Fantastic

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2004)

Technically brilliant...an amazing movie from start to finish. The extra scenes added in the extended version round this movie out and create a well-rounded and exceptional movie that should be enjoyable for all fans of the book and all moviegoers. The visual and computer-added effects are breathtaking and the seamless integration between live-action and blue-screen development is astounding. Weta has out-done itself in this, the third of the trilogy. Use of miniatures and 'big-atures' reach a new level of sophistication in the use of sets and creatures. The depictations of Minas Tirith & Orthanc are so realistic as to suspend disbelief in the audiences awareness of reality and encourages the belief in the 'history' of Middle Earth as to the 'fantasy'. The use of skilfully placed camera angles is flawless and heightens tension of the feature's atmosphere.