I recently borrowed the Rankin/Bass version of LOTR:ROTK, and, as with his version of the Hobbit, it entirely enchanted me–and left me in tears of laughter. I was particularly smitten with the music throughout the film–I was surprised that it was not as cheesy as I had expected. I was hoping someone could point me in the proper direction as to where I may find downloadable versions, particularly “The Bearer of the Ring” and “Where There’s A Whip.”
I was also curious as to whether or not Rankin/Bass made a version of FOTR or TTT, as I know there was a Bashki (Bakshi?) version made, but I was quite enthralled by the animation by Rankin/Bass. I’d appreciate any and all help I recieve!
~Ferry, with two lines of the songs stuck in her head.
[edit] Just pointing out that this site does not currently work for me. [/edit]
R/B did produce a version of “The Hobbit” before Bakshi’s LOTR came out. It was a musical, and had the same style and art direction as ROTK.
Then Bakshi announced his Animated LOTR film. He also announced that he was going to make the first half, and use the profits to finance the second half.
The film apparently never showed a profit, because the second half was never made.
The following year… (or was it the year after that?) R/B came out with the animated ROTK for TV.
I have no idea where one might download the songs. Somewhere in the dank guts of this house where I sit typing, I have the children’s album from the show (I hesitate to call it a soundtrack, since it includes dialogue, and doesn’t have all the songs)… but it has “Where There’s A Whip” on it…
Oh, and Rankin/Bass’s “The Hobbit” is currently available on videocassette, same as their version of ROTK. In fact, Wal-Mart was carrying a special three-pack with both Rankin/Bass TV productions and the Bakshi LOTR! Dunno if they still have them, though
We don’t want to go to war today - but the dark lord’s calling
we don’t want to go to war todaaaay - we’re gonna march all day all day all day and NIGHT
You know what was missing? Cole Porter songs! When Frodo was inside Mount Doom, and the One Ring finally took over his mind, he should have burst into song:
“Now I’ve got the Ring of Power, so
Now I can rule at the side of Sauron’s toes –
Anything goes!”
I gotta admit the Rankin-Bass ROTK scenes in which Samwise is tempted by the Ring & rejects it; and Frodo stands at the Crack of Doom & says his chilling line actually do get to me.
After seeing Jackson’s FOTR with me last year, my best friend wanted to watch R/B’s ROTK. When Gandalf said that hobbitdom would eventually merge with humanity & future humans reading of them would ask “might there be some hobbit in me?”, my pal asked “Might there be hobbit in you?”
My response- “I’m fat, lazy & live amid piles of books. I think it’s pretty clear.” G
I meant to thank you, xizor, four days ago when I visited the site, but I was sidetracked. Many hugs to you for helping (to all of you, really!) It’s just what I was looking for!
Where theres a whip theres a way is soo funny, they sound so pleased to be the ‘slaves of the dark lord’ and the stirring music rising up, almost brings a tear to the eye