Local fans 'excited' with final LOTR movie

GAINESVILLE - The final installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy - "The Return of the King" - hit the big screen early Wednesday morning.

Fans across the country, including at Hollywood Stadium 15 on Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville, were waiting in line as the doors opened.

Stephen Chamblee of Gainesville, who was at the midnight showing, said the crowd was ready.

"Everyone was extremely hyped about the movie and several times people stood up and cheered. It was a very excited atmosphere," Chamblee said.

The show was sold out and many shows for Wednesday's regular times are already old out.

Chamblee, who said he plans to see it "several more times," also said it was a little sad to see the final movie finally arrive.

"It is a little bit but probably because they have done such a good job with it that you want more," he said. "I think (director) Peter Jackson did an amazing job, about as well as anyone could have done it.

"I can't wait to get the extended version to see the things that were left out. He couldn't put everything in the movie but I'm hoping some of the things that weren't included will be in (the extended version)."