Fellowship of the Ring: Special Edition
It began at 12 noon, on Dec 14th. Fans were lined up, some in costume, some not, to get their favorite seat for this 12 hour marathon viewing.
Those who came in costume were promised a copy of the extended version on DVD, which was being released at midnight.
New Line Photographers took photos of costumed attendees, handed out concession stand coupons so that we could get sustinence throughout the marathon viewing.
As the time neared when the viewing would begin, rumors began to fly through the theater. Sean Astin was going to be appearing to sign our DVD's.....the actual film would be shown in digital format....
The first two disc's were a feast for the eyes. There's no way to take it all in at once. There will have to be multiple viewings.
We were provided with an intermission after each disc, until we came to the special edition itself...where, we were informed we would have to change theaters so that the film could be digitally projected!
We were estatic. This was an added bonus. Cheers went up as they began with the newest trailer for the Two Towers. Another cheer exploded when the film itself began. Then...the theater became silent, and the Prologue began...
By the time the film was over, many had tears in their eyes... of elation, of sadness (they really ran the emotional rollercoaster with the new footage), of excitement...
After taking a few more photos, we were off to Virgin records, where we would receive another surprise...Sean Astin would be signing the DVD's we received for attending the screening in costume.
Photos were not allowed, much to our disapointment, but Sean was bright eyed and excited to be there. When I asked if he'd seen the Special Edition, he replied that he had, in pieces. I followed that by asking if he'd seen the Two Towers. He looked up at me from where he was signing the DVD and smiled widely, saying only 'awesome'. Sure, make me even MORE excited with a month to go...I thanked him for being so kind and willing to be up at midnight signing these and he replied with an enthusiastic 'I love it.'
Great and friendly guy and we all went home quite happy and content....with the exception that we have another month to go before the Two Tower's hits theaters....