The Lord Of The Rings Versus Harry Potter

[bilbogod]

It was inevitable that someone would start this post - so I thought I'd be the first Feedback and opinions required on who the victor will be. I've got money riding on one of them being the biggest blockbuster ever. Has the time finally come for George Lucas to clean out his silverware, and offer it to a true champion??????

[Bullworth]

I don't know about that one. I'm leaning towards Lord of the Rings because it is an ongoing trilogy like Star Wars with plenty of room for expansion on different stories. I even wonder about it because J.R. Tolkien's own son said that his father wouldn't have cared about the movies because they wouldn't be able to capture all the books' drama and imagination.
Harry Potter seems to be more of a fad that will go just as quickly as it came.
Hard to tell for sure yet. People at the movies still clap and cheer whenever they show the second Star Wars prequel trailer.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bullworth on 2001-12-11 11:05:52 ]</font>

[ember]

Come on, we all know Star Wars is a diluted version of TLOTR.

[adam]

Harry Potter is an ongoing series as well. The release of the 2nd and 3rd movies have already been announced and Spielburg has already committed to directing one, (either the 3rd one or the 4th one when its announced, I can't remember.) Rawling sp? has already committed to writing several more books in the series and I believe they are considered the most anticipated books in modern history. I definitely don't think Harry Potter is a fad but we'll have to see.

Both LOTR and HP have their respective adult audiences, basically anyone who has read the book or is interested in the story, however I don't think LOTR has as large a fanbase with the children. I have seen little 6 yr old kids trying to stumble their way through a HP book but I have yet to see a 6 yr try to read a Tolkien novel.

Don't get me wrong I think the LOTR series is going to be a classic but at the moment I just think HP is more marketable, though I hope I'm wrong.

[Shabubu]

Scarily this topic seems to actually have intelligent replies... I was not expecting that at all Basically I see harry potter as a introduction to the world of fantasy, preparing them for greater things like TLOTR and AD&D (baldurs gate will go up sell more if there's any justice ) To Bilbogod next, they've re-released the cartoon on DVD.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Shabubu on 2001-12-11 11:40:43 ]</font>

[bilbogod]

Well TLOTR is the film that since being a kid, I have held out on as being the greatest film never made. I seriously hope it doesn't dissapoint. Haven't had the chance yet to view Harry Potter - although I notice that it is been kicking around for a little while on Morpheus. There is the cartoon version of TLOR that fetches up to a £100 for collectors that can get their hands on it.
I think Star Wars remains eternally popular because it captures a kind of mythic quality (good,evil,love,redemption) that is absent in most modern films. Not forgeting of course that it tells a very good story.
Apparently the director for TLOTR was chosen because he has consistently remained well under budget for every film he's made. $200 million total costs for all three films - by todays blockbuster standards that is very cheap..

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bilbogod on 2001-12-11 11:43:05 ]</font>

[bilbogod]

Shabubu - Scarily this also seems to have an intelligent question

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bilbogod on 2001-12-11 11:41:03 ]</font>

[therick]

Ok, first thing's first...the two books series can't be compared because Tolkein INVENTED fantasy (the genre I would put Harry Potter in) with LOTR...that distinction MUST be made.

As for the movies, I have read four critics' (Peter Trevers, NY Times guy, etc....) top ten and what was number one? Fellowship of the Ring. What is the ONLY preview ever to bring Cannes to a halt for 2 days? Fellowship of the Ring. In the end I think that comparing the movies is going to be a bit like comparing the books...LOTR on top by a large margin.

I saw Harry Potter and I have read the book, and I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it and it was very true to the book, so I don't hate Harry Potter, I just think that LOTR is going to be in the realm of truly fine films.

to ember: Star Wars is NOT a watered down version of LOTR.

A single name Akira Kurosawa

I would submit that Star Wars is a watered down version of Akira Kurosawa...but entertaining none the less

[gNOMEintheRedHat]

Well, HP totaly dissapointed me, the sad part is, I had NO expectations about it. I know that alot of Kids wanted to see it, and theie parents were almost as anxious to see it.

Of my friends and workmates that took their kids to see it, there are two groups.
1) Intelegent parrents with respectfull and well behaved children: The kids were in a frenzy to see it, the parrents went along to supervise. By a large margin, the kids were disapointed and the parents thought it was mindless.

2) Idiot parents with smart ass kids who run the house because the parents are too buisy being their "friends" to be responsable adults: The kids AND the parents were in a frenzy to see it, and they LOVED it! "It's the greatest movie EVER! and we're going to see it again!

That told me what to expect.

[bilbogod]

I had this awful vision of it ending up like Willow. What a pile that was. Mind you, Krull wasn't bad if anyones seen that.
Btw - Why is it that Warwick Davis always gets small parts in every film??

[adam]

I agree that LOTR will be the better film but the topic asks which film will be the bigger blockbuster and that all amounts to money. So even though the two books/movies are on totally different levels I still think HP is more marketable and will ultimately make more money. Never underestimate the effect of the under age market. Look at Home Alone, that is one of the top grossing films ever and I don't think anyone could possibly consider that a good film.

[adam]

bilbogod: Ahh come on Willow is one of my all time favorite movies. Yeah Krull is great too but I thought the villain was really cheesy.

I have a copy of that LOTR cartoon as well as the Hobbit cartoon. I was pretty disappointed with both versions though I can see why the LOTR one is a collectors item, it has some really interesting effects in it that I think were a first in movie making.

[bilbogod]

It's years since I saw Willow, so to be honest I'm a bit hazy. That LOTR cartoon was made by a famous animator Ralph Bashki and was one of the hardest old films to get hold of. That £100 pricetag will probably be very much diminished if they have just rereleased it. Three other very noteable fantasies are Ridley Scott's Legend (with a very young Tom Cruise),Labyrinth (the story of monsters and the kidnapped baby - David Bowie stars) and of course Jim Hensons The Dark Crystal.. All of these are unmissable fantasy films for fans of the genre.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bilbogod on 2001-12-11 12:56:41 ]</font>

[ember]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
A single name Akira Kurosawa

I would submit that Star Wars is a watered down version of Akira Kurosawa...but entertaining none the less
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>
I think Lucas borrowed from the samurai mythos that Kurosawa brought to the cinema i.e costume for Jedis, but LOTR is similar in its storytelling of youngster in rural setting goes on quest- wizards in conflict- unseen darkness, companionship along the way, even WW2 references: SW is very much in LOTR mould.

[agzz]

first to stay with topic: i think (and hope) LOTR will top HP by far.

th reason i reply to thread: Starwars is Akira Kurosawas Hidden fortress, if i remember the Ak films correct, just moved up into space. its a total copy personalities and all.

[therick]

agzz...you answered before I could...A New Hope is about as direct a copy of Hidden Fortress as there is in film...and ember...you have just defined an epic. So now we are back to Homer, who we can definitely say was an influence on LOTR, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and on and on...sorry this is really off subject...just couldn't resist

[Shabubu]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-11 13:37:48, therick wrote:
agzz...you answered before I could...A New Hope is about as direct a copy of Hidden Fortress as there is in film...and ember...you have just defined an epic. So now we are back to Homer, who we can definitely say was an influence on LOTR, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and on and on...sorry this is really off subject...just couldn't resist
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>

In fairness I did try Homer, but he really caned my head in (I couldn't get a handle on the same people having 8 different names), prefered Dante anyway

[ember]

But isn't Homer based on cave drawings in France...ok - we're going too far back. I just hope LOTR is gonna be faithful to the books. I can't wait to see Gollum in TTT.

[therick]

haha, yeah we are...yes I agree that Gollum does look really cool in the trailer...

[bilbogod]

I read somewhere that SW had biblical connections - Lucas was inspired by the writings of Joseph Campbell(who I suppose was influenced by Homer and various mythological ideas) How's this :- Skywalker is the young apprentice Jesus Christ, Obi Wan his master is God, The Emperor is Satan, Darth Vader is Judas Escariot(themes of betrayal etc) and the other main protagonists on the good side are the disciples. The force simply represents the line between good and evil... Thats my ten pence worth... and yes sorry SW has nothing to do with HP or LOTR - I was digressing

[Maui_Lover]

Biggest blockbuster out of the two??

Harry Potter hands down.

That does not mean it will be a better movie, although it is a very good movie, just that it has more potential to draw in a wider audience and do massive repeat business

[Greg12]

HOLY SHIZNICKS.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS CARTOON IS WORTH $100????

Damn, better treat that tape good.

It can't be cause i saw it at Sam's club

[bilbogod]

Not $100 but a £100. But that was only for the original British Thorn EMI 1978 tape. Value partly reflects the fact that this was one of the first commercially released tapes ever made. It was never rereleased in the U.K. I've no idea what its worth in the States...

[Tommy]

I haven't seen HP and I may wait until it is released on DVD before I do see it. I see HP as more of a childrens trainer on fantasy. I will see LOTR when it comes out, but with all of the hype its going to have to be a really great movie and even if it is somepeople will be dissapointed.

I have no idea what the LOTR cartoons are worth in the US, however I have seen all three being sold as a pack at Costco for something like $39.

[bilbogod]

This is the original copy thats worth the big bucks. Here's a link to some info on it..
http://www.videozine.co.uk/reviews/lord_of_the_rings.htm

[thump01]

I am blown away that there are actually intelligent human beings on the planet, and here on this forum! I very much enjoyed the banter in this discussion. These days, it seems like noone has read a book in their LIFE, let alone enjoyed it if they did.
Gnome in the Hat cracked me up. I agree with the two types of parenting these days. I haven't taken my daughter to see Harry Potter yet....because she is grounded for not reading the required 3 books a month (4th grade). I don't get her at all. She was raised with her Mommy reading into the night, all the time! I had finished reading the Trilogy of the Lord of the Rings at her age! Loved it and can NOT wait to see how they could possibly make a movie from writing that inpspired the imagination so powerfully!
Tracey

[jarry]

I can't resist:
I saw HP. It is "entertaining." That's all. LOTR is the grand-daddy of all fantasy and much fantasy-in-space calling itself sci-fi. I predict HP will be the bigger blockbuster but if LOTR is good, I mean really good and true to the books then it should be a classic in the long run. HP is a kiddy movie. All very one-dimensional. Eye candy only. No reflection afterwards needed. Remember a box office bomb movie called "Bladrunner?" I think LOTR will do very well in theaters but not like HP and I hope it will become something we treasure in the long run like SW, Bladerunner, Forbidden Planet, B5 series!

BTW, LOTR is not officially a Trilogy. It is all one story in 3 "volumes." -preface of FOTR

I am soooo psyched though!! DEC 19th can't get here fast enough! I've been waiting 16 years!

[Macros746]

Well I am glad that there is no one here crowing about what 'great literature' HP is. I enjoyed Harry Potter but if I here one more person compare it in quality of writing to Tolkien I will scream loudly. That being said I think people are underestimating the teen geek (I am just a 25 year old one at this point) review percentage. I imagine, due to the present fad, that more SINGLE people will see Harry Potter, but the Episode I factor will happen MUCH more with LOTR. The same people will go to see that movie over and over again until it absolutely blows Titanic out of the water. I mean Episode I did extremely well....even given the caveat that NO ONE really thought it was that good. Imagine the same group of fans, with an even larger cross of other fans and non-fans and literary types, and what looks to be a very good movie and I think the question becomes academic. LOTR will win by a large margin.

Macros

p.s. I just wish Tolkein's estate would have forbidden those damned Burger King commercials. I don't mind commercializtion per se...I just wish it had been better done.

[bilbogod]

Someone is already offering a CAM version of the movie on Morpheus!!!!!!!!!!! Don't know whether this is legit yet as I'm in the queue for it.. How do they do these CAM versions?? I've never seen someone in my local cinema sat there with a bloody great camcorder.

[jarry]

Macros:
u referring to SW1 (Phantom Menace) "Episode I?" I agree. SW1 was entertaining thus had great appeal to kiddies. heck, half the movie was spent on a kid driving a race car! (yawn). I liked it but it was not a great stand-alone film. It needs SW2-3 to boost it up in my ratings and Lucas will make us WAIT and WAIT. I hat eth BK ads too. cheeses the whole thing up. trying to pull the kiddies in though. I hope the film is serious (no JarJarBinks type crap).

Why try to watch a crappy CAM when u only have to wait another week and can see it in full magnificence on big screen? patience. patience my young apprentice.