I read the books as a preteen for the first time, they were a gift from my aunt who always gave the best literary gifts! I've loved that world ever sense and I've reread the trilogy numerous times over the years. When "Fellowship" was originally released I was in Med school and I intentionally avoided going to see it, even tough friends were pressuring me to go, because I couldn't believe that a film could capture the magic of the books. I finally went to the theater at the end of the films run and I was, quite literally, blown away. The nuance and the details and the beauty were all captured. The Orcs made my skin crawl, the creation of the Uruk-ahi was deeply unsettling, the beauty of Rivendell was awe inspiring, even the simple quaintness of the shire was there....hell, even the cutting out of Tom Bombadill was pleasing, even though I've appreciated the intent of the character with age. I could go on and on...I'll just say one more thing....Gandalf vs the Balrog? That scene still takes my breath away and is one of my favorite movie scenes ever. Anyway...pardon my geeking out...the subsequent films, particularly the special editions, are phenomenal. Enjoy your trip and take plenty of pics to share here on DU!!!
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