Outdoor Cinema: Lord of the Rings Trilogy
An epic three-night Big Screen journey through Middle-earth, featuring the extended editions of the full Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
This summer, gather your fellowship for an outdoor cinema odyssey, as we screen the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Extended Editions over three evenings. Relive the legendary tale of Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn and the Fellowship of the Ring as they battle the forces of darkness in Peter Jackson’s monumental adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece.
Each night features one film in its full extended glory (with a 15 minute intermission each evening), offering fans and newcomers alike the chance to experience even more of Middle-earth than originally shown in the films’ cinematic releases.
This massive summer blockbuster trilogy, filmed all at once and released on Boxing Day each year for three years from 2001–2003, was one of the most ambitious film projects of all time. Lauded by fans and critics for its faithfulness to the source material, the stratospheric financial and critical success of the trilogy is credited with bringing the fantasy epic back to mainstream cinema while also solidifying New Zealand’s Peter Jackson status as an A-list director and single-handedly establishing the global reputation of the film and special effects industry in New Zealand.
Invite your film and fantasy-loving friends on the journey, to enjoy this special summer Big Screen experience.
And what’s a quest without a feast? Onsite throughout the event is Bilbo Snaggins, a themed food truck serving up delicious bites and drinks worthy of a hobbit’s appetite. ACMI’s snack bar will be located near the ACMI entrance in the upper square during each screening, where you can pick up choc tops, drinks, fresh popcorn and other treats. From second breakfasts to elevenses, there’s something delicious for every adventurer.
All films will have burnt-in closed captions.
Saturday 27 December, from 6pm | Big Screen
In the peaceful land of the Shire, young hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring – an ancient weapon of immense power forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. Guided by the wizard Gandalf, Frodo sets out on a perilous journey to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Joined by a fellowship of allies including Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir and his loyal hobbit friends, Frodo must navigate treacherous lands and growing darkness in a quest that will shape the fate of Middle-earth.
Dir. Peter Jackson | 2001 | 208 minutes | New Zealand, USA | English | Classification: PG
Sunday 28 December, from 6pm | Big Screen
The Fellowship is broken, but the quest to destroy the One Ring continues. As Frodo and Sam venture deeper into enemy territory, they encounter Gollum – a twisted creature torn between loyalty and obsession. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rally the forces of Rohan to stand against Saruman’s army at Helm’s Deep. With war looming and alliances tested, the heroes of Middle-earth must fight to protect the free peoples from the rising tide of darkness.
Dir. Peter Jackson | 2002 | 223 minutes | New Zealand, USA | English | Classification: M
Monday 29 December, from 6pm | Big Screen
The final battle for Middle-earth begins. As Sauron’s forces lay siege to Gondor, Aragorn must embrace his destiny and lead the charge against evil. Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, inch closer to Mount Doom, where the fate of the Ring – and the world – will be decided.
Dir. Peter Jackson | 2003 | 263 minutes | New Zealand, USA | English | Classification: M