The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Live at the O2

Antar Bolaeisk

Following the phenomenal success of The Fellowship of the Ring last year, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra is proud to present The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for one night only, Sunday 28 October 2012 at the O2, Dublin. Beneath an immense screen, the full RTÉ CO and chorus will perform to The Two Towers, bringing Howard Shore's music of Middle Earth to life in what promises to be another unforgettable occasion. Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster Friday, 20 July, 10am, €39.50-€69.50

Really enjoyed their production of The Fellowship of the Ring so very much looking forward to this

longhalloween

If Fellowship of the Ring wasn't so boring I would have gone. Definately going to see the Two Towers though.

Antar Bolaeisk

longhalloween wrote: »

If Fellowship of the Ring wasn't so boring I would have gone. Definately going to see the Two Towers though.

Blasphemer! :mad:

saiint

longhalloween wrote: »

If Fellowship of the Ring wasn't so boring I would have gone. Definately going to see the Two Towers though.

i personal thought the two towers was the worst of the 3 movies, except for the big battles, but most of the movie was utter garbage i though

i loved number 1 and number 3
seen the fellowship , loved it, will probably go to this , ya never know it might make it that bit better ha:D

st3veebee

Very intruiged by this. How does it work: does the film have the score taken off and the dialogue amplified : or subtitles while the orchestra plays?

It's not just the score being plaed is it?

Antar Bolaeisk

Film is played on a big screen in the background, dialogue only is played on the film but there are subtitles as sometimes the music can get a bit on the loud side

krudler

longhalloween wrote: »

If Fellowship of the Ring wasn't so boring I would have gone. Definately going to see the Two Towers though.

Towers is waaaay duller than Fellowship, the Treebeard scenes suck all the momentum out of whats going on in Helms Deep, 5 minutes of massive action, cut to a tree spouting poetry.

Skinfull

I didnt go to the first event but planning to go to this one (Love TTT!)

Can someone describe it to me?
The movie is on a big screen, full audio, dialogue discernible etc... then in the "orchestra pit" the RTE orchestra play along with Shore's music... right?
Its not a case of someone standing up during the movie, explaining musical movements, pausing the movie etc in a stop start way?

longhalloween

Skadoosh! wrote: »

Towers is waaaay duller than Fellowship, the Treebeard scenes suck all the momentum out of whats going on in Helms Deep, 5 minutes of massive action, cut to a tree spouting poetry.

True, but when I watch them on the DVD I skip past the Treebeard and Sam and Frodo parts.

'WAAAAAARRRRRGGGGSSSSSSS'

Antar Bolaeisk

Skinfull wrote: »

I didnt go to the first event but planning to go to this one (Love TTT!)

Can someone describe it to me?
The movie is on a big screen, full audio, dialogue discernible etc... then in the "orchestra pit" the RTE orchestra play along with Shore's music... right?
Its not a case of someone standing up during the movie, explaining musical movements, pausing the movie etc in a stop start way?

I wouldn't say the dialogue is discernible at all times, particular when the music is at it's most bombastic, but they do have subtitles so that you can follow what is happening. The film score is removed, the orchestra and choir provide all that.

The movie is only stopped for an intermission half way through to give the orchestra a break although I can't remember for definite if it was only one or two stops during the last one.

Essentially it's not really a cinematic experience as one would normally expect, you get to watch the film but the focus is more on the music and the movie is there as a backdrop to the music rather than standard way of music providing a backdrop to the film.

st3veebee

Extended cut? Any mid way break?

jaykhunter

Here's a pic of during the movie from RTE Orchestra's facebook :



Antar described it well. It's the regular film (not the extended cut) which stops for an intermission for 15-20 minutes halfway through. The main orchestra is onstage all the time, while background choir quietly shuffle in an out for their scenes - that's always fun to see as it's a visual cue that a big scene is coming up There's a definite focus on the music, so it's a new way of looking at the film. If you haven't seen Two Towers before I'd recommend watching it between now and the performance so you can focus on the orchestra and not following the plot.

So they strip out the music from the film, and play the video/dialogue/subtitles/sound effects; and you can see the orchestra accompanying what's on screen. It's definitely not for everyone (especially the prohibitive price - must be 75 euros) I think it's a wonderful experience. The sound is magnificent and you can appreciate more the subtle nuances and just how layered the music of LOTR is.

Skinfull

Thanks a million. Great explanation, great picture, totally convinced it will be great. Now to play the waiting game!!! C'mon Friday!

Will this sell out fast? Or do I have some time for picking and choosing seats etc?

jaykhunter

To be honest, it's a niche market so I don't think it'll sell out soon, but I'd recommend you sort tickets in the first week so you don't put it on the long-finger. Also go to ticketmaster/02 (or ringing them) and order your tickets that way so you can select your seats, as opposed to the computer randomly allocating them!

That said it's not a massive arena by any stretch so every seat is more than decent. There's no real point in sitting up close as you'll want a good view of the screen as well.

Skinfull

jaykhunter wrote: »

To be honest, it's a niche market so I don't think it'll sell out soon, but I'd recommend you sort tickets in the first week so you don't put it on the long-finger. Also go to ticketmaster/02 (or ringing them) and order your tickets that way so you can select your seats, as opposed to the computer randomly allocating them!

That said it's not a massive arena by any stretch so every seat is more than decent. There's no real point in sitting up close as you'll want a good view of the screen as well.

I've been to the o2 for a few different types of events. Gig wise, there's no bad seats, but was there for Jerry Seinfeld and was in the nose bleeds (even these weren't cheap seats) and though we could hear him fine, it was tough to make him out!

Where do you recommend for this type of event? (Presuming this is the plan they use)

jaykhunter

lol. Personally I'd recommend anywhere in C-D-E in the Red section or the back of the yellow section (C-D-E as well). Since it's not in the Grand Canal Theatre and it'll be sloped seating (and no overhang) it's easier viewing. Having it anywhere half-to-three-quarters towards the back and somewhere in the middle three blocks would be perfect! I'm sure u'll be able to get seats there no problem. It'll likely be the same price wherever you sit (well, unless they're at the very back) so might as well get the seats you want!

Absolutely can't wait for this. It's such a classy affair. Events like this stand as a beacon of how films can be a work of art, and even one component of it can be viewed as a masterpiece.

Antar Bolaeisk

Tickets go on sale in an hour.

Bullseye1

It looks like you would have to spend the best part of €70 for a good seat. Seems to be a ripoff. The €39 seats will probably be too far away from the screen. I think this event is better suited to a smaller venue.

lotsoftens

Bullseye1 wrote: »

It looks like you would have to spend the best part of €70 for a good seat. Seems to be a ripoff. The €39 seats will probably be too far away from the screen. I think this event is better suited to a smaller venue.

Are there €39 tickets available? seems to be only starting at 59.50...very expensive for the cheapest seats...was at the one last year and it was brilliant and would love to go again but might have to skip it cos of price unfortunately....

Bullseye1

lotsoftens wrote: »

Are there €39 tickets available? seems to be only starting at 59.50...very expensive for the cheapest seats...was at the one last year and it was brilliant and would love to go again but might have to skip it cos of price unfortunately....

Thats the price my mate quoted me. I believe last years venue was probably better suited but they are obviously trying to get more in. Maybe it would have been better for the audience if there was three or four viewings at a smaller venue. I love the point but for watching a movie, up on the gallery?? Don't think so.

d@rk l0rd

Was looking at booking but the prices are so expensive that I can't really justify paying €69.50 + €6.10 booking fee or €59.50 + €6.10 booking fee to go to this. There aren't any cheaper seats. To me it is a rip off!

Skinfull

d@rk l0rd wrote: »

Was looking at booking but the prices are so expensive that I can't really justify paying €69.50 + €6.10 booking fee or €59.50 + €6.10 booking fee to go to this. There aren't any cheaper seats. To me it is a rip off!

Is it true that there is no service charge if you go to the TM stand?
I'm goin to the one in Jervis this evening (or tomorrow) to get tickets to avoid the service charge.

d@rk l0rd

There would be no booking fee if you go in person to the O2 and book at their box office.
If you go to a Ticketmaster outlet you will be charged a fee. :rolleyes:

shnoobies

bought my ticket today, im in the front row, hopefully its not too close and will be uncomfortable looking at the screen, but then again I'm more interested in seeing the orchestra play

emergingwriter

The O2 box office isonly open on show nights and there are no shows until the end of august. is there any way around the booking fee? Doesn't there have to be an laternative legally?

jaykhunter

I don't know about buying tickets not from 02/ticketmaster so I'd say just go to the ticketmaster stand and pay a few quid to get the tix now. For me 2 tickets were €139 + €4.30 handling.

I didn't see any €39 tix available when i bought mine when they went on sale

BopNiblets

For people complaining in about the expensive price: That choir gotta eat too!
My friend who went to Fellowship one got me a ticket, awesome.

Antar Bolaeisk

BopNiblets wrote: »

For people complaining in about the expensive price: That choir gotta eat too!
My friend who went to Fellowship one got me a ticket, awesome.

I seem to recall them being slightly cheaper last year and with a smaller venue, the premium this time around would appear to be for the privilege of it being in the O2.

davej

I hope they improve the quality of the video projection as that was my one gripe from the first one. I'm not sure what the issue was, maybe they were using a blu-ray disc (not cinema quality) or a poor projector.

Other than that it was very impressive..

Unfortunately I can't go as I will be at Dead Can Dance in BGET (i.e. where Fellowship was on last year!)

davej

st3veebee

Really like the look of this but that price is huge.

Skinfull

shnoobies wrote: »

bought my ticket today, im in the front row, hopefully its not too close and will be uncomfortable looking at the screen, but then again I'm more interested in seeing the orchestra play

We're about 7 rows back I think. Really looking forward to this one.

Oh also.. bought tickets at TM stand in Jervis.. no service charge!

KathleenF

39.50 tickets available in TM Jervis stand. Had to pay service charge tho.

jaykhunter

what is the seating for those €39.50 tix like?

KathleenF

jaykhunter wrote: »

what is the seating for those €39.50 tix like?

Mine are block G Row 3. As long as I can see the screen & not pay €60+ I'll be happy enough.

Rowley Birkin QC

I have to book 10 tickets for the work Sports and Social tomorrow. Based on the above, B C D E & F seem to be the best bets. Anyone been to the o2 for anything like this before with a screen involved?

billyhead

jaykhunter wrote: »

what is the seating for those €39.50 tix like?

Thinking of going to this myself. Just wondering for 39.50 how far back are you from the screen. Is it worth getting a ticket. Seems excessive enough if your way back from both the stage and the screen. Has anyone got one of these seats for the last LOTR gig and if so was it worth it?

Rowley Birkin QC

billyhead wrote: »

Thinking of going to this myself. Just wondering for 39.50 how far back are you from the screen. Is it worth getting a ticket. Seems excessive enough if your way back from both the stage and the screen. Has anyone got one of these seats for the last LOTR gig and if so was it worth it?

I was talking to TicketMaster today and the €39.50 tickets are sections A & G.

kassie

am thinking about attending this, love LOTR

did they have any set paraphernalia on display or any of the cast making a special appearance??

Rowley Birkin QC

I have two extra trickets for sale under face value here if any one is interested.

http://www.adverts.ie/theatre-shows/lord-of-the-rings-live-at-the-02-with-rte-orchestra/2245248

Antar Bolaeisk

Excellent production again this year though I felt that the acoustics weren't as good as the Grand Canal as it seemed a bit echoey but maybe that was me. The song at the end really wasn't suited to the singer either, she was excellent earlier in the show but just not good singing the final song.

Also, what was with the crowds of people leaving before the film itself even finished, I didn't understand that at all.

Still, I'll be back next year for the Return of the King!

Bullseye1

I agree a very enjoyable show. I could not understand all the people leaving during the final song. I guess they wanted to avoid the traffic leaving the car park.

Technocentral

st3veebee wrote: »

Very intruiged by this. How does it work: does the film have the score taken off and the dialogue amplified : or subtitles while the orchestra plays?

It's not just the score being plaed is it?

Never been to a showing of a film with a live score added, of course a silent one would be obvious and it wouldn't apply to a modern film but I can't figure how it would work with originally mono films like Casablanca and Psycho, where separate dialogue, effects and music tracks aren't available to remove, presume it would involve playing over the existing music, sounds messy and could ruin the dialogue element.

jaykhunter

Bluh? Psycho is available with just the dialogue and sound effects on the film, and the orchestra play the music in time with the movie. If you don't believe me you can go see it on Wednesday!

Agreed that the sound/echo was not as nice as the Grand Canal but was still an excellent performance. It didnt sound as good as Star Wars at the O2. Aggravated to see the hordes of people shuffling and talking (and clapping ffs) as soon as the credits rolled. The orchestra were still playing for another 5+ minutes and the female soloist was just going into her big song.

Overall a great performance and excellent experience, they got in a choir of children to sing the 'ring calling to you' bits which was cool. Looking forward to ROTK!

BopNiblets

Bullseye1 wrote: »

I agree a very enjoyable show. I could not understand all the people leaving during the final song. I guess they wanted to avoid the traffic leaving the car park.

Yeah that annoyed me, sitting on the aisle seat with people clopping down the steps during the girls solo of Gollums Song, godammit sit the fupp down and wait for them to finish playing you uncouth buffoons! :mad:
Much preferred Grand Canal as a venue, I thought the speakers sounded woeful during some sections too.

artvandulet

jaykhunter wrote: »

Bluh? Psycho is available with just the dialogue and sound effects on the film, and the orchestra play the music in time with the movie. If you don't believe me you can go see it on Wednesday!

Unfortunately it is not available exactly like this.

What actually happens is the dialogue is heavily 'gated' so all the gaps between speech is ducked but when they are talking there is some score still there.
It sounds terrible on its own but not really noticeable with the orchestra playing over it. Its only with the much older movies like Psycho,Casablanca, Wizard of Oz etc. where there isnt access to masters to make custom mixes.

Modern movies have the versions without the score in the mix at all.

rgiller

BopNiblets wrote: »

Yeah that annoyed me, sitting on the aisle seat with people clopping down the steps during the girls solo of Gollums Song, godammit sit the fupp down and wait for them to finish playing you uncouth buffoons! :mad:
Much preferred Grand Canal as a venue, I thought the speakers sounded woeful during some sections too.

If it bothers you so much, why don't you book a seat in the middle of the row? :rolleyes:

We don't all enjoy sitting in traffic for 30 minutes, trying to get off the quays. Especially not when you've got another 1hr plus drive to get home.

Good show and looking forward to next year's

Smyth

rgiller wrote: »

If it bothers you so much, why don't you book a seat in the middle of the row? :rolleyes:

We don't all enjoy sitting in traffic for 30 minutes, trying to get off the quays. Especially not when you've got another 1hr plus drive to get home.

Good show and looking forward to next year's

That's no excuse tbh. There's a certain decorum when there's an orchestra playing on stage. Especially when there's someone up doing a solo.

I found it extremely rude of people to get up and was out like that. It wasn't the local cinema.

BopNiblets

rgiller wrote: »

If it bothers you so much, why don't you book a seat in the middle of the row? :rolleyes:

We don't all enjoy sitting in traffic for 30 minutes, trying to get off the quays. Especially not when you've got another 1hr plus drive to get home.

Good show and looking forward to next year's

My friend booked the tickets so it wasn't avoidable this time.
Walking out at the credits was still a bit stupid, people paid for the orchestra, not the film so they missed out on one of the best bits, the closing songs are great for all 3 films, I wouldn't have missed them.

I understand the traffic concern, we parked down at Jervis and got the Luas so it was fine from there.

Technocentral

artvandulet wrote: »

Unfortunately it is not available exactly like this.

What actually happens is the dialogue is heavily 'gated' so all the gaps between speech is ducked but when they are talking there is some score still there.
It sounds terrible on its own but not really noticeable with the orchestra playing over it. Its only with the much older movies like Psycho,Casablanca, Wizard of Oz etc. where there isnt access to masters to make custom mixes.

Modern movies have the versions without the score in the mix at all.

Cheers artvandulet, I knew jaykhunter was completely wrong (I have a background in TV post-production and friends who work in film so know something of these matters) as there is no commercial reason to newly release an originally mono film with totally isolated tracks like that, even if there was, the original separate elements that made up the mono mix are very unlikely to be still around. So was thinking a bit of cack handed EQ-ing might be attempted, as you say the elements for more recent films are more than likely still around and in easily separated digital format so it would be possoble. Sounds like a mess with that compression approach to older mono films, I couldn't stand a film without a proper audio mix so wouldn't be bothered going to see them like that.

johnny_ultimate

It's actually mandatory for international distribution that films have versions with the various soundtracks (music, dialogue, background dialogue, sound effects, whatever other layers a film would have) separate - for dubbing particularly. With big budget recent productions like LOTR I'd imagine there's all kinds of versions of the film available for those with the necessary funds.

Out of curiosity, what format was the film showing in?

bullvine

I went, I'm big fan of the films but the reason I went was because a close friend wanted to see it and hes not really into movies but The Two Towers is probably his favorite film.

I've not been to an orchestra before so I was not aware of the etiquette involved. We only booked tickets last week so ended up right in the middle of row G. Didn't realize the amount of whingeing a certain couple would be doing when myself and then my nephew had to get up for a leak after about an hour. Some people really need to get a life, it not like Beethoven was performing his final symphony. Its the soundtrack to a Hollywood blockbuster, what type of crowd do you expect at this sort of thing. So to save any argument I didn't have anymore drink, so didn't need to get outta of my seat and be disrespectful. If I went again I wouldn't drink at all as I said I hadn't seen one before.

I listened to Gollum's Song for about a minute but decided to leave as it didn't sound very good and the girl singing it, her voice didn't fit with it all, which annoyed me because I love that song(her other parts were fabulous). That was the only complaint I would have with the production apart from the fact that they did such a good job that you became immersed in the film so much that you almost forget they are playing live.