I should probably establish a few things right from the start. I've read Professor Tolkien's books every year for many years, and no story save One has had the lasting impact on me this one does. I find it difficult to believe that neither of the first two films have won "Best Picture" honors and can only hope that with "Return of the King" leading the way with 11 nominations that these "wrongs" will be righted. Now, with a bias of epic proportions firmly in place, lets get on to the review. My desire with this review is to focus primarily on what has been extended and added, knowing that many reviews of "The Two Towers" already exist. The strength of Peter Jackson's work for me lies in the fact that even though there were changes in lines, some characters left out, some given extra tasks, the feel and the power of the books is maintained. Those I know who have read the book have enjoyed wondering what some characters and events might have looked like had they been included, yet these discussions are not critical per se, but from a perspective of respect for what we have enjoyed on screen. In both of the extended versions, those who are well read will find that these releases bring in more of the events of the book,and help make sense of the adaptations to film where they differ. Some of the more "for fun" additions are the elven rope, a gift to Sam (Sean Astin) from Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) that we know from the book is of great value to him. Also included in this would be the "Ent Draft" sequence where Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) begin to feel and see the strange effects of drinking this "water" of the Ents. "The Final Tally" revisits the contest and humor of the growing friendship between elf (Orlando Bloom) and dwarf(John Rhys-Davies).

These great scenes, "Flotsam and Jetsam" as well, bring more light-heartedness to this dark story and are a pleasure to view. One of the struggles I had with the theatrical release of "The Two Towers" was the difficulty Faramir (David Wenham), Boromir's brother, had in releasing Frodo to continue his journey. In the books, Faramir is portrayed more like Aragorn in his steadfast refusal to accept or use the ring, and although his final choice was true to character, it seemed he was somehow less noble. In the extended edition a scene titled "Sons of the Steward" does a wonderful job of bringing into focus Faramirs struggles. Although we learn in "Return of the King" of Faramirs struggle to please his father, that tension is brought to light in this new scene. The strength of Faramir to reject the ring even at the sure cost of the approval that he so desires not only restores his nobility, but gives even more depth to his character. The phrase "show his quality" used first by his father, then by Faramir as he wrestles with temptation, and at last by Sam as the choice is made beautifully ties this together. The history of Aragorn, as "One of the Dunedain", with dialogue referring to his age and when he had fought with Theoden's (Bernard Hill)grandfather begin to add depth to his character and bring in more of who he really is, a king in exile. Learning more of his ancestry adds to the spiritual context of this story. That a man of royal blood would choose instead to serve and protect those who are not even aware of his efforts, who would dress humbly and allow people to refer to him in a less than complimentary name (Strider) reminds me of another King "who being found in appearance as a man, humbled himself" (Phil. 2:8). The addition of Fangorn completing the battle of Helm's deep is a scene that I dearly missed in the theatrical version, and wasn't dissapointed in its inclusion in the extended edition. Knowing who you really are, your true name, is a powerful theme in these books. The shocked, yet amazing response of Gollum (Andy Serkis) when Frodo (Elijah Wood) calls him "Smeagol" is a turning point in which, for at least a brief time, Smeagol acts like who he truly is. When Aragorn is acknowledged as one of the Dunedain, and referred more often as "Lord Aragorn" his destiny becomes clear. I will conclude with my favorite moment in the film. As the battle of Helms Deep appears to be lost, Theoden asks Aragorn "What can men do against such reckless hate?" The response is a powerful lesson. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them!" "Therefore put on the whole armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Eph. 6:13