The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has been released on DVD, having already beaten pre-order records at internet store Amazon.
Few directors have utilised the opportunities of DVD as much as the Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.
Fans of the Fellowship of the Ring have had two DVDs to contend one already. One has been packed with the behind the scenes elements, another crams dozens of extra scenes to further lengthen the three-hour film.
Now it is the turn of the Two Towers, with the first DVD version offering some wonderful moments - and some not necessarily of the film itself.
The featurettes are an exhaustive insight into the making of the film, including the chaotic battle at Helm's Deep - and how an old quarry half an hour from Wellington a battleground. The stuntman's recollection provide some hilarious moments.
Bringing Gollum to Life shows the amazing work that went into creating the twisted, scheming Gollum - and how much this apparently computer-created character relied on the charisma of actor (and voice provider) Andy Serkis.
A surprising addition is the short film The Long and the Short of it, directed by Sean Astin (Sam Gamgee) during a break in filming. This, even better than the behind-the-scenes clips, shows what sheer fun it must have been working on the film
Fans will by this DVD, however, as much for the tantalising glimpse of the final instalment The Return of the King, released in December - with the promise that the final climactic battle for Minas Tirith makes Helms Deep look like a skirmish.
Suddenly, December's wintry weather cannot come too soon.
COPIES of the latest Lord of the Rings blockbuster have been flying off shop shelves in Edinburgh - despite the film not being officially released for sale until today.
Several shops have broken the embargo on the second instalment of the trilogy, The Two Towers, by selling it up to five days before its release date.
Retailers today blamed each other for jumping the gun, saying they were forced to follow suit when other shops put the film on the shelves.
Retail experts said today it was up to the manufacturer to decide how strictly an embargo was upheld.
Customers have been rushing to buy the DVD, which is selling from between £14.97 and £16.99, and the VHS video, which some stores are selling for as little as £8.97.
Asda spokesman Dominic Burch said copies of the DVD and video had been "walking out of the door" since Friday when they went on sale at the store’s branch at The Jewel.
"Another retailer broke the embargo so we decided to follow suit," he said. "Our DVDs have been selling much better than videos and I think this is because you can now buy a DVD machine for £40.
"We have sold hundreds of the Two Towers DVDs from The Jewel alone and expect to sell a lot more right up until Christmas."
A Woolworths spokeswoman said that word in the industry alerted the firm to the mass breaking of the embargo.
She said: "It was always our intention to sell the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on the scheduled release date of August 26. However, it became clear that other national retailers intended to sell the film from Friday. With this being the case we had no other option but to begin selling earlier.
"If we hadn’t taken these measures then our customers wouldn’t have been able to understand why they could buy it in some shops but not at our stores."
Safeway spokeswoman Catherine McGuire said it had already sold hundreds of the DVDs at its Edinburgh stores.
"Due to our competitors selling the items we were instructed to begin selling the DVDs on Friday."
Video rental store Blockbuster also took the decision to begin selling and hiring out the DVDs and videos in a bid to keep up with large chain stores which had broken the embargo. And a Tesco spokesman added: "We have sold thousands in Edinburgh as it was a case of everyone following everyone else once one retailer had started selling them early.
"They have been a very popular item this weekend and are selling very well across our stores in Edinburgh."
Elinor Jayne, Scottish Retail Consortium public affairs executive, said it was clear retailers had sought safety in numbers.
"These embargoes vary depending on the supplier. Some retailers will be banned from selling the merchandise again if they have broken an embargo in the past but the rules are flexible from case to case.
"For example, the Harry Potter embargo was really strict. In this case, it is up to the manufacturer as to whether the retailers will be penalised for breaking the embargo." The Co-op chain was told earlier this year that it would not be given any copies of JK Rowling’s latest book as punishment for breaking the embargo rules before.
Publishers Bloomsbury took the action as retribution for breaking the strict embargo surrounding the publication of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in July 2000.
Earlier this year, The New York Daily News printed excerpts of the opening chapters two days early, with the newspaper claiming to have found the book on sale at a health food shop in Brooklyn.
Scholastic, Rowling’s US publisher, has accused the newspaper of copyright infringement in a $100 million lawsuit filed in a federal court.
No one from the suppliers of the Lord of the Rings DVD and video, New Line Cinema, could be contacted for comment.
In anticipation of tomorrow's release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on DVD, here's some fun facts, information and details on the film, plus details on all the special features. Fans might also be interested in the trivia we've collected, and the recipes that were created in tribute to the film.
With the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on DVD (from New Line Home Entertainment, which is distributed in Canada by Alliance Atlantis), fans are left with the pivotol question: should they buy the DVD now, or should they wait until the special extended edition DVD is released in November (with 4 discs, rather than just 2).
Of course, for real fans, there is no question... buy them both! When it comes down to it, the two DVD packages are going to be so different, they're basically going to look like different films.
The DVD that gets released tomorrow includes features you won't find on the second extended edition. That includes Sean Astin's short film, "The Long and Short of It", but more importantly, you get to see the film as it was shown in cinemas. If you opt to buy the special extended edition, you'll get the whole film put back together with all the cut scenes - which is awesome, but that definitely depends on what you feel about the cut scenes.
Ultimately though, it's also just a question of how long you can wait. Here's the full list of extras you'll find on the DVD that appears in stores tomorrow...
Features:
Theatrical trailers, TV spots
Documentary "On the Set: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
Documentary "Return to Middle-earth"
Eight featurettes originally created for lordoftherings.net: "Forces of Darkness," "Sounds of Middle-earth," "Edoras & Rohan Culture," "Creatures," "Gandalf the White," "Arms & Armor," "Helm's Deep," and "Gollum: Andy Serkis, Bay Raitt"
Emiliana Torrini "Gollum Song" music video
Short film by Sean Astin "The Long and Short of It"
Exclusive 10-minute behind-the-scenes preview of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
Preview of video game, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
An inside look at the Special Extended DVD Edition of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
Aside from the special features on the DVD, what else can we tell you about the film? Well, how about some trivia? There's certainly lots to be found when it comes to this film trilogy, but thanks to IMDb.com, we found oodles of fun facts. Check it out...
Trivia:
In the huge Orc battle at Helm's Deep, the cries for the battle sequence were actually recorded at a stadium by 25,000 cricket fans. These fans screamed chants which were led by Director Peter Jackson himself.
It took over seven months of construction to build the set for the Helm's Deep battle. In the end, the crew shot over twenty hours of footage, which were shot over three months. During that time, all the extras and cast were subjected to constant rain from rain machines and were so soaked and cold that they got t-shirts made that read, "I survived Helms Deep".
Actor John Rhys-Davies, who plays Gimli, also provided the voice of Treebeard.
Actors Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan, who play Merry and Pipin, were up in the tree (Treebeard) so much during the film, and it was so difficult to get up and down from their "perches", that during breaks they were often left there while the crew ate or rested.
MORE...
Now, I believe that an event of this magnitude doesn't just deserve attention - it deserves some special attention. So, in the spirit of that, I've created a few interesting drinks that I think go well with the film. The GATE is in no way associated with the film though, so remember - these are unofficial drinks, and please also remember to drink responsibly.
The Flaming Eye
1 shot of Mandarin Rum
1 shot of Sambuca
Light the shot of Sambuca on fire, wait a few seconds, then pour into the Mandarin Rum.
*Warning, be careful when lighting alcohol on fire - you could burn yourself. Just use your common sense!
Black Rider's Screech
1 shot of Whiskey
1 glass of Stout beer
Pour the whiskey in beer and enjoy.
Elvish Creamy Nut
1 shot of Baileys
1 shot of Frangelico
Pour the Baileys over ice cubes, then add Frangelico.
Disclaimer: The GATE is in no way associated with The Lord of the Rings films, New Line Cinema, Alliance Atlantis, WingNut Films, or anyone associated with the production, release, or distribution of this film - unfortunately. ALSO, The GATE assumes absolutely no responsibility for anyone who chooses to create or drink these beverages. It's totally up to you if you decide to drink anything alcoholic, or if you drink too much and do something stupid. These recipes are purely for amusement purposes only and we in no way endorse underage drinking. Drink at your own risk, be careful with open flames when exposed to alcohol, follow your local laws, and never - ever - drink and drive.
Xoanon here, So you’re planning to get the TTT DVD tonight at midnight? Are you prepared for the long wait? Are you ready to stay up REALLY late tonight watching the whole DVD and all the special features? If not then follow this easy-to-use guide called ‘Geeking Out on TTT and Surviving ‘Till Morning’.
Last fall I was a special invited guest to New Line Cinema’s offices to watch the Extended Edition version of ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’. The film itself was over 3 hours long we then proceeded to watch supplementary DVD’s with all the extras, another 4 or 5 hours, I was one of the few who survived. How did I do this? The boy-scout training I received as I child paid off…I was prepared.
A ton of you are planning on invading your local video stores at Midnight and picking up your own copy of TTT. Midnight can be a long wait in line, are you ready to handle it?
Here are a few essential items to bring with you:
Water: Water (or any other non-alcoholic beverage) is essential when waiting in line. Water acts as a distraction in the long hours of the night. It can also provide as a conversation piece if you happen to see a sexy looking fan next to you. Asking ‘What are you drinking?’ can lead to a long a fruitful relationship (this may not happen to all of you).
Snack Food: Along with something to drink, a little something to eat can help you pass the time. Also, you may be forced to stand the whole time, depending on the state of the video-store parking lot, so you need energy. You may also use food as a bribe to get yourself ahead of the line. Recommended foods: Skittles, popcorn, chocolate covered peanuts. Not recommended: Meatloaf, tacos, spaghetti, pea-soup.
Warm Clothing: Even in the sunniest parts of Los Angeles, temperatures can dip down at night. Wear loose fitting clothes but bring something along with you to keep you warm if the temperature dips down in the night. You can also sit on it while waiting. If you have any LOTR themed clothing, bring it along with you.
Seat-Filler: Worried that you may not be able to ‘hold it in’ the whole time? Need to step away from the line for a minor emergency? Someone stealing your car? Be prepared! Bring someone with you who can stand in for you when you need to leave. Someone you can leave on their own is a must. Do not bring your 6 month old and expect them to stay in line and get the TTT DVD for you. Kids that age usually don’t have money and may get the wrong DVD for you. Also pets such as dogs and cats tend to get distracted. Goldfish are an absolute no-no.
So, you have everything you need. The clock strikes twelve, it is officially August 26th and the doors to the video store open! You are about to get your very own copy of TTT! Are you getting a little nervous? Here are a few tips to help you out.
Stay on target! Don’t get distracted by the pretty lights and millions of other pretty DVD’s available. Don’t stop to look at new releases, don’t look at what is on the TV, don’t look at anyone in the eyes! Head directly to the area where they are selling the DVD, grab yours and go! (please pay first)
Widescreen VS Fullscreen? There is a raging debate as to which is better, some people are too distracted by the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen that they would prefer the full screen version. Whatever your choice heed my words, CHECK WHAT VERSION YOU HAVE IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE BUYING! Trust me, I know where of I speak. I currently own a horrible fullscreen copy of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and I feel the shame of it every time I watch it! It laughs at me at night…I can tell!
You’ve made your purchase…you are out the door and back home in record time.
It is now 12:15 in the morning, usually an un-godly hour because you have school and/or work the next day. But tonight you have the TTT DVD…the night is just getting STARTED!
You slip that DVD into your player and sit down to watch it in all it’s glory…but are you prepared to stay up this late? Ask yourself these questions!
Am I ready for ‘emergency sleep’? What happens if I find myself falling asleep during the battle of Helms Deep? If I decide to stop the DVD (my god man…what a thought) and fall asleep right here on the couch, am I ready? If not then go to your room, slip into your PJ’s and slippers…bring a pillow and a blanket and get ready if and when it happens.
What about my TV? Is it ready for the experience? Believe it or not, when I pop in a movie I am looking foreword to watching, I dust off the screen and do a sound check. At 12 in the morning you may want to be careful of the sound levels!
So…a few hours later and you’ve seen everything there is to see on the TTT DVD and then some. It is almost 5 am and you need to be up in about an hour. What do you do now? Here are some tips for a VERY hard morning.
Coffee Coffee Coffee: Actually any form of caffeine will help you out here. My personal favorite is Red Rose tea (tea has more caffeine than coffee) add a few spoonfuls of sugar (and one directly into the mouth wouldn’t hurt). A few hours later you can try Skittles, they work wonders and are so full of sugar that you may in fact need to peel yourself off the wall.
Old Tricks Being The Best Tricks: If you are at work or school and seem a little zoned out, try to avoid conversations with anyone. And if you are approached you can simply say that you were up all night working really hard on a new assignment. People with seasonal allergies will be lucky this time of year as they can blame the puffy eyes and droopy cheeks on allergies. Fake sneezing will confirm this.
Get Some Sleep: Finally, when your Wednesday from Hell is complete, you can crawl home and get some much-deserved sleep. Yes you will have to SKIP watching TTT again for a second night in a row and sleep. Your body will thank you later.
I hope this guide helps you out in all your geeky quests.
I got my copy of LotR: TTT, and I'm really excited about watching it tonight. Though, I'm really looking forward to the extended version coming out in November, with like 40 minutes of deleted scenes.
