Read

The 2024 re-release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in theaters (via Fathom Events) is an event that has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. This remastered and extended re-release brings the epic saga back to the big screen, where its sweeping landscapes, intricate battle scenes, and compelling narrative can be truly appreciated. For many, this is a chance to relive the magic of Middle Earth, experiencing the journey of Frodo and the Fellowship with enhanced visual and audio quality. For newer fans, it provides an opportunity to witness J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless tale in the grandeur of a theater setting for the first time. This event not only rekindles the love for an iconic film series but also introduces it to a new generation of viewers, ensuring that the legacy of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings continues to captivate and inspire.

Before we get into it, below we’ve summarized the three films:

The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, begins in the Shire, where a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins inherits a mysterious and powerful ring from his uncle, Bilbo. When the dark Lord Sauron seeks to recover this ring, the One Ring, to conquer all of Middle Earth, Frodo embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy it in Mount Doom. He is joined by a diverse group of companions known as the Fellowship, including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Gandalf the Grey, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Together, they face numerous trials and enemies, including the treacherous Saruman and his forces, as they strive to protect the ring-bearer and their world from overwhelming darkness.

The second installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers, continues the epic journey with the Fellowship now split. Frodo and Sam venture towards Mordor with the wretched Gollum as their guide. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli strive to defend the kingdom of Rohan from the onslaught of Saruman’s army. At Helm’s Deep, an epic battle ensues, showcasing courage and unity.

The Return of the King, the final film, culminates in a series of climactic events. While Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, brave immense challenges to reach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli lead the remaining forces against Sauron’s army.

Now, let’s move on to the main question: What have we learned about Hollywood following this re-release?

Nostalgia is Still a Powerful Tool

Back when the films were initially released, each was a box office hit, grossing nearly $3 billion worldwide:

The Fellowship of the Ring (worldwide): $883,407,846

The Two Towers (worldwide): $948,945,489

The Return of the King (worldwide): $1,156,194,180

While the re-release didn’t make as much as the original release, it grossed around $7.2 million worldwide, which is still pretty impressive! The enthusiastic audience turnout highlights how nostalgia and a longing for cinematic experiences can drive people back to theaters, reaffirming the significance of the theatrical experience in an era increasingly dominated by streaming services.

Nostalgia creates a strong sense of familiarity and comfort. By reviving beloved classics or incorporating recognizable elements from earlier works, filmmakers can attract audiences who yearn for the simplicity and joy of previous times. This strategy not only appeals to older generations who experienced the originals first-hand but also introduces these iconic stories and characters to younger audiences, fostering a multi-generational appreciation. Additionally, nostalgia-driven projects often generate significant buzz and anticipation, leveraging the established fanbase to guarantee a certain level of success before the movie even hits the screens. In an industry where the cost and risk of new productions are high, nostalgia offers a relatively safer investment, promising both emotional and financial returns. This also explains why Rings of Power (a prequel television series) was made: to delve back into a world and story that Hollywood knows already has a well-established fanbase.

Decline of Visual Effects?

Despite the Lord of the Rings trilogy being released in 2001, 2002, and 2003, its visual effects stand the test of time over twenty years later. Some argue that visual effects have worsened over time, despite technology’s rapid evolution and development.

One primary reason why many argue that CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) isn’t as good as it used to be is the over-reliance on CGI in contemporary films, which can sometimes lead to a lack of depth and authenticity. Unlike earlier uses of CGI, where it was mainly employed to enhance physical sets and practical effects, modern films frequently use CGI to create entire environments and characters, which can sometimes feel artificial and less immersive. Additionally, the sheer volume of CGI work demanded by current blockbuster productions often pressures VFX (Visual Effects) studios to deliver at an unsustainable pace, leading to rushed and subpar results. Furthermore, the visual fatigue audiences experience with overly saturated CGI effects can diminish the overall impact, making it harder for viewers to suspend their disbelief. The blend of these factors contributes to the sentiment that, despite technological advancements, CGI lacks the magic it once had.

Take the character Gollum, for example: Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson changed the face of motion capture (the process of recording the movement of objects or people for the purpose of animating an object or creature into a movie) in cinema. Serkis gave such an incredible performance with both his voice and actions that Jackson (who had originally just wanted a voice actor) wanted to bring Serkis on to capture everything Serkis was bringing to Gollum’s character. Serkis approached this 3D character with a seriousness that no one had before, resulting in an entirely new way of acting.

Quantity Over Quality

Following up on the deterioration of CGI, we discuss Hollywood’s “quantity over quality” mindset. The creators and contributors of the LOTR film trilogy strove to push the bounds of what was expected in Hollywood and cinema at the time. This effort and originality have, unfortunately, become quite rare in modern cinema. Quantity is prioritized over quality, resulting in tons of shows and movies that aren’t as thought-provoking or original as films could be. This reflects the age of social media, where we have access to an infinite amount of information at the tap of a button. How can Hollywood keep up with our ravenous appetites for content? By creating as much as they possibly can in as little time as possible. This inevitably leads to shallow storylines, unconvincing visual effects, and an inundation of half-baked TV shows and movies.

Whether these realizations will change Hollywood’s approach to movies or not is yet to be seen. Perhaps audiences will get tired of the endless jumble of superficial content and demand more effort from Hollywood. Or maybe we love all the content we’re getting, and our ravenous desires may finally be sated. It’s likely that nostalgia will always remain a powerful tool and will always serve Hollywood when they’ve officially run out of ideas. Who can know?

Either way, the re-release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy has reminded us of just how incredible movies can be. They can immerse us in entirely different worlds, filled with beloved characters, enthralling stories, and emotional moments. And technology is constantly advancing; we look forward to seeing what movies and TV shows look like in the years to come.

Worried you missed the re-release? Make sure to get your tickets and head to the theater on June 22nd, 23rd, and 24th to experience the awe-inspiring world of Middle Earth.