Beginning next week, a select group of theaters across the nation are bringing Peter Jackson's epic back to the silver screen, bundled with all sorts of juicy extra footage.

In a fascinating bit of counter programming, organizers are betting on the fact that audiences will be every bit as psyched to return to Middle Earth as they are about rushing to see such new titles as "X-Men" and "Green Lantern."

AMC Mayfair Cinemas 18 has signed up for this summer experiment, and "Fellowship of the Ring" is now poised to screen once again at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The special screenings are being organized by Warner Home Video and NCM Fathom - the same company that was behind the screenings of the Metropolitan Opera at Brookfield's Majestic Theater.

"Rings" fans can expect to see the full "Extended Editions" of each "Rings" chapter June 14, June 21 and June 28. For those who have not yet seen these supersized versions, it means you'll be seeing more than three hours of new footage across the trilogy.

Director Peter Jackson will also be personally introducing each screening, from the set of the "Rings" prequel "The Hobbit."

In a summer of films that feel like marketing plans put to celluloid, the return of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is like a breath of foreign emotions - a blockbuster that sincerely cares about its characters and their quest.

If you're anything like me, and in dire need of a summer movie adrenaline shot, all you have to do is mark the calendar for Tuesday at Mayfair. Be there.

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