We shall not pass! Peter Jackson‘s legendary adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s Lord of the Rings is returning to theaters for its 25th anniversary next year. A trilogy seemingly ahead of its time, the films paved the way for a new wave of fantasy epics and now, Fathom Entertainment and Warner Bros. have announced today that new dates have been added to the upcoming release of one of cinema’s most iconic fantasy epics.

The extended editions — beloved for turning already sprawling films into full-blown cinematic odysseys — will screen first in DBOX immersive motion format from January 16–19, followed by standard theatrical presentations January 23–25. Yes, that means over 11 hours of Middle-earth glory, dwarf chants, hobbit feasts, and Aragorn looking like destiny incarnate.

To sweeten the return (and tempt even the most frugal Shirefolk), participating theaters will offer limited-edition Lord of the Rings concessions.

• AMC Theatres will sell popcorn buckets featuring maps of Middle-earth.
• Regal Cinemas and select independents will offer buckets styled with a One Ring design — and yes, they’re almost certainly going to become collectibles within hours

Originally released between 2001 and 2003, the trilogy was shot back-to-back in New Zealand, directed by Peter Jackson and co-written with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The gamble paid off spectacularly: the films grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide and hauled home 17 Academy Awards, including a record-tying 11 Oscars for The Return of the King. Jackson would later return for The Hobbit trilogy from 2012–2014, but for many fans, The Lord of the Rings remains the pinnacle of fantasy filmmaking — not just visually but emotionally.

Who Stars in ‘Lord of the Rings’?

Jackson‘s adaptation of Tolkien‘s novels is focused on the powers of good and evil, with the smallest of heroes set the task of saving the world from the powers of darkness. The Dark Lord Sauron and Saruman the White (Christopher Lee) have joined forces to bring the world of Men to its knees, and standing in his way, with the sole purpose of destroying the One Ring are Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin). The extended editions of the trilogy which are coming will see the likes of Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Peregrin “Pippin” Took (Billy Boyd), Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck (Dominic Monaghan), and Legolas (Orlando Bloom) do their part to save Middle Earth from ruin.

The road goes ever on — and this January, it leads back to theaters.

via Collider