Master Of The Rings [DVD] - Very Good

Very Good - USED - Very Good: A well-maintained video game, CD, or DVD that has been played but remains in excellent condition. The disc is fully functional, plays without interruptions, and does not skip. The box or jewel case, along with the cover art, liner notes, and other inclusions, may show only minor signs of wear. Please note that any included digital codes (if applicable) are not guaranteed to work. USED BOOK: This book is in very good condition, showing only minimal signs of wear. The pages are clean with no markings, and the cover may have slight shelf wear. The spine remains uncreased, and the book appears well cared for. It is a solid copy that presents well and is enjoyable to read. Please note that any included access codes (if applicable) are not guaranteed to work.

Viewers with more than a passing familiarity with fantasist J.R.R. Tolkien will find this hourlong documentary a trifle at best. With only a handful of photos and locations at their disposal, the filmmakers rely on a host of talking heads to discuss Tolkien's life as well as the influence of his Lord of the Rings trilogy on popular culture. Biographers Humphrey Carter and Graham Rogers provide informative but sporadic commentary; their input is overwhelmed by more substantial interviews with such fringe elements as ex-Magnum vocalist Bob Catley, who sings Tolkien-inspired folk rock, and members of Dagorhir, who enact real-life versions of medieval battles. Their largely vapid contributions only serve to further enhance the often-negative popular opinion of fantasy literature. The shot-on-video production is competently filmed, with many images capturing the simple beauty of the English countryside, but the lightweight content renders Master only marginally useful as an introduction to Tolkien's worlds. --Paul Gaita

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