The Art Of The Lord Of The Rings

After three art books for each movie in the LOTR trilogy, Gary Russell collects "best" artwork from all the movies, favorite works of the artists themselves, and his own favorites. Most of the views featured here are broad, dramatic landscapes, outdoor scenes of various citadels and battles, although there are some studies of fantastic creatures and costumes. Many of these pictures are better and/or different than movie scenes of the same subject. For instance, there are some quite imaginative studies for the mountain Paths of the Dead that were never incorporated into the movie. There are very satisfying studies of Lothlorien and Fangorn which, in my view, exceed the beauty of the movie scenes. There are views of Rivendell, but, so far, I've not seen a depiction of that place which fulfills my own INDEFINITE idea of how it ought to look.(The landscape setting is fine, an exceedingly marvelous dell in a chasm riven by waterfalls. But there is something about the roof-lines in some--not all--views of Rivendell that I dislike. There is one huge, heavy, quadrangular massive roof, and there are widely outstretched horizontal lines that seem to compete too strongly with light, up-pointing Gothic-type roof-spires. Since Tolkein referred to Rivendell as the "last homely home," maybe there should have been a great hearth somewhere. A banquet scene, which might have contributed to a warm, homey atmosphere, was planned but was left out of the final film. The drawing of Rivendell which is placed opposite the Forward of this book is closer to how I might imagine Rivendell should look, if only because it shows smoke coming out of a chimney. But, I'm not really sure that the Fire element belongs in the very Watery Rivendell of the movie. Most of all, for me, along with the watery atmosphere, the serpentine quality of the tracery motifs that are repeated everywhere throughout Rivendell feels excessive.)Besides, of course, the artwork of Alan Lee and John Howe, I'm really taken with the work by "visual designers" Paul Lasaine and Jeremy Bennett appearing at the beginning of the collection. All these guys are just fantastic geniuses. I can't find adjectives superlative enough to praise their art. I'm so glad all these works of LOTR art have been saved and published for the relish of fans who really enjoy and appreciate them.

I'll admit up front that I am a fan of the LOTR books of old, and a fan of the films, so please excuse my biased review here. I own a few books by Alan Lee and John Howe, obviously two of the long standing artists of Tolkien's world for decades. But this book is a nice collection of the many artists that worked on the three films together. Several of the sketches and design doodles are shown, then you get to see the more finished designs and concepts; even displaying several of the matte paintings both digital and tactile.I can't speak of the individual "Art of" books for each of the films, but if you want a good collection of the over-all breadth of work done for the trilogy, this is a nice addition to your library. (Although I know that all the books only reveal a small percentage)I collect many of the "Art of" series including works from Disney, Marvel and the like, mainly because I enjoy looking at talented artists' work as much as I enjoy creating it myself. And that's where the some of the bias comes from too...these books are a good read and viewing....and an inspiration/learning aid as well!

very cool, to better specify what this book is (because when I got it there wasn't very many clear answers), it is a compilation of the best and/or unused art from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. That includes painting and sketches (both traditional and digital) as well as photo's of sculpts and miniatures and other miscellaneous things that didn't make it into the art books for each of the tree movies. In short, think of this as a 'best of' art book for the Lord of the Rings.

Most of the art was based on the movie's description. I thought that the art was based on the book. But great book nevertheless.

Beautiful artwork, loved it!

Nice computer rendered images in full color. Wasn't quite what I was expecting. Enjoyed Lord of the Rings Sketchbook much more.

The item you will receive is not the item advertised. Consider yourself warned. Do not buy.

very satisified

アラン・リーとジョン・ハウのコンセプチュアル・デザイン画をまとめて章だてしてあるなど、時間の制約大だったと思われる既刊３冊に比較すると、アートブックらしくはなっています。これまでの３冊に載ってない絵もあるようで、例えば最終ページにエンディング・クレジットのポートレイトが掲載されています。アラン・リーの解説によると、ほぼジョン・ハウの共作だとか。でも全部１ページに収録なので、ヘタするとバナーくらいちいさい。うぬ。それでもうれしいのがなんとなくくやしい(笑)ので、星４つ。

Very nicely produced and information I was not aware of.

I bought this as a gift for my husband and he was thoroughly delighted.Absolutely beautiful, amazing value for money - highly recommend for any Tolkien fan :)

Il libro è indubbiamente di valore ed è bellissimo da sfogliare, leggere curiosità sul mondo creato da Tolkien, ma ho da ridire sulle condizioni in cui mi è arrivato il prodotto.Il libro è in copertina rigida con sovracopertina in cartoncino, quest'ultima è completamente rovinata negli angoli, e soprattutto se è da regalare, sembra quasi un prodotto usato.Prodotto: 5 stelleCondizioni: 2 stelle

Product description states this is the slipcase edition but it's just hardcover with dust sleeve.No issues with book and it's contents but the dust sleeve is damaged, with wear on all corners and edges and some of the sleeve is buckled/bent. Doesn't look great when it's going to be sent as a gift.Looking to return for a replacement which hopefully won't be damaged/worn looking and look a bit more presentable. Just a shame it doesn't come in the nice sleeve.