: I agree that the movies will do nothing less than destroy the integrity and magic of Tolkiens work. Ultimately, 'corners' will have to be cut and compromises made to make the story fit into a neat two hour package easily consummed by the public and forgotten just as fast. The other poison in the well is the pure commercialization of a wonderful literary work. Toys, registered names, merchandising, etc., will suffocate the life from it. One need only search through the links and web sites that feed of the books like tumors from the hosts own blood. All the screaming fan boys will be watching to see the 'cool battle scenes' and not get any hint of the sacrifice of the Fellowship.
: Anyone who feels the intense passion of Tolkiens work would do well to enjoy the books, savor them and shun the corporate soul-suckers who would steal it for thier own profit. They are counting on a few million curiosity seakers to part with thier money, but by then the damage to Tolkiens legend will be done, and never undone.

Have ever seen Bakshi's adaptation? Or Rankin and Bass's "Return of the King"? Have they irreperably damaged Tolkien's legend for you or anyone? Or can you still read the books and enjoy them without even thinking of those two abysmal adaptations?