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- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Precious Edition, The
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Precious Edition, The
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Faneditor Name:
Original Movie Title:
Genre:
Franchise:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
2002
Original Running Time:
235
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
226
Time Cut:
9
Time Added:
1
Subtitles Available?
Available in HD?
Additional Links:
Brief Synopsis:
Two Towers is an amazing film. It is however sometimes a bit.. off. Helms Deep is absolutely amazing, but the Ents storyline go nowhere.
I aim to adress the films story and pacing issues. This edit is far more intrusive than the Fellowship of the Ring.
I aim to adress the films story and pacing issues. This edit is far more intrusive than the Fellowship of the Ring.
Intention:
The Trilogy is amazing, but the Theatrical cuts are simply superior in a lot of ways. These edits are intended to be the best movie versions possible with the material available.
Special Thanks:
Artisdead for the terrific poster!
Release Information:
Digital
Editing Details:
I will edit with trilogy with this goal in mind: To create the best experience and the definitive version for first time viewers, as well as people who already have seen the originals and the extended cuts.
Book accuracy is not as important as keeping the film cinematically correct. Every cut is invicible, unless you're extremely familiair with the originals.
Book accuracy is not as important as keeping the film cinematically correct. Every cut is invicible, unless you're extremely familiair with the originals.
Cuts and Additions:
- Cut Merry and Pippin drinking from the water and cut Old Man Willow. It's a cute book reference, but it's also out of place.
- Gimli does not disrespect Theodens speech by burping. He now burps while the children are eating.
- Gimli is not frustrated by Theodens decision to go to Helms Deep.
- Cut the insert shot on Eowyn's disgusting dish. We get it, the food is not tasty. We don't need to vomit. This isn't Braindead, Peter Jackson.
- Re-contextualised Treebeard bringing the Hobbits to the borders of the Forest. This happens earlier in the film. In fact, I regraded the entire scene about the borders of the forest into daytime. Treebears says he likes going South. This immediately leads into Pippin saying he notices smoke in the South.
- The flashback to Boromir is less punishing for Faramir. He is still obviously not his father's favorite, but it's toned down ever so slightly.
- The torture of Gollum is now a mixture of the Theatrical and the Extended editions. It's just enough to show it will turn Gollum against the heroes, but since Faramir is not there while it happens and immediately shuts it down the moment he arrives, his character is preserved and more nobel.
- Faramir does not say the Ring will go to Gondor. His intentions are ambiguous.
- Treebeard finds out about Saruman's betrayal after this scene. Regraded to feel like a different moment from the march of the Ents later on.
- Reordered the Entmoot scenes to be far less obnoxious, while still frustratingly slow. How? Because our heroes patience is rewarded! The Ents are going to war! Re-ordered dialogue and matched them to the scene. This will please some Ent fans of the book.
- Faramir brings the Hobbits to Osgiliath, but overhears the conversation between Sam and Frodo. This causes him to realise his mistake as moments after this the Wraiths show up. There is no line about a gift to his father. Again: Ambiguous intentions.
- Cut out the sequence of Frodo offering the Ring to the Wraith. It's a great visual, but it utterly breaks the story. Why doesn't Sauron lose his mind after learning the Ring is so close? Because it should never have happened. A simple re-ordering of shots makes this work perfectly. Frodo is now stunned, but the Wraith never sees the Ring, effectively fixing the biggest plothole in the trilogy courtesy of PJ. :P
- Cut the soldier lecturing Faramir on his father's will when he releases the Hobbits. We will learn about his father's will soon enough, no need to spoil this.
- Since the Hobbits didn't drink the Ent water, I had to get creative with the dialogue at Isengard. The hobbits now have a little gag about the staff and we cut to Saruman and Grima ( a joyful little visual joke I'm particularly pleased with ). After they find the weed we cut to Osgiliath. We will find them smoking in the next film. Sorry Pippin, there is no time for second breakfast here.
- Things I wish I could have cut: Aragorn's fake out death. However, it's absolutely mandatory for the film's story to work. And the goal is to create the best film possible. Not to create a book accurate version at the expense of quality.
- Gimli does not disrespect Theodens speech by burping. He now burps while the children are eating.
- Gimli is not frustrated by Theodens decision to go to Helms Deep.
- Cut the insert shot on Eowyn's disgusting dish. We get it, the food is not tasty. We don't need to vomit. This isn't Braindead, Peter Jackson.
- Re-contextualised Treebeard bringing the Hobbits to the borders of the Forest. This happens earlier in the film. In fact, I regraded the entire scene about the borders of the forest into daytime. Treebears says he likes going South. This immediately leads into Pippin saying he notices smoke in the South.
- The flashback to Boromir is less punishing for Faramir. He is still obviously not his father's favorite, but it's toned down ever so slightly.
- The torture of Gollum is now a mixture of the Theatrical and the Extended editions. It's just enough to show it will turn Gollum against the heroes, but since Faramir is not there while it happens and immediately shuts it down the moment he arrives, his character is preserved and more nobel.
- Faramir does not say the Ring will go to Gondor. His intentions are ambiguous.
- Treebeard finds out about Saruman's betrayal after this scene. Regraded to feel like a different moment from the march of the Ents later on.
- Reordered the Entmoot scenes to be far less obnoxious, while still frustratingly slow. How? Because our heroes patience is rewarded! The Ents are going to war! Re-ordered dialogue and matched them to the scene. This will please some Ent fans of the book.
- Faramir brings the Hobbits to Osgiliath, but overhears the conversation between Sam and Frodo. This causes him to realise his mistake as moments after this the Wraiths show up. There is no line about a gift to his father. Again: Ambiguous intentions.
- Cut out the sequence of Frodo offering the Ring to the Wraith. It's a great visual, but it utterly breaks the story. Why doesn't Sauron lose his mind after learning the Ring is so close? Because it should never have happened. A simple re-ordering of shots makes this work perfectly. Frodo is now stunned, but the Wraith never sees the Ring, effectively fixing the biggest plothole in the trilogy courtesy of PJ. :P
- Cut the soldier lecturing Faramir on his father's will when he releases the Hobbits. We will learn about his father's will soon enough, no need to spoil this.
- Since the Hobbits didn't drink the Ent water, I had to get creative with the dialogue at Isengard. The hobbits now have a little gag about the staff and we cut to Saruman and Grima ( a joyful little visual joke I'm particularly pleased with ). After they find the weed we cut to Osgiliath. We will find them smoking in the next film. Sorry Pippin, there is no time for second breakfast here.
- Things I wish I could have cut: Aragorn's fake out death. However, it's absolutely mandatory for the film's story to work. And the goal is to create the best film possible. Not to create a book accurate version at the expense of quality.
Trailer
User reviews
6 reviews
Overall rating
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
9.8(6)
Audio Editing
9.8(6)
Visual Editing
9.8(6)
Narrative
9.8(6)
Enjoyment
9.7(6)
(Updated: April 19, 2024)
Overall rating
9.3
Audio/Video Quality
9.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Visual Editing
9.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
In terms of visual editing and natural presentation The Precious Edition text is perfectly annotated and matches the font of The Two Towers up above it to perfection though I did notice a black bar appear during one of Saruman’s earlier scenes and from 1:11:03 to 1:11:07 there was a black bar growing on the lefthand side of the screen otherwise visual editing between the natural and rearranged flow of the overarching narrative was seamless though in terms of natural audio editing and presentation.
I noticed that in some of Gollum’s earlier scenes his voice seems to be playing in the ear of the opposite direction that he’s in for instance in one instance it’s in the right ear when he’s on the left side of the screen and during Frodo and Sam’s conversation at the river Smeagol’s noises seem to be coming from the left ear even though the camera panned rightwards when it first showed him, one other instance of a questionable audio choice which I know is apart of the original source but perhaps could be resolved is the volume spiking when Faramir’s group attacks.
On the subject of Faramir the reduction of his questionable adaptational personality change helps to make both FILM-A-MEIR and the subplot that surrounds him much more bearable and efficient in terms of pacing and character likability and similarly the majority of the Ent Subplot improves character likability and pacing when it comes to Treebeard though I do think these two scenes involving him could have been removed ‘’We have only just finished saying good morning’’ along with ‘’We have just agreed that you are not Orcs’’
As for other scenes I think could have been removed they would mainly be the little things such as Gimli’s burp, the bowman’s accidental fire, the Wilhelm Scream during the Battle of Helm’s Deep and this line of dialogue from Gandalf ‘’Theodan has a strong will but I fear for him’’ Always sounded a bit odd to me since Theodan succumbed to Saruman’s spell and needed help from Gandalf to become free of said spell otherwise the only major scene I think could have been cut is the one of Legolas pessimism towards the people of Rohan’s likelihood of survival.
Otherwise this edit is a huge improvement and a nice balance between the theatrical and extended cuts of Peter Jackson’s adaption of The Two Towers.
I noticed that in some of Gollum’s earlier scenes his voice seems to be playing in the ear of the opposite direction that he’s in for instance in one instance it’s in the right ear when he’s on the left side of the screen and during Frodo and Sam’s conversation at the river Smeagol’s noises seem to be coming from the left ear even though the camera panned rightwards when it first showed him, one other instance of a questionable audio choice which I know is apart of the original source but perhaps could be resolved is the volume spiking when Faramir’s group attacks.
On the subject of Faramir the reduction of his questionable adaptational personality change helps to make both FILM-A-MEIR and the subplot that surrounds him much more bearable and efficient in terms of pacing and character likability and similarly the majority of the Ent Subplot improves character likability and pacing when it comes to Treebeard though I do think these two scenes involving him could have been removed ‘’We have only just finished saying good morning’’ along with ‘’We have just agreed that you are not Orcs’’
As for other scenes I think could have been removed they would mainly be the little things such as Gimli’s burp, the bowman’s accidental fire, the Wilhelm Scream during the Battle of Helm’s Deep and this line of dialogue from Gandalf ‘’Theodan has a strong will but I fear for him’’ Always sounded a bit odd to me since Theodan succumbed to Saruman’s spell and needed help from Gandalf to become free of said spell otherwise the only major scene I think could have been cut is the one of Legolas pessimism towards the people of Rohan’s likelihood of survival.
Otherwise this edit is a huge improvement and a nice balance between the theatrical and extended cuts of Peter Jackson’s adaption of The Two Towers.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
P
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
Wow, this is a shelf replacer, for sure!
Audio and video editing is seamlessly done, including some hard to manage sections.
The scene where the Hobbits see the army marching from Isengard is now placed correctly in the film, it’s a clear improvement.
The Faramir flashback is changed for the better. I know we’re supposed to dislike Denethor, but in the original we went so far that the scene turned into a caricature.
Gollum and Faramir’s scene is better in this edit, more nuanced and grey.
The many changes and reordering of the Ents storyline are the highlights of the edit. I cannot praise these changes enough. Treebeard and the 2 hobbits now feel they’re part of the larger story, instead of being relegated to a B-story arc and to the Epilogue. The Entmoot, as well, turns into an entirely different thing, still retaining its quirks but with a lot more to offer (in the original, many of the Ents scenes were just a chore to watch).
This arc actually makes sense now, following Gandalf’s’ foreshadowing early in the film.
Faramir’s moment of truth is also improved. In this version, it’s clearer that the appearance of the Nazgul, who are searching for Frodo, is not what makes him realize his mistake. He makes up his mind about wanting to help Frodo just before the Nazgul attack. It highlights this great character moment for him, without the later knowledge of the truth about Boromir’s death.
Also, removing the part where Frodo tries to give the Ring to the Wraith gets rid of a major plothole.
Nice gag about the staff, as well.
Audio and video editing is seamlessly done, including some hard to manage sections.
The scene where the Hobbits see the army marching from Isengard is now placed correctly in the film, it’s a clear improvement.
The Faramir flashback is changed for the better. I know we’re supposed to dislike Denethor, but in the original we went so far that the scene turned into a caricature.
Gollum and Faramir’s scene is better in this edit, more nuanced and grey.
The many changes and reordering of the Ents storyline are the highlights of the edit. I cannot praise these changes enough. Treebeard and the 2 hobbits now feel they’re part of the larger story, instead of being relegated to a B-story arc and to the Epilogue. The Entmoot, as well, turns into an entirely different thing, still retaining its quirks but with a lot more to offer (in the original, many of the Ents scenes were just a chore to watch).
This arc actually makes sense now, following Gandalf’s’ foreshadowing early in the film.
Faramir’s moment of truth is also improved. In this version, it’s clearer that the appearance of the Nazgul, who are searching for Frodo, is not what makes him realize his mistake. He makes up his mind about wanting to help Frodo just before the Nazgul attack. It highlights this great character moment for him, without the later knowledge of the truth about Boromir’s death.
Also, removing the part where Frodo tries to give the Ring to the Wraith gets rid of a major plothole.
Nice gag about the staff, as well.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
G
(Updated: February 14, 2024)
Overall rating
9.4
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
9.0
Enjoyment
8.0
*This review was edited to reflect corrections made by the editor after having exchanged a few words with them. DonkeyKonga you are passionate and dedicated.
This is my favorite of the original trilogy. I think DonkeyKonga’s edit brings something interesting and subtle with their reordering of the scenes with the Ents. I feel there is one shot missing though between the Ent meeting and the war beginning at Orthanc, They arrive there kind of too quickly in my opinion. Faramir is the character who sees his story modified the most, although still very subtle.
Otherwise, the stuff that was cut was not shocking to me, even if I would have left some of it and cut elsewhere. But I think I understand that the editor wants to keep it as close to the original, so everything works well in that regard.
-AV quality is good. The color re-grading for the Ent scene was decent but I would have preferred it to be as it originally was. I’m not sure it is necessary narratively speaking, and I don’t see what other reasons there are to do it. That being said, I don’t believe changing night into day is easy and it was not shocking, maybe only ever so slightly off. Honestly I don’t think I would have been so sure of it all if it was not mentioned in the change list, but it was so I paid attention to it.
-Audio cuts are good.
-Video cuts are seamless
-Narrative: no changes are too big here to mess up anything. And again, I would say the Ent scene is even better with the new order.
-Enjoyment: I have to say I like the LOTR trilogy but I prefer the theatrical cuts. The extended cuts bring some good stuff and some useless stuff and this edit uses both of them. It doesn’t bring me more satisfaction than watching the theatrical cut. I would say overall this edit is on par with the original extended cut, which I grade lower than the theatrical one. The changes made here, even the good ones, were not the changes I wished for. I am being very critical about this because LOTR is already a very good trilogy. 8 is as high as I would like to rate it.
-Recommendation: I will recommend this edit mostly if you prefer the extended cut and if you wished that the Faramir plot line was more tender to him.
This is my favorite of the original trilogy. I think DonkeyKonga’s edit brings something interesting and subtle with their reordering of the scenes with the Ents. I feel there is one shot missing though between the Ent meeting and the war beginning at Orthanc, They arrive there kind of too quickly in my opinion. Faramir is the character who sees his story modified the most, although still very subtle.
Otherwise, the stuff that was cut was not shocking to me, even if I would have left some of it and cut elsewhere. But I think I understand that the editor wants to keep it as close to the original, so everything works well in that regard.
-AV quality is good. The color re-grading for the Ent scene was decent but I would have preferred it to be as it originally was. I’m not sure it is necessary narratively speaking, and I don’t see what other reasons there are to do it. That being said, I don’t believe changing night into day is easy and it was not shocking, maybe only ever so slightly off. Honestly I don’t think I would have been so sure of it all if it was not mentioned in the change list, but it was so I paid attention to it.
-Audio cuts are good.
-Video cuts are seamless
-Narrative: no changes are too big here to mess up anything. And again, I would say the Ent scene is even better with the new order.
-Enjoyment: I have to say I like the LOTR trilogy but I prefer the theatrical cuts. The extended cuts bring some good stuff and some useless stuff and this edit uses both of them. It doesn’t bring me more satisfaction than watching the theatrical cut. I would say overall this edit is on par with the original extended cut, which I grade lower than the theatrical one. The changes made here, even the good ones, were not the changes I wished for. I am being very critical about this because LOTR is already a very good trilogy. 8 is as high as I would like to rate it.
-Recommendation: I will recommend this edit mostly if you prefer the extended cut and if you wished that the Faramir plot line was more tender to him.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
D
(Updated: January 30, 2024)
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
This is now my go-to version of Two Towers. The amount of work and love that went into this is clear, both from what you see on the screen and the dozens (hundreds?) of messages from DK. It really does bring that last bit of perfection to an already incredible movie.
It corrects some parts of the narrative that I didn't even realize needed correcting, like Faramir's personality or the Ents' motivations for war. And it's not just the big changes but the small ones too. Reordering of some scene moments can also bring change to the narrative, like making Gimli more respectful.
The editing itself is flawless, in terms of audio and visual work, and the improved pacing really keeps the story moving, even at its 4 hour extended-edition length. I have to find the time to watch their Return of the King edit because if it's anywhere near as good as this one I'm sure I'll love that one too.
It corrects some parts of the narrative that I didn't even realize needed correcting, like Faramir's personality or the Ents' motivations for war. And it's not just the big changes but the small ones too. Reordering of some scene moments can also bring change to the narrative, like making Gimli more respectful.
The editing itself is flawless, in terms of audio and visual work, and the improved pacing really keeps the story moving, even at its 4 hour extended-edition length. I have to find the time to watch their Return of the King edit because if it's anywhere near as good as this one I'm sure I'll love that one too.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
J
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is excellent as is. However, a bit of editing can function as the “cherry on top” to get them even better.
First and foremost, using the extended edition as the base is the right decision as there is simply a lot more excellent material. The changes help enhance the movie. For example, I personally suggested removing Gimli’s burping while Aragorn and Theoden were having a heated exchange, but the editor had a better idea by moving the shot to after watching the kids eat. This turned the moment from one of disrespect to a nice warm-hearted one. A small change that makes a huge difference when looking at the context.
The other critical changes relate to Faramir. He was portrayed as bit overly nasty early on along with too much animosity from the father. This made him very unlikeable early on. He is now portrayed with more mysterious intent and a bit friendlier. His character is improved quite a bit.
The final critical change involves Frodo offering the ring to the Nasghul. The editor correctly indicated that Frodo displaying the ring should have resulted in Sauron sending everything he has towards Frodo’s location. The fact that he does not makes our primary villain an outright imbecile. A simple cropping out of Frodo showing the ring salvages that moment.
In terms of audio and visual quality, I will always state that I am not the most qualified to judge because I will only notice things that blatantly stand out. Nothing negative stood out so the average viewer can watch and hear this movie without any hiccups. I am glad I finally have an official version of the trilogy that incorporates the extended edition and cleans up some of the minor issues to get this to an A+ movie.
First and foremost, using the extended edition as the base is the right decision as there is simply a lot more excellent material. The changes help enhance the movie. For example, I personally suggested removing Gimli’s burping while Aragorn and Theoden were having a heated exchange, but the editor had a better idea by moving the shot to after watching the kids eat. This turned the moment from one of disrespect to a nice warm-hearted one. A small change that makes a huge difference when looking at the context.
The other critical changes relate to Faramir. He was portrayed as bit overly nasty early on along with too much animosity from the father. This made him very unlikeable early on. He is now portrayed with more mysterious intent and a bit friendlier. His character is improved quite a bit.
The final critical change involves Frodo offering the ring to the Nasghul. The editor correctly indicated that Frodo displaying the ring should have resulted in Sauron sending everything he has towards Frodo’s location. The fact that he does not makes our primary villain an outright imbecile. A simple cropping out of Frodo showing the ring salvages that moment.
In terms of audio and visual quality, I will always state that I am not the most qualified to judge because I will only notice things that blatantly stand out. Nothing negative stood out so the average viewer can watch and hear this movie without any hiccups. I am glad I finally have an official version of the trilogy that incorporates the extended edition and cleans up some of the minor issues to get this to an A+ movie.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
H