Is it just me, or is there a certain "realism" to the feel of PJ's LOTR that takes away the aura of mysticism and magic? Like it feels too real--I can't explain it. Too rough hewn, too "historical fiction"-ish in the look of the locations/sets etc. There's just a certain level of fantastic grandeur missing.
I go back to Boorman--Consider the mystical feel present throughout "Excalibur", even the general look of the film cinematography wise. You feel like you've been taken to a more magical place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YOL-Cm5RmQ