The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim 4K UHD Review
“The Lord Of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim” is an unfortunate slog.
Based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and written for the screen by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, “The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim” is a prequel anime film to “The Hobbit” and the LOTR trilogy that focuses on the Kingdom of Rohan and the Dunlendings. Rohan King Helm’s daughter Hėra is set to marry much to the displeasure of Lord Freca of Dunlending who wants his son Wulf to marry her in order to make a play for the throne. All hell breaks loose though when Helm and Freca fight which results in Freca dying. Years pass before Wulf plots his revenge by attacking Rohan, kills Helm’s 2 sons, and forces Helm and company to evacuate to the Hornburg (later known as Helm’s Deep). Can Helm fight off an overwhelming army? Will Hėra become the real hero of the story? All is revealed in the end.
When news broke of director Kenji Kamiyama (best known for numerous anime series and the “Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex” film) helming “The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim,” it certainly intrigued LOTR fans (myself included). Not only was it curious to see WB taking a big swing by doing an epic theatrical 134 minute anime film, but telling an animated story in the LOTR universe opened up many possibilities for this film and perhaps the future. Alas, the film underperformed at the box office and didn’t exactly win over critics or fans (myself included).
Although it’s unclear who exactly was clamoring for a Rohan story (and a Helm’s Deep naming origin story), there was certainly potential to create a compelling story in this space. Unfortunately, it never quite clicks as a theatrical anime film. ‘War’ would have been better suited as an anime series. As a single theatrical film, the pacing is downright dreadful as it lingers on and on. It would have worked better in smaller doses (or half-hour episodes) to allow for more characterization and tighter pacing. In terms of what we do get, it all feels a bit too familiar. There’s conflict, war, drama, tragedy, traitors, death, heroism- all the elements you have seen in LOTR. The best bits tend to come from Hėra (a new character with an untold story) and Helm Hammerhead (superbly voiced by Brian Cox). Of course, fans will also be pleased to see orcs, eagles, a troll, elephants, and even a few surprising familiar faces and tie-ins (no spoilers here). Sure, it may feel a bit like fan service, but there’s no denying those moments elicit joy for LOTR aficionados.
The animation by WB Animation and Sola Entertainment has been a big talking point. The backdrops and locations certainly look and feel like Middle-Earth, but it’s the character work that is a disappointment. The character models are flat and their motions tend to look stiff and jerky (especially during big crowd scenes). Perhaps this was due to budgetary constraints or maybe this was a stylistic choice. Either way, it was underwhelming.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Despite how one may feel about the animation itself, this is a sharp transfer.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track roars to life (particularly during battle sequences).
Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Return To Helm’s Deep: History Becomes Legend”- The creative team discusses the story, characters and bringing Tolkien’s world to life in animated form. Footage of Peter Jackson meeting with Kenji Kamiyama is also included.
* “Middle-Earth And Anime: A Marriage Of Creativity”- The title of this featurette says it all.
* “Hėra: A New Hero For Middle-Earth”- A featurette on the new character.
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