Summary
Lord of the Ringsfans might be gearing up for brand new content from this franchise in the future, but two of the rarer films from this intellectual property, dating back to the 1970s, have now been made available for audiences to check out. These films are underrated compared to Peter Jackson’s blockbuster trilogies based on theLord of the Ringsfranchise, which millions of people worldwide have viewed.
People typically go to Jackson’sLord of the RingsmoviesorThe Hobbitprequelswhen thinking about this franchise, but the recent Amazon Prime seriesThe Rings of Powerhas led to plenty of renewed attention in this IP. That’s why it makes sense for some of the older content based on JRR Tolkien’s novels to be brought to a popular streaming platform, as they’re the types of hidden gems that help make them stand out against the competition.
HBO Max has now secured the streaming rights for twoLord of the Ringsmovies that have never been available on any streaming platform, which means plenty of fans have yet to be able to see these. One is the 1978 animated film by Ralph Bakshi, which is based on the novel of the same name. This animated film is a blockbuster for anyone who enjoys the characters and world of Middle Earth as it combinesThe Fellowship of the RingandThe Two Towerstogether. The other movie joining HBO Max isThe Hobbit, created by Rankin/Bass and Topcraft and initially released in 1977. This is another animated movie originally developed as a musical television special aired on NBC.
Both movies are now streaming on HBO Max, meaning fans can take a unique, animatedtrip to Middle Earthat any point. It’s unclear how long they’ll stay, but there’s no doubt thatLord of the Ringsfans will flock to check them out while they’re available, which could provide a shot in the arm for HBO Max.
The 1978 animation could frustrate people who enjoy it because it never has a sequel to wrap up the story, meaning there is noReturn of the Kingentry. The film was a financial success at the time despite some critical complaints, but it is seen as a cult classic in the eyes ofLord of the Ringsfans, and the reputation of the movie is likely only going to continue now that it’s part of HBO Max.
Considering Warner Bros is currently gearing up to revamp theLord of the Ringsfranchise with more attention in the form ofThe War of the RohirrimandThe Hunt for Gollummovies, the release of these classic films is well timed by HBO. It will capitalize on the buzz that will not likely come from the film while offering something that fans might not have seen before. It’s so good to see two entertaining movies get the chance to have more people experience them, as being available to stream should increase the popularity of both of these animated movies.
Check out The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions on Blu-ray. Immerse yourself in the complete Peter Jackson trilogy with additional scenes and extended storylines that delve deeper into J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece. Witness the fellowship’s quest, epic battles, and the ultimate confrontation against the dark forces of Sauron, all presented in unparalleled detail and clarity for the truly immersive cinematic experience of Blu-ray.
