I watched The Return of the King on the big screen and it was a spectacle through and through
The fate of Middle-earth hung in the balance this past weekend as Indian cinephiles were treated to a truly long-awaited experience with the exclusive theatrical screening of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here’s a little on how it felt to watch The Return of the King in theatres for the very first time as a fan.
A monumental event unfolded in Indian theatres this weekend as a handful of Tolkien enthusiasts gathered in awe and anticipation for an unforgettable cinematic experience. This special weekend screening offered an unparalleled opportunity to relive the epic conclusion of one of the greatest trilogies in cinematic history.
An air of excitement and nostalgia took hold of cinema’s across the city as Peter Jackson's magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, graced the big screen once again. PVR has been on a roll as of late with a slew of rereleased classics gracing the big screen once more, with the likes of Steven Spielberg’s ET, James Cameron’s Titanic, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, and most recently, the Harry Potter saga, among the many blockbusters that returned for a limited theatrical run in Indian theatres.
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The three films from Peter Jackson’s Academy Award-winning trilogy featured over the span of three days in a few theatres across Delhi/NCR. And though it wasn’t a holistic IMAX experience, the very thought of catching LOTR on the big screen for the very first time had fans like me giddy with excitement. However, it wasn’t without a few snags of course.
PVR’s freshly refurbished Superplex in DLF Mall of India is truly a magnificent sight to behold. Boasting over 10 state-of-the-art theatres as well as brand new IMAX and 4DX screens, the cineplex that had previously gone under during the pandemic is now back better than ever before.
For the few awkward groups of characters assembled outside of Screen 5 at the new theatre, the tension was palpable as we awaited the beloved motion picture. However, upon closer inspection, the hall seemed already at full occupancy and the show had already begun. As this bumbling Hobbit-like assemblage scrounged around in the dark for our seats, it dawned upon us that the previous screening had not ended yet.
This was not our very ‘precious’ Best Picture winner that adorned Screen 5. In its stead was an untold evil that would make staring into the great Eye of Sauron feel like a light breeze. Oh yes, we had stumbled into the final moments of The Kerala Story.
Following a desperate shuffle out of the hall and swift rescheduling debacle, The Return of the King was destined to return to the big screen and we soon received what we were promised. For the few of us fortunate enough to witness this momentous occasion, the experience was nothing short of remarkable. As the silver screen drew black and the familiar notes of Howard Shore's enchanting score reverberated throughout the theater, a sense of anticipation washed over the audience.
It was a collective journey that we were about to embark upon (one that all who were present had probably ventured on countless times prior), immersing ourselves in the mesmerizing world of Middle-earth, rich with its diverse characters, stunning landscapes, and profound storytelling. As the titles filled the screen, Jackson's vision, meticulously adapted from Tolkien's literary saga, unfolded before us once more, immersing us in a grand tapestry of imagination and wonder.
The sheer grandeur of the film, magnified by the silver screen, transported us into a realm where the fate of Middle-earth hung in the balance. From the ethereal beauty of Rivendell to the imposing grandeur of Minas Tirith, the breathtaking vistas of New Zealand, brought to life by Peter Jackson's visionary direction, left us in awe, reminding us why this trilogy remains a pinnacle of cinematic achievement.
As the Rohirrim flanked the sunkissed horizon, we sat motionless in anticipation of the greatest battle sequence in cinematic history. As King Theoden led the Riders of Rohan towards the Battle of the Pelennor fields, the sequence unfolded with a visceral intensity that our hearts pounding in sync with Shore’s outstanding eponymous original track.
The sound design, masterfully executed, enveloped us in a symphony of battle cries, the clash of weapons, and the thunderous roars of awe-inspiring creatures. As the Ringwraiths screeched through the sky and the towering Oliphaunts charged across the plains, the theater pulsated with an energy that was impossible to ignore. It was an auditory feast that intensified our engagement and left us breathless with every twist and turn of the narrative.
The theater soon became a conduit for emotions, with laughter echoing through the aisles during moments of camaraderie and heartache casting a solemn hush over the audience during the film's more poignant sequences. We felt the immense weight of Frodo and Sam's burden as they braved the treacherous terrain of Mordor, and our hearts swelled with hope as Aragorn rallied the armies of Middle-earth for one final stand against the forces of darkness.
As the film hurtled towards its climactic conclusion, the theater echoed with gasps, cheers, and the occasional sniffle (that would soon reduce us to a teary-eyed mess). By the time Frodo bids a last goodbye on the shores of the Gray Havens, not a single eye in the theatre was left unblemished by a flood of tears.
The Return of the King on the big screen was more than a film; it was an all-encompassing experience that ignited the senses, stirred the soul, and left an indelible mark on the memories of those lucky enough to witness it. As the lights slowly illuminated the theater, there was a collective sense of gratitude for having been a part of something truly extraordinary.
The resurgence of The Return of the King on the big screen provided an opportunity for both devoted fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the immersive universe created by Tolkien. It served as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling, bridging generations and cultures, and transcending the boundaries of time.
Witnessing it in all its cinematic glory, we were reminded of the magic and escapism that only a theater experience can provide. The communal atmosphere, the shared gasps and cheers, and the palpable excitement added an extra layer of enchantment to the already captivating story. We were united in our love for Middle-earth, celebrating the triumphs and mourning the losses together.
As Annie Lennox's familiar voice cued the rolling of the credits, we left the theater covered in cheese popcorn dust and drenched in pools of tears. The Lord of the Rings on the big screen was an unforgettable journey that reminded us of why we fell in love with Middle-earth in the first place.
Here’s hoping that more Tolkien-fans from across the country found similar solace this weekend and that PVR continues with their new bouts of re-releases for the foreseeable future.