The LORD OF THE RINGS Films | A Complete Retrospective

The world is changed. Over a period of 8 years, a group of filmmakers created one of the greatest film trilogies of all time.
Now, 20 years later, we recount their journey and discover how exactly these films came to be.
From development, to production, to the building excitement among fans. Covering the good, the bad, and everything in between.
This is... THE LORD OF THE RINGS - A COMPLETE RETROSPECTIVE
MAIN SOURCES:
The Lord of the Rings - The Appendices Parts 1 to 6
Charlie Rose interviews Peter Jackson in 2002:
• Peter Jackson intervie...
Charlie Rose interviews Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, and Viggo Mortensen in 2002:
• Peter Jackson, Viggo M...
THE COMPLETE TIMELINE:
00:00 - The World is Changed…
00:03:18 - 1978: The Ralph Bakshi Film
00:03:59 - 1980: Rankin/Bass Return of the King
00:04:31 - 1995: The Turn of the Tide
00:06:17 - 1997: Development Begins for Miramax
00:07:44 - 1998: Production Leaves Miramax
00:09:49 - 1998: The Last Shot with New Line
00:11:24 - 1998: Adapting The Lord of the Rings
00:18:31 - 1998: Storyboards/Pre-Vis
00:19:43 - 1998: Weta Workshop
00:20:23 - 1999: Weta Workshop, cont.
00:23:25 - 1999: The One Ring
00:24:07 - 1999: Designing Middle-Earth
00:25:40 - 1999: Miniatures
00:26:36 - 1999: New Zealand’s Locations
00:27:47 - 1999: Casting
00:31:13 - 1999: The Beginnings of Gollum
00:33:09 - 1999: Principal Photography Begins
00:33:43 - 1999: Recasting Aragorn
00:34:50 - 1999: The Second Units
00:35:52 - 1999: Daily Prosthetics by Weta Workshop
00:36:51 - 1999: Daily Script Revisions
00:37:11 - 1999: The Stairs to Cirith Ungol Vol. 1
00:38:37 - 2000: A Wizard is Never Late
00:39:00 - 2000: Scale
00:42:18 - 2000: The First Teaser Trailer
00:44:10 - 2000: New Cast Members
00:44:31 - 2000: Andy Serkis joins as Gollum
00:46:02 - 2000: The Filming of Helm’s Deep
00:47:19 - 2000: The Glorious Sets and Locations
00:48:29 - 2000: Howard Shore joins
00:49:22 - 2000: The Stairs to Cirith Ungol Vol. 2
00:50:03 - 2000: The Last Week of Production
00:52:29 - 2001: A New Teaser Trailer
00:53:51 - 2001: Editing - Film One
00:55:35 - 2001: Fellowship - Trailer #1
00:57:20 - 2001: Pick-Ups - Film One
00:58:22 - 2001: Weta Digital - Film One
00:59:55 - 2001: Fellowship - Trailer #2
01:01:02 - 2001: Music - Film One
01:02:37 - 2001: Sound Design - Film One
01:03:40 - 2001: Film One Complete
01:05:36 - 2001: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Theatrical)
01:18:56 - 2001: Reception to Fellowship of the Ring
01:20:04 - 2002: The Oscars
01:20:57 - 2002: Editing - Film Two
01:24:04 - 2002: Excitement Builds for Film Two
01:25:03 - 2002: The Two Towers - Trailer #1
01:26:58 - 2002: Weta Digital - Film Two
01:29:09 - 2002: The Taming of Smeagol
01:32:57 - 2002: The Two Towers - Trailer #2
01:34:13 - 2002: Music - Film Two
01:35:19 - 2002: Sound Design - Film Two
01:36:34 - 2002: The Battle to Finish Film Two
01:38:12 - 2002: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (Extended)
01:41:59 - 2002: Film Two Complete
01:44:19 - 2002: THE TWO TOWERS (Theatrical)
02:01:55 - 2002: Reception to The Two Towers
02:02:55 - 2003: The Oscars
02:03:38 - 2003: Editing - Film Three
02:05:08 - 2003: Return of the King - Trailer #1
02:05:53 - 2003: Pick-Ups - Film Three
02:09:13 - 2003: Weta Digital - Film Three
02:12:46 - 2003: Return of the King - Trailer #2
02:14:02 - 2003: Music - Film Three
02:15:41 - 2003: Sound Design - Film Three
02:16:52 - 2003: THE TWO TOWERS (Extended)
02:20:01 - 2003: The Battle to Finish Film Three
02:22:50 - 2003: Film Three Complete
02:24:40 - 2003: THE RETURN OF THE KING (Theatrical)
02:45:05 - 2003: Reception to Return of the King
02:46:32 - 2004: The Oscars
02:49:07 - 2004: The Last Shot
02:49:52 - 2004: THE RETURN OF THE KING (Extended)
02:54:26 - The End of All Things
Twitter: / theprimetheater
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/prime_of_gamer/
Outro Music: Running in the 80s 1.5x speed
Galvatron: / @galvysphone

[@ThePrimeTheater]

Yes, this is a re-upload. The original version of this got taken down after five days, and I've spent the last 5 months trying to get it back up. But it's here now! And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's here to stay. Also, if you wind up getting too many ads on the video, I'm sorry, there are still SOME copyright claims on this that control the ad frequency, so I have no power over that (nor do I get the money.) But, enjoy the video, it's back! And it's about 23 seconds longer than it was in April!😀 Also, subscribe if you haven't, it helps a lot. 👍

[@Thori45]

Thank you so much :)

[@billysunday7507]

Thanks

[@Thori45]

Btw how can I support you? Is there any way to give you some $? :D

[@cbwarriner]

Woo Hoo!! I've been anxiously awaiting the return! I was only able to watch the first half and I felt so bad for you that they pulled it down after all your hard work. I was thoroughly enjoying it and am so glad its back up!

[@horrorfan1415]

I was watching this months ago and didn’t finish it and have been trying to find it again to finish it and now it makes sense why!!! None of the others I have found have been remotely as comprehensive as yours. This is documentary in it’s own right!

[@anubusx]

Andy Serkis should've got an Oscar.

[@Jasontriesyoutube]

To this date one of the biggest robberies in film history. Every time I think of Gollum I think of Jar Jar Binks and how without Andy Serkis these films would not be what they are

[@monkfishy6348]

Sure he brought a lot to the role of Gollum, but at least half of the credit also needs to go to the animation and special effects team.

[@joelspaulding5964]

​@monkfishy6348 He was the basis for the animation. Motion capture. His voice acting and movementt...it's just a digital costume.

[@monkfishy6348]

You're really underselling how much work went into creating Gollum. Motion capture (back then) was just large motion reference data, which does nothing on its own. None of the finer motion or facial motions were captured. So it still took thousands of hours to painstakingly remove Andy from the footage, frame by frame, and hand animate Gollum's fine details and facial expressions frame by frame. @@joelspaulding5964​

[@kevinericsongs]

i think they will eventually give him a lifetime achievement oscar-like they did with ray harryhausen

[@chickenporkadob0]

after 23yrs, it still holds up and still better than current movies.

[@oldoddjobs]

They are utter trash

[@mikefur3957]

they don't make em like they used to.... back in my day movies were 3.5 hours long, uphill both ways

[@K12machinima]

Amen.

[@2pekes568]

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Peter Jackson is a CLASSIC. No need to redo it. It’s perfect as is.

[@captainkirk9691]

DEFINITELY tho I still enjoyed the Hobbit films

[@OwenDW]

I grew up in Wellington during the filming, what an incredible time to be a kiwi. Everyone was either in, or new someone who worked on the production, from caterers to roofers. I myself went to the cricket match mentioned in the video with my Dad and got to see Peter Jackson in person. We contributed to the sound of 10,000 Uruk-Hai marching on Helms Deep. I also bet my Dad $5 that NZ would beat England and they did. Fantastic day out.

[@thestraightroad305]

That’s an awesome story! Love it!

[@forester2845]

It must be awesome to watch the movies as they came out!

[@rogerpattube]

Yeah they covered that in the vid.

[@TurboPro9952]

HAPPY ALMOST 20TH ANNIVERSARY RETURN OF THE KING!

[@sportluver98]

How sweet!!!

[@vipisor]

I’ve started watching this documentary without high hopes, given how many there are throughout KZbin, but you, Sir, have done an unbelievable job. The narration, the knowledge, the edit, the mix between movie scenes and your story…absolutely amazing. Thank you for this and thank you for reminding me of the greatness of these movies and their impact in cinematography.

[@marymcandrew7667]

You've said it for me, exactly! This was so well done and the channel owner needs to get applauded too!

[@zoiks6631]

It’s well done, but I found it cringey how he hyped the making of 3 movies as if the people involved completed a Herculean task such as curing polio or landing man on the moon.

[@andyman2583]

​@@zoiks6631I bet you're super fun at parties.

[@zoiks6631]

@@andyman2583 And I bet you think you’re clever, posting the same boring, overdone, low intelligence, comment repeatedly.

[@tylermoulton7294]

@@andyman2583 lol

[@TJSaw]

The greatest book ever written. The greatest movie ever made. The greatest movie soundtrack ever composed. The greatest film crew ever assembled. The greatest fandom to ever exist. The Lord of the Rings - the one tale to rule them all.

[@monoludico6166]

You forgot "the greatest documentary about these movies ever made". Wonderful job of this KZbin channel!

[@shirleymental4189]

Add the greatest credits ever made.

[@monoludico6166]

@@shirleymental4189 you're so right

[@BakuranTV]

I lost count how many times I watched this movies. It set a standard to me. I never satisfied watching other movies than lotr.

[@segagenysis6918]

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. And I'm not a Christian. But the whole ethos of our society is predicated on Biblical tradition.

[@nifferwolf]

This trilogy is an absolute masterclass of cinema. The film industry peaked with these movies.

[@metalgearsolidsnake6978]

One of the greatest movies out there!

[@jpetersgoyanks]

Easy, it’s a high water mark but not a peak. There are no peaks. Peaks are in the clouds and out of our sight.

[@DutchDread]

​@@jpetersgoyanksthat sounds like lotr to me

[@scotscottscottt]

Overrate much?

[@brunoacostasilva]

Your life is overrated.@@scotscottscottt

[@Jonintheronin]

It's crazy how much of the extened editions of these films are burned into memory for me. I can't remember these movies without the extra footage.

[@Balrog-tf3bg]

It always used to really confuse me seeing the movies on tv without the extra scenes. Father brought me up well 😂

[@Grim_42]

Crazy thing is they filmed even more, each movie could have been 5/6 hours long if they used everything that they filmed.😆

[@joymiller9668]

​@@Grim_42I wish they would have

[@TJSaw]

How it should be. I have only ever watched the theatrical versions in the theatres. Otherwise, it’s always been the extended versions.

[@zoestraw6444]

The pub scene, and then Frodo's monologue about picking up the threads of an old life, both really hit me. One of the things that the ending of Return really captures is how traumatic and life changing everything that the Hobbits went through was, and that no matter how desperately they want to go back to their simple humble lives, they can't ever go back to the innocence they had before they left. Their trauma, in a way, isolates them from the community they had longed to return to, and that can be a very heart wrenching realization. I'm a person with CPTSD related to some really horrific things in my past, and I work to be a positive presence in the lives of those who I care about, but sometimes it can be difficult to not be envious of people who haven't been through major hardships like that. My experiences shaped me, for better or worse, and you have to move forward incorporating those things into your life. I'm always crying like a baby by the end of Return as we're wrapping up the Hobbbits stories because of how bittersweet the return to the Shire is, as the scope of how deeply they are affected by their journeys takes hold and they still put together whatever lives they can have in spite of it. It's something handled with such grace and nuance, it's thoughtful and sweet while having a strong undercurrent of melancholy. I love it so much.

[@samwisehuluberlu2210]

Perfectly summarized. It's maybe through my own experience about the end of this immense story the better explanation i would have made on words to explain my own feels about it. But english is awful proceed by me. Thanks.

[@Ahmad_Itani]

Well said

[@cameronwebb5621]

The LOTR films are the definition of lighting in a bottle. The quality and scale of the world-building and art direction is unmatched. I doubt we'll see anything like it on screen ever again 😢

[@georgechapman9688]

We still have them, don't need any other

[@ikmor]

Yes, the rarity is what makes it special. ❤

[@queenmorrigaen9256]

You can tell everyone made these 3 films with love.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

In another 20 years someone will attempt a remake.

[@levardotts9026]

@@Lethgar_Smith Sadly

[@toreadoress]

The fact that this trilogy exist considering how many step backs there were with Miramax cutting it to 1 movie, then being rejected by every single other studio and in the last possible moment New Line not only picked it up but even offered to be 3 movies for each book instead of 2, took a studio breaking gamble giving P.J. big enough budget and creative control + filming back to back is nothing less than a miracle. Which also makes me think how many other potentially great ideas and masterpieces never saw the day of light because they didn't have the same amount of luck and were rejected by studios.

[@Jordan_Starr]

It does feel that way. I was thinking while watching this how mind blowing it is that Weta Workshop had the capacity, the talent, and the resources to do everything they did. Even a small change (like if they'd filmed things movie by movie) could have made such a huge impact on the final outcome as people burnt out from the first film wouldn't be taking part in the second and so on. There are so many moving parts that had to come together to give us one of the greatest pieces of art the world has ever seen. I wish Tolkien could have seen the end result 💕

[@miguelmiranda8865]

The book Eragon could have been great like Lotr. Instead, they pushed it ahead right away and destroyed it.

[@SpiritofAloha11]

The New Line story would be awesome to tell.

[@chrisderidder4087]

It didnt work for the hobbit. 3 movies out of one little book. Lotr could have been 6 movies for sure

[@JoJo-vg8dz]

Most producers are greedy speculators. They are not creators.

[@alex626ification]

No matter how much I watch these types of documentaries it's still so heart warming to know how much love, passion, and planning went into makking this master piece.

[@BrendonN]

This recap was a MASSIVE success 😂 Gonna watch again and drink whenever I hear the word massive. Thank you for making this.

[@soliDANity]

Underrated comment

[@AliaEvera]

Oh my god, I can only imagine the relief and happiness Peter and his crew must've felt when New Line gave them the chance to make 3 movies 🥺

[@jacobyrassilon]

Kudos to that one dude that said "why two movies? Weren't there three books?" That dude is a true hero.

[@plebisMaximus]

@@jacobyrassilon Not just a hero to this film project, but also to his own bank account lol. That was a billion dollar decision.

[@trevorthornley8835]

I can only imagine the happiness and relief everyone felt when they finished the films and audiences adored them.

[@-ross3778]

​​​@@jacobyrassilon Agreed. But I wish that same dude had been around to say *"three movies? Why not make it one?"* about _The Hobbit_ 😮‍💨

[@NoahDaArk]

⁠@@jacobyrassilon Yeah, Robert Shaye’s time as head of New Line could best be described as “Smart Dude Making Smart Decisions.”

[@EvilOverlord1662]

Imagine being Miramax cancelling the most profitable movies ever made.

[@lk_UU]

I don’t know why but I had several times tears in my eyes watching this. LotR means the world to me and this retrospective brings every aspect on point. Thanks you for creating and sharing it with us!

[@bowman4275]

Casting in LOTR? It was absolutely perfect! I can think of no miscasting at all. Each actor will forever be their LOTR character. The Wetta Workshop were incredible! Kudos to all of the 2nd Unit directors. They clearly did a fine job.

[@haydengoodall6767]

A wee dram for you, 2nd unit director, The late Geoff Murphy ( Goodbye Pork Pie: fame ) is also the director of the much Loved Young Guns 2 film starring Brisco County Jr. 🤠

[@hypebeasto-kun9539]

Andy Serkis acting his heart out in peter Jackson's living room should've guaranteed his spot as a finalist if not won it. One of the most talented actors of the era. Pure talent.

[@martynstembridge7714]

Serkis should have won an Oscar .... It was criminal that he wasn't considered. One of the most dedicated and intense acting performances of all time.

[@kredonystus7768]

I have a dream that someone will write a movie with Doug Jones and Andy Serkis where they are the only characters not in CGI or prosthetics.

[@johnrockyryan]

​@@martynstembridge7714 dedicated and intense if you were to describe Andy Serkis as an actor in two words it would be them, Andy doesn't need the Oscar he is to good for them

[@kellyfarrar6639]

Now Andy is collecting cinematic universes like he should be collecting oscars

[@hypebeasto-kun9539]

@@kellyfarrar6639 ay let the man get his bag. At the end of the day he can have fun and make money too.

[@sebastianhollmichel9566]

I will always remember two things about Fellowship at first watch in the cinema: 1) Somebody crying when Gandalf did fall in Moria. 2) A guy throwing his hands up when credits rolled and yelling in anger: "What? That's it?"

[@HNCS2006]

I was about 10 when i went to see Fellowship and had no concept of trilogy as in no one told me it was three movies. So I complained and tried to explain to my 6 years old sister why is the story not finished??!!

[@GlennDavey]

"That's it?" LOL guilty! I fell asleep in the car at the drive-in movie theatre watching Fellowship after a long day of swimming on summer holidays. Was disappointed that the one time I woke up Liv Tyler was just exiting the narrative. Fell asleep again and woke up just as they were walking over some mountains, I guess... and then the credits rolled. I knew it was the first of a trilogy but still was like "Is that it?" My sister were like "what do you mean? you slept for most of it!" and dad said "you didn't miss much...." as he started the car. Needless to say we weren't a LoTR family. And by the time The Two Towers came out I thought the title was in poor taste after 9/11 and wasn't hooked even a little bit, anyway. I might have been neither young enough OR old enough to appreciate them when they came out, too interested in partying and trying to get laid at that age. Finally got around to sitting myself down to watch the Extended Editions, recently, over a few nights -- after seeing videos and memes for years about them -- and yeah... wow... what an achievement! The mix of make-up, miniatures, in-camera effects and CG, perfect casting, plus the writing and adaptation of Jackson is really remarkable. I get now why so many consider them the best movies ever. It's our generation's "OG Star Wars Trilogy". The last of the 20th-century-style films. Still not a Rings super-fan but I at least get it now. Probably will give them another watch, some time soon. Mea culpa!

[@bZman]

I love the Gollum Smeagal parts because it is a rather accurate portrayal of really bad depression. A voice in your head saying no one will ever love you, no one will ever care about you, but with the fantasy world twist of where the voice is also evil. Almost everyone has that evil little voice in the back of their head, tormenting them. Gollum is what happens when you let it rule you and control your life. He is a pitiful creature and you cannot blame frodo for wanting to save him, he is just too naive to realize he is beyond saving and is too far gone. The darkness of the ring has infected him to the point he can never be saved even though his last remaining vestiges of humanity remain. It is a wonderful parable for what happens if you let the darkness consume you.

[@gloriarangott8803]

A person who is unloved and unwanted in their early years CAN become perpetually depressed and turn to evil...and that's how malignant narcissists are born

[@tim5866]

I was able to see Return of the King in Imax when it first released when I was 10. It was the first one my parents allowed me to see in theaters. I'm 30 now and I still remember it vividly. Including the standing ovation by the crowd as the credits rolled.

[@timbothejedi4146]

That's awesome as hell dude!

[@josephl6289]

Howard Shores' contribution is invaluable. There is no LoTR without his creation, it just wouldn't be what it is.

[@pokeballdkdenmark8464]

"...no LoTR without his creation". I agree Howard Shore's work was amazing but other composers would've likely have been able to do a great job - like Bear McCreary who composed "Rings of Power". Without Peter Jackson the LOTR movies would probably never had happened or not have been the greatest movie triology of all time. I very much doubt we'll ever see a movie as great as this ever again.

[@josephl6289]

@@pokeballdkdenmark8464 i disagree. There are many other great movoe directors who wouldve done an excellent job ;) lol

[@jamesschmidt1120]

@@pokeballdkdenmark8464 I mean other directors and other composers could have made tthe movies and they would undoubtedly be different. I personally can’t really imagine them doing a much better job. But what I always remember about lord of the rings is the score. It is so a precise yet captivating in training our emotions on the story

[@pokeballdkdenmark8464]

@@josephl6289 We'll never know even though I doubt it and I just can't imagine anyone doing a better job than Peter Jackson. Think about how many years of work he put into the project. I'm not sure any other great director would have done that and Peter Jackson wasn't only the director you know - he supervised almost everything from start to finish. The movies are just near perfect in my view - especially the extended versions. Actually I like the movies better than the books which are my favorite books of all time - so that says a lot. I can't count how many times I've read the books in my life, but now I only want to watch the movies because some parts of the books which are somewhat boring are cut out of the movies.

[@pokeballdkdenmark8464]

@@jamesschmidt1120 I agree and I also love the score Howard Shore did, but my point was really I could much better imagine a just as great movie without Howard Shore's score than I could imagine anyone doing the job Peter Jackson did with the movies which will always be my favorite movies of all time - like the Tolkien books my favorite books.

[@evandickinson6393]

Buddy...I can't express how entertaining this whole video has been! Your narration and excitement is just fantastic!

[@maybeisalwaysgood]

yup :)

[@Kbarbarich1]

yes! having grown up in new zealand, his incredible descriptions transported my brain back in time to when all these things were unfolding around us and the country was abuzz. what an incredible feat of passion those movies were

[@gottagetitgaming7759]

I didn't think the last few minutes of this video was going to hit me just as hard as watching the end of the third film in the theater, but I was ugly crying once again. In my lifetime I will never see a better story told on the big screen. Damn, these movies were just so amazing.

[@Raydensheraj]

DUNE????

[@thesardonicrenegade3065]

dune doesn't hold a candle to this@@Raydensheraj

[@derikhettinger5342]

@@Raydensherajnot even close. Dune is akin to watching paint dry. First movie was a tedious slog and boring.

[@youngmonkey2504]

@@Raydensheraj I looooooooove Dune and the new movies were both amazing. I think they’re the closest thing I’ve ever seen to lotr but its hard to beat a feel good story when they’re both so good lol

[@jocollantes4258]

The story is special to me, I was gifted my first Tolkien book on my bday, which happens to be the same date as Frodo & Bilbo's bday. I was ten then and much later saw the movie in theater my freshman year in Uni. I can't thank Peter Jackson and the production enough for capturing the soul of this story. Special gratitude to Howard Shore for the excellent sountrack of the Shire, music that have got me thru some difficult times in my life. You know from the moment those notes glides in, I'm instantly transported to a bright, lighthearted space.. it calls to mind the simple yet enduring strength of our four hobbitses and never fails to spark my hope.

[@savvi3128]

As a die hard fan of the movie, I demand this trilogy to be released in cinemas again. Polish a few outdated vfx shots, and release it in the best quality available in cinemas in extended cut. No doubt the trilogy will make more money than ever.

[@katerrinah5442]

Some independent cinemas do screenings of the entire trilogy in one sitting (and if you're lucky the extended editions)

[@12xx12100]

Multiple cinemas in my citiy are doing a screening of all three in extended. But each week one movie

[@timbothejedi4146]

I'd be at each in IMAX!

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

God I teared up again hearing the announcement for best picture. This trilogy just hits me differently

[@kayakerdude3727]

True... They should also invent an award for best picture of all time and have a special ceremony where they hand it over this group because to me it's a slam dunk decision - Nothing comes close to the LOTR. It wasn't just the best picture for its day.... it literally is the best all time and I'm predicting will keep that crown forever. Film doesn't get better than this.

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@kayakerdude3727 absolutely a worthy contender, without a doubt. I adore this franchise with all my heart, and the sheer artistry that went into it has inspired me as an actor, artist, miniature painter, and craftsman. It’s wild how much of an impact these have had on me (not to mention reading all of the books and absorbing all of the lore I can)

[@aya-zb6qu]

1q

[@fluffynator6222]

​@@kayakerdude3727 You can't be serious?

[@jamesconsiglio3726]

I am 67 years of age ... Had read the stories many times over before seeing the trilogy loved them so much bought the DVDs have watched them well over a hundred times and will watch hundreds more ...I wish I could thank each and every person involved in the making of the most amazing stories ever put to film ...thank you so much ...

[@thehermitessandthedog2966]

Man... I am speechless! This retrospective summary is just so well done. It gives this cinematic masterpiece the honor it deserves. The most touching fact to me is that they just celebrated with their fans after the awards.

[@Karlach_]

This is the best documentary on the LotR films I have ever seen. It's soo good that despite it being very long I have watched it all the way through 3 times. Thank you for making this my man, it couldn't have been easy but I really appreciate it. 🤜🤛

[@GhostRider-on6bz]

It really is just the appendices from the DVD's (which are on YT anyway), re-edited with his own voice over added on top. Not surprised it got copyright claimed.

[@Karlach_]

@@GhostRider-on6bz That's just the footage he used.

[@mercster]

Have you read the novel?

[@Karlach_]

@@mercster Yep and The Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and most of Tolkien's public letters.

[@kadartcostumes9842]

It`s "just" an abridged summary of a true Masterpiece which is "The Lord of the RIngs : The Appendices". And unfortunately this also seems to have been the only source of information here.

[@smpdevelopments]

I'm one hour in and absolutely loving this, it's really hard to comprehend how incredible these movies are and the effort that went into making them. I just don't see us getting movies as good as this ever again. Thanks for putting all this together, great job!!!

[@levardotts9026]

I'm enjoying all of Prime's Retrospectives so far!

[@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s]

Yea not happening

[@ivordundic6095]

I’ve probably spent more than 10 years on KZbin watching LOTR related videos, and this is arguably the greatest I’ve ever watched. Watched the whole thing, and not for even 1 minute did I feel it was boring, slow, dragged out etc. Never enjoyed such long KZbin videos more than this one. Amazing work

[@maxgoss5653]

Best trilogy ever. I’m proud to say I got to see all 3 movies in theaters as a kid. We’ll never see anything come close to it ever again. Pure cinematic storytelling magic ❤️

[@gavinnewton0Big_G]

I dropped the video i was watching because ive been waiting for a video like this for a long time. Good chance ill rewatch this

[@CERap22]

SAME!!😆

[@mettamanreeemaskchange3790]

Same 🎉🎉

[@maybeisalwaysgood]

same❤

[@MortarIvy]

I abandoned an entire afternoon of important activities 😬

[@criixt]

I still cannot fathom how they did these uber detailed vfx shots/animations with late 90's/early 2000's computers.

[@dragonmastersk7913]

This was beautiful and I cry every time I watch these movies. My favourite scene might be when Boromir picks up the ring and the elven chorus plays, while he delivers his line on how everything is thanks to the ring

[@lewis286]

Its almost insane that a 3 hour retrospective only touches the surface of the influence the movies had on pop culture during the period as well as the brilliant adaptation of tolkeins thematic vision for this story. You did an amazing job managing to condense what would easily could have been a 10 hour retrospective into a comprehensive 3 hour video. Amazing video and an essential watch for both book and movie fans. Mad props my man your knowledge of both the source material and the movies themselves is nothing less than incredibly impressive. Hope you do more videos like this, you truly did an amazing job.

[@JR-sx3gl]

You: I'm not crying, you're crying Me: I AM crying 😭😭😭 So powerful even a fragment brings out the emotions

[@harveyking32]

Just like the pacing of the trilogy itself, you have masterfully laid out the story of its creation front to back. Thank you

[@MNCS4105]

This is the video that I watch every few months when I have nothing else to watch. Best LOTR video out there.

[@jessieBird96]

The Ride of the Rohirrim never fails to give me goosebumps ❤ Also, I LOVE the march of the Ents, it makes sense that they would immediately go to war over the deaths of the trees of Fangorn, because that's exactly why they were created. I don't remember the names, but when the gods were creating Middle Earth, one made the dense forests and loved their creation so much that when one of the other gods created dwarves, they were so afraid that the dwarves would destroy their creation, the went to the head gos and basically begged him to protect them, so they created the Ents 😃 I would recommend the video by In Deep Geek about the topic 😊❤

[@katerrinah5442]

Yavanna was the one who made the Ents in response to her husband Aulė creating the dwarves

[@mintybadger6905]

I went to see Fellowship on opening night in Florida - I wish I could express how intense the atmosphere was in the theater that night. It went from Nervous - to Intense Concentration - to Cathartic Elation by the end. The crowd watching Star Wars the Phantom Menace had nothing on Fellowship.

[@jacobyrassilon]

I always took the day off from work to watch the first showing of the movie....I didn't even have to ask for the last movie....my boss marked me off the schedule six months in advance)

[@lizzyol]

I truly think no one other than Peter Jackson could have made these movies. Not because it was solely his vision and talent, but because he loved this story so much, he understood how much responsibility he had, whilst not being possessive about it. his ability to find people who loved it as much as he did, and trust them fully to create their vision with him, was the magic that held these films together

[@Toca374]

This breakdown is incredible! Gave me a whole new level of appreciation for the LOTR trilogy!

[@mokodo_]

How do we live in a world where not only where the books written, but a trilogy as perfect as this trilogy was actually made. We dont know how lucky we are. Great work in this video as well. This is such an amazing summary of the trilogy, thank you.

[@jedgamesguy]

Incredible work, this docu deserves awards of its own, it's so gripping and taught me so much about the trilogy despite being a fanatic already.

[@kadartcostumes9842]

You will LOVE "The Lord of the Rings : The Appencies", which this is just an abridged summary of.

[@yuledevorak8244]

There will come a day in which I will not get excited at any 1+ hour long video discussing LOTR's production. But it's not this day. This day, I enjoy!

[@mirelairinapetre6503]

Or maybe that day will never come! 😊

[@yuledevorak8244]

@@mirelairinapetre6503 most likely 😌 it's alright. I like enjoying these videos

[@User10909]

This video is, quite honestly, an absolute masterclass. I wish more videos were like this! Had me hooked for 3 hours. The hell??

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Such a beautiful retrospective! I grew up with The Hobbit/ Return of the King from Rankin Bass when I was only two years old and still followed Tolkien's work as I got older. Watching Fellowship in theaters back in high school all the way to Return of the King always warmed my heart; yet, made me feel sad that we would never have anything this wonderful again!❤

[@KIRKD]

I distinctly remember my friend taking me to see this when I was 16, I was ignorant to the reviews and wasn’t all that jazzed to see it. I never saw a fan of fantasy. 5 minutes into the prologue and I was enthralled, I couldn’t look away! And as the screen faded on Frodo and Sam as they carried on I groaned, I did not want it to end. Release day came for the DVD of the theatrical cut, I bought it instantly. Same for the extended edition. And opening day for Two Towers, me and my brother waited patiently outside the cinema for it to open with the first showing. Rinse and repeat for the DVD’s and for Return of the King. This film series means so much to me, it’s a true work of love and talent in every scene.

[@hiattgrey9161]

My dad was there in every single showing of the greatest trilogy of all time. And he even still has his movie tickets.

[@linzers8894]

This video was a youtube recommendation. Normally, I'd skip over them, but something made me click this one, and I am so glad I did. Fantastic narration! Thank you for putting this all togethe🎉r. Having it laid out in this way rekindles the respect and love I have for the Jackson trilogy.

[@rotisserieprotocol3582]

So, I recently sat down and actually watched these movies (I'm 27, about to turn 28 by the way) and I've been obsessed ever since. I can't believe what a stand-out set of films these are, and while I'm kicking myself for not watching these movies sooner (though I've known basically everything about them since a young age) I'm so happy I got to watch and appreciate them at the age I am now. These movies are just so dense, and I can't get over it.

[@rossmiles5760]

I was looking for this a few months ago. Glad it’s back, one of the best videos ever made 🔥🔥🔥

[@MattShubert]

It's funny...after years of fandom and multiple re-watches of the appendices and all BtS content, I don't think I learned a single brand new piece of info from this video, but I still absolutely loved this retrospective. I like how you put everything in context of the actual timeline. which really puts into perspective just how much of this film's creation was truly "organised chaos". Great vid, earned a subscriber.

[@nowirehangers2815]

You learned that you didn’t learn anything. That’s a win

[@harrydebastardeharris987]

I once worked when Young in an Hospital Operating Theatre Recovery Room. The Surgeons would come in and check on his patients.One day he saw me reading LotR and told me that while he was at University he studied under Tolkien in the Anglo Saxon language department.He positively glowed when he talked about him and said he used to visit him in his last years in my hometown of Bournemouth. I always had that book in my bag and read it many times before I was 20.

[@NeanderthalNorthman]

I have watched all three of these movies in a marathon at least once every year ever since they came out. And every single time i ball my eyes out for the entire last hour of return of the king.

[@jagajazzin]

Oh wow, the segments going over the trailers gives me a massive blast of nostalgia, being in high school in 2001, just having finished my first readings of the trilogy, The Hobbit & The Silmarillion a year prior, and my raving obsession for the material and the almost unbearable anticipation to actually see them interpreted on the big screen. I've watched every bit of behind the scenes extras released on all the various box sets yet this still felt new and exciting to me; incredible work you have done!

[@haileymaurer122]

I'm simply transported to my middle school years, entranced by the magnitude of the first movie on the big screen. It launched my lifelong passion for Tolkien's legendarium and for the genre as a whole.

[@agentcallisto]

Same. My dad had read The Hobbit to us kids a few years before this, so when we heard that they were making a LOTR film he started reading Fellowship to us. I was in 8th grade and, impatient to get to the end, read ahead on my own and finished before the movie came out. I was completely hooked! It was my main teenage obsession. Such a formative part of my life. What a time to grow up, eh?

[@kirst.orsomething]

The 3 movies and their behind the scenes footage makes it feel like a passion project from everyone involved, just on a huge scale and that's why it was so fantastic. You can feel the love and effort poured into every detail

[@mdruben]

These films came out when I thought there was no other film that could top those such as Terminator, E.T., Star Wars, etc. It was such an massive event. This retrospective brings back the emotions!

[@courageousmelon5654]

As a fan of the movies, but also all the background info on the films (rewatching the special features almost as much as the movies), I would say that this is the best retrospective available!

[@ulmo5536]

The best trilogy and story ever made. Great video mate, well done!

[@JohnTaylor-xg4jn]

As someone who remembers how long it felt for the movie to be released in real time, thank you for capturing the feeling of what it was like at the time it was released.

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

Fellowship came out when I was 9. When you're that young, an entire year is agonizing. I remember dreaming and fantasizing about LotR that entire year leading up to Two Towers. Since we didn't even get the VHS until August, all I had for months were the soundtrack and my memories of the theater experience.

[@firbal6]

This video you’ve made should have more likes and views. My brain never processed how outrageous this project was. Peter Jackson, everyone involved and new line cinema do NOT GET ENOUGH CREDIT EITHER. Good Lord (of the rings). Insane information about dedication and hard work from you about some people who all put in some insane dedication and hard work.

[@Brandon-a-writer]

I was 16 when the first LoTR came out and it was so, so much better than I expected, being a fan of the stories since I was a young'un. Fellowship is still my favorite of the three but it's still a special trilogy. The soundtrack does so much heavy lifting throughout this series, for me the introduction theme is so unforgettable and immediately brings me back to Middle-earth. The oscar wins for RoTK seems like a retrospective award for the accomplish that was this amazing trilogy.

[@Jasontriesyoutube]

I’m 23 now and all I can say is what I would do to see these films on release date for the first time. I absolutely adore these films.

[@Brandon-a-writer]

oh, I was at the cinema on opening day for each of them and was absolutely blown away at how amazingly well the adaptations worked. i was a non-believer. for months after Orlando Bloom was cast and Viggo Mortensen, online people were losing their minds. No way could this guy be Aragorn. And now he is how most people visualize the character when they think about him. The cast is superb. The acting is superb. It feels more like history than fantasy and it is absolutely excellent cinema. For such long movies they fly by. I was 17 when The Towers came out and was the first film I was able to drive to see on my own. Went with my friend to the biggest screen in 50 kilometers. Amazing moment in film history. The moment Aragorn starts to sing in Return of the King and the camera began pulling back, I had such chills that it became surreal. I was upset the scouring of the shire was cut, but I have gotten over it. There's really no place for it in the narrative, and it would have made a film with a couple endings, famously, more lengthy and unnecessarily so imo. There are classic film cinemas in the US. You can book some for movies of your choosing. Not too long ago I took my 17 year old son to see the 50th anniversary edition prints of the Godfather 1 and 2 in the theatre and the prints were astounding. We've since been able to go see films like Bladerunner and 2001: a Space Odyssey in these classic films cinemas. See if you can find such an institution near you, maybe you can find one that will let you screen certain films for parties and you and a couple of friends can put your funds together and rent out the theatre to watch this amazing trilogy. I still remember sneaking a steak dinner into The Two Towers inside my oversized leather jacket so my friend and I could sit in the very back and have a good meal while watching the show haha @@Jasontriesyoutube

[@Jasontriesyoutube]

I marathon these films once a year, no more no less and I’m breathless every time. I always marathon them in my living room where they are available where my family and friends can join. I never tell them how good it is, I just let it catch their attention and let the story incapsulate them! Now my sister, mother, best mate and two ex girlfriends absolutely adore these films. If you want someone to like these films do not tell them that it received X amount of oscars or how good it is, just put the film on at any point and no matter what point of the movie it is it’ll catch their attention. That is how good these films are. (yes I know I broke my own rule there)😂😂. Also side note what an absolutely brilliant video, thank you for this in depth look because as impressive as the films are, the pre-production and visual effects is probably one of the biggest achievements in Hollywood film history!

[@Jasontriesyoutube]

Also finally thank you to every single person who was involved in production of these 3 films. I cannot tell you how much these have impacted my life like so so many others.

[@appalachiabrauchfrau]

my dad did that when I was a kid! He knew I wouldn't stick around if he made me watch them, so he'd just have the first one playing over and over again when I'd hang out with him. I read the Silmarillion at 13 and he teased me hardcore for learning every bit of Black Speech I could get my hands on. (Which wasn't much back then, the internet wasn't that great and QUALITY webrings were an esoteric magic I just couldn't find my way through.) I distinctly remember him complaining about "what have I started" when I begged him to order Tolkien language books off ebay lol. I'm still learning Khuzdul, I'm alright in the flavors of elvish, but Black Speech is my baby. iirc I got in a lot of trouble for spending most of my high school years drawing my lady uruk OC comic instead of paying attention. It was mary sue trash but looking back at it is pretty endearing. Definitely don't make people watch them with you, they're not for everyone, but it doesn't hurt to bait them into it haha.

[@BakuranTV]

Once a year?!! Man! I lost count watching the movie I don't know how many times I watched it ever year!😂

[@edthompson2099]

I don't marathon them, although I usually watch all 3 movies in one week, but I usually do that once a month and have for the last 5 or 6 years. Before that I had the DVD's and the first round of extended BluRay but for convenience sake I finally bought the digital version from iTunes for the Extended additions and they have automatically updated my copy every time a slightly longer version has come out. I think all 3 are a little over 4 hours now. I have no doubt there are fans who watch it more frequently but there is conflict in my house because my wife loves the books (she did her collage thesis applying Joseph Cambell's Hero Journey Theory to LOTR) but doesn't like that they cut out Tom Bombadil and the Scouring (and other items) while I don't miss them and prefer the movies.

[@jerryvalentino1065]

I was 17 when the fellowship came out in 2001 and this really brought be back to this time and how exciting it was every December for these three years to go and see these at the theatre with my brothers and friends. This trilogy was an absolute work of art and even over 20 years later they still stand the test of time and don’t seem dated technologically at all.

[@JezaLoki]

Fantastic work. Well done. One of the things I’m glad you captured here was the first ever glimpses of the movies. I was 18 and loved Peter Jackson for braindead, meet the feebles and bad taste. Then when I saw the image of the two orcs out in the open grassy hillside in the wild, it just looked so goddamn awesome I was losing my mind with excitement.

[@ducklink8781]

Lord of the rings literally changed my life, My parents one day say me down when I was in 7th grade and we watched all the extended editions while on winter break and ever since LOTR has been my favorite property, these movies made me fall in love with movies in general and Howard shores’ score made me want to pursue a career in music and make a fantasy world of my own this franchise largely made me who I am with it’s incredible characters and awe inspiring world

[@monachan432]

Wonderful, very well done! The heart that went into the making of these movies is matched only by the heart of the fans, and all part of the magic that is Lord of the Rings. ❤

[@33Jenesis]

The best source material, passionate and trustworthy filmmakers, stellar cast and crew - a trilogy of a life time❤️

[@MrRickstopher]

Andy Serkis in the flashback scene is one of the most amazing pieces of film ever made. That stuck with me for years after seeing that.

[@sarap275]

i’m not even half way through this video yet but omg thank you so much for this. the detail you go into is incredible and i just love listening to someone talk about these films with the love and appreciation i and so many others have 🥹 awesome job!

[@praetorian3902]

If someone ever wonders what the definition of competence, excellence, and insanely high standards for quality means then this is it. These people and these movies are the Archetypes of those things.

[@Jdkieddj]

This is so well made and enjoyable, the time flew by watching this. Great job on the chapters too, much appreciated. 20 years later and its wild how much of this trilogy still gives me goosebumps.

[@marcinmackowiak3643]

Your retrospectives are great! I'm watching it with so much emotions. Thank you for that. Great work! Keep it going!

[@Majo-Lang]

I was looking for this video for a long time . I thought I was going insane... I watched this at midnight the day it first came out, I was so moved that I woke my husband up so he could watch it. I watched it with him again (yep, I didn't sleep that night)... I wanted to rewatch a few days later and I couldn't find it. I'm so glad you reposted. Thank you. Liked and subscribed!

[@TheBeird]

The best film trilogy of all time, the pinnacle of fantasy cinema, an experience I will always hold fondly in my heart. Love Lord of the Rings. Extended is way to go!

[@jameshaworth9460]

This video is a masterpiece - the dedication and motivation to make this is unreal. They should literally include your video in future dvd releases! Thanks so much man

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

Its fair to say, EVERY one of our lives are better today because of this piece of work.

[@leonardobriceno3016]

Dude this is amazing. What a project! I'm amazed you were able to capture everything so articulately and with such organization. Bravo, sir.

[@ikmor]

Thank you SO much. What a fantastic masterpiece you've out together. Thank you so much for the positive tone. Wow!

[@jayb-wickorsnow5956]

One of the great videos on KZbin this is. Congrats man. Unbelievable summary of my favourite movies of all time and the pre and post production and the media build up for each movie. Youve taken me back 20 years, reliving the time i saw these movies as a 10-12 year old. Thank you.

[@Rdkjedi]

I knew all of this information because I’ve sunk countless hours into watching and rewatching the behind the scenes stuff, but despite that I couldn’t help but keep watching. Great presentation and delivery, one of the highest quality KZbin videos I’ve ever seen.

[@davidr5658]

I will never forget the excitement of my roomates and I watching the status bar inch forward as we downloaded the first teaser over dial-up in our dorm room for those first glimpses of the film.

[@diamonddog5190]

I cant tell you enough how much i appreciate the fact you put time stamps for each part of the vid. I was listening to this last night and fell asleep but remembered where i drifted off and came back to finish it!! Amazing video start to finish

[@lordhumungus9993]

Such a wonderful documentary. An extraordinary amount of work to complete. I wonder how many words were used to make this documentary. It’s 2am here and I have to get up for work in the morning, but I had to watch it all in one go. Thanks for a fantastic journey. It was worth staying up for!

[@Seth_M-T]

This is a fantastic video! And I was amazed to see you'd done one for The Hobbit too! I've watched a bunch of your stuff now. Really great work.

[@Samlli]

It's appropriate that this retrospective video is practically the same runtime as the non extended Fellowship of the Ring. Impressive.

[@olympuce1]

This was an absolutely master piece of a video. The editing, narration and pace are perfect. It made me nostagic, happy, cry, excited, and most of all, ready for a LOTR marathon again!

[@TheH8redd]

Well done, very well done. This video was poping on my suggested list for quite a while now, I simply regret that I only decided now to watch it now. This basically brought me back to those years when I first saw these movies in theaters. Awesome!

[@odec1831]

Phenomenal work here mate!! The video’s overall quality was awesome but your narration took it over the top!

[@carloscandido3176]

You know... I watched this movies more than 100 times in the last 20 years. Its so nice to listen you telling the story of the greatest movies ever made. Enriches my day and my life. Thank you for your hardwork

[@jackmistiff5300]

Subscribed about a year ago. I’ve never been disappointed. Your research is thorough and presentation is filled with passion. Keep on keeping on man 👍🏻

[@TheIndSin]

This is my favourite movie series of all time and I have devoured the extended editions and appendices but this is such a fantastic retrospective. Massive kudos for putting this together so well!!

[@n.s.2737]

What a marvellous video, so much work and dedication 😢 thank you very much for resuming this journey so well and giving us so many trivia and facts ❤

[@aurilanise]

Thank you so much for your dedication and brilliant work! I really love how your restrospectives capture these cultural moments in time! Think of how significant these will be years from now when curious ones are on the web looking to see how did some sort of franchise or movie genre develop, maybe for them it’ll be standard and normal, but by watching these, they’ll get to feel the excitement of how it would have been to experience these movies coming to life the way we did!

[@RoadDoug]

That was fantastic! I think everyone should have received an Oscar for best actor. The movies were that good. The only thing that bugged me is that Kate Blanchett didn’t get the recognition for her opening monologue in that she really set the pace for TFOTR. But, I’ve had a crush on her for decades.❤❤❤

[@jayjordan1957]

I was in tears through this. In the release segments mainly. Well done!