Format: NTSC

Release Date: 11-12-2001

Details: Viewers with more than a passing familiarity with fantasist J.R.R. Tolkien will find this hourlong documentary a trifle at best. With only a handful of photos and locations at their disposal, the filmmakers rely on a host of talking heads to discuss Tolkien's life as well as the influence of his Lord of the Rings trilogy on popular culture. Biographers Humphrey Carter and Graham Rogers provide informative but sporadic commentary; their input is overwhelmed by more substantial interviews with such fringe elements as ex-Magnum vocalist Bob Catley, who sings Tolkien-inspired folk rock, and members of Dagorhir, who enact real-life versions of medieval battles. Their largely vapid contributions only serve to further enhance the often-negative popular opinion of fantasy literature. The shot-on-video production is competently filmed, with many images capturing the simple beauty of the English countryside, but the lightweight content renders Master only marginally useful as an introduction to Tolkien's worlds. --Paul Gaita

UPC: 057373156759

EAN: 0057373156759

Languages: English

Binding: DVD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood