MOVIEGOERS in Huddersfield proved they were anything but "Bored of the Rings".

They flocked to a special morning showing of the epic Return of the King.

Just after breakfast, hundreds of fans filed into the UCI cinema off Leeds Road to see the premiere of the new film, based on the final volume of JRR Tolkien's Lord of The Rings trilogy.

The capacity crowd enjoyed a 201-minute visual feast following the heroics of hobbit Frodo, wizard Gandalf and their allies battling the dark forces of evil.

The ecstatic fans had nothing but praise for the screen adaptation.

Neil Walsh, 28, of Holywell Green, said it was brilliant.

"Out of the three films it's the best. It's definitely worth watching."

And director Peter Jackson saves the best until last, he said.

"The best bit is the end, the very end. I think that's what the film is all about," said Neil.

Technological advances in special effects have enabled the director to recreate Tolkien's magical world.

"I don't think they could have made films like this five years ago," he said.

Paul McLaughlin, 25, of Halifax, and James Lendon, 23, of Huddersfield, ran out of superlatives to describe The Return of The King.

"All three films were fantastic, all great, but this really notches it up from the two others," said Paul.

War scenes took centre stage, with a variety of nightmarish creatures from the evil kingdom of Mordor.

"The battle at Minas Tirith was breathtaking - spectacular."

Paul is currently reading The Hobbit, Tolkien's first bestseller, which movie moguls are also lining up to adapt to the screen.

James said: "I enjoyed the fight and battle scenes and I think there's a message for all in the film."

Michael Tsoris, 23, saw the film with his girlfriend Irene Stiga, 22.

Both are from Greece and studying at the Huddersfield University.

"They took some artistic licence but it was justified. I've no complaints," said Michael.

"It was absolutely overwhelming. They put so much detail in it. It was a big movie!"

Tolkien's epic `Ring' goes full circle - Review by Paul Chan

AN EPIC trilogy was given a fitting climax with the Return of the King.

JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, recently voted Britain's favourite read, was brought to life one last time. The wait has been well worth it.

Weighing in at 200 minutes - well over three hours long - the finale simply flew by for those of us lucky enough to be able to attend the first public screening.

The preceding films introduced the characters, put them in peril, and left audiences on the edge of their seats wanting more each time. The Return of the King provided bigger battles, greater drama and a sense of closure as Frodo completed his journey to Mount Doom accompanied by his faithful friend Sam.

Andy Serkis turned in a magnificent performance as the tragic Smeagol, who became Gollum. His destiny became entwined with the One Ring after he and his brother discovered it years earlier. A short recap at the start showed how he first obtained his `precious'.

Helping Frodo and Sam complete their mission was Aragorn, who claimed his rightful place as the King of Gondor, and fast friends Legolas and Gimli, who provided action and comic moments between the drama.

Ian McKellen had too few moments as Gandalf while hobbit friends Merry and Pippin helped bring the audience into the film.

The battle of Helm's Deep from The Two Towers paled into insignificance in the face of ever greater battles during the course of Return of the King.

Breathtaking effects showed the siege of Minas Tirith which came under attack from orcs, trolls, and giant elephant creatures.

Themes of heroism, loyalty, honour and sacrifice were explored and there was a great sense of satisfaction and more than a little sadness when the final credits rolled.