Orono Theater Uses “Slow” Season To Showcase Extended Cut Of Special Movie

To be honest, it's a brilliant idea; take advantage of what's typically a slower time of year, and showcase movies that should absolutely be experienced on the big screen, at least once in a lifetime.

I can think of a handful I'd love to see in a theater again. E.T. comes to mind. The Goonies. Star Wars, without question. And who wouldn't want to visit Middle Earth on a larger-than-life screen?!

That's the thought behind what hometown theater, Black Bear Cinemas on Stillwater Avenue in Orono has decided to do through this first month of the New Year.

According to theater owner, Zach Hussey:

"January is usually a slow month for movie theaters so we figured we would bring back an awesome Trilogy in Lord of the Rings! Extended editions of course."

To watch the extended version of each of the 3 movies, one would need to sit through 11 hours and 22 minutes of Wizards, Hobbits, Elves, and Orcs. And since that can get tricky to do in just one sitting, the folks at Black Bear Cinemas have turned it into a 3 week event, instead.

"We started with the Fellowship of the Ring on Friday, it will play for a full week ending Thursday. Two Towers will play for a week starting Friday the 26th and then the Return of the King starting 2/2!"

Always looking to make movie-going more than just a sit-and-stare experience, Hussey and his crew went the extra mile and created a unique entrance to the actual theater where the special movie is playing. They've created a life-size Hobbit Door.

"As for the Hobbit door, this is how we feel going to the movies should be! It should be an experience. Hopefully all the Lord of the Rings fans out there will appreciate entering the theater through a Hobbit Door right before they get to experience the movies on the big screen!"

Black Bear Management says a big thanks goes to  Elexa, Hailey, and Fabian who put this whimsical Hobbit Door together.

"Even if people don’t have time to see the extended editions. They are more than welcome to stop by and take a photo if they would like."

As an added incentive for diehards who make it through all 3 of the extended cuts, there's a drawing at the end for a collector's item clock!

"Anyone who sees all three movies at the theater and shows us their tickets will get entered into a drawing to win this engraved Lord of the Rings clock!"

You can find out more about the Lord Of The Rings Event at Black Bear Cinema by clicking here.

You can find their website by clicking here.

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