The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Directed by	Peter Jackson
Written by	J.R.R. Tolkien, Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair, Peter Jackson
Starring	Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Produced by	Peter Jackson Barrie M. Osborne Frances Walsh
Distributed by	New Line Cinema
Release date	December 18, 2002
Runtime	179 min. (theatrical) 223 min. (special extended edition) Uploaded LOTR: The Two Towers movie poster by fair use/fair dealing usage File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Peter Jackson in Wellington (New Zealand) Peter Jackson CNZM is a film writer, director and producer born in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand to Bill and Joan Jackson on October 31, 1961. ... J. R. R. Tolkien in 1916. ... Frances Walsh is the wife of Peter Jackson, since 1987, and mother of their two children, Billy and Katie. ... Philippa Boyens is a New Zealand screenwriter who co-wrote the screenplay for Peter Jacksons film series The Lord of the Rings with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, for which the trio won an Oscar at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004. ... Peter Jackson in Wellington (New Zealand) Peter Jackson CNZM is a film writer, director and producer born in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand to Bill and Joan Jackson on October 31, 1961. ... Elijah Wood in Wellington (New Zealand) Elijah Jordan Wood (born January 28, 1981 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) is a U.S. actor. ... Sean Astin with his wife and his daughter in Wellington (New Zealand) Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is a film actor, director, and producer. ... Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn Viggo Mortensen (born October 20, 1958 in New York City), is a Danish-American theater and movie actor, a published poet, photographer and painter. ... Movie poster for Troy (2004) Orlando Jonathan Blanchard Bloom (born January 13, 1977) is a British actor who became famous playing Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. ... Peter Jackson in Wellington (New Zealand) Peter Jackson CNZM is a film writer, director and producer born in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand to Bill and Joan Jackson on October 31, 1961. ... Barrie M. Osborne is a movie producer, executive producer, production manager and director. ... Frances Walsh is the wife of Peter Jackson, since 1987, and mother of their two children, Billy and Katie. ... New Line Cinema, founded in 1967, is one of the ten major Hollywood movie studios. ... December 18 is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2002 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
Language	English
Budget	$94,000,000 (estimated)
IMDb page

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a film released on Wednesday, December 18, 2002, directed by Peter Jackson with a runtime of 179 minutes (2 hours, 59 minutes). It is the second part in a trilogy of films, following The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, also directed by Jackson. It is an adaptation of the book The Two Towers, the second part of the three-volume novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, although some of the later events are held over to the third movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It was very well received critically and was an enormous box-office success, making over $900 million worldwide (making it the fourth most successful film of all time at that point in time). Film refers to the celluloid media on which movies are printed Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. ... Wednesday is the day of the week between Tuesday and Thursday. ... December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... December 18 is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2002 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Peter Jackson in Wellington (New Zealand) Peter Jackson CNZM is a film writer, director and producer born in Pukerua Bay, New Zealand to Bill and Joan Jackson on October 31, 1961. ... A trilogy is a set of three works of art, usually literature or film, that develop a single theme even though they are generally created at different times. ... The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a film, released on Wednesday, December 19, 2001, directed by Peter Jackson with a runtime of 178 minutes (2 hours, 58 minutes). ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... A novel is an extended work of written, narrative, prose fiction, usually in story form; the writer of a novel is a novelist. ... Wikicities has a wiki about The Lord of the Rings: The Lord of the Rings Wiki The Encyclopedia of Arda - Mark Fishers tribute site to the works of Tolkien Tolkien Gateway Tolkien Collectors Gateway The Tolkien Wiki Community TheOneRing. ... J. R. R. Tolkien in 1972, in his study at Merton Street (from by H. Carpenter) John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973) was the author of The Hobbit and its sequel The Lord of the Rings. ... This article is about the 2003 live action film. ...

Cast

In addition to many characters returning from the first film, The Two Towers featured Éowyn, a noble lady of Rohan who yearns to be a warrior; Éomer, a stalwart Marshal of Rohan and brother to Éowyn; Théoden, a troubled king, uncle of Éowyn and Éomer; and his treacherous counselor, Gríma Wormtongue. These humans were largely overshadowed by special effects creatures including treelike Ents, the pterodactyl-like flying steeds of the Nazgûl, and, especially, Gollum, widely acclaimed as the first fully realized CGI character in a live-action film. His movements and facial expressions were modeled on the actor who provided his voice. Only glimpsed in the first film, Gollum here becomes a pivotal character with the potential to change the fate of the story's world; he wrestles with inner demons and becomes a source of friction in Sam and Frodo's previously unshakeable friendship. Frodo Baggins is the main fictional character of J. R. R. Tolkiens monumental and mythological novel, The Lord of the Rings. ... Elijah Wood in Wellington (New Zealand) Elijah Jordan Wood (born January 28, 1981 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) is a U.S. actor. ... This article is about the fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkiens books. ... Sir Ian McKellen takes a day out at Universal Studios, Hollywood, April 2000. ... Promotional poster featuring Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in New Line Cinemas motion pictures directed by Peter Jackson. ... Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn Viggo Mortensen (born October 20, 1958 in New York City), is a Danish-American theater and movie actor, a published poet, photographer and painter. ... Samwise Gamgee (T.A. 2980-?; S.R. 1380-?), a character from J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy world Middle-earth, is Frodo Baggins servant who proves to be the most loyal of the Fellowship of the Ring. ... Sean Astin with his wife and his daughter in Wellington (New Zealand) Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is a film actor, director, and producer. ... Name Galadriel Alias Alatáriel, Altáriel, Artanis, Nerwen Title Lady of Lórien Race Elf Culture Noldor elves, House Finarfin Gender female Realm   Eriador  (Lothlórien) Lifespan (before beginning of the First Age) - Weapon Peter Jacksons movie trilogy Actor Cate Blanchett Voice Cate Blanchett Lady Galadriel was a... Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett (born May 14, 1969) is an Australian actress. ... This article is about the fictional character. ... Liv Tyler in Wellington (New Zealand) Liv Tyler (born Liv Rundgren on July 1, 1977 in New York City, New York, USA) is an American actress most famous for her role in the 1998 blockbuster movie Armageddon and the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003). ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings, Gimli is a Dwarf of Durins Folk who is chosen to accompany Frodo Baggins as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring on the quest to destroy the One Ring. ... Glóin is a the name of two fictional characters of J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy world of Middle-earth. ... John Rhys-Davies (born May 5, 1944) is a Welsh actor. ... Name Meriadoc Brandybuck Alias Holdwine, Kalimac Brandagamba Title Master of Buckland Race Hobbit Culture Hobbit, Shire-hobbit, Bucklanders Gender male Realm   Eriador  (The Shire),(Buckland) Lifespan 2982 T.A. - circa 65 F.A. Weapon Peter Jacksons movie trilogy Actor Dominic Monaghan Voice Dominic Monaghan Meriadoc Brandybuck, usually referred to... Dominic Monaghan Dominic Monaghan (born December 8, 1976 in Berlin) is an actor who was thrust into stardom with the success of Peter Jacksons adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings in which he played the character of Merry Brandybuck. ... Peregrin Took (T.A. 2990-?), better known to his friends as Pippin, is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth; a Hobbit, and one of Frodo Bagginss youngest but best friends. ... Billy Boyd (born 28 August 1968 in Glasgow) is a Scottish actor who played Peregrin Took in the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) and Barrett Bonden in Peter Weirs film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) (starring Paul Bettany and... In J. R. R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings, Legolas Greenleaf is a Sindarin Elf who becomes a part of the Fellowship of the Ring. ... Movie poster for Troy (2004) Orlando Jonathan Blanchard Bloom (born January 13, 1977) is a British actor who became famous playing Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. ... Saruman is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ... Christopher Lee This article is about the actor. ... Name Elrond Alias Peredhil Title Lord of Rivendell Race Elf Culture Half-elven, Elves of Lindon Gender male Realm   Eriador  (Rivendell) Lifespan 525 F.A. - Weapon (Hadhafang in film) Peter Jacksons movie trilogy Actor Hugo Weaving Voice Hugo Weaving Elrond the Half-elven (F.A. 525 - ?) is a fictional... Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith Hugo Wallace Weaving (born April 4, 1960) is an Australian film and stage actor. ... Ian Holm as Bilbo Baggins, drawn by Bente Schlick Bilbo Baggins is the central character of J. R. R. Tolkiens novel The Hobbit, and a minor character in its sequels, The Lord of the Rings series. ... Sir Ian Holm CBE (born September 12, 1931) is a British actor. ... Hobbits are a fictional race in J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth books. ... Sarah McLeod (born July 18, 1971 in Putaruru, New Zealand) is a New Zealand movie and television series actor. ... Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... Andy Serkis 2003 in Wellington (New Zealand) Andy Serkis (born April 20, 1964) is a British actor who was born and brought up in Ruislip, West London. ... Théoden - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Bernard Hill is an English actor, born December 17, 1944 in Manchester, Greater Manchester, England. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens novel The Lord of the Rings, Gríma (Wormtongue) is the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan. ... Brad Dourif - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Éowyn, Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm, White Lady of Rohan1, Lady of Ithilien (2995-?) is a character in the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... Miranda Otto Miranda Otto (born December 16, 1967 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) is an Australian actress who has worked mainly in film. ... For the Mercian figure, see Eomer In J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium, Éomer was the eighteenth King of Rohan, and first of the Third Line. ... Karl Urban portrays Eómer in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy Karl Urban (born June 7, 1972), an actor from Wellington, New Zealand, is best known for playing Éomer, in the second and third films of Peter Jacksons The Lord of the Rings film trilogy based on... In J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth, Faramir (T.A. 2983 - F.A. 82) is a Steward of Gondor and first Prince of Ithilien. ... David Wenham (Born September 21, 1965 in Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) is an Australian movie and television series actor. ... Spoiler warning: Treebeard or (Sindarin) Fangorn is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth. ... Boromir in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, played by Sean Bean Boromir (T.A. 2978-3019), a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth, was the eldest son of Denethor, last ruling Steward of Gondor in the Third Age of Middle-earth. ... Sean Bean Shaun Mark Bean (born April 17, 1959) is a British actor from Sheffield, Yorkshire. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Denethor II is the twenty-sixth and last Ruling Steward of Gondor. ... John Noble, 2003 in Wellington (New Zealand) John Noble (born August 20, 1948) is an Australian film, television actor and theatre director of more than 80 plays. ... Éowyn, Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm, White Lady of Rohan1, Lady of Ithilien (2995-?) is a character in the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... For the Mercian figure, see Eomer In J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth legendarium, Éomer was the eighteenth King of Rohan, and first of the Third Line. ... Théoden - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens novel The Lord of the Rings, Gríma (Wormtongue) is the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan. ... Special effects (abbreviated SPFX or SFX) are used in the film, television, and entertainment industry to create effects that cannot be achieved by normal means, such as depicting travel to other star systems. ... In medicine, ENT represents the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialism, also known as otolaryngology. ... Pterodactyl (derived from the Greek words meaning wing finger) is a common term for the pterosauria, especially the smaller bodied, long tailed varieties. ... One of the Nazgûl portrayed in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy In the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Nazgûl (Black Speech: Ringwraiths, sometimes written Ring-wraiths), also known as the Nine Riders or Black Riders (or simply the Nine), are evil servants of Sauron... Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... The seawater creature in The Abyss marked CGIs acceptance in the visual effects industry. ...

Synopsis

The surviving members of the Fellowship of the Ring have split into three groups. Frodo and Sam face many perils on their continuing quest to save Middle-Earth by destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Merry and Pippin escape from the Orcs and must convince the Ents to join the battle against evil. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas encounter a mysteriously transformed Gandalf and battle Saruman's army at Helm's Deep. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a film, released on Wednesday, December 19, 2001, directed by Peter Jackson with a runtime of 178 minutes (2 hours, 58 minutes). ... A map of the Northwestern part of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Arda. ... The One Ring, also known as the Ruling Ring or Ring of Power, is an artifact from J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional Middle-earth universe. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Mount Doom, or Orodruin, is a volcano in Mordor where the One Ring was forged in the Crack of Doom, a fiery chasm within the mountain. ... Orc or Ork, an Old English word (orc-néas orc-corpses in Beowulf) for the zombie-like monsters of Grendels race was revived by J. R. R. Tolkien in his Middle-earth legendarium. ... ENT can refer to: Otolaryngology - the diagnosis of ear, nose and throat disorders ENT Ltd = The former Tasmanian and Victorian media company Extreme Noise Terror - a grindcore band from the UK Star Trek: Enterprise This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share... Saruman is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Helms Deep was a large valley in the north-western Ered Nimrais (White Mountains). ...

Filming locations

Rohan, originally Rochand, is a fictional location from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... Rohan, originally Rochand, is a fictional location from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ... The Maniototo Plain, usually simply known as The Maniototo, is an elevated inland region in Otago, New Zealand. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Edoras was the capital of Rohan. ... The Rangitata River is one of the braided rivers that helped form the Canterbury Plains in southern New Zealand. ... The Dead Marshes is a fictional place from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe, Middle-earth. ... Te Anau is a town in the South Island of New Zealand. ... Black Gate may mean: Black Gate (Middle-earth) of Mordor in Tolkiens Middle-earth Black Gate (Ultima) of Ultima This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Say the word desert, and the usual definition conjured up is one of dry land that rarely if ever sees rain. ... Lake Taupo. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Helms Deep was a large valley in the north-western Ered Nimrais (White Mountains). ... Lower Hutt is a city in the lower North Island of New Zealand. ...

Deviations from the source material

Jackson's The Two Towers differs from Tolkien's in several important ways. Arwen does not appear in the second book at all. Interviews with Jackson and the other writers on the extended DVD version of the movie make it clear that they are fully aware of the implications of these changes in terms of the original story, and have chosen to make them not out of ignorance but in order to make the story work better in terms of motion picture storytelling.

Notably the meaning of the title itself, 'The Two Towers', has been changed. Tolkien considered many possible combinations, but eventually settled on Orthanc and Minas Morgul being the 'two towers'. However, in Jackson's movie Saruman instead names them as Orthanc and Barad-dûr, which is also reflected in the movie poster. In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Orthanc is the black tower of Isengard. ... Minas Morgul (Elvish: Tower of Dark Sorcery) is a fictional city and tower in the story of The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... Barad-dûr and Mount Doom in Peter Jacksons film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Barad-dûr (Sindarin Dark Tower, sometimes given as The Barad-dûr) (Lugburz in Black Speech) is the fortress of Sauron in the fantasy world of J. R...

Structure

Tolkien divided The Two Towers into two distinct parts. The first told the stories of Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Gandalf. The second concerned Frodo, Sam and Gollum. Jackson chose to intercut between the two to present the events in chronological order.

Jackson's structure changes the tale from a pure quest to a war story. Each of the film's three main threads make the point that the war has started and that our heroes are in the thick of it.

Events

Jackson and his co-writers added several events to the story, notably:

• In the movie, Faramir speaks of taking the Ring from Frodo, for the defense of Gondor; in the book, he denies having any such desire: not even if I found it by the side of a road, he repeats. According to Jackson, this does not work dramatically, as Faramir has no "character arc" (i.e. he does not change as a character from his first scene to his last). Jackson justifies this change as a means of making Faramir seem more of a rounded character.
• In the movie, Faramir takes Frodo, Sam and Gollum to the besieged city of Osgiliath, but subsequently lets them go. In the theatrical version it is not clear how Frodo and his companions get back from Osgiliath to Ithilien, but this is explained in the extended cut - they escape through the ruined city's sewers and so make their way out behind the enemy lines. (It is not explained why the Gondorians have made no military use of this apparent asset.)
• An attack on the Rohirrim traveling to Helm's Deep by Orcs mounted on wargs results in Aragorn's near death; he is revived by a vision of Arwen in a dream sequence. Nothing like this is present in the book.
• Galadriel persuades Elrond (via long-distance telepathy) to send Elven archers to Helm's Deep. Interestingly, they appear nonetheless to be Elves of Lórien, one of whom (Haldir) we met previously in the Golden Wood. Jackson originally planned to have Arwen herself fighting at Helm's Deep and filmed some scenes along those lines, but abandoned that tack. It is still possible to pick her out in the battle, as some footage was used in the Extended Edition.
• Arwen has a vision of her future which is taken somewhat loosely from The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen in the books' Appendices.
• Elrond almost forcibly sends Arwen "to the West". Her final decision on the matter, and her reason for making it, is revealed in The Return of the King.

Two important events from Tolkien's The Two Towers did not make it into the film, but were held over for the next one: In the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, Osgiliath is a city of Middle-earth, the old capital city of Gondor. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional Middle-earth, Ithilien is a region and fiefdom of Gondor. ... The Wargs or Wild Wolves are a race of fictional wolf creatures in J.R.R. Tolkiens books about Middle-earth. ... Telepathy, from the Greek τηλε, tele, distant, and πάθεια, patheia, feeling, is the supposed ability to communicate information from one mind to another without the use of extra tools such as speech or body language, and is one form of extra-sensory perception or anomalous cognition. ... In J.R.R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, two places are known as Lórien, both exceptionally beautiful. ... For the much later Elf from The Lord of the Rings, see Haldir of Lórien. ...

• Gandalf and Saruman's confrontation at Isengard; this was originally intended to appear at the beginning of The Return of the King, but a late decision by Peter Jackson meant that this scene was not part of the theatrical version, though it has since been included in the extended cut.
• Sam and Frodo's encounter with the monstrous Shelob. (This is foreshadowed by Gollum's line: "We could let her do it!") Shelob's Lair did indeed feature prominently in the third film.

The Ring of Isengard in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Isengard, a translation of the Sindarin Angrenost, was a large fortress. ... Shelob is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens world of Middle-earth. ... Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ...

Characters

Three of the characters in the film are presented somewhat differently than their counterparts in the book:

• Faramir requires much more convincing to let Sam and Frodo continue on their quest; in the book he immediately recognizes the wisdom of permitting them to leave freely. He is shown as being a much more flawed character than in the book, but nonetheless one who is still capable of wisdom.
• Treebeard, chief among the Ents, is unaware of what is happening on the borders of his forest and has to be "tricked" into attacking Isengard. In the theatrical release he is not seen sending Huorns to Helm's Deep, but does so in the extended video version - see below.
• Continuing a trend from the first movie, Elrond (who doesn't appear in the book) is much more protective of Arwen and is almost antagonistic toward Aragorn, thus the Thingol portrayal and the stereotypical "father-daughter theme" are both apparent.

The Huorns are a fictional race from J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth. ... Name Elrond Alias Peredhil Title Lord of Rivendell Race Elf Culture Half-elven, Elves of Lindon Gender male Realm   Eriador  (Rivendell) Lifespan 525 F.A. - Weapon (Hadhafang in film) Peter Jacksons movie trilogy Actor Hugo Weaving Voice Hugo Weaving Elrond the Half-elven (F.A. 525 - ?) is a fictional... Promotional poster featuring Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in New Line Cinemas motion pictures directed by Peter Jackson. ... Elu Thingol is the King of Doriath and High King of the Sindar, a fictional character of Middle-earth, created by J. R. R. Tolkien. ... For the term used in Computing, see Stereotype (computing). ...

Awards and critical opinion

• Academy Awards
  • Winner: Visual Effects, Sound Editing.
  • Nominee: Best Picture, Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
• American Film Institute: Digital Effects, Production Design, Movie of the Year
• Apex Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Viggo Mortensen), Best Production Design, Best Original Song Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup
• 2003 Art Directors Guild: Best Production Design (Period or Fantasy feature Film)
• Austrailian Film Awards: Best Foreign Film
• British Academy Film Awards: Best Costume Design, Best Special Visual Effects, Orange Film of the Year (voted on by the public)
• Broadcast Film Critics Association: Best Digital Acting Performance (Gollum)
• Central Ohio Film Critics: Best Cinematography
• Cinemarati Awards: Best Film, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Film Editing
• Dallas Fort Worth Film Critics: Best Director (Peter Jackson)
• Empire Awards: Best Picture
• Golden Satellite Awards: Outstanding Motion Picture Ensemble, Best Visual Effects
• Golden Trailer Awards: Best Action Trailer
• Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Guild Awards: Best Character Makeup, Best Character Hair Styling, Best Special Makeup Effects
• Hugo (World Science Fiction Society): Award for Best Dramatic Presentation
• International 3-D Awards (computer graphics industry): Best Feature Film VFX (Weta)
• Kansas City Film Critics: Best Director
• Las Vegas Film Critics: Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects
• Phoenix Film Critics Awards [1]: "Best Picture", "Best Ensemble Acting", "Best Screenplay Adapted from Another Medium", "Best Cinematography", "Best Production Design", "Best Visual Effects", and "Best Makeup" "Gollum's Song", the theme played during the end credits, won the award for "Best Original Song". The song was written by Howard Shore and sung by the Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini.
• Rotten Tomatoes Awards: Best Film
• Saturn Awards: Best Fantasy Film, Best Costume (Ngila Dickson), Best Supporting Actor (Andy Serkis)
• Visual Effects Society Awards: Best Special Effects, Best Effects in Art Direction, Best Visual Effects in Photography, Best Models and Miniatures, Best Performance by an Actor in an Effects Film, Best Character Animation in a Live-Action Feature Film, Best Compositing and Visual Effects in an Effects-Driven Film
• Followers of the Oscars predicted that the movie had a poor chance of winning Best Picture, because it received no other nominations in the major Oscar categories (Director, Actor and Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress and Screenplay). This proved to be true, though the film did win the Academy Award for Visual Effects. It was been speculated that the Academy was biding its time for the concluding film, Return of The King, to be released so that they could honour Peter Jackson for creating such a successful and acclaimed film trilogy. The third film was awarded 11 Oscars in 2004.

Although he never won an Oscar for any of his movie performances, the comedian Bob Hope received two honorary Oscars for his contributions to cinema. ... This is a list of films that have received an Oscar for best visual effects. ... The Academy Award of Merit for Best Sound Editing is an Academy Award granted yearly to a film exhibiting the finest or most aesthetic sound editing or sound design. ... The Academy Award for Best Picture is one of the awards given to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; the awards are voted on by other people within the industry. ... The Academy Awards are the oldest awards ceremony for achievements in motion pictures. ... The Academy Award for Film Editing was first given for films issued in 1934. ... This is a list of films that have received an Oscar for best sound. ... Howard Shore Howard Leslie Shore (born October 18, 1946) is a film composer. ... Emiliana Torrini (born 1977) is an Icelandic singer, best known for her worldwide debut album, Love In The Time Of Science. ... The Academy Award for Directing is one of the awards given to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; the awards are voted on by other people within the industry. ... Academy Award for Best Actor - Wikipedia /**/ @import /w/skins-1. ... The Academy Award for Best Actress is one of the awards given to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; nominations are made by Academy members who are actors and actresses. ... The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor is one of the awards given to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; nominations are made by Academy members who are actors and actresses. ... The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress is one of the awards given to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; nominations are made by Academy members who are actors and actresses. ... The Academy Award for Writing Adapted Screenplay is one of the Academy Awards, the most prominent film awards in the United States. ... This is a list of films that have received an Oscar for best visual effects. ... This article is about the 2003 live action film. ... 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Video release

The theatrical edition of the movie was released on VHS and DVD on Tuesday, August 26, 2003. The DVD was a 2-disc set with extras on the second disc. This was intended to be a simultaneous worldwide release, but some British stores began selling the videos on Friday 22 because it was a Bank Holiday weekend, much to the ire of the film's UK distributor, which has threatened to withhold advance supplies of subsequent video releases. Tuesday is the day of the week between Monday and Wednesday. ... August 26 is the 238th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (239th in leap years). ... 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Friday is the day of the week between Thursday and Saturday. ... August 22 is the 234th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (235th in leap years), with 131 days remaining. ... A Bank Holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom and also in the Republic of Ireland. ...

An extended version of the movie including 44 minutes of additional material was released on video on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, with a total of 223 minutes (3 hours, 43 minutes). One of the additional scenes features Sean Bean and John Noble, who do not appear in the theatrical version, in a flashback in which brothers Boromir and Faramir are seen together with their father Denethor. This is available on VHS and on a 4-disc DVD set, with the movie on discs 1 and 2 including four audio commentaries by the crew and actors, and extensive bonus material on discs 3 and 4. There is also a "Special Edition" DVD package containing the 4-disc set, a sculpture of Gollum, a booklet about the process of designing Gollum for the movie and a short DVD documentary on the process of designing collectible scultures based on the movies' characters and artifacts. Tuesday is the day of the week between Monday and Wednesday. ... November is the eleventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four Gregorian months with the length of 30 days. ... November 18 is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years), with 43 remaining. ... 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Boromir in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, played by Sean Bean Boromir (T.A. 2978-3019), a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens fantasy universe of Middle-earth, was the eldest son of Denethor, last ruling Steward of Gondor in the Third Age of Middle-earth. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens Middle-earth, Faramir (T.A. 2983 - F.A. 82) is a Steward of Gondor and first Prince of Ithilien. ... In J. R. R. Tolkiens fictional universe of Middle-earth, Denethor II is the twenty-sixth and last Ruling Steward of Gondor. ... Gollum is a fictional character from J. R. R. Tolkiens universe of Middle-earth. ...

In December, 2003 there were also limited back-to-back theatrical releases of the extended versions of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers followed by premieres of The Return of the King, in all nine hours and seventeen minutes long. December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• The Two Towers: The Purist Edit

The Two Towers: The Purist Edit is a modified form of the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. ...

External links

• Official movie site
• Trailer for the movie
• Internet Movie Database listing for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
• US Box Office Takings for the movie
• Differences Between The Movie And The Book by Gary Appenzeller