Peter Jackson simply radiates enthusiasm and affection for fans.

The whole q&a was interesting. Peter imparted the information about the DVD and trailer which we've heard before. He did say that every theater still screening FOTR on March 22nd will be sent a new final reel containing the 3 1/2 minute preview of TTT which will feature some "amazing" things. He was quite adamant that this preview be seen only in the theater, as a present to the fans who have seen the movie multiple times. A 1 minute proper trailer will be aired in theaters and on television later in the year.

Also, he said that the deluxe DVD -- not "director's" cut -- will be out in the fall, and will contain the extra 30 minutes. Specifically the "gift giving" scene, more of the Legolas/Gimli relationship, some extra development of Aragorn's character, and additional character development in general.

His objection to the phrase "director's cut" seems based on a fear of implying that the theatrical release did not meet his approval. However, he went on to say that he impressed upon New Line the need to get the gift giving scene 'out there' so that the audience will understand the origin of the gifts which will be come important later on in the story. He specifically referred to the "rope" and the "phial."

He was very considerate in explaining that fans will encounter greater story alteration in TTT. He said that TTT in general is not long enough to provide material for a whole film. Consequently, he says that he, Fran, and Phillipa wrote additional scenes expanding upon the Frodo, Sam, Gollum triangle, and that Faramir will also have an increased role in the film. No further explanation than that, tho.

Shelob will not make an appearance until ROTK, but he says the Ents are "awesome" and that we will get to see them storm Isengard in TTT, rather than hear about it after the fact.

He explained a little bit about the Tolkien Estate situation -- namely that there has not been and cannot be any "approval" from Christopher or the heirs, as the family does not wish to be perceived as "authorizing" any particular version. Also, he said that it would have been an unworkable situation to have had to run every script/concept/casting choice before a board of approval.

Additionally, Fran said that most likely the scripts for the three films will not be made available for purchase, as New Line (at this point) does not believe it has the rights (under the existing license) to reproduce in print the Tolkien material.

The scouring of the shire is out. PJ said it simply was not practical to retain it, as the story arc is rooted in Frodo's quest to destroy the ring. He said that while understanding the reasons -- personal and literal -- that the passage was important to Tolkien, that it adds an unnecessary coda to the story that he had always, even as a reader, found "awkward." He said that the scenes in Galadriel's mirror were his way of paying "homage" to the material, as showing the possible results if the quest should fail. He gave no indication of how he was going to get around this in the final movie, but we should probably start speculating now, as it seems certain.

He gave quite a few details, which we've read in various places, about the process of motion capturing Andy SerkisSerkis' movements which will become the "skelatal foundation" of the CG Gollum. He said that in many ways SerkisSerkis' performance is so good, it's a shame that Gollum has to be CG. All the same, he implied that we will be blown away. Additionally, he said that they are still finding gaps in the story as they edit, which will require "pick up" filming both this year and next, to complete scenes as yet unwritten, to flesh out both TTT and ROTK.  A final word on editing, Fran said that the script for TTT was written to intercut between the three main fields of action: Merry/Pippin/Ents, Aragorn/Legolas/Gimli, and Frodo/Sam/Gollum. Although they are not yet near completion of cutting the film, PJ indicated that this will probably be the finished result, rather than following Tolkien's strict division of the action.

Christopher Lee was amazing... just as regal and imposing as you can imagine, but warm and funny and passionate about the entire LOTR experience. This is a man who has over 300 films under his belt, so when he says that making LOTR was the definitive acting experience of his career, and the most pleasant, that has to say something astounding about what PJ has accomplished.

Howard Shore, although not questioned closely, was quite open about the fear and challenges of taking on so huge of a project. One thing I forgot to mention above, Shore will be composing and recording an additional 30 minutes of music for the DVD, rather than recycling themes from the completed score of FOTR. PJ cited this as yet another example of how they are breaking all the rules of what is usually done in the movie machine.

The moderator opened up the q&a by asking everyone who had seen the films to raise their hands and keep them raised. Then only those who had seen it more than once, more than five times, more than ten times.. until there were only about 15 persons with their hands still in the air. I'm embarrassed to admit I was one of them. Peter was cracking up and Fran had her head in her hands. A woman from the 'official LOTR fan club' claimed to have seen it 31 times, at which point Peter said -- "My only worry is that you are now missing the 5:30 showing!"

You often hear slightly snide asides about PJ's dress or looks... I have to say that the man is simply beautiful in a way that too many people overlook. He radiates joy and kindness and genuine appreciation for the reactions of the fans. He is so in love with movie making, it just surrounds him. I was very much in awe.

I was lucky enough to exchange a few words with both Fran and PJ, thanks to a friend involved in the q&a, who also wrangled me an introduction to both of them.

They were both lovely. I had so many things I had wanted to say, but simply found myself shaking their hands and saying, repeatedly, "thank you so very much for what you have done." And I mean it. I can't really bring myself to gush about the actors or etc., but when it comes to the filmmakers and the nearly insurmountable task that they took on, I am more than pleased and overjoyed to have been able to tell them so.