J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of the Rings

UPC: 085393768522

Studio: Warner Home Video

Summary: This documentary examines the social and cultural underpinnings of the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, in an attempt to understand the work's phenomenal success and influence. The program looks for answers in the author's sources of inspiration, from the folk legends of Norway to the field of linguistics of which Tolkien was a lifelong student. It finds that the deep chord the story strikes owes its resonance to the author's use of archetypal imagery and language. Many examples of these recurrent themes and images are given, with readings from the work and other literature. Interviews with the book's illustrators, the brothers Hildebrandt, speak to the power of the imagery in the classic story. Scholars, Tolkien's children, and the author himself provide insight into the mythic themes and the spell they have cast over the vast readership of The Lord of the Rings. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

Category: Language & Litera

Features: [None specified]

J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of the Rings

Format: DVD

Release Date: 07/16/2002

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Pre-1954 Standard

Audio: DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1

Runtime: 80 Minutes

Sides: 2

Number of Discs: 2

Language(s) English

Chapters: Side #1 --
2. Introduction [2:45]
3. Geography [7:06]
4. Biography [14:56]
5. Plot Synopsis [20:06]
6. The Characters [8:23]
7. The Literary Background [9:22]
8. The Military/Historical Background [5:53]
9. 'The Lord of the Rings' as Inspiration [4:53]
10. Conclusions [7:17]