My girlfriend watches The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended) for the FIRST time || PART 2 

*takes a smoke* One shudders to imagine what inhuman thoughts lie behind that face... ...What chronic of shadows and sustained cruelty!

@EKLAVYA PRATHABHA VARMA Let them have their moments. That's what makes this actually entertaining.

@EKLAVYA PRATHABHA VARMA it’s his channel and his video he can do whatever he wants

@EKLAVYA PRATHABHA VARMA Orrrr he's just being himself....

@EKLAVYA PRATHABHA VARMA then there are other movie reaction channels for you

Ye

I think the music is a bit over the top at times and takes away from the movie. Also the special effects were ahead of their time for sure but some of them have not aged that well.

Sadly the Academy had nothing good to say about the actors’ performances.

Yeah *everyone* is a strong word.

Thanks for telling everyone how they should feel.

LOL, When Holden says, "Just walk it off Boromir - just a flesh wound"

I’m the opposite, for someone’s first time watching I’d put away the MST3K jokes during the serious parts of the movie.

@@Tomhyde098 he made the most impactful scenes seem like nothing. If he knows the movie, just keep it to himself. No need to ruin it with some silly jokes...

"At least we still have boromir"

@@Tomhyde098 Yea if you're easily triggered then the internet isn't for you

Galadriel is not a wood elf.

He study old religion and metaphisics of this world. Degradations of humans and 4 ages were basic knowledge before christianity destroy it. 4 cycles are in every Pegan tradition so is reincarnation and love of nature.

@@Frelzor Legolas is not a wood elf either. Like his father Thranduil, he's a Sinda, a gray elf.

@ You're absolutely right - I was a bit too quick on that one.

Someone else in this comment section also gives very interesting context to that moment and the meaning of what Gandlaf says to the Balrog. from Supadrumma441: "The Balrog and Gandalf are of the same kin, they are Miar, the Balrog is simply a corrupted form. Both are angels. Gandalf is literally the ONLY member of the fellowship that stood any chance of killing it. Servant of the secret fire= Servant of the fire of creation that burns in the centre of Middle Earth, Wielder of the Flame of Anor= reference to Narya, the ring of fire Gandalf carries in secret an elven ring of power, Dark fire will not avail you= I wield the same power you do. Gandalf is basically saying "we're equals bitch, fucking try me. Plus I got a ring of power" If you listen carefully during "YOUUUUUU SHALL NOT PASS!" you can hear Gandalf's voice change as he summons his power to challenge the Balrog. Most people miss it."

@@stiimuli actual chills while reading this.

@@stiimuli so... Balrog effed around and found out. 😉

@@stiimuli Sauron is also a Maia

Considering that is also a mistake for Sir Ian as he slipped it in when filming and it should be You Cannot Pass both times as it is in the books. The change in meaning, as you discuss, is perfect!

Getting deep into the lore there, but a very crucial insight into the nuances of the scene. For someone who has read the books as well as knowing and understanding the lore and additional background based on Tolkien's letters it's actually a very deep and powerful moment.

Feanor wanted the hair for bragging rights, essentially. He had an enormous ego, was arrogant and prideful. Because of this he dragged his people into a war that cost him everything and reduced his people to a shadow of what they once were. Gimli wanted the hair as a reminder of how beautiful the Lady Galadriel is. Open, honest and personal. She gave him three as a last "fuck you" to Feanor, he who asked three times for a single hair, so he could make something that he'd be able to show off for his own aggrandisement.

@@evanflynn4680 exactly this.

Also giving a lock of hair to your love interest is a common practice before going off to war back in the day.

@@PatrickDaviswimiwamwamwazzle indeed. That's something that's forgotten in our modern age or smartphones and social media. A photo of your beloved and a lock of hair before heading off to battle. My grandpa was a Hurricane pilot in the RAF in WW2. He went off to North Africa with a lock or hair and a photo of the nurse he met while in hospital and recovering after being shot down in late '41. He had that locket with her photo and lock of hair with him on every flight until he was medically retired in late '43. She would eventually become his wife and my grandma. My grandpa wore that locket every day until the day he passed and was buried with it.

Gandalf the 'GREY' is dead............

"they still have Boromir"

What shocks and angers me is when younger people or just others who haven’t watched or read LOTR look at it and mention that it does what more recent titles do, which is completely backwards! It inspired them ALL! 🤬😅

Yes but without that backstory you have to admit it is just a tad bit creepy XD

@@stiimuli I think it's more a thing of Tolkien's time. When soldiers left for war or on long travel, their partner would give them a lock of their hair to remember them by as a parting gift. It was seen as a romantic gesture back then. That's like with most things though, a lot of old fairytales have elements to them which can be seen as weird today.

@@stiimuli Not back then. Apparently the symbolism of a lock of hair has been completely lost on the last couple generations. At least for those that don’t read history & myth from around the world.

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 It kinda resembles the locket with a picture of your girl in it type of thing. It's honestly probably lost its romantic connotation due to the internet and being able to take a lot of pictures. A picture of your girlfriend isn't special anymore, and if you wanted to look at one, you'd check her Instagram and get some form of a tasteless picture.

@@stiimuli in this age there was no photography to look at when you wanted to remember some one. Locks of hair represented the person and our memory of them. It wouldn't feel creepy even now if we were in such a situation. Always think about the context before throwing words like creepy around.

Totally agree! That's such an important aspect of the later movies imo. I think the length of these movies, while she said they make the pace slower, they will also allow the characters to be fleshed out more.

Yup, it was a slip up on Lurtz's actor's part and a moment of pure badassery on Viggo's part. They were going to change it via CG to have the dagger fly at Aragorn, but it happened for real and they decided to keep the realism of the moment instead.

Yep I share the same sentiment. Sometimes you just gotta let the person who hasn't watched it yet sit with the scene in silence, and maybe discuss or comment on it after the scene. Otherwise it could kinda take the immersion out of it in the moment.

the odd entendre with the audience here is a highlight on this channel. but you gotta let the heavy moments breathe, man. especially when you are trying to get someone to enjoy something. like you can't take away the loss of Gandalf and the death of Bboromir IN THE MOMENT, it's rude to the person you're showing it to. those are some big scenes. please Holden... save the some of the jabs for the aftertalk, you're doing too much on this one

@@jaysuscrass9119 It is the kind of thing that stops people from watching a reaction. He is trying too much to be "cool" and "funny" during the WRONG parts of the movie...

It's his wife, he knows her best. Let him do what he wants smh

@@pnut3844able Get over yourself. I gave an opinion.

me too XD

I don't play it, but surprised she hasnt even heard of it lol "what's Dungeons and Dragons?"

D&D is for nerds and Jen is clearly not that.

Middle-Earth has its own role playing series, MERP. It's very much like D&D, but within Tolkien's world

'Roll for initiative' lols

The thing with the hair is rly strange without the context. But its rly cool, if you now about Fëanor.

@@Azurios There's also the context of time. Back in Tolkien's day as a young man it was relatively common for a woman to give a lock of her hair to someone she fancied as something to remember her by, especially if they were going to be apart from each other for a long time.

@@tehdipstick Excellent point. Haven't ever considered this but you're spot on.

Yeah I dont get why people now get creeped out by that, but I guess they are usually people who arent history buffs or fantasy nerds, so maybe they've never heard of that custom? It's an extremely common thing, back in the day. It's how you say "wanna go on a date?" in a culture where people didn't go on dates.

I've only ever seen the theatrical cuts

I get what you are saying, I have seen some "watching" channels miss some things due to commentary. But on the other hand, we do watch them for their personalities and individual reactions to things. And, on another note, it is very vital that commentators add enough critique such that what they upload is transformative, so they don't run afoul of copyright.

@@keithchandler8426 Right, that's why I don't crap on them for doing it. I'd just do it very carefully, if it were me.

Dude, it's their relationship. I'm sure he knows his wife better than all of us. Let him worry about that

@@pnut3844able The relationship isn't really relevant here, I'd feel the same way about anyone I'm watching a movie with. She might not care, I'm just expressing how I would act and why I think it applies to making a reaction video.

@@keithchandler8426 The main difference here is that Holden has already seen it. If that was his reaction as a first time watcher, I wouldn't mind it as much, but because he's seen it so many times, the emotional beats don't affect him as much, and he makes jokes in places where a first time watcher probably wouldn't. So by inserting jokes in those heavier moments, it probably takes away a lot of the impact for Jen that she might have felt if he had stayed quiet until the scene was over. Of course, I'm not gonna hate on him for it, I know he wasn't ill-meaning. But it is a valid criticism, and something that he could try to consider for the future.

Yea that's the one problem when you have actors becomes successful for me sometimes. When they're so good at their job they get more hugely known roles so you start seeing them as the actor and less so the characters they portray. It's the bittersweet thing that happens with good actors for me

I never felt he was a good Magneto. I've read the comics for 30 years, he's nothing like the comic version. Fassbender is a MUCH better cast

@@Gnossiene369 yo chill. Some people talk when they watch movies. Some people are annoying with it. He isn't - to me. But he would be to others. She clearly doesn't mind his interjections. I know people that merely going "thats a meme" would ruin the entire movie for them because even speaking would pull them out of the experience. People are different. These two get along - They're engaged. XD

The theatrical was nominated because there was nothing better at the time. Like the Extended's. :P

Completely agree. The Extendeds were only released specifically for the hardcore fans… not for a first time or casual viewer. I love Lord of the Rings but I wouldn’t say I’m hardcore and if I’m honest, I prefer the theatricals. The extendeds just take an age to get going and there are a lot of scenes that are frankly, a little pointless

I've only ever seen the theatrical cuts. That's more than enough for me.

Boromir: SEVEN HELLS!!

I agree I've always loved the delivery of that line. Its like he's more annoyed than afraid because it just keeps getting worse

It's like he just spotted his annoying neighbour walking over towards his garden to talk for an hour about a hedge.

@@Rockstroem This.

His tone is like "why the fuck did i agree to come here?"

I think there's a short clip in one of the many behind the scenes videos on RU-vid showing them being scuplted (if I remember right)

And I believe their arm position is supposed to be a warning of the upcoming falls (not intended to be "hitlery" but I get seeing that).

@@folcotook3049 Plus they are both signaling with their left arms - Salutes are given with the right arm, even Hitler salutes.

@@folcotook3049 i dont. its the most common stop/hold sign.

@@hullmees666 To be fair, that was directed at Holden (I wasn't clear on that). I never saw that at all before he mentioned it in the video, but I agree my first impulse seeing it was (and is) that it's message is to stop.

It’s always been my favorite of the three..

I’m so very sorry 💔

This brought tears to my eyes. I’m sorry for your loss and that you didn’t get to share the complete experience of this trilogy. Thank you for sharing and I hope you are well. ❤️

This. I don't know their relationship dynamic, but Holden's timing sucks. He came off as a huge distraction.

@@nineradvocate Like I understand the feeling of showing someone something you have a passion for, but when you're constantly in their face like "Woah that was cool wasn't it?", then you're not letting them just experience the fucking movie

*boromir gets shot with an arrow "he could survive ONE arrow" (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) *boromir gets shot again "he could walk off TWO arrows" (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) bro, just let her watch the scene

@@goody8504 Lol exactly what I'm saying

only some of it

@@stiimuli anyone who talks during LOTR is ejected from my eye sight of gets the Denathor stare of silence!

I mean we came here to watch them react to the movie. They're meant to talk. He's interjecting a lot, yeah, but thats because Jen hardly even says a word, so he has to fill in the silence for us more than usual.

@@Glorfindel_117 but it is LOTR... a big No No... react by being in shocked, silence... CRY!!!

Good thing they're watching it for their viewing pleasure and not yours

I feel Sam is more the hero than Frodo.

It's even more apparent in the books. Each entry in the books are split in half. Fellowship follows a similar structure to the film, but Two Towers and Return of the King split the plot between the two, with *all* of the Frodo/Sam stuff in one half and *all* of the Legolas/Aragorn/Ghimli stuff in the other. You read Aragorn and company's journey in those two books without ever hearing where Frodo and Sam are (though there is one point where they spot a camp fire way off in the distance and if you pay attention to the dates and the map, that's Frodo and Sam's campsite) before the plot jumps over to the Frodo/Sam half and you see what they were up to. The books make it pretty clear that Frodo isn't the main character, he's part of the group of main characters and shares the story with them.

There are two main stories and many minor ones. In the books, the two main stories are told completely separately, there's no interweaving between the Sam/Frodo story and the Aragorn and company story as there is in the movies. And right there, I think you can see I've already picked out the main characters of those stories.

Nah frodos definitely the MAIN character, but yeah the fellowship are all main characters

@@richwagener I feel sad because the movies portrayed Frodo as such a weak member of the fellowship who only gets stabbed and runs. In the books, Frodo does way more heroic things. In the books, when the hobbits were attacked by Black Riders on Weathertop, Frodo actually stabs one of the black riders on the foot as a way to retaliate. Pretty much the only member out of all the hobbits to do something. Movie Frodo, he's just weak all the way through. Having said that, I don't think Sam is more of a hero than Frodo. No one could have carried the burden for as long and as much as Frodo did (keep in mind it gets worse to hold the closer they get to Mordor). Tolkien said that whilst Sam is also a hero, Sam would be no where without Frodo and Frodo would be no where without Sam. It required a team effort from both of them to support each other.

100% agree. Love the channel, but Jen is clearly not into it, and Holden's joking at some of the wrong times and spoiling things that would've had more impact if he waited for the reveal. I still like the channel and am subscribed, but it's been weird watching someone see this movie for the first time and think so little of it. I think i'll probably stay away from the reactions to the other two movies, but look forward to other content you both like a little more.

I thoroughly enjoy Holden & Jen's commentary whenever they watch movies. However, I do kinda agree with your point here. Boromir's final stand when he takes the three arrows and continues to fight till the end is a HUGE emotional scene, but Holden kept joking after each arrow which imo ruins some of the emotional impact with his brevity. Obviously it's their watch-through so they can do whatever they want. I just think that a trilogy such as LOTR deserves all the attention is worth really experiencing all of the emotional and powerful moments throughout.

@@TheKenVlogs i agree, but maybe Holden had noticed that Jen was not really into it and was trying to joke around to lift her spirits.. but i think it was just that they was tired.. they seemed to have problems concentrating, maybe it was just the wrong day to watch a 4hour movie.. lets hope so. hope the next goes better. cant blame Holden to much.. and he gave great insight.

Or just maybe lord of the rings just isn’t for everyone and you will just have to accept that.. for the love god it’s still just the first movie 🤦‍♂️

​@@JayJadeyMovieReact sure, LOTR is of course not for everyone. thats not was i was saying. but i hope she likes the next ones :) Jen is always very fun to watch react to movies.. she usually comments on things i never tought about.. wierd things. lol

Gonna cry?

@@liamhoseasson9856 Well I would have but he ruined the moment.

True. I was so annoyed by this.

Yeah, I hate this. He destroyed everything !

Well, it's a watch-along so we can't expect them to say nothing. Jen wouldn't be watching this movie otherwise. If anything Holden's comments probably kept her engaged and awake.

I would have said the same thing. That guy is a walking-talking-spoiler on two legs. He constantly makes inappropriate comments at the height of emotional scenes which totally ruin them and spoil the story as well as the constant joking at crucial story points which also ruins the mood and tension. It's funny that he says that he respects the effort of the filmmakers and their work while doing everything in his reaction to undermine and subvert everything that the filmmakers were trying to achieve and spoiling the mood of the movie for both his girlfriend and us the viewers. That guy just needs to SHUT UP once in a while.

What's the point of just watching 2 people stare at the TV screen with no comments at all throughout the entire film, that would be ridiculous and pointless. I would rather have Holden joke around and have them talk at times throughout the movie than just stare at it blankly for a 30 min video.

i remember seeing it in theatres, epic times! wish you youngins could have been there.

Adding onto the knife bit. Lurtz's actor was supposed to throw it *near* Viggo for the scene but a combination of it being difficult to see in the costume as well as the fake blood on his hands made him slip and throw it *at* Viggo. Viggo, being the badass that he is, instinctively deflected it with his sword and went on with the take.

The story of Viggo blocking that knife legit has always awed me. Also the scene of him standing against the army alone being the first scene he shot on the film. The man is a total badass, with a weak big toe ;)

@@robertfarmer1602 Fun fact, apparently the stuntmen playing the various orcs and Uruk-hai began to fear Viggo and dreading whenever they had to fight him since he got *really* good at swordfighting and didn't really hold back.

Sauron himself is also a Maia

Aw crap I misspelled maiar said myar damn

It's funny you say this. In the books both the Hobbit and LOTR are meant to be stories told by Bilbo and Frodo (respectively). Tolkien says that Bilbo wrote a book called the Red Book of Westmarch which was a recollection/memoir of everything Bilbo experienced in the Hobbit. You actually see Bilbo writing in the book at the beginning LOTR. Then Bilbo gives the book to Frodo and Frodo writes his 'memoirs' about his adventure in LOTR in that same book. You actually see Frodo at the end of the movies giving the book to Sam, saying "the last pages are for you". According to Tolkien, the Hobbits wrote 'The Hobbit' and 'LOTR' and all Tolkien did was translate the book into common English. So that's why everything is told from the point of view of the hobbits.

@@sameehkins5957 oh no doubt. I agree, but the films aren't the books, nor should they really try to be. Two very different forms of media have very different requirements when it comes to story presentation for different types of audiences. Also, and I may get chased with pitchforks for saying this, but Tolkien for all his brilliance and imagination was not a particularly gifted writer when it came to character and narrative. Most of the most compelling parts of the Lord of the Rings were omitted from the primary narrative and were relegated to the appendices almost as if they were an after thought. Oft times moments of high drama are glossed over in hindsight like the battle of Amon Hen, whereas entire pages are devoted to exactly how green the green grass in Tom Bombadill's meadow actually is. There is also a complete lack of urgency at times. It takes Frodo months to leave the Shire with the ring in the books. Its all fine and good to say that the Lord of the Rings was meant to be told from Frodo's perspective but he and Sam are alone with Gollum for more than half of the story. He bore no witness to anything Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, or Pippin did after the fellowship fractured. His recounting would be secondhand for most of the story and for his part he was being corrupted by the ring and therefore an unreliable witness.

@@BiggestDawgEver I'm not sure why you're trying to distinguish that "books are books and films are films", when all I'm saying is why the story (both books and movie) is told from a certain perspective. In this aspect both the books and movies are pretty much the exact same, as they both do the same thing of (for the most part) telling a story from a certain perspective. Also, corruption of the ring doesn't make you lose memory. That is not a side effect. You pretty much remember everything you do like normal, but you simply have certain elements of your personality overtake other parts (namely greed). You have to have strong will to overcome this corruption of greed, but all in all you remember everything as normal and regret the bad things you do afterwards. It's the reason why Bilbo made that crazy face when he saw the Ring on Frodo's neck in Rivendell then after his crazy phase left him, he said sorry... Because even though he's still effected by the corruption, he still remembers the bad things he does and regrets doing them after. The reason how Frodo finds out and writes about Aragorn and Legolas, etc is because they obviously talk after the whole journey is over. It's not like they stop all contact with each other forever as soon as credits roll. The whole thing about me mentioning the Red Book of the Westmarch (Bilbo's & Frodo's memoirs) was just bonus lore that explains things are from a certain POV. The Red Book is basically Hobbit and LOTR in one book. It also explains what that book you see Frodo handing to Sam is and the significance of it, otherwise what else could it be? Nude pics?

@@sameehkins5957 the reason I mention it is that the mediums have different requirements. For example, generally speaking most films do not present a character's inner monolgue, but it is used frequently in literature. In film a character's inner turmoil must be conveyed in other ways. Usually through the observation and commentary by another character. This is not necessarily true of Lord of the Rings, I am just using this as an example of how the mediums convey information differently. Speaking of TLOR though, the reason Tom Bombadill is omitted is that he is too esoteric and abstract to work within the tone of these particular film adaptations. As for Frodo being an unreliable witness, I was not implying he had a poor memory. I was suggesting that the ring's corruption would force a bias on him that could conceivably alter not only how he felt at times during the mission but impact his perception of events because of it. I think it is also plausible he might suffer from traumatic stress as well which can also impact perception and memory. This is of course further supported by Frodo's inability to settle back to normalcy upon his return to the Shire. You must admit there is a stark difference between Bilbo's journals of the Lonely Mountain and the events involved given that he was present for pretty much all of it, and Frodo's recounting of the battle for middle earth. As I stated above, he was not around most of the major events. Even if, as you suggest, Frodo conducted exhaustive interviews with every surviving member of the Fellowship, he is not telling most of the tale from his own point of view. His story goes from being autobiographical to a historical accounting of events. As I suggested above, Frodo goes from being the audience's perspective in the first book/film to being a plot device in the last two. He is mostly far too passive a character to be the story focus. Other than sparing Gollum and choosing to follow his lead, Frodo makes no other decisions of his own that aren't being manipulated by the ring itself or Gollum. Everything that happens to him is interesting because we are observing it from Sam's perspective. Nearly everything that happens to Frodo, including Frodo himself, is an obstacle to be overcome by Sam. Sam is the POV character at that point but not the only one, because like Frodo, there are two other sets of characters having their own adventures and trials.

@@BiggestDawgEver I'm not sure if I used the word "autobiographical" but If I did, maybe that was the wrong word to use. The Red Book itself is a mixture personal perspective to a more historical event telling format. Regardless of whoever is writing the history books, and no matter how neutral they try to be there will always be a certain leaning towards one side - usually of the person who's writing it, and in this case it was the Hobbits side. I mean there's so much talk about pipe smoking of tobacco/weed, and it's not like any of the other races are that obsessed with it. But throughout the film we see Frodo go through the pains of carrying the ring, whenever the ring is damaged (Gimli's axing in RIvendell) or whenever the Nazgul scream we see visual representation of Frodo suffering and no one else. That's because it's done from his perspective. Same thing happens in books too, where parts are done in his perspective where he explains how he sees a red eye in flashes. I'm basically just referring to your original comment of "It occurs to me now that Frodo in many ways is the primary POV character at this point", by adding that this POV feeling is done in the books too, except that in the books its done even more so than in the movies. But based on your comment you still seem to realise that this feels like the POV of Frodo. Two Towers is completely absent of Frodo, but you could assume that he hears about the stories AFTER the ring is destroyed when everyone goes home/has a 'party' where they discuss to each other their side of the story. Even if you google up details of "The Book of the Westmarch" it will tell you that the Hobbits wrote LOTR and it was translated by Tolkien (basically Tolkien's way of trying to create a myth and giving some semblance that it could have been a real past history of earth. Which is exactly what myths are made to do).

Man-flesh is highly valued by orcs, we taste like chicken, to which they are universally allergic. (Yes, I'm joking.)

There's a Soilent Green joke in there somewhere.

It makes even more sense when you consider that this movie/book is written by Frodo, in-universe. He's the one that records it all afterward, just like Bilbo wrote The Hobbit - as we saw at the start. :)

And, of course, Sam is the real hero!

Now we only have to figure out in which year we are, in relation to the end of LOTR. Personally I'd put this about 4000 years prior to the earliest myths that are part of the Bible. And the explanation as to why the geography of earth has changed in such a short amount of time is obviously Noah's Flood. But I'm just winging it. ;)

yes the movies don't really show the time scales the books did. If i remember right the time between when Gandalf left Frodo in the Shire to find answers and then comes back to tell him about the ring was like months or years. In the movie it just seems like maybe a few days at most.

@@stiimuli if i recall it’s just shy of 13 years, of them doing absolutely nothing, sitting around getting high!

@@knuckles543 That's Hobbits for you

@@knuckles543 17 years between Bilbo leaving the Shire and the year Frodo goes on his Journey. Gandalf tells Frodo about the Ring on the 13th of April and tells Frodo that he has to leave the Shire. But not immidiately, he misjudges the time they still have and stays in the Shire for another two months preparing Frodo for the Journey. Then he leaves to seek help from Saruman and promises to be back for Frodo's Birthday in September. But he also tells Frodo not to wait any longer to leave the Shire should he not return. Frodo leaves the Shire one day after his Birthday, a little more than 5 months after learning what the Ring really is. Since Bilbo and Frodo share their Birthdays, 17 years and 1 day pass between Bilbo leaving for Rivendell and Frodo leaving the shire. Frodo is 50 when he leaves, which makes him the same age as Bilbo was, when he left with the Dwarves for the Lonely Mountain. The entire Quest ends when they return home on the 3rd of November the following year.

That was such a weird reaction in that moment like WTF? XD

What’s a fish?

I mean, technically, it isn't. But for all intents and purposes, yeah.

I get your point but I’m not sure I agree. The counterpoint is that a lot is explained in the extended editions that is not in the theatrical releases. For someone who hasn’t read the books, this helps massively with understanding some otherwise rather obscure sections. I find it rare that first-timers are put off by the pacing, and if they are then they need to learn to slow down and defer their gratification.

@@langdalepaul I get your argument but I disagree haha I had never read or knew anything about LOTR before I saw it when I was 11 at the cinema. I understood it perfectly. Theatrical versions are my go to even tho I have the extendeds on Blu Ray. Think Iv only watched them twice… The theatricals get to the point a hell of a lot quicker and the things that are explained in the extendeds arnt exactly necessary to understand the story. It’s mainly backstory that frankly you don’t need. Especially for a first time the theatricals are a hell of a lot more user friendly. All in all, they are just a lot more fun to watch

When my father showed me the trilogy, he used the extended edition. I was 12 at that time and i loved every second of it. I understood most of it and never watched the theatrical.

My big problem with the theatrical cuts is that time and distance is basically irrelevant. Granted, that's still a problem in the Extended Cuts, but less so.

I mean I've seen multiple people introduce someone to lotr with the extended edition and almost every time by the end the person is glad they were shown the extended and not the theatrical due to the extra level of explanation given on certain points ^^

Hardly important information in regards to the current story being told. Not knowing that does not hurt someone's understanding of the films.

In her hair was some of the same light the silmerils had. Freanor wants the hair to recreate this jewels that was lost to Morgoth. But she sees into his soul and knows his selfishness. And denies him three times. It wasn’t poetic, by genealogy she inherited her hair! All of which adds to the point you making

Yeah, that's one of those details that have a different effect if you read all the Tolkien books

@@TopTwom Throughout the video Holden keeps reiterating that Elves and Dwarves hate each other. I posted this comment regarding Gimli and Galadriel's hair because it's pertinent. And I never said not knowing this does not "hurt" someone's understanding of the films. Please don't put words into my mouth.

@@TopTwom Low quality response

damn i just finished commenting this. Yeah it was amazing!!

@@Gnossiene369 you must be real fun at parties. but sure, I'll bite sometimes people post a comment to share something they love with others who might love it. AND they might do this without spending time reading through all the comments in a heavily commented video. after spending time reading and seeing someone posted a similar comment to the one I made, I gave said poster a thumbs up and mentioned what I did. If seeing a couple people posting similar things "furiates" you so much, I suppose there is always therapy in dealing with whatever anger you are holding onto. You always have the option to keep scrolling rather than engage. Hope you have a better day than anyone else unfortunate enough to converse with you.

@@FenixNade It's not "a couple of people", though. It's like 1 in 5 of the comments. I don't really mind the "Aragorn did this SICK thing"-spam in the comments - I can just scroll past them. But here's the thing; I have difficulty believing that people who watches these reaction videos haven't seen other LotR reaction videos before. I can't believe that they haven't read any comments on other videos before. And I absolutely refuse to believe that even without reading the comments on this particular video first, you would think that you were the only one to post such a thing. So I really don't buy the "they might do this without spending time reading through all the comments" argument. I do agree that you can simply keep scrolling - and that if such comments "infuriate" you, you have bigger issues (they are annoying, tho).

For a first timer, yes. Absolutely. Theatrical for someone's first time but after that extended once they're hooked in as a fan.

Not for anyone who actually enjoys the movie watching process

And Earendil, the brightest star of the elves, is also a grandfather of Arwen :D

@@hendrikscheepers4144 If you haven't read the book ? You'd know the one of the Characters left out of The Fellowship of the Ring is the oldest of All in Middle-Earth

She wears one of the elf rings? Why can't Sauron control the elves then?

❤❤❤

Holden briefly mentions that Elves and Dwarves don't like each other during the Council of Elrond scene in part 1.

I see a new series of videos of Holden and Jen playing D&D

Murder Hobos mention = 1 like.

She's clearly got a thing for dwarves.

I honestly wish more people would just watch the theatrical. Love the extended so much but everyone forgets the ones we all saw in theaters which are the cuts that won all the awards lol

Exactly, I thought that was a mistake when he used the extended with Matt and thought he’d go to the theatrical this time

It literally adds 30 minutes. If you're watching a 3.5 hour movie, adding 30 minutes is practically nothing, especially as the Extended's are just plain better. The credits are 40ish minutes long too, since they nearly double in length in the Extended's, so some of that bonus runtime isn't even part of the movie. It really isn't much of a change to the view time, and barely anyone takes this into account.

@@Glorfindel_117 I don't think you see the point

When it comes to adaptations, I never expect it to cover everything the books do. That would be unrealistic. The amount the movies did cover was more than enough to get a grasp of the world of Middle-earth, plus some extra side lore that make you want to research on (or even read the books). That is how you know when a movie does world building well, when you actually want to go out of your way to find out more about this world.

@@sameehkins5957 for sure, it is easily one of, if not the best, book to film adaptation out there.

'He's making millions off his Silmarillions'

I think the first time watching it’s a 10.

@@John_Frost28 The two towers and Return of the King is 10 first time watching

Only real ones laughed at that part. I don't know if that was pandering to us fans but I appreciate it either way.

Peter Jackson (IIRC) referred to him as "Aragorn" off-camera for *half an hour* before realizing it.

Exactly. Extended Editions are NOT for first time viewers. This reaction only confirms it. Holden fucked up a bit on this one imo.

I have watched the theatrical versions ever time I've watched the trilogy. That's the perfect run time for me. Any more and I'd be bored.

Hope so but tbh am nervous with their initial reluctance to watch the epic extended trilogy. We shall see 🤞🏽🤞🏽

@@kalh4907 I personally think she's not going to like it I feel that the only thing she's going to get out of the second and the third one are the battle scenes. she just feels so distant to this movie most other reactors when they watch this movie for the first time they get engulfed by the World by the end of the first one another thing is that I think Holden making DND references kind of distant her even more because she didn't understand.

This story can really only be appreciated after completing the journey, that's the effect a big narrative like this. Also for someone completely unfamiliar with anything LOTR-related, I really feel watching the Extended Editions is a mistake. It's just too much to dump on a new viewer and they can become confused about what information and what characters are more important than others. The theatrical releases are way more accessible and digestible.

@@chrismhp Definitely agree on that dude. The extended editions are much better suited for the indoctrinated rather than those getting their first taste.

@@rayray9865 that’s one thing I find perplexing and sad about people who don’t like LotR. They say it’s boring, and only like the battle scenes (which speaks of a really damn low entertainment threshold, as good as those scenes are); then they complain that the battle scenes are too long. In other movies they complain that there wasn’t enough time given to the characters (and, if they’re feeling particularly creative today, they’ll say “the world” as well), or that they wanted a longer ending, and when LotR does it it’s too much. Like, make up your minds already…

Frodo sucked though, he was always whining or crying about something. Sam was the real MVP.

@@jamesgarretson2922 Sucked? I think you dont really understood what Frodo had to endure. First Feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders with a task that overwhelms you and you are not prepared for and was not your own decision while more and more hatred and mistrust seeps into your soul till you start to feel all alone while the ring is like carring a 50pound bolder with you and your body is more and more in pain and slowely you only get relieve when you care for the ring alone. He acting like this is understandable.

@@martinwinter615 No I get that, I still hate his character though. Like, I get it, life was unfair to him, but all he does is bitch about it. For me, he dragged the films down, anytime he was onscreen, I just completely lost interest.

@@jamesgarretson2922 Sorry but what to expect one day you wake up. Your father figure leaves you then suddenly out of the blue you have to save the world for which you are definitely not qualified of course you try to offer it to more competent people and you are crushed by its burden. What shall he do he is no wise wizard or a battle veteran like Aragorn. Furthermore, he already was tainted by the Morgul blade which from this point in the movie you see him more withdrawn. Before he was more active but after this time the ring had a stronger grip on him. I think you are way too harsh on him. If you ever rewatch the films try to imagine how it must be for him you might experience the film differently.

@@martinwinter615 I honestly probably won't rewatch, I'm not the biggest LotR fan. I get what you're saying, but at the same time, he made dumb mistakes that he shouldn't have, such as trusting Gollum over Sam etc.

ah yes the three subraces of elves. Rivendell, Keebler, and Creepydoll

Well your right idk read any of the lore though they aren't invaluable true but it is mentioned there afterlife that they go to in its undying lands and the runs it doesn't really care if they leave so they can leave the halls reconstitute a body then if they so choose sail back to middle earth if they so choose though since the entire race is choosing to go to the undying lands they probably will just stay where they are hell they might even just stay in spirit form i mean I would u see elves are tied to the world the world literally there gift and even the world ends they will just come back to life when next world is built thats there fate humans on the other hand go to illuvitar the Supreme creator God outside of creation and if im correct they get to become lesser spirit beings because there not tied to creation they get to transcend creation so do Hobbits dwarve however are stuck to they get to help build the new world after the final battle with Morgoth the original dark lord

@@jasonarcand1871 Yeah, I only read the Hobbit and some of LotR, and I'm 100% certain there are a ton of "well if" or "except that" in Tolkien's writings. My point is admittedly simplistic, and I was looking online, seems like the elves aren't even "really" immortal, but the big distinction is that their "immortality" has to do with aging and disease immunity, and not getting their head cut off heh. Not to spoil too much, but there are plenty of elven deaths in LotR, but yeah, there's that spiritual afterlife they have as well.

@@sydhamelin1265 I know its complicated but thats Tolkien man was obsessed with legend myth and fantasy i like how he mixes pagan polytheism and Christian monotheism into one beautiful well written masterpiece and the elves are technically immortal they only can't stay in middle earth because its not there true home and in valinor they won't die or get sick the only reason there immortality questionable is because there on a land where everything dies but them middle earth mean for humans valinor is meant for the elves

I’m 13 and currently reading the hobbit, and I’m planning on reading the lord of the rings and the silmarion (Not interested in unfinished tales for now). It sucks that I’ve watched the movies first, though I’m happy I grew up with them, and I managed to see Hobbit 3 in theatres. These are the best movies of all time in my opinion, and I recommend them to absolutely anyone. Cool comment dude!

@@roko1.083 I commend you on your reading choice but fair warning, The Silmarilian is not a book to be taken on lightly. It's not even really a story just a collection of stories and notes that J.R.R made while writing The Hobbit and LOTR to keep the lore of the world straight (he had intended the book after the Hobbit to be about the 1st and 2nd Ages until he was told there would be very little interest in it so wrote LOTR instead). His son tidied them up a bit and put them into book form. It jumps around the timeline a bit and there are a tonne of names to remember. Elves also change there names depending on their accomplishments so that can make it confusing. I do recommend any fan of the series to read it as it contains some great lore and deepens the characters but, it is not an easy read.

I think she would have liked it way more had she seen the theatrical cut for her first viewing though. Not enjoying the movie at all or as much is Holden's fault for showing the EE to a first time viewer. Never do that, lol! Now it's also possible and as you say, perfectly fine if she saw the theatrical and didn't dig it either. We'll never know because she was shown the "wrong version" for a first time viewer. What's done is done lol.

@@DugTheDog The Theatricals are the wrong version though. The sole purpose they exist is because the theaters said "we refuse to show a 4 hour movie. Make it shorter." So they deleted scenes from a finished movie to let the movie be shown. Thats why it's called theatrical. It's strictly for the theaters. I've exclusively shown people the Extended's and only 1 person has been indifferent to them after the end. The rest are now mega fans. The theatricals won all the awards because nobody knew the Extended's existed yet, basically.

The first is the best.

@@carolusmagnus1171 agreed. All fantastic 5/5 films but if I had to choose I’d say the first is my favourite.

@Paul WT It's close to perfect, and didn't even mention prologue. It goes well beyond being a prologue. All prologues are introductions, but not all introductions are prologues.

Also the theatrical of TT doesn't really make sense when a certain big villain randomly just gets overlooked and the story continues. I remember seeing that in cinema and thinking... wtf? what about HIM!! We just gonna ignore him? Extended version is way better.

Yup. I love lord of the rings and even I can’t watch the extended cuts. So many unnecessary scenes for non book fans.

@@metalliholic One could argue that the extended makes it better in some aspects, such as a certain scene in the beginning of the third one that is really unsatisfying in theatrical. I can agree that it sometimes slows down the pace a bit much, but some scenes provide a lot of good character moments too.

@@magnuswiesener9588 this is also true. The great debate rages on

@@metalliholic Indeed it does.

That's why you should always go with theatrical. Always. Extended ones are just for crazy fans who want to spend as much time in this world as possible. I love Tolkien and those movie but theatrical, always.

@@jedenzet Even Jen said she preferred that they went with the extendeds.

I would have said the same thing. That guy is a walking-talking-spoiler on two legs. He constantly makes inappropriate comments at the height of emotional scenes which totally ruin them and spoil the story as well as the constant joking at crucial story points which also ruins the mood and tension. It's funny that he says that he respects the effort of the filmmakers and their work while doing everything in his reaction to undermine and subvert everything that the filmmakers were trying to achieve and spoiling the mood of the movie for both his girlfriend and us the viewers. That guy just needs to SHUT UP once in a while.

Also, Sean Astin cut his foot on in the part where he is running in the water in one take.

That’s kinda funny my family tradition was to go and see the Harry Potter films at the outdoor movie theaters got to see up to goblet of fire outdoors and then after that order of the Phoenix came out 4 days before my birthday in July so my mother started taking me to the movies for my birthday besides deathly hallows part 1 which was a November release but part 2 and half blood prince came out on my birthday! Honestly those were the best birthdays nothing beats going to see those as a kid on release day! Anyway thanks for letting me share lol!

That's fantastic, thanks you😊

Amen to that!

I didn't know that stuff and that's very interesting! This sheds more light on one of my favorite lines of his: "This foe is beyond any of you" .....but not so far beyond himself apparently

All of the Wizards (Istari) are Maiar but with their power capped so not as to match Sauron strength for strength. Their mission was to travel to Middle Earth to inspire its people to rise up and overthrow Sauron. Gandalf the White had more of his earthly “limiter” removed Sauron was also a Maiar like the Istari, the most dangerous of the lot. Gandalf (Olorin) was always recognized as the wisest of the Maiar, even before coming to Middle Earth as Gandalf. .

To be fair, Gandalf has just as little chance to kill it as any other member of the fellowship. Defeat it? Absolutely. Kill? No.

Love positive peeps like you. ❤

@@jenniferhardman positive people like us love you and your square with an edge! I am not even into reaction videos! But it feels like watching the movie with friends. Thanks again, in this pandemic it is important to have some kind of connection with people. We appreciate you all giving us a little slice of that! ❤