The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit: Awaken, fans of AUJ--and those eager for DOS! A long overdue appreciation thread has come.

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
Awaken, fans of AUJ--and those eager for DOS! A long overdue appreciation thread has come.

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 7:30am

Views: 1369

Awaken, fans of AUJ--and those eager for DOS! A long overdue appreciation thread has come.

*Originally I typed out a much longer post, but got busy and was logged out of TORN by inactivity, thus deleting the post. Crazy

Sorry if this one seems brief.*

Sometimes I fail to fully appreciate the things I truly enjoy. Today, I'm considering AUJ.

Today I found myself reflecting on how much I've grown to enjoy AUJ the more I watch it. Honestly, I'm finding it to be a more enjoyable adaptation than LOTR thus far in each trilogy *ducks thrown objects* (Notice I said enjoyable, not better. I'm not interested in that kind of comparison, yet). I see so much of the book's heart in it, which is so wonderful after the long wait for these films.

Finally, last December, I was taken back into Middle-earth as Bilbo narrated the prologue. Memories of reading a book about a fantasy land as a child, with neat characters and creatures aplenty, were flooding my head at the time. It was escapism at its finest. Now that AUJ is out, I can supplement my enjoyment of the book with a visual interpretation of very high quality. I continue to increase my interest and knowledge of Tolkien's works.

Of course, the film is not without flaws. Some shots I find to have strange lighting. Deviations and changes to the original text are evident. Some are yet to be explained. But I refuse to dwell on the not-so-good parts. I'm a positive person, and I will always move forward with the positives in any circumstance. Yes, I can be critical of the lesser moments. I seek to understand artistic choices that are made. But I will not allow them to lessen my enjoyment of what I feel to be a fantastic film.

Now that it's September, we only have just over three months until DOS! I'm very hopeful that this next chapter will be a wonderful journey back into the Company's adventure. A trailer and vlog should be out within the month or so, so we'll soon have plenty of material to gobble up!

Anyone else like to share your thoughts? Or am I the only one feeling reflective today? Crazy

dormouse
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 8:21am

Views: 703

You're not the only one

I finished watching Return of the King last night and am really looking forward to another round of AUJ - and even more looking forward to the extended version, though there are still some months to wait for that.

There is so much in the film that captures the atmosphere of the book perfectly for me. Little scenes keep coming back to me - I'm thinking just now of Bilbo and the dwarves riding down a steep gully, and - I think at this point - Gandalf's voice telling Bilbo he's going to have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs. And the nods to Bullroarer Took and the Blue Wizards - and Bilbo running through the Shire.

I'll go with better, I think, as well as more enjoyable, because it's on repeat viewings that I start to see all the little details, and appreciate the skill and care that goes into every tiny piece of design, and the thought process behind the way they're approaching the story.

And visually it's just breathtaking.

No, count me in. After the long wait we had for The Hobbit, and all the moments when it looked as if it might never be, I'm so grateful that they stuck with it and made this film.

morro91
Bree

Sep 1 2013, 8:42am

Views: 661

I agree

I perfectly agree and loved AUJ, I've watched it more times in the past 9 months, than I have any other film in said period.

I loved the changes, I just felt, the execution was lacking in some small areas of the film, which I believe happened due to the late change from 2-to-3 films. Nevertheless, I've sat through all 160 minutes and always enjoyed each watch.

In many ways, a direct adaptation of The Hobbit wouldn't work as well, as it would be predictable in many ways. The changes that have happened, and we know will happen in DOS allow the imagination to run wild about what might happen.

I've read The Hobbit and LOTR many of times as well, but not Tolkiens expanded work, but have no problem with changes as long as they are not silly. And nothing in AUJ nor rumoured in DOS (including romance) seems silly to me. For some people, these changes ruin it for them, which I lament, but hey, I'm not them, I go and enjoy whatever happens.

So heres to the jolly AUJ, and look forward to the EE of AUJ, as well as the next two films. Allons Y

Starling
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 8:45am

Views: 668

And guess what?

It's the first day of Spring here in NZ. And that's got to count for something. Smile

I bet Hobbiton looks lovely.

Anubis
Rivendell

Sep 1 2013, 9:08am

Views: 662

I think

the hobbit is like the little brother of LOTR; less down-to-earth, trying to introduce his own personality, with more of an adventure spirit and lacking a bit of maturity. He tries to be different in every single aspect, and yet in his heart he will always resemble his big brother.

And I, as a father, love both sons the same, (although I have to admit that FOTR will always be THE movie)

Thranderz
Rohan

Sep 1 2013, 9:46am

Views: 630

I loved AUJ too

I still remember where I sat and how I felt when we first saw the Shire again! I remember when everyone laughed at the funny moments and how bright the eagle flight was when it came on. Tongue

Whenever I re-watch AUJ and the eagle flight comes on, I always think to myself 'This is why I am so proud to be a Tolkien fan and to be part of this world. We CAN have both film and book.' Smile

I simply walked into Mordor.

Estel78
Tol Eressea

Sep 1 2013, 10:19am

Views: 612

Let me sleep... //

Noria
Gondor

Sep 1 2013, 12:07pm

Views: 594

I too agree. Thanks Cat, for some positivity in the midst of all this gloom.

I don't love AUJ quite as much as I do the LotR trilogy, but that's not surprising since The Hobbit novel is a lesser sibling to LotR for me, mostly of interest as part of the Middle Earth saga.

AUJ is closer to PJ's LotR in my esteem than The Hobbit novel is to the LotR books, if that makes any sense.

There are many things that I appreciate about this movie: here are just a couple:

I really like how the movie walks the line between the English children's story and something of more interest to a wider audience.

I like the beauty of it, the way that ME is almost a character. Also, just as in LotR, the attention to every detail of set, costume, makeup etc. makes the world of the movie richer and deeper.

There are things I don't care for, the overlong action sequences, the childish humour, but overall I think it's great.

Looking forward to DOS - Thranduil, Tauriel, Legolas, Bard and his three kids, the Master and of course, Erebor and the Dragon.

QuackingTroll
Valinor

Sep 1 2013, 12:13pm

Views: 567

Today marks 100 days until DoS is released in some countries.

102 for the UK and US, so this is a good time for reflection.

My first viewing didn't have a huge impact on me. I'd spent so many years building up excitement and when I finally saw the film at my local cinema (a really cheap place, slightly out of focus screen only a little bigger than my TV!) I wasn't hugely impressed.

But over time it really does improve! I've watched it several times on Blu-ray and every time I feel a longing to re-watch the HFR version. After seeing it that way, the Blu-ray looks so juddery that I feel compelled to turn on the motion smoothing on my TV, and even then it;s just not the same. Frown

I really hope the trilogy gets a re-release in HFR cinemas. Or that a home HFR format becomes available soon, because it just doesn't feel right to me any other way.

Eleniel
Tol Eressea

Sep 1 2013, 12:45pm

Views: 585

Surprising as it may be

Quote

I am in accord with almost all of your points! Smile

One of the pleasures for me was discovering, through Tolkien's later works, the significance of The Hobbit in the overall scope of his Legendarium - how Bilbo's adventure fits into the bigger picture. That is why I am quite happy to have the DG subplot and Gandalf's view of Middle-earth slotted in alongside Bilbo's simple tale. I just didn't want the invented padding, and the other things you don't care for. The visual aesthetics I'll leave out of this. At least 3D is still optional!! Wink

I particularly agree with this statement:

Quote

I like the beauty of it, the way that ME is almost a character. Also, just as in LotR, the attention to every detail of set, costume, makeup etc. makes the world of the movie richer and deeper.

I would add HS's music to that list as well...

So overall I'm looking forward to DoS, particularly Lee Pace, I'm just worried about the proportion of made-up material compared to Bilbo's story...

"Choosing Trust over Doubt gets me burned once in a while, but I'd rather be singed than hardened."
� Victoria Monfort

(This post was edited by Eleniel on Sep 1 2013, 12:47pm)

flameofudun
Lorien

Sep 1 2013, 1:59pm

Views: 524

Hear! Hear!

I heartily agree with your post. I loved AUJ with all my heart, just as I love theLOTR trilogy with all my heart. I loved it and always will love it and look forward to the future movies and EEs.

''We are very dangerous over short distances''

-Gimli

Carne
Tol Eressea

Sep 1 2013, 2:29pm

Views: 497

Many cinemas in Norway start the ticket sale in early October!

Can't wait Smile

Esmeralda
Bree

Sep 1 2013, 2:29pm

Views: 555

AUJ was the reason

I joined TORN. I was so enamored of the film, I wanted to find others who shared my enthusiasm, and to find out more about the people and the process of making the trilogy. This seemed like the best place for that, and I've not been disappointed :).

I loved tLotR, and I was enchanted by the level of care and craftsmanship that went into those movies. I was thoroughly awed by how they hit so many of the crucial pulse points of that story with such power and insight. But as great as it was, the first trilogy didn't hit me in the same way as AUJ did, and I've tried to figure out why.

I think it comes down to the dwarves. All respect to John Rhys Davies, but I didn't have high hopes for a movie populated by 13 Gimlis. But they didn't do that, they created 13 unique individuals who had the capacity to function as a cohesive unit. They were like nothing I could have imagined and I was blown away. I loved how their looks were designed and I love how the actors worked so hard to shine through all that rubber and all that hair :).

I've never gone to the theatre so many times to see the same movie before. I'd've gone even more if it hadn't left the cinemas so soon. I've watched my live-streaming copy more times than I can count, saying the lines along with the characters.

I can't wait for the rest of the story. There's so much more to see.

So yeah, bring on DOS, I'm missing my dwarves :(.

Brethil
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 2:57pm

Views: 504

Agree with all your points, and happy to post in this thread!

In Reply To

I joined TORN. I was so enamored of the film, I wanted to find others who shared my enthusiasm, and to find out more about the people and the process of making the trilogy. This seemed like the best place for that, and I've not been disappointed :).

It's why I re-joined Esmeralda (for the third time! having forgotten my other ancient nicks!) I went in with really no expectations, and didn't really follow pre- production very much, other than watching SPJ's blogs a bit behind schedule. I went into FOTR being a massive skeptic, and fell in love with it. I went in here with not quite so much doubt but didn't expect at all to love this film as much as I do! I feel the spirit of the book in every scene...yes changes have been made to meet the adaptation needs but I can live with all of them, and some of them I quite frankly enjoy.
Smile

(And glad you joined up BTW!)

I think it comes down to the dwarves. All respect to John Rhys Davies, but I didn't have high hopes for a movie populated by 13 Gimlis. But they didn't do that, they created 13 unique individuals who had the capacity to function as a cohesive unit. They were like nothing I could have imagined and I was blown away. I loved how their looks were designed and I love how the actors worked so hard to shine through all that rubber and all that hair :). Also cannot agree more here. The creativity of the design team and wonderful casting all came together. I was just listening to cast commentary for ROTK last night, and the actors were discussing how SPJ lets an actor know their character, and to develop them in unique and unexpected (and sometimes undirected) ways. That is such a measure of faith and I think that ownership and joy in one's work comes through in the performances. I love Gimli, but I also love the departure from that mold; among other things it allows Gimli to retain his uniqueness when you watch the other films. The resemblance to his father is a great nod (or of course to be precise, the retro-fitting of Gloin to Gimli is a touching connection between them.)

Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

(This post was edited by Brethil on Sep 1 2013, 2:58pm)

Brethil
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 3:00pm

Views: 499

Thank you Cats for this thread!

What a lovely Sunday morning read! Angelic

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 3:10pm

Views: 473

Lovely comparison

I had made a couple of similar observations in the past, but you've said it much better here.

glor
Rohan

Sep 1 2013, 3:23pm

Views: 505

the acting, the acting, oh did I mention the acting

This is what truly lifted AUJ above, blockbuster/CGI/franchise, or whatever mud people want to throw at AUJ.

I caught one of my all time favourite films on Tv last week; Twelve Angry Men and I realised as I watched it none of the characters have names, none of he actors stopped acting when the camera wasn't focussed on them, the acting was of such calibre it didn't matter that the audience didn't know names, they knew the characters, their differences, their foibles, thanks to the craftsmanship of of the thesbians involved. That is exactly what AUJ acheived with the dwarves. Twelve Angry Men is an old black and white film, and by tpday's standards obviously filmed on set, yet the stunning script aside, it is a classic because of the high calibre of acting, the look of a film has very little to do with whether a film becomes a classic, bad or fashionable acting doesn't stand the test of time, but good acting always does.

The acting in AUJ is far more constitent and of a higher standard than LOTR and most films released and that is saying something as CGI heavy films, as AUJ is, are usually hallmarked by bad or so-so acting as most actors struggle with the format.

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 3:25pm

Views: 464

You're welcome!

As they say, make a thread you would want to reply to... Crazy

Well, maybe they haven't said it, but you get the idea. Cool

DanielLB
Immortal

Sep 1 2013, 3:35pm

Views: 455

That's great.

Half of the excitement in the lead up is having physical tickets in your hand. In the UK it's all online. It's still exciting, of course.

Is the film released a couple of days early again in Norway? I'm always so tempted to jump over the Sea. Wink

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 3:35pm

Views: 468

Yes, double yes!

Fantastic comparison between AUJ and 12 Angry Men. The latter is one of my favorite films (now I want to watch it again!). I really think that its script is one of the best there have been. Which, like you say, is brilliantly translated by the actors' performances. I'm always amazed, when thinking about it, that it's a movie that mostly takes place in one room! That is a screenwriter's nightmare.

I also love seeing actors' performances in the background of a scene. In 12 Angry Men, I find it fascinating to watch one of the characters sit back down/walk around the room fuming with opinion after speaking their mind. They all do it in unique ways, with varying degrees of passion and self-control. I see the same things in AUJ. I'm getting to the point where I can move my eyes all over the screen, sometimes looking over the shoulders of Bilbo and Thorin, and watch the supporting cast to their work. They're all very expressive, especially with their eyes--and I'm sure prosthetics played a part with this, too.

Great points, and a fantastic comparison.

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 3:50pm

Views: 460

Based on posts, we see eye to eye quite often here.

I very well may join you in saying 'better'. Repeated viewings over time will help determine that for me. And I'm leaning towards a 'yes'.

Pretty sure I was convinced, for some time, that these films were not happening. There was no way, in my head, that we would get them.

Are you planning to see DOS in HFR 3D, dormouse? OT, but the thought popped into my head as I read your words "visually it's just breathtaking".

DanielLB
Immortal

Sep 1 2013, 3:54pm

Views: 466

This this this

Quote

Finally, last December, I was taken back into Middle-earth as Bilbo narrated the prologue. Memories of reading a book about a fantasy land as a child, with neat characters and creatures aplenty, were flooding my head at the time. It was escapism at its finest. Now that AUJ is out, I can supplement my enjoyment of the book with a visual interpretation of very high quality. I continue to increase my interest and knowledge of Tolkien's works.

Especially the very last sentence in the above passage. Anything that promotes Tolkien's works is good in my eyes.

Smile

glor
Rohan

Sep 1 2013, 4:07pm

Views: 447

It doesn't matter that you don't know the characters names

because you come to know the characters. PJ knows that the general audience won't be able to name all twelve dwarfs, even with different looks, it's still down to the actors to draw their characters on screen, without words or just a single line.

Like you say this is with actors that are under prosthetics, although in some cases this has been deliberately minimised, to allow the audience to witness the acting, 12 actors plastered in the kind of prosthetics poor JRD had to endure, would have been a disaster from both an aesthetic and thesbian point of view.

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 4:19pm

Views: 437

Another great point, glor.

Here's another idea to consider: I really enjoy the approach they are taking to introduce the dwarves to the audience. Really, isn't it exactly like they're introduced in the book? We, like Beorn, are receiving them a couple at a time, so that they do not overwhelm us with their tale. Although this has not been done in the adaptation as in the text (yet), I believe we are receiving it as audience members.

I've liked this strategy from the beginning. And going off of your point, we do see the other dwarves' characters, despite the lack of dialogue for some. As the films develop them, we'll see more and more of the bigger picture.

glor
Rohan

Sep 1 2013, 4:30pm

Views: 421

yes, introducing them exactly as in the book...

would look too childish on the screen, it would denigrate Tolkien's dwarves to nothing more than stereotypical comedy buffoons, and not the hardened noble warriors and craftsmen of middle-earth. yes, the burping and such was comedy but it was character based comedy, not stereotype comedy and the burping was deliberate act by the character Nori, to get a reaction, he knew it was rude and bad mannered and would wind his brother up. I wish those that expressed revulsion at the burping would watch the acting rather than the act.

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 4:41pm

Views: 378

It would be fun, and insightful..

to watch the film once, only focusing on one particular character each time, studying every little thing about him, and the interactions he has with the others. Why does he have a look of disgust on his face? Why did he laugh at a particular individual's joke? They have different relationships with each other, and it's shown by the smallest of details.

Salmacis81
Tol Eressea

Sep 1 2013, 4:59pm

Views: 362

I can do this, I KNOW I can do this...

I am looking forward to the AUJ EE, in the hopes that most of the new scenes will be character-building scenes a la Bilbo and Elrond in Rivendell. It's those kinds of things I want to see more of.

Anyway, having the AUJ EE and then DoS being released shortly after will kind of be a trip down memory lane for me. I remember how great it was in late 2002 when they released the FotR EE, and then TTT came out in theaters shortly after, and what a great winter that was. The next winter was even better. I very much associate winter and the Christmas season now with Tolkien and Jackson's Tolkien films.

So while I do have my bones to pick with the adaptation thus far, YES, there are some things that I am looking forward to.

Kim
Valinor

Sep 1 2013, 5:25pm

Views: 362

Thank you so much for this post cats16!

You took the words right out of my mouth! I was actually thinking of posting something similar, but you beat me to it. I love AUJ and have since I first saw the opening credits last December. It took me back to a familiar world, but then went somewhere unexpected (heh). I've never seen a movie as many times in the theatre (7) or at home (over 100). The wait between Feb (when it left the theatres near my house) and March (when the DVD came out) was interminable! This movie quickly became my happy place--escapism at its finest indeed Smile

I can't wait for DOS, and am trying not to read too many spoilers so I can go into it not knowing what to expect.

Thanks again!

Smile

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 5:25pm

Views: 334

Yay, Spring!

Hopefully a very calm, refreshing season after the turbulent winter you all have had there.

Silwen_Peredhil
Rivendell

Sep 1 2013, 5:31pm

Views: 354

Thanks. We have been needing an appreciation thread.

When I saw the lush green Shire with Howard Shore's wonderful shire theme in AUJ I really felt like I was back in Middle Earth. I loved it.

What Middle Earth fan who had seen and loved the LOTR trilogy didn't then dream of a Hobbit film being made? We have it now after 10 years of waiting. Is it not better than no film at all?

There really were some beautiful moments. The eagle flight and Bilbo's speech in particular come to mind.

We have only seen 1 film out of 3. Character storylines have not been developed enough to fully judge whether they will work out overall. I am willing to just let everything unfold. The EE will hopefully pad out and reveal more as well.

I think AUJ stayed true to the book overall. The Hobbit is such a wonderful and sweet story which deserves to be told on screen. I really thought the acting was so well done in AUJ and helped to bring the characters to life.

What's this? A Ranger caught off his guard?

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 5:36pm

Views: 335

You bet, Kim!

I'm glad to hear you're of the same opinion. Smile

Although you've definitely watched AUJ more than I have so far (good for you, of course!). You're right about that wait we had from February (really late January for me) until mid-March!

Good for you that you're working on avoiding DOS spoilers, too. I'll probably start turning away once we're given another trailer. We're heading into the "not speculation any longer" period, with some facts starting to come in the near future once promotion begins.

You're welcome, and I hope you and Thorin have a great reunion in December! I know you're quite fond of him... Cool

Kim
Valinor

Sep 1 2013, 5:41pm

Views: 327

It was the same for me

I first started reading TORn because of love for this film, and really enjoyed the enthusiasm of all the posters talking about their favorite scenes/moments/characters etc. And like you, although I really like the original trilogy, it just didn't hit me the same way as this movie. Here's hoping DOS and TABA are more of the same! Smile

Kim
Valinor

Sep 1 2013, 5:56pm

Views: 317

That's really interesting

that your blu ray is juddery. I have the DVD right now, and don't have that problem--it actually feels very similar to the HFR. I was planning to get the EE in blu ray, so I hope I don't end up with that same problem. And I agree, I would love a re-release in HFR on the big screen--that was my favorite viewing option, and part of the reason I saw it so many times in the theater.

dormouse
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 6:41pm

Views: 307

Yes

I will see it in HFR - more than once this time, if I can manage it.

It's ironic because, as anyone who remembers my posts here before the film came out will confirm, I was dead set against 3D. Could see no point to it at all, because until that point the effect had never worked properly for me and had always left my eyes feeling funny - in fact, I'd only managed to sit right through one complete film and I didn't care much for that. So I wasn't going to bother. It was only right near the end of its run, when I'd already seen it three times in 2D, that I thought I'd give it a try. I was intrigued by the polarisation of opinions about it and I thought, you can't reject something you haven't even seen. So I went, not expecting much, and was knocked sideways by it - so much better than I could have imagined and so beautiful. So yes, that is part of the plan!

cats16
Half-elven

Sep 1 2013, 6:47pm

Views: 286

Wonderful to hear.

3D doesn't usually do much for me either, especially since I have some minor eye issues. But I found it much better in AUJ, and I'm also looking forward to HFR 3D.

Although I won't lie, a non 3D HFR version would have been nice, too. Strange how that's not an option.

(This post was edited by cats16 on Sep 1 2013, 6:48pm)

QuackingTroll
Valinor

Sep 1 2013, 9:28pm

Views: 258

All my HD films look like that...

I have a big TV, which makes it more noticeable, particularly on really high qulity films, like The Hobbit, Avatar and Pixar movies. Don't notice it as much on DVDs interestingly.

Na Vedui
Rohan

Sep 2 2013, 12:11am

Views: 226

I think there's 3D and 3D

The first time I saw AUJ in 3D was bad - swervy, blurry, "in ya face" - I felt seasick at times; after that I went to 2D showings. Then there was a last chance to see it in the theatre so I went, even though it was 3D. A different cinema, and I was sitting near the back of the hall, which seemed to help too - and that viewing was a really good experience.

Ziggy Stardust
Gondor

Sep 3 2013, 1:19am

Views: 157

You're not alone

I really enjoyed AUJ. While some of the deviations I thought could have been done better/differently, I still really liked it. The only crux for me, really, was Azog, which he at least is somewhat tolerable. But not much. Otherwise, I enjoyed the film. I still rank LOTR higher, but I enjoyed AUJ.
Unfortunately though, I am not a positive person. I'm one of those people who expects the worst, but hopes for the best. While I am looking forward to DOS, I'm very concerned.

Riven Delve
Tol Eressea

Sep 3 2013, 3:49pm

Views: 124

Count me in with this crew!

I still can't put my finger on exactly why I love this movie, or why it affected me so much more deeply than LOTR, but I still love even after having seen it dozens and dozens of times. Possibly it's because my expectations were very low the first time I went to see it, and yet I came out of the theater just elated...or because it only took about ten seconds of HS's score to get me back to Middle-earth, even before the stunning visuals began...or maybe because of certain dwarves who shall remain nameless Angelic

...or maybe it's because there's more fun and less doom and gloom than LOTR (so far Unsure

)...or maybe it's the love that is so obvious in set and costume design, or the movie's ability to take me far away...well, I could go on all day but I'll spare you that! Wink

All I can say is that I know perfectly well what the movie's faults are. I acknowledge them. But I love it anyway. Heck, I even love some of the faults. That's when you know it's the Real Thing. Heart

"It was just a sword, beautiful in the way of a weapon, with the jewels in the hilt set in gold scrollwork, and the blade glimmering and eager, as if it would fight of itself. Weapons are named for this; some are eager fighters, some dogged, some unwilling; but all are alive."--The Hollow Hills

ltnjmy
Rivendell

Sep 3 2013, 7:32pm

Views: 106

Great Appreciation Thread

Yes, I LOVED AUJ - have watched it over seven times - and am eagerly anticipating DOS. Thank you PJ and everybody for bringing these films to life ! Smile