Last year I bought a most interesting multimedia package called "Master of The Rings". The set contained a DVD containing the documentary of the same name about Tolkien and "Lord of The Rings", an audio DVD with music by Rick Wakeman, inspired by LoTR, and finally a booklet containing artwork by well-known illustrators, the Hildebrandt brothers.
The documentary is, as another user commented, surprisingly interesting, even after repeated viewing. Don't expect feature film production values here, but nevertheless this is a well-made documentary, featuring lots of people, ranging from literary critics and Tolkien historians over musicians and graphic artists to even military instructors - all discussing Tolkien and LoTR, and the influences his work has had.
Meanwhile, we are also given a summarized version of the whole LoTR story, the Fellowship's journey illustrated with a CGI 3D map of Middle Earth.
Also, there are a minutes of old footage showing an interview with the man himself. A nice addition indeed, although it's a pity he is virtually unintelligible (he tends to mumble a lot).
Apart from the main documentary (about 80 mins long, IIRC) there are a number of shorter extra bits, like talking-head interviews with people like Rick Wakeman and others, and a few videoclips by "Mostly Autumn", a folk-rock band making music often inspired by LoTR.
All in all, this is great stuff for anyone interested in Tolkien and his work. The audio CD and booklet are a nice bonus.
The documentary is, as another user commented, surprisingly interesting, even after repeated viewing. Don't expect feature film production values here, but nevertheless this is a well-made documentary, featuring lots of people, ranging from literary critics and Tolkien historians over musicians and graphic artists to even military instructors - all discussing Tolkien and LoTR, and the influences his work has had.
Meanwhile, we are also given a summarized version of the whole LoTR story, the Fellowship's journey illustrated with a CGI 3D map of Middle Earth.
Also, there are a minutes of old footage showing an interview with the man himself. A nice addition indeed, although it's a pity he is virtually unintelligible (he tends to mumble a lot).
Apart from the main documentary (about 80 mins long, IIRC) there are a number of shorter extra bits, like talking-head interviews with people like Rick Wakeman and others, and a few videoclips by "Mostly Autumn", a folk-rock band making music often inspired by LoTR.
All in all, this is great stuff for anyone interested in Tolkien and his work. The audio CD and booklet are a nice bonus.
