In a coup for Queenstown, the Silky Otter cinema chain’s won the exclusive worldwide rights to screen every week the original Peter Jackson films in its new Frankton complex.
Starting this coming Tuesday, they’ll screen back-to-back every Tuesday from 10am till 11.18pm in one of its theatres.
Cinema owner Neil Lambert says "it dawned on me when we were building the cinema, what better place to launch these films that are literally in the heart of Middle Earth?"
Lambert says Warner Bros. had put an embargo on the films as it builds up their 25th anniversary so it’s special his Queenstown venue was granted an exemption.
"And, you know, these are the ultimate New Zealand films, really, these are the ones that put Queenstown and the country on the map.
"There’s something special about being able to see them and then walk out the door and look up at the Remarkables and the high country where they shot some of the main scenes."
Lambert notes they’ll show the extended editions of the films, which adds about two hours to the total running time.
He says over time they’ll add gimmicks like a hobbit-themed menu and a special T-shirt for those who last the viewing marathon, which will include two 30-minute intermissions.
Local Nomad Safaris owner David Gatward-Ferguson, whose company pioneered Lord of the Rings tours, says he thinks it’s a "wonderful" initiative — "I’ll be there".
He says the films continue to be a huge drawcard for NZ, "and it shouldn’t be under-valued and under-appreciated".
"It’s a wonderful gift that just keeps on giving."
- The ticket price for the three-film experience is $49.
