The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Blu-ray

Set roughly two centuries before The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Rohirrim explores an untold chapter of Middle-earth through Japanese animation directed by Kenji Kamiyama. Developed from a brief episode in J.R.R. Tolkien's history of Rohan, the story connects with the film trilogy through producer Philippa Boyens and executive producer Peter Jackson, while placing a young woman at the center of a kingdom's struggle to survive.

Under the protection of King Helm, the people of Rohan have lived in peace. A sudden attack tears their country apart, and Helm's daughter Hera must confront the threat of its destruction. Her greatest enemy is Wulf, the childhood friend who once loved her. Great Eagles cross the skies, Mumakil charge into battle, Orcs gather, a mysterious figure collects golden rings and Saruman the White appears as Hera fights for the future of her people.

Brian Cox voices Helm, Gaia Wise plays Hera, Miranda Otto returns as Eowyn, and Luke Pasqualino voices Wulf. The Japanese dub features Masachika Ichimura, Fuka Koshiba, Maaya Sakamoto and Kenjiro Tsuda in those roles. Large-scale mounted battles and familiar elements of Middle-earth link this earlier conflict to the adventures that follow.

This 134-minute Blu-ray includes English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, a Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 dub, and English and Japanese subtitles. Three featurettes explore the creation of the story, bringing Middle-earth to life through animation, and Princess Hera.