The Art of The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings) - Hardcover

Russell, Gary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0618430296 ISBN 13: 9780618430291

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2004

Synopsis

With Peter Jackson's Acadamy Award-winning epic motion picture trilogy drawing to a spectacular and triumphant close, Gary Russell's detailed research takes us back into the world of Middle-earth, to relive all the visual drama and excitement of The Return of the King.

The Art of The Return of the King illustrates the creative development of the film from sketch to special effect and features 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designes by Ngila Dickson, magnificent full-color paintings by Jeremy Bennett, and prop designs, concepts, sculptures and digital artwork from Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. From Minas Tirith to Mount Doom, from the Army of the Dead to Shelob the monstrous spider, all the spectacular landscapes, characters and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts that did not make it into the final film.

To accompany this wealth of imagery, detailed and informative commentaries appear by all the featured artists and designers, together with a special afterword by Peter Jackson. Their personal thoughts and explanations offer unique and fascinating insight into how The Return of the King was brought to life. An artistic journey begun in 1997 reaches its glorious conclusion within these pages, giving the reader a unique chance to witness the creative process that led to one of the most spectacular movies of all time.

About this title

About the Author

GARY RUSSELL traveled to film production sites in New Zealand to conduct hundreds of exclusive interviews with the principal artists whose work is detailed in this book. The author of The Lord of the Rings: The Art of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Art of the Return of the King, Russell has worked widely in media as a magazine editor, novelist, columnist, and audio drama producer.

Review

"Compelling peeks at the creative process"
U.S. News & World Report

"This beautiful, comprehensive volume would be in danger of demystifying the movie were [Peter] Jackson and company's achievements not so incredible that, even explained, they still seem downright otherworldly." Maxim Movies

"Fans of the cinematic version will not want to miss it, while artists and fans of Tolkien's work will treasure it as well." Deseret News

"A book that deserves to be on the shelf of any avid fan of the trilogy, as well as anyone who has an appreciation for art and color." Long Beach Union

"A detailed and fascinating look at the creative development of the film . . . This is one special book for fantasy lovers." 15MinutesMagazine.com

"This book is truly a fascinating peek into the fabulous world of movie making." Lebanon Daily Record

Edition details

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0618430296
• ISBN 13: 9780618430291
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224