is best appreciated by plopping down on the sofa for a 9 hour marathon of the extended versions of the entire series, and in the capacity, it earns 5 stars. Alone by itself it would only get four, since the other two movies in the series blew me away, while this one had several aspects that annoyed me. The writers could have stayed faithful to the original script and still had a thrilling movie, although only us Tolkien nerds would know the difference...

Great to see again

I am sure that there are those who are bothered, angry even, that Peter Jackson didn't take a more literal approach to his "Lord of the Rings" films. To those people I would say that a literal word for word translation from text to screen (assuming such a thing were possible, which it's not) would be nothing but mimicry and in no way a tribute to Tolkien's genius. Rather, I would argue that Jackson's superb interpretation of "The Two Towers" beautifully captures the spirit of Tolkien without being slavish in its devotion. Moreover, Jackson successfully grounds his film in a recognizable reality, which serves to further engage the viewer. There are three ways (generally speaking) in which Jackson puts his fingerprint on Tolkien. The first is his interpretation of the text; areas in which without changing Tolkien he is nonetheless able to put his own spin on the text. There are two salient and superb examples of this that come immediately to mind. The first is that Jackson presents Gollum/Smeagol as a split personality. Gollum is a malevolent deceitful being who lusts after the ring, and Smeagol is an almost childlike creature, fierce in his devotion, but easily hurt. I found this approach to be utterly compelling, and a superb way to present Gollum, but at the same time, it is totally loyal to Tolkien's writing. The second example is the presentation of Gandalf freeing Theoden from Saruman as a sort of exorcism. Not only was this a visually intriguing way to present the scene, but it also shows great appreciation for Tolkien as a man. As a devout Catholic, I suspect he would have appreciated the overtones that swirl about the exchange. The second way in which Jackson captures Tolkien is in his portrayal of the characters. Given the constraints of the film format, the director is forced to both condense and flesh out various characters and exchanges. As such, it is critical that he portrays the characters appropriately, but within the context of the movie. There are any number of excellent examples to Jackson's characterizations, but there are a few that come immediately to mind. The first is using Gimli as much needed comic relief, but doing so in such a way that doesn't degrade the character. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect as it lends a certain emotional depth to the stalwart dwarf. Another example is the conflicted Theoden who is almost Shakespearean in his portrayal. Particularly moving was when at Theodred's grave he flatly states, "No parent should have to bury their child" and then breaks down. Finally, Eowyn's unrequited love for Aragorn is nicely captured, and largely without any dialogue, using glances and expressions to convey the story. Finally, there is Jackson's modification of Tolkien in order to both make the story work as a film and ground it in our present day reality. Most surprising among these is the appearance of the Elves at Helm's Deep, as they come to honor the old alliances. While completely absent from Tolkien's writing, I found this to be an excellent and effective modification. By introducing the Elves, Jackson is able to paint a portrait of Allies fighting against a common enemy in the World War II sense. Moreover, the elite Elves and Rohirrim fighting side by side against overwhelming odds echoes Thermopylae, where the grossly outnumbered Spartans saved Greece, and ultimately, Western Civilization, from the Persians. The second approach is more subtle, but completely pervasive as Jackson takes a fantasy war and couches it in familiar terms. For example there is a suicide bombing at one point during the Battle of Helm's Deep. While entirely within the context of Tolkien, Jackson's presentation rather brutally echoes our own dangerous world. Another fine example is Theoden's question, "What can men do against such reckless hate?" which rather succinctly captures the dilemma of fighting terrorism. My only two complaints are relatively small. The first is an entirely unnecessary dream sequence between Arwen and Aragorn which badly distracts from the mounting tension between him and Eowyn. The second is that while Faramir is ultimately true to the book, it takes far too long for him to realize the danger of the ring. Part of the beauty of his character is how he stands in contrast to his brother Boromir, and this is somewhat eroded by Jackson's interpretation. As for the discs themselves, they are everything one would expect based upon the first set, as the sound, picture and score are all superb. Furthermore, I found the additional scenes to be generally excellent. Theodred's funeral, which features a lament by Eowyn, was particularly moving. Also, through the addition of a few key scenes, I found the ending to be far more satisfying. The conclusions to the Battles of Helms Deep an Isengard are less abrupt, and Faramir is better rounded out. The extras are likewise superb and every bit as fascinating as the features from the first set. I'm not one who is easily drawn in by commetary on costumes and make-up, but these discs are so comprehensive it is impossible not to be drawn in by them. Finally, the audio commentaries are likewise comprehensive and interesting. If you are looking for a slavish recreation of Tolkien's work, you would do well to pass on these discs. However, if you appreciate the spirit of Tolkien's work, and fine filmmaking, you would do well to watch this film. Furthermore, you will never find a better value, as the extra's included in this four disc set once again set the standard to which all other releases must strive. Enjoy! Jake Mohlman

Diese Rezension ist in erster Linie als Fassungsvergleich zwischen der Kinofassung und der Special Extended Edition von Hdr: Die zwei Türme gedacht. Da hier die Rezensionen für beide Fassungen zusammengemischt werden, schreibe ich nur eine und denke, sie wird unter beiden Versionen des Films zu sehen sein. Die zwei Türme: Die Reise geht weiter. Und wieder haben wir es hier mit einem perfekten Film in jeder Hinsicht zu tun, ein gigantisches und tief emotionales Meisterwerk, voller großartiger Darsteller die die wie Faust aufs Auge zu ihren Figuren passen. Die CGI- und praktischen Effekte sind nach wie vor absolut überzeugend, die Musik von Howard Shore wunderschön wie eh und je. Das märchenhafte Element des ersten Teils Die Gefährten wandert hier zugunsten von mehr Action in den Hintergrund. Wir betreten hier endgültig die Welt der Menschen, das Königreich Rohan, welches sich unter der Knute des finsteren Zauberers Saruman (Ruhe in Frieden, der legendäre Christopher Lee) befindet. Dementsprechend geht es hier finsterer und kriegerischer zu, die Schlacht von Helms Klamm am Ende des Films sollte die gewaltigste Schlachtsequenz sein, die man bis dahin im Kino bewundern konnte (bis Die Rückkehr des Königs ein Jahr später alles auf den Kopf stellte und ein Actionspektakel von bis heute ungeahnter Größe auf die Leinwand schmetterte). Frodo und Sam befinden sich nun allein auf dem Weg nach Mordor und stoßen auf Gollum; und mit diesem ist ein technisches Wunderwerk entstanden. Dargestellt von Andy Serkis (wo bitte bleibt bis heute sein Oscar?) und per Motion Capturing als am Computer animierte Figur dargestellt, verschwimmen hier die Grenzen zwischen Realität und CGI so perfekt zu einem ausdrucksstarken Lebewesen, dass man seine künstliche Herkunft schon nach wenigen Sekunden komplett vergisst, auch 18 Jahre später noch. Im Vergleich zu den anderen beiden Teilen mag Die zwei Türme minimal abfallen (den ersten halte ich nachwievor für den besten / rundesten der Reihe, der dritte hat als episches Finale natürlich die größten emotionalen Momente zu verzeichnen) doch das ändert nichts daran, dass nahezu jeder andere Film im direkten Vergleich klein und unspektakulär erscheint: Jeder Teil von HdR ist ein wunderschönes, beeindruckendes Meisterwerk. Nun, da die Wiederveröffentlichung der Trilogie als 4k Ultra HD ansteht und die Box fairerweise beide Fassungen der Filme - Kinofassung und Extended - enthält, steht wieder die Frage im Raum, welcher der beiden Filmfassungen der Vorzug zu geben ist. Die SEE von Die zwei Türme bietet ca 40 Minuten mehr Laufzeit als die Kinofassung und - ich muss es ganz ehrlich sagen - in der kürzeren Version gefällt mir dieser Teil ein kleines Stück besser. Profitierte der erste Teil davon, dass die längere Version der an Information fast schon überladenen ersten Stunde ein dringend benötigtes, ruhigeres Erzähltempo verpasste, so ziehen die zusätzlichen Szenen im zweiten Teil den Film doch ein wenig zu sehr in die Länge. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass schon die Kinofassung im Mittelteil etwas gestreckt wirkte (Aragorns Scheintod beim Sturz von der Klippe). Doch der Mehrwert, der von den zusätzlichen Szenen ausgeht, hält sich mMn doch eher in Grenzen. Vor allem die vielen zusätzlichen Szenen mit Baumbart dem Ent, in denen er etwa minutenlang in gewohnt langsamer Sprache ein Ent-Gedicht zitiert, bringen wohl nicht nur die beiden Hobbits Merry und Pippin an den Rand eines Nickerchens ;). Ein nettes Augenzwinkern für die Fans ist es, wenn der Alte Weidenmann (der im Buch eigentlich im ersten Teil an den Grenzen des Auenlands auftritt) hier einen kleinen Cameo-Auftritt feiert und Baumbart sogar den (in den Filmen gar nicht auftretenden) singenden "Waldgeist" Tom Bombadil kurz zitiert. Wie gesagt, nett für die Fans. Aus filmdramaturgischer Sicht unterbrechen solche Szenen allerdings komplett den Fluss der Haupthandlung und ziehen so einen eh über drei Stunden langen Film unnötig in die Länge. Wieder herausgerissen wird das aber durch eine Rückblende, die Faramirs Vergangenheit zu seinem Bruder Boromir und seinem Vater Denethor beleuchtet. Faramirs kaltes, egozentrisches Auftreten in der Kinofassung war vielen Buchlesern ein Dorn im Auge, gerät durch diese zusätzliche Szene aber in einen anderen Kontext: Wir sehen seine herzliche Beziehung zu seinem Bruder, erfahren, dass dieser viel lieber seine Leute in Gondor beschützen will anstatt in Bruchtal nach dem Einen Ring zu suchen, vom Vater aber dazu genötigt wird (was doppelt bitter ist, da wir als Zuschauer den Ausgang bereits aus dem ersten Teil kennen, in dem Boromir dem Ring verfällt und letztendlich mit dem Leben bezahlt) und wir sehen, wie Faramir unter der Verachtung seines Vaters leidet, der nichts Starkes in ihm sieht und ihm seinen älteren Bruder stets vorzieht. Sicher, all das kommt auch im dritten Teil später deutlich zum Vorschein, dennoch ist es eine schöne und wichtige Erweiterung, die Faramirs Verhalten erklärt und darüber hinaus auch Boromir in ein anderes, positives Licht rückt. Ich kann für den zweiten Teil des HdR also in erster Linie die flüssigere Kinofassung empfehlen, gerade Erstseher und Nichtbuchkenner ziehen womöglich wenig Nutzen aus den Erweiterungen der SEE, die mMn den Fluss des Films immer wieder unnötig unterbrechen und verlangsamen. Eine tolle, unverzichtbare Fünf-Minuten-Szene wiegt eben nicht dreißig weitere auf, in denen größtenteils nichts allzu Bedeutsames passiert. Dennoch bin ich froh, dass es die SEE gibt, denn sie ist - wie auch beim ersten Teil - vor allem ein Geschenk an die Fans, die nicht genug von Mittelerde bekommen können. Darüber sollten wie dankbar sein und für mich, der die Filme eh auswendig kennt, kommt auch beim zweiten Teil keine andere Version als die längere in Frage. Hat man als Erstseher jedoch die Wahl, sollte man hier eindeutig zur Kinoversion greifen, da diese flüssiger durchläuft und sich auf das Wesentliche konzentriert, anstatt den "Fachunkundigen" mit zu viel Hintergrundwissen oder Buchanspielungen, die er nicht versteht, auf die Geduldsprobe zu stellen. Letzlich ändert, wie schon bei Die Gefährten, keine Fassung etwas daran, dass die Verfilmung vom Herr der Ringe ein absolutes Meisterwerk ist, welches fast zwanzig Jahre nach seinem Erscheinen nichts von seinem Glanz und seiner Kraft verloren hat. Ich sehe mir alle drei Teile regelmäßig zu Weihnachten an und werde dies auch weiterhin tun. Es sind eben, wie Sam am Ende unter Tränen zu Frodo sagt, die "Geschichten, die wirklich wichtig sind. Die etwas bedeuten." Und zu diesen Geschichten wird der Herr der Ringe für mich und für viele auf ewig gehören.

この作品は3部作で大作で好きです。ロードオブザリングは持っていたのですが高画質で観たいのでBlu-Rayも購入しました。この作品も面白いです。

Superbe pack des deux Tours et la statuette de Gollum est vraiment belle

Indispensable. Ce chef d'œuvre es à regarder et re-regarder avec la belle qualité du DVD, sans dépendre des plates-formes... Bonne soirée.

Reading some of the reviews on Amazon, I sometimes feel that I have watched a different film, and indeed read a different book. Peter Jackson has done a wonderful job on the adaptation of Lord Of The Rings, and the trilogy will stand the test of time to become a defining moment in movie history. All of you out there who are griping about petty differences between the book and the films should be on your knees thanking God that Hollywood didn't get their hands on the project. (i.e. U571, Enigma etc. Need I say more? Arnie as Aragorn? Bruce Willis as Legolas? Pamela Anderson as Arwen perhaps?) I've read the book countless times in my 48 years, and have no complaints. And to answer one reviewer - Gollum is perfect. Read the book again. We SHOULD feel pity for this poor tortured soul, as Frodo does, and understand that it is the power of the ring which has made him this way, not any inner badness. The scenes where Gollum is at war with his former self are some of the many highlights of this fantastic film. The casting is perfection, the costumes and armour are excellent and the locations - my God - New Zealand is so beautiful!! Mr Jackson and his team have done one awesome job on this incredibly difficult project. I have bought the first two parts of the trilogy in their boxed presentation form, and have not been disappointed. Fellowship was great, but Two Towers was outstanding. The statuette of Gollum is a work of art, and the boxed bonus DVD of the creation of Gollum was an unexpected extra which makes fascinating viewing. Whatever you do, be sure to buy the extended versions of these movies. They are more much complete. Fellowship was much improved by putting back the gift presentations by Galadriel, and Two Towers benefits greatly by having a more complete ending than the cinema version. I can't wait for next November and the release of the final boxed DVD set of The Return Of The King. Can I place my order now please Amazon?