CINEMA screens are set to be packed out for the opening of Lord Of The Rings tonight.

The adaptation of JRR Tolkien's classic is going head-to-head with Harry Potter at cinema screens around the country, and critics believe it could be a bigger hit.

The Warner Brothers cinema at Clifton Moor said all four of its screens showing the £74 million movie are almost sold out for this evening's performances.

But the epic tale of Hobbits, elves and wizards has not created the ticket rush seen for Harry Potter yet. Duty manager Lee Illman said: "Tickets have been flying out, but it's the wrong day of the week to see the size of crowds like we did for Harry Potter.

"But the film has the potential to be hotter than Potter, and this weekend should be extremely busy."

The film, starring Liv Tyler and young heartthrob Elijah Wood, has received rave reviews. Critics have said it is set to steal the thunder of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Debbie Beavers, manager at the Odeon in Blossom Street, said the 799-seater screen was almost booked up for tonight's performance.

"This is definitely a big hit. The phone hasn't stopped ringing with people wanting tickets.

"It's a little bit slower than Harry Potter for the first day - but I'm sure by the weekend we will be packed out."

Potter has been top of the UK box office charts for five weeks, but was expected to be deposed by the first instalment of the fantasy trilogy.

Producers of the two films have pointed out that they are aimed at different markets, with Potter targeted at younger fans.

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring, as the first film is fully titled, was given its world premiere last week in London.

Cast member Sir Ian Holm said: "It's indisputably a landmark in movie history. It's biblical."

And Christopher Lee, who plays the evil Saruman, declared: "I think it will go down in cinema history because no one has ever seen anything like it."

Harry Potter And The Philsopher's Stone has so far taken £46.9 million in the UK , making it the most successful film this year.

Updated: 14:30 Wednesday, December 19, 2001