The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (Full Screen Edition)   [DVD 2002]

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Rave Reviews (53)*

• 1) An astonishing masterpiece.

  by Miles D. Moore on December 31 2001
    1780+ helpful votes

  Considered both as fantasy adventure and as an adaptation of a beloved literary classic, Peter Jackson's film of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" sets new standards for cinematic excellence. Everything about this film feels exactly right, from the casting to the screenplay to the special effects. The last are amazing, putting to shame anything George Lucas has come up with, and yet they always serve to advance the story; unlike Lucas, there's never any hint that Jackson is merely playing with his toys. Jackson shows great respect for Tolkien's text, but not slavish devotion. Certain characters--such as the lovable Tom Bombadil and Frodo's poisonous Aunt Lobelia--are missing, and Tolkien would be chagrined to find that the little poems and songs he loved to write are nowhere quoted. But if Jackson gives short shrift to Tolkien's whimsy, he more than makes up for that by giving us Tolkien's intensity, pathos and moral vision absolutely undiluted. Above all, Jackson never forgets that Tolkien's chief emphasis was always on the characters he created. Jackson casts wonderful actors to play those characters and--again unlike Lucas--he actually allows them to give performances. How wonderful to find the great Sir Ian McKellen, a uniquely commanding and charismatic actor, as Gandalf, or the charming and touching Elijah Wood as Frodo. You can go straight down the list--Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, Sean Astin as Sam, Ian Holm as Bilbo, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel--and find nothing but perfection. This is one of the very few big-budget blockbusters that unqualifiedly deserves its success, and all we can do now is look forward with excitement to the release of "The Two Towers" in 2002 and "The Return of the King" in 2003. Like the books they came from, these three fillms will be cherished by future generations.

• 2)  The Ultimate DVD set for all time!

  by Distant Voyageur on October 26 2004
    1050+ helpful votes

  I already reviewed the regular "Motion Picture Trilogy" containing the non-extended editions of the legendary Lord of The Rings masterpieces on one set. However, this newest edition is a grand improvement on the previous edition. This item is a much, MUCH better investment than the old theatrical counterparts and is perhaps the greatest DVD purchase one will likely ever make.
  
  A lot "Director's Cut" scenes are usually just added footage that doesn't do a whole lot to add onto the theatrical edition of movies with examples like Star Wars, Manhunter, or even most of the "Aliens" movies as well. The extra material is just that, extras, that wouldn't kill me to never see again.
  
  It's a totally different story altogether with the "Lord Of The Rings" movies altogether. While the regular theatrical editions were mind-blowing, the extended cuts of the same films do wonders in fleshing out the story and expanding the characters a lot more. Several characters that were not much more than background people are shown much more screen time, stories are greatly expanded, other scenes are much more meaningful, and the movies overall have a totally different feel altogether thanks to all of the extra footage that was not included on the theatrical editions. Now as I watch them, the old editions of them are rendered almost completely obsolete due to the chopped up nature of them. I sometimes wonder if Peter Jackson grimaced when he had to leave a lot of extra shots out of the movies to fit them onto the theatres when they were released.
  
  "Fellowship" has 30 minutes of extra footage included to a length of 3 and a half hours. "The Two Towers" was extended 43 minutes to a total of 3 hours and 42 minutes and finally "The Return of The King" is extended by a grand 50 minutes and the ultimate result is a whopping 4 hours and 11 minutes long! I don't know about you but I don't know how one can make a longer movie like this but Jackson did it! The grand total of all three extended editions is at least an astronomical 11 hours long! This is just the movies themselves.
  
  As for all of the extras on the "Extended Editions", there are over a days worth of extras for surf through on the latter two discs of each film set. The things on them are too great to explain in detail with this review.
  
  Whether you buy them individually or all at once on this massive gift set, "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy goes down as the greatest trilogy of all time. You could not make a better purchase. I swear it!
  

• 3) Finally! A fantasy masterpiece for the cinema!

  by Mike London on December 23 2001
    620+ helpful votes

  A cinematic version of Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS ranks up with the hope that Lucas will indeed make another Star Wars Trilogy, and, I think I can safely say, this is one of the most anticipated films in the movie industry's long and checkered history. You would think it's movie paradise, considering Lucas has been in the midst of another Star Wars trilogy and LORD OF THE RINGS has finally got a cinema deal (live action!), but PHANTOM MENACE proved something of a disappointment (Mesa Jar Jar Binks!), and I think quite a few people will enter into the theatre with a certain amount of trepidation.

  There's a reason for that. Three animated Tolkien films have been released with very problematic results. The 1978 Bakshi release is just embarrassing; the film is both incoherent and confusing.

  Rankin & Bass's two movies are fine for little kids; those two films are Tolkien for Saturday Morning cartoons. They proved my introduction to Tolkien and for that I am thankful, but the movies still fail to capture the grandeur of Tolkien's imagination.

  There are two things to consider here about a work of literature. Although all good literature has a polarization effect on its readers, this work has a gigantic legion of followers which are extremely dedicated to Tolkien's vision (I count myself a member of this camp). The other camp cannot figure out what the big fuss is about and why they should care about the novel.

  Now, there's a reason why all this is relevant to the film: had Peter Jackson gone to far either way the film would have fallen apart. Appeal to much to the fan-base and you loose the general movie-goer. Appeal to much to the movie-goer, and you'll lose the fan-base.

  So when the fan base learned of Peter Jackson's decision to film all three films at once, an unprecedented move in movie history, most of us really wanted it to be good but were just simply afraid. We've already been burnt. Would it be so bad that it would alienate both fan base and those who are just looking for a good movie?

  Not only does Peter Jackson's film work, it's glorious, beautiful, has all the myth and grandeur of the book. Jackson, a Tolkien fanatic, could have gotten so involved with bringing out the extremely detailed world Tolkien gave us that the pacing would suffer or we'd lose patience with all these obscure details which would alienate the regular movie goer. Not only does he not alienate the general movie goer, but he entices the fan base so much they can't help but fall in love with his vision of Tolkien's world.

  The only real flaw is how rushed first section of the movie is. Although I can understand cutting the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil, the way they handled getting the hobbits out of the Shire was unacceptable. There is not that sense of camaraderie between the Hobbits that there is in the book, there is no "conspiracy," and Merry and Pippin just join without any questioning from Sam and Frodo. While Jackson does a good job at building the Hobbits' characters and establishing their personalities, I couldn't come up with a good reason why Frodo and Sam would just let Merry and Pippin join them.

  The Prancing Pony is worst. There is no questioning from the Hobbits about Aragorn proving himself, there is no scene about him asking them to trust him, and the whole sequence feels much too rushed. Sam only questions Aragorn while they're actually out of the inn and traveling.

  Thankfully, however, that is the only real flaw. The rest of the things the script changed (tightening Elrond's council, the expansion of Arwen, cutting Sam from the Galadriel mirror sequence, tempting Aragorn with the ring, etc) I can see why they did it for dramatic tension. I also liked the way they handled Elrond's council, because that could have ruined the movie like it did with Bakshi's. They had established and covered much of the material in that chapter elsewhere by means of voice-over prologue and actually showing the viewer what is happening (especially with the Isengard sequences), and as a result lessened the screentime of that scene and helping with the dramatics of it.

  As for the controversial expansion of Arwen, I tend to agree with the film makers in their decision to enlarge her role. By making her part of the Ford sequence it introduces the character and establishes her in the viewer's mind, and the relationship between Arwen and Aragorn is more fully explored. As for their romantic interlude in Rivendell, not only do I agree with that but think it should have been done in the book. Tolkien did not know who Strider was when he was first writing FELLOWSHIP, and did not go back and change the scenes to further explain the romance between Arwen and Aragorn, and by not including a scene in Rivendell to establish their love for one another lessens by far the impact of their union in Part III, and (for once) this romantic scene is actually an improvement on the book. As for her role in the Flight at the Ford, for the movie they made the right choice though the book is still preferable.

  In achieving the balance between fan base and the more causal fan, this film is a spectacular success. Making a movie out of a book the size of Fellowship, the fact is you will have to condense, tighten, rearrange, and make changes for dramatic tensions. The mediums are different, and you cannot have a direct translation from a book to a film. Despite of what they cut, the movie still clocks in at three hours, which is very generous. The real problem with this film, as others noted, is it's going to be a full two years before we finally get to watch THE RETURN OF THE KING.

  In the end, we get a movie that stays true to the SPIRIT of the book. This is what we Tolkien fans have long been waiting for. Thank you so much Peter Jackson and your cast and crew.

• 4) Deserves more than 5 stars

  by Daniel Geer on October 27 2004
    420+ helpful votes

  For all of you who think owning the theatrical editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is good enough, think again. These editions are not like any other director's cuts or special editions of films that we've seen in the past. Usually, when a film has a special edition, we don't get a whole lot more added in, and it's stuff that doesn't really add anything significant to the story.
  
  But with these editions, just the opposite is true. The extended editions of the first two Lord of the Rings films proved to enhance the plot and characters so much more than anyone ever anticipated. Characters and their journeys become so much clearer and more interesting. The story makes so much more sense. And the whole thing has been re-edited with new music for new scenes and extended musical scores for extended scenes! It's absolutely seamless! Everything that's added in really makes me wonder how I could've enjoyed the films in their original theatrical release. These extended editions make THAT MUCH of a difference. And I have no doubt that The Return of the King extended edition will prove just the same, based on previews I've seen and what's been proven with the extended editions of the first two films.
  
  The Fellowship of the Ring has 30 minutes added in. The Two Towers has 42 minutes added in. The Return of the King has 50 minues added in. Can it get any better? Well, of course! With each movie, you get two discs of bonus features! And these are not features that are boring to watch. You really get a first hand look at the journey that many, many talented people took when making this trilogy. Everything from adaption of the books, to special effects, to the music, to the editing process, to stories that happened on set, etc. The bonus features make a whole story in and of themselves!
  
  For some of you, you may be thinking that 3 hours was long enough for these films. I guarantee you that it was not. When you watch these extended editions, you'll seriously re-evaluate your standards for how long these films should be. And besides, it's not like your sitting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours on your butt in the theater with no break. This is DVD. It's a different medium that allows you to pause it, take a break, cook dinner, or do whatever else you want to do and then come back later to finish it. They won't seem as long, especially when you actually see how great the footage is that they added back in. Simply breath taking.
  
  Of course I didn't wait for this box set to come out to own "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers" extended editions. The theatrical versions of those two films alone WERE plenty good to motivate me to buy their corresponding extended edition DVD sets. But I'll probably buy this set anyway and sell the extended editions of the first two that I bought, just so that I can have the trilogy in this nice collectors box.
  
  

• 5) Finally, we get to partake of the Fellowship of the Ring

  by Lawrance M. Bernabo on December 20 2001
    230+ helpful votes

  Given the major competition that is out there for "The Lord of the Rings," I think it is helpful to point out those who have not read the Trilogy will fare much better watching "The Fellowship of the Ring" than those who are uninitiated watching "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." In fact, this may well be one of those movies where the novices will enjoy it more than those soaked in hobbit lore and the history of the Rings.

  Elijah Wood is a credible Frodo, although there are almost as many shots of him looking worried about what is happening as there are close ups of the ring (I might be able to recognize the skin patterns on Wood's hand in my sleep). Ian McKellen, as would be expected, makes the most of playing Gandalf the Grey, bringing a most human dimension to the role while avoiding chewing the scenery except for those moments when the wizard unleashes the full force of his power. Cate Blanchett is a rather cold Galadriel, missing the spark that should take our breath away just looking at her. But ultimately the performances are almost incidental to the rest of what is happening in this film.

  While much is to be said for the stunning set designs, of which the mines of Moria stand out even above the Elven havens of Rivendell and Lothlorien, equal measure must be given to the enchanted New Zealand landscapes. The visual spectacles hinted at in the trailers are revealed in all their glory throughout the entire film. The fight sequences hold up well against the current contemporary standard, albeit without any wire work. Surprisingly with all the swordplay involved it is Legolas with his bow and arrows that stands out during every single battle. The orcs are suitable horrendous (and numerous) and the balrog certainly exceeded my expectations. But what really makes this film work is that the hobbits seem hobbit size and after the first time you see Frodo and Gandalf together you never give it a second thought.

  In terms of the controversies that exist, I think omitting Tom Bombadil was a wise editing move (the film is almost three hours long as it stands and there are plenty of other characters in the tale who refuse to take up the ring and the burden from Frodo), and buffing up Arwen's role does not bother me a bit. Tolkien's world is clearly male dominated, the Lady Galadriel and Eowyn being relatively minor figures in the tale despite their respective powers, and I can appreciate the idea that Arwen should be more than the elf babe who shows up and marries the King at the end. Now she will be a worthy consort who offers the hero encouragement and support along his journey. I have more second thoughts about Merry and Pippin being more so the comic relief than Sam than I would either of those. Overall, the movie is extremely faithful to Tolkien's vision: the door to Moria is just as it appears in the book, down to the proportions. The maps, the elvish runes, the lettering on the letter, are all precisely and perfectly rendered. Even more importantly, the key lines are all preserved from "I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way" to "Fly, you fool!"

• 6) Saw it in L.A. Thursday night, wasn't too disappointed

  by Brent N Smith on December 09 2001
    120+ helpful votes

  I was lucky enough to see the media release on Dec 6, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

  I am a huge fan of Tolkien, and refused to see the animated LOTR all those years ago because I thought a cartoon could not do the film justice. So it was with mixed feelings that I went along to see the film of the book that I have to say changed my life when I read it at the age of 11.

  Was it good? Yes.
  Was it as good as the book? No.
  Would I see it again? Absolutely.

  Positive comments: The cinematography is excellent, the locations are excellent, the special effects are incredible (especially the fight scene on the bridge in Moria). It is obvious Peter Jackson is a big fan.

  Negative comments: There are a few corny Americanized comments from the characters; Gimli's last words in the film should be edited out! Obviously done to keep the interest of those (few) who have not read the book.

  Arwen is a little too heroic, but not as bad as I feared.

  The film is too short! I felt hurried as I watched the epic, there were whole sections from Lothlorien missed out, and the storyline has been changed in places to fit into a 2.45 hour format.

  My biggest regret: more of the original dialogue from the book should have been included. Too many times the characters spout sentences that were not written by Tolkien, and JRRT's wonderful descriptions of the woods and vales are sadly missing. Still, the director has made a magnificent attempt to bring the majesty and wonder of the book to the screen. It is impossible to fully include everything from the book, and I think he has done well.

  I would definately recommend the film; I took my wife who has not read any of Tolkien and is not a fantasy fan, and she enjoyed it. I myself got goosebumps watching the film as all the memories came flooding back.

  Brent

• 7) A classic in the making!

  by Anonymous on December 20 2001
    120+ helpful votes

  I figured this movie would be fun, well-done, and a great companion to the book. I hoped it would be able to stand alone; I hoped it wouldn't require the book to be enjoyable; I hoped above all that PJ would stay true to the feel of the books, and not succomb Hollywood (shades of Harry Potter). It blew me away. It was EASILY the best fantasy/sci fi movie I have ever seen. It was probably the best movie (that's such a hard thing for me to decide, though...whenever I say "My all-time favourite movie is..." I end up with three or four!).

  Let me just say first: Ian McKellen is God. (Viggo and Orlando are minor deities--despite being a long-time member of the Aragorn Fan Club, I have to say that Legolas is giving him a run for his money!) The reviewer who said, "Ian McKellen doesn't appear in this movie. Gandalf does" got it dead on. If he doesn't get an Oscar, I'll never watch the Oscars again.

  To me, there were two things that made this a great movie as opposed to a good one. First, I don't remember the last time I was so into a movie that I shrieked in fright. But I did at one particulary frightening point in this movie (and I wasn't the only one!). Second, and more important, there were SEVERAL times (and for extended periods) when I was completely, totally immersed in the MOVIE. I was not watching the book translated onto the screen; I was watching the MOVIE. I don't think I can give Peter Jackson and company much higher praise than that.

  Now, I don't think the movie was perfect. It took me a few minutes to get used to the hobbit-size thing, right at the beginning. I don't think it was badly done, though: I think it was just hard to get used to seeing miniature people! I wanted to smack Liv Tyler. She's a decent enough actress, but I thought she really paled in comparison with the other acting. Also, I have to admit, I said a year and a half ago that I was afraid I would see her riding in the movie, and only be able to think, "She's riding a barrel," and I was right. Now, I'm sure I've seen plenty of other movies where the character wasn't really riding, and liked 'em, but I just couldn't do it here.

  Most of the CGI was great, but there were a few exceptions. The thing about CGI is that it is SO EASY to point out when it's bad...but most good CGI you never notice because you don't KNOW it's CGI! How much of the lighting in that movie was CGI? How many of the mountains? How many miniscule details? We'll never know--and THAT'S the good part. Now, obviously, I knew that Moria was computer generated. But it certainly looked like they had carved it out of a cave in New Zealand somewhere. (The fire in Moria was the BEST CGI fire I've ever seen--in fact, I think that maybe they DID set a cave on fire! :D) I think I'm going to go to NZ and look for the Pillars of the Argonath, as I'm fairly sure that they really did carve those out of a mountain beside a river somewhere.

  Everything else...was AWESOME. I was dreading some of the compaction, but I thought it turned out fine. Peter Jackson captured one last thing in this movie that is too often lacking in today's movies: FEELING. I was happy, I was sad, I was angry, I was scared.

  The score was a bonus here. Shore captured the feelings of the moments PERFECTLY (he'd better get an Oscar, too). The music was old and new at the same time--amazing, and just what was needed. He didn't SHOVE emotion at the viewers/listeners, he merely echoed and enhanced it.

  The Black Riders...whoa. Talk about the stuff nightmares are made of. Their screams were GREAT. Their screams were AWFUL. I wanted to run out of the theatre and hide and never hear that again. They terrified me, even though I knew what was going to happen.

  Saruman's orcs running through the woods...I considered crawling under my chair (movies do not usually do that to me!--at least not for prolonged periods of time). I desperately wanted things to go completely differently than the book, just so the orcs would go away!

  THAT is what makes this a great movie. It's NOT the book, but it has the SPIRIT of the book and it ENGAGED me--even though I can recite the book from memory. It truly did exceed my expectations.

  Am I saying that the movie is better than the book? Of COURSE not. To me, though, it is absolutely, 100% AS GOOD AS the book. It is different, to be sure, but that does not make it a bad movie. It's written for fans and newcomers, and both can enjoy it and relish their 3 hour trip to Middle Earth.

  Bottom line: It's not perfect (what is?), but I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!

• 8) Here is a story that will break your heart

  by Anonymous on December 23 2001
    90+ helpful votes

  I would like to start with a quote by C.S. Lewis: "Here are beauties that will pierce like a sword or burn like cold iron. Here is a story that will break your heart."

  I saw this movie on opening day, and I have not been able to write about it until now because I was so shocked. This film picked me up in the first few minutes and carried me along with it. I experienced everything the characters went through; my whole system went on overload. Before I start nitpicking, however, I would like to state two facts.

  1. If you go expecting to see the movie be just like the book, you're going to hate it. A movie CANNOT be a book, and a book CANNOT be a movie. It is perfectly impossible, unless you can make an apple an orange and vice versa.

  2. This is only act 1 of a three act drama.

  Good. That said, we can continue.

  This is a wonderful movie, period. Since a film consists of three elements: background, characters, and effects, I shall cover all 3, including complaints I have seen.

  The first is background, and I'll put the script into this topic. New Zealnd is Middle Earth. I was simply awed by the closesness of the two. The Shire is beautiful; it has that lush, green, homey sense Tolkien has in his books. Rivendell was also neat. It demonstrated nicely the collision of two cultures, Elven and Man, for Elrond was both. It is mostly Elvish, for example everthing is outdoors. However, there are very human elements as well, like warm beds and rich indoor decorations. Moria is suitably grand, yet morbid. Lorien is beautiful with lots of trees, and I liked the way there were so many lamps lit everywhere at night. Isengard is cold and impersonal, and the mining is one of the best parts of the film.
  I don't see why everyone says this movie has a bad script. It is not Tolkien, but Tolkien's dialogue works much better to the page than the reel. However, statements are taken right from the book, like "shortcut to mushrooms," "...if by my life and death I can protect you, I will." "Fool of a Took," etc. Some of it is missing, true. I would have liked to hear the part about looking fair and feeling foul. But, all in all, it works.

  Next, and most importantly, are the characters. Don't forget that there are many, many characters in this story, and not all will be fleshed out in the first act. Frodo is done admirably well by Elijah Wood. The scene after the balrog brings tears to my eyes, as when he is trying to slip away from the fellowship. Sam is of the same caliber. He is not dog-like, yet the message is clear. He will do anything, even suffer through a journey worse than death for Frodo. Merry and Pippen are simply hilarious. I admired the script a lot for this, for in such a dark movie humor is almost impossible. However, it is done and done gracefully and successfully. Trust me, these two will steal your heart.
  Aragorn is a tough and silent ranger, and I know we'll see his character grow throughout the story. I was dissapointed with Legolas and Gimli's lack of time, but I think that Aragorn and Boromir needed center stage for obvious reasons. I would bet money that the Elf and Dwarf will be main characters in the next film. For all of you fans, Legolas does walk on snow! It is a sight to see.
  I have heard people say that Boromir was freaky. I disagree. For me, he was one of the most well-developed characters in the first film. He is a brave and courageous soldier who is tempted through his good intentions. We see his kindness when he teaches the little hobbits to fight, but we see his pride when he tries to seize the Ring from Frodo. In the end, in one of the best scenes, he redeems himself. He fights like a man possessed to save his friends (and his soul?), and in one of the most heart-rending scenes in the film, the fighting Uruk-Hai finally get the better of him. (It's not easy, trust me!)
  Gandalf, too, was amazing. Among the Hobbits he is a nice grandfatherly old man, but watch out! He will show his ferocity when faced with Saruman or a balrog. Saruman is also very neat, a very hateful villain who goes power-hungry.
  Some people say that Elrond is too mean, but I found him only stern and a little fierce. Elrond was these, for he was not in an easy position throughout the whole book. Galadriel was interesting, to say the least. I am not sure if I liked her interpretation all in all, but I think that the mirror scene where she morphs into that thing is a perfectly valid interpretation, for all of you who are complaining. It might not be yours, but the book does say that she grows terrible in the books. I rather liked that aspect, even though I am not quite sure if I agree it was that drastic. Arwen's role is small, so don't worry about any Xenarwen. She is onscreen for about 10 minutes total.
  The orcs are disgusting, the hobbits are beautifully simple, and the Black Riders are terrifying.

  Lastly, there are effects. I will be the first to tell you I am no computer guru, but, as the average Elf on the street, I can honestly say that I didn't think "oh, effects" when I saw them. Indeed, I didn't even notice! (Big relief after Star Wars E. I, I can assure you.) The cave troll was an ugly troll, and the balrog is awesome, even if it does not agree with your own personal interpreation. The size differences are seamless. Not once did I get jarred back to reality. Frodo really looked 3'6. Gollum, though we only see his face, outline, or hands, looks like a flesh and blood creep. If I didn't know through common sense that one cannot do a balrog any other way, I would not have known that CGI exists in this story. Also, I liked the zoomy cameras. Battles are hectic and confused things, and that technique helped to further the feeling that you are there. I suppose we could have seen the conventional overhead shots, but is that what, say, Aragorn saw as he was fighting for his life?

  Concerning Gandalf and Saruman's duel: I think it is a valid interpretation. We don't know all that happened, and I'm sure that the two wizards didn't simply talk over coffee. The scene doesn't last very long anyways. I found it a good way to show how powerful Saruman was. He overpowered Gandalf pretty quick. Keep in mind, that in The Two Towers, the tables will turn, and I think the contrast will help understanding.

  I know this film moved faster than the books. There is a reason for that, I think. The book was, with the exceptions of the Shire, Rivendell, and Lorien, a continuous battle or chase. The events in the film were tightened up to ooze that very feeling. My only complaint is Lorien is hardly a place of rest. Oh well. I know that parts did have to be sped up, even though more time there would have been nice.

  Yes, this movie has its faults. They are very small ones, thank goodness. However, I don't think I can single any out until I see at least "The Two Towers," because until then I cannot say for sure what was lacking. One cannot honestly critique Les Miserables, for example, after only the first act. The story has just begun!

  My only big complaint is that I have to wait a whole year to see the next film.

• 9) The One Trilogy for you!!!

  by Radagast on October 03 2004
    90+ helpful votes

  Let me start out by saying Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Howard Shore, and the cast and crew have done real wizard magic by bringing the Lord of the Rings to the movie theaters. The Motion Picture Trilogy Theatrical Editions are must-have! None can understand the true splendor and extra work put into the Extended Editions of the trilogy without having the Theatrical Editions in their collection.
  
  The 12-disc set contains all three Extended Editions of the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Contents include:
  
  
  The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended DVD Edition Content Overview:
  
  DISC 1-2: The Feature
  
  FEATURE (approx. 208 minutes) - Unique version of the epic adventure with over 30 minutes of never-before-seen footage incorporated into the film and new music scored by Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore:
  
  Widescreen (2.35:1) version of the Special Extended Edition
  Dolby Digital EX 5.1 Surround Sound
  DTS ES 6.1 Surround Sound
  Stereo Surround Sound
  Four audio commentaries by director and writers, the design team, the production team, and the cast featuring more than 30 participants including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Academy Award winners Richard Taylor, Andrew Lesnie, Howard Shore, Jim Rygiel, Randy Cook, and many more
  
  DISC 3-4: The Appendices
  
  Two discs with hours of original content including multiple documentaries and design/photo galleries with thousands of images to give viewers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:
  
  DISC 3 - "From Book to Vision"
  
  Adapting the book into a screenplay & planning the film
  Designing and building Middle-earth
  Storyboards to pre-visualization
  Weta Workshop visit - An up-close look at the weapons, armor, creatures and miniatures from the film
  Atlas of Middle-earth: Tracing the journey of the Fellowship
  An interactive map of New Zealand highlighting the location scouting process
  Galleries of art and slideshows with commentaries by the artists
  Guided tour of the wardrobe department
  Footage from early meetings, moving storyboards and pre-visualization reels
  And much more!
  
  DISC 4 - "From Vision to Reality"
  
  Bringing the characters to life
  A day in the life of a hobbit
  Principal photography: Stories from the set
  Scale: Creating the illusion of size
  Galleries of behind-the-scenes photographs and personal cast photos
  Editorial and visual effects multi-angle progressions
  Sound design demonstration
  And much more!
  
  
  The Two Towers Special Extended DVD Edition Content Overview:
  
  DISCS 1-2: The Feature
  
  Feature (approx. 223 minutes)- Over 40 minutes of new and extended scenes
  were added by Peter Jackson, including 200 new digital effects and new score by
  Howard Shore:
  
  Anamorphic widescreen 16x9 (2.35:1) version of the film
  Dolby Digital EX Surround Sound
  DTS ES 6.1
  Stereo Surround
  
  Four audio commentaries:
  
  Audio Commentary 1: The Director and Writers
  Peter Jackson (Director/Co-Writer/Producer)
  Fran Walsh (Writer/Co-Producer)
  Philippa Boyens (Co-Write)
  
  Audio Commentary 2: The Design Team
  
  Richard Taylor (WETA Workshop Creative Supervisor)
  Tania Rodger (WETA Workshop Manager)
  Grant Major (Production Designer)
  Ngila Dickson (Costume Designer)
  Alan Lee (Conceptual Designer)
  John Howe (Conceptual Designer)
  Dan Hennah (Supervising Art Director/Set Decorator)
  Chris Hennah (Art Department Manager)
  
  Audio Commentary 3: The Production/Post-Production Team
  
  Barrie Osborne (Producer)
  Mark Ordesky (Executive Producer)
  Andrew Lesnie (Director of Photography)
  Mike Horton and Jabez Olssen (Editors)
  Rick Porras (Co-Producer)
  Howard Shore (Composer)
  Jim Rygiel (Visual Effects Supervisor)
  Joe Letteri (WETA Digital Effects Supervisor)
  Ethan Van der Ryn (Supervising Sound Editor/Co-Designer)
  Mike Hopkins (Supervising Sound Editor)
  Randy Cook (WETA Animation Designer & Supervisor)
  Christian Rivers (WETA VFX Art Director)
  Brian Van't Hull (WETA VFX Cinematographer)
  Alex Funke (Miniatures Director of Photography)
  
  Audio Commentary 4: The Cast
  
  Elijah Wood (Frodo)
  Liv Tyler (Arwen)
  Sean Astin (Sam)
  John Rhys-Davies (Gimli)
  Billy Boyd (Pippin)
  Dominic Monaghan (Merry)
  Orlando Bloom (Legolas)
  Christopher Lee (Saruman)
  Sean Bean (Boromir)
  Bernard Hill (Theoden)
  Miranda Otto (Eowyn)
  David Wenham (Faramir)
  Brad Dourif (Grima)
  Karl Urban (Eomer)
  John Noble (Denethor)
  
  DISCS 3-4 : The Appendices
  
  Two discs of all-new bonus content, including multiple documentaries, galleries
  and interactive maps. Documentaries that were started with The Lord of the Rings:
  The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended DVD Edition are continued here,
  delving deep into the stories and experiences unique to The Two Towers.
  
  DISCS 3 - The Appendices Part III: "The Journey Continues..."
  
  J.R.R. Tolkien - Origins of Middle-earth (Video Documentary)
  
  From Book to Script - Finding the Story (Video Documentary)
  
  Designing and Building Middle-earth
  
  Designing Middle-earth (Viedo Documentary)
  Weta Workshop (Video Documentary)
  
  Design Galleries
  
  The Peoples of Middle-earth
  The Realms of Middle-earth
  
  Gollum
  
  The Taming of Smeagol (Video Documentary)
  Andy Serkis Animation Reference (Video Documentary)
  Gollum "Stand-in" (Video Documentary)
  Design Gallery
  
  Middle-earth Atlas (Tracing the journeys of the Fellowship) (Interactive map)
  
  New Zealand as Middle-earth (Interactive map)
  
  DISC 4 - The Appendices Part IV: "The battle for Middle-earth begin..."
  
  Filming "The Two Towers"
  
  Warriors of Middle-earth (Video Documentary)
  Cameras in Middle-earth (Video Documentary)
  Production Photos
  
  Visual Effects
  
  Miniatures
  "Big-atures" (Video Documentary)
  Galleries
  The Flooding of Isengard Animatic
  Weta Digital (Video Documentary)
  Abandoned Concepts
  
  Editorial: Refining the Story (Video Documentary)
  
  Music and Sound
  
  Music for Middle-earth (Video Documentary)
  The Soundscapes of Middle-earth (Video Documentary)
  Sound Demonstration: "Helm's Deep"
  
  "The Battle for Helm's Deep is over ..." (Video Documentary)
  
  
  The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition Content Overiew:
  
  DISCS 1-2: The Feature
  
  FEATURE (approx. 250 minutes) - A new version of the final installment in the epic trilogy! The Academy-Award?winning film now has 50 minutes of never-before-seen footage incorporated into the film for this highly-anticipated video release: Widescreen (2.35:1) version of the Special Extended Edition
  Dolby Digital EX 5.1 Surround Sound
  DTS ES 6.1 Surround Sound
  Stereo Surround Sound
  English subtitles and closed captions
  Spanish subtitles
  
  Four audio commentaries by the director and writers, the design team, the production team and the cast featuring more than 30 participants including Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom and Academy Award?winners Richard Taylor, Howard Shore, and many more.
  
  Cast commentary also features dialogue between split-personality characters Gollum and Smeagol (Andy Serkis)!
  
  DISCS 3-4: The Appendices
  
  Two discs with hours of original content including multiple documentaries and design/photo galleries with thousands of images to give viewers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King::
  
  THE APPENDICES PART V: "The War of the Ring"
  
  Disc intro by director Peter Jackson
  "J.R.R. Tolkien: The Legacy of Middle-earth" documentary
  
  From Book to Script: "From Book to Script: Forging the Final Chapter" documentary
  Abandoned Concept: Aragorn Battles Sauron
  
  
  Designing and Building Middle-earth "Designing Middle-earth" documentary
  "Big-atures" documentary
  "Weta Workshop" documentary
  "Costume Design" documentary
  
  
  Design Galleries - 2,123 images The Peoples of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
  The Realms of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
  Miniatures (galleries with docent audio)
  
  "Home of the Horse Lords" documentary
  
  "Middle-earth Atlas: Tracing the Journeys of the Fellowship" interactive map
  "New Zealand as Middle-earth" interactive map w/on-location footage
  
  THE APPENDICES PART VI: "The Passing of an Age"
  
  Disc intro by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan
  
  Filming The Return of the King "Cameras in Middle-earth" documentary
  Production Photos (gallery) - 69 images
  
  
  Visual Effects "Weta Digital" documentary
  "The Mumakil Battle" demonstration / multi-angle interactive feature
  
  
  Post Production: Journey's End "Editorial: Completing the Trilogy" documentary
  "Music for Middle-earth" documentary
  "The Soundscapes of Middle-earth" documentary
  "The End of All Things" documentary
  
  "The Passing of an Age" documentary
  
  Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for "Into the West" "Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for 'Into the West'" documentary
  "DFK6498" short film
  "Strike Zone" short film

• 10) Don't listen to those who gave it 4.5 Stars.

  by Anonymous on December 15 2001
    80+ helpful votes

  I saw this movie at a press screening, and I must say, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen in my entire life. Those who give it any less than 5 stars are just petty and picky. They try too hard to compare a movie, one that was interpreted through the eyes of another, to their own imagination. They need to let that go, and just enjoy the movie as just another way to tell the same story.

  The movie is absolutely SPECTACULAR! I have never seen such ambition and flawless story telling and directing. The acting and casting is perfect by any standard, and the battles are truly something to behold. The costumes and props are unparalleled, and the secenery is enough of a reason to book a ticket to New Zealand (where it was filmed). (...)

• 11) Go for it.

  by Dr. on October 12 2003
    60+ helpful votes

  I'll make this short by assuming you have seen the theatrical release and are a fan.
  Pros:
  Bottom line is the extended edition (consisting of disk 1 & 2) is well worth the purchase alone. After seeing it, you get a lot more out of the movie (character development, storyline, etc.) These extended scenes were obviously cut out due to the movie running too long. They have done a good job adding them back in with the exception of only a couple of transitional glitches.

  The VERY in-depth appendices (disk 3, & 4) provide you with everything from writing the screenplay to design and special effects by Weta.

  Cons:
  The packaging is done well, with a book style looking DVD case, holding all four discs. However, getting the discs out of the case is another story. If you have rented a fair amount of DVD's then you know what I'm talking about. You feel as though you're going to break the discs when trying to get them out; I guess not all cases are created equal.

  Verdict:
  Go for it.

• 12) BEST DVD OF 2004

  by Robin Simmons on December 20 2004
    60+ helpful votes

  THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING Special Extended Edition is my pick for the best DVD of the year. This is the ultimate conclusion to a tour de force filmmaking achievement of astonishing skill, vision and execution.
  
  New Line's $300 million gamble to bet the ranch on Peter Jackson's deliriously ambitious dream of transferring J. R. R. Tolkien's epic moral fable to the screen succeeded beyond anyone's imagination, including, no doubt, Jackson's. Hugely rewarded with awards (11 Oscars©) and box office, the last chapter of the trilogy is now available (as are the other two) in a four disc set.
  
  "Return of the King" has been seamlessly expanded by more than 50 minutes of never-before-seen scenes and sequences. Saruman (Christopher Lee) returns and is confronted by Gandalf (Sir Ian Mckellan) at the ruins of Isengard. Finally we see Saruman get the fate he so richly deserves. And the awesome, fearful figure known as the Mouth of Sauron is revealed. Faramir and Eowyn's romance heats up. Also, there's a pirate cameo by Peter Jackson getting killed by a misguided arrow from Legolas. The running time is now four hours and 10 minutes. The additional scenes include more than 300 special effects shots and new music composed by Howard Shore.
  
  The four extraordinary commentaries on the first two discs include 40 individuals: director, writers, design team, production and cast. When speaking, individuals are identified by subtitles. Bonus materials on discs three and four are all new. Multiple documentaries, galleries and maps are all richly detailed and highly watchable. The material is extensive and edited with artistry and care. Script, sets, miniatures (and "bigatures"), locations and costumes are covered. There's also a design gallery with well over 2,000 images. I especially appreciated the emotional featurette "Home of the Horse Lords" that dealt with the unique horse training techniques and what happened to some of the horses that had bonded with their rider-actors.
  
  When I was younger, I tried reading Tolkien's masterpiece but couldn't get into it. Now, thanks to Jackson's cinematic gift, I finally understand the power of myth to inform us of fundamental truths.
  
  Is it merely a chilling coincidence that the horror of the 9/11 destruction of the WTC was followed by the partial catharsis wrought by the film version of "The Two Towers"?
  
  How prescient the poet Tolkien was to dare suggest a higher, nobler destiny awaits a humanity that resists the seductive lure of power by any means.

• 13) WAIT for later DVD releases of Fellowship!

  by RLS Legacy on June 04 2002
    50+ helpful votes

  I loved the movie and can't wait for the DVD - but encourage all like minded fans to wait before buying this version. Why? New Line's marketing is rumored to be releasing three versions of the Fellowship of the Ring - this version, a four disc R rated version with a half hour of additional footage (to be released November 12, 2002), and a full-blown gift set that combines the 11/2002 version with an expanded version of the National Geographic "Making of" documentary. My advice - RENT this version until the full DVD version is released and can figure out if the additional footage is for you, then buy the version you prefer.

• 14) An Oscar Injustice

  by D. Mikels on June 29 2002
    50+ helpful votes

  Having just seen "A Beautiful Mind," I am in--for lack of a better word--shock that this production (which will be nothing more than a footnote in cinematic history) beat LOTR for Best Picture. Peter Jackson's bold and vivid account of Tolkien's epic classic has singlehandedly resurrected the fantasy genre--an accomplishment more than worthy of Oscar's highest honor.

  For those who are unfamiliar with Tolkien's tale of Middle-earth (there still may be a handful of you out there), please note that I will refrain from discussing the details of LOTR in this review; there are literally hundreds of reviews on this site that summarize the plot of this superb film in minute detail. My only advice to the unintiated: buy the VHS (or DVD). Then sit back--with an open mind--and allow Tolkien's formidable, yet simple story (good vs. evil) sweep you away during a three-hour breathtaking cinematic experience.

  The film breathes life into Tolkien's beautiful but dangerous Middle-earth. Yes, some of the Tolkien "purists" may be disappointed that the movie made some "artistic" adjustments (no Tom Bombadil or Glorfindel, for example), but overall the film stays true to the majestic components of the story. And please don't be intimidated by the film's length: as Tolkien himself lamented in his "Forward to the Second Edition," the book (all 1,000 pages) is "too short." And for the "Fellowship of the Ring," the first installment of the LOTR trilogy, the movie itself--in its valiant effort to capture the scope and feel of Tolkien's masterpiece--is far, far "too short."

  Get this movie. Enjoy the year's TRUE Best Picture.

• 15) Incredible.

  by tvtv3 on November 11 2002
    50+ helpful votes

  There are DVDs. There are special edition DVDs. There are special edition DVDs loaded with extras. Now, there is THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING SPECIAL EXTENDED DVD EDITION. I don't think there has been anything like this in home viewing ever. It has been suggested that this Special Edition set is the closest thing one can actually get to having been a part of the movie and I would have to agree.

  It will take a person about two weeks of 4 hours of viewing each day to get through all the features in this set.

  First of all is the film. The movie has been extended by over 30 minutes of extra footage not seen in the theatrical release. Though some of the scenes would have perhaps dragged the film down some in the theatres, they are a great addition here, tying up a few loose ends and making the novel come to life even more.

  The movie itself takes up 2 discs. There are four different commentaries to go along with the film. I found the one with Peter Jackson to be my favorite.

  The third disc is called "From Book to Vision". It includes six different documentaries ranging from one on Tolkien to one on Weta Workshop. There are also maps, galleries, and slides consisting of over 2,000 images. Besides that there are also a bunch of storyboards which give even greater insight into the development of the film.

  The fourth disc has several more documentaries (around seven, if I'm not mistaken), several galleries, and behind-the-scenes photographs.

  This special edition DVD set also includes a free ticket for THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS that is accepted at just about any chain movie theatre.

  There is so much in this set, that I can't discuss it all. I mean, it took me two weeks to just view most of it. Wow. If you are a LORD OF THE RINGS fan, this is a must have, far better than the original DVD release and something to hold onto for life.

• 16) Excellent Addition to your DVD Library!

  by Treyka on November 18 2002
    40+ helpful votes

  If you saw and loved the theater version, you won't want to miss this extended edition. I won't go into detail about the theater version; instead I'll assume you've seen it and write about the new scenes.

  I was very excited to learn that these new scenes weren't going to be a "special section" of the DVD. Instead the extra scenes were added into the movie, edited and polished to blend perfectly. There were some scenes which were altogether new; at other times a familiar scene would include added dimension.

  Every added minute (I believe there were about 30 altogether) was thrilling and illuminating! For example, I enjoyed learning more about Hobbits and life in The Shire! This extended opening to the movie gave a broader foundation to those of us who knew nothing about Hobbits before seeing this movie.

  Though there was some great battle footage added, a great deal of the added footage included conversations amongst the characters. These conversations gave the characters--cherished and beloved as they already were--a greater depth and warmth. It caused the obvious brotherly link of the Fellowship to make greater sense. One example is an added conversation between Boromir and Aragorn while they are well into their journey to Mordor. I'd already felt sorry for Boromir and his well-intentioned weakness for the ring, yet my husband couldn't understand why I felt endeared to him. But after hearing the conversation between the two men, my husband was more able to understand my pity for Boromir.

  Another example is the last fight scene in the movie. In the theater version, Peregrine and Merry seemed to have run off and hid throughout the battle, until they saw Boromir shot. But in the extended version, we see the courage and heart of these two Hobbits as they fight these huge, intimidating creatures with everything in them and using every resource available--even stone-throwing! I was so proud of them that I clapped my hands as I watched!

  As I write, I'm the process of watching the second of the two "making of" DVDs. The first contains the process from book to movie concept. It includes a short but interesting biography of the writer, J.R.R. Tolkein (though it doesn't mention his Christian roots). The DVD also contains much of the process of making the book into a movie--the creation of the sets (using real locations, miniatures, and computer graphics, etc)., the creation of the creatures, and the costumes. The first DVD itself is long and gets a little dry after a while, but it's well-divided so that you can watch it a piece at a time or skip the less interesting parts.

  I haven't finished watching the second DVD, but it's already a lot of fun! So far it's mainly made up of character interviews where the actors talk about what it was like to work with one another. I've also enjoyed seeing the make-up process.

  All that to say this: I highly recommend this set! If you're a fan of the first installment of this movie series, you won't be disappointed!

• 17) An epic for our times

  by E. A Solinas on October 06 2004
    40+ helpful votes

  J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was considered unfilmable for a very long time -- the story was too big, too fantastical. But in the late 1990s, New Zealand director Peter Jackson got the green light to shoot the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy, a frightening undertaking. But Jackson was up to the challenge. The rest... is film history.
  
  "The Fellowship of the Ring" introduces us to the hobbits. Eccentric old Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) leaves the peaceful Shire at his 111st birthday, leaving all he has to his young nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood) -- including a golden Ring that makes the wearer invisible. But the grey wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) reveals that it's actually the One Ring, which is the source of power for the demonic Dark Lord Sauron. Horrified, Frodo and his best pals leave the Shire and join a band of elves, men, and dwarves to take the Ring to the only place where it can be destroyed.
  
  "The Two Towers" picks up immediately after "Fellowship" ends. Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin) are lost on the path to Mordor. Worse, they're being stalked by Gollum (Andy Serkis), who owned the Ring for centuries and is enslaved to it. But because he knows safe ways into Mordor, Frodo lets Gollum come along. Elsewhere, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) make a desperate stand against the orc armies with the kingdom of Rohan....
  
  "Return of the King" brings the trilogy to a head. Frodo and Sam's friendship is threatened by Gollum's trickery -- and Frodo is led into a deadly trap. Elsewhere, Gandalf rides with Pippin (Billy Boyd) to Gondor, the kingdom that Aragorn is heir to. Aragorn summons an army of ghosts and attacks the heart of Mordor -- as Frodo and Sam arrive at the volcanic Mount Doom, where the Ring was forged. But can Frodo bring himself to destroy the Ring?
  
  A lot of people were nervous when first hearing that "Lord of the Rings" was being translated onto the big screen. There were just too many things -- goofy scripting, bad special effects, mutilated characters -- that could go wrong. Those fears turned out to be pretty much unfounded. Some characters are different from what they are in the book (Faramir and Arwen, for example, are altered and added to), and a handful are gone altogether. But most of it is just stunning.
  
  Jackson and Co. outdid themselves with nearly every aspect of the films. The scripting is impeccable, a good balance of dark and light, humor and horror. The sets and New Zealand landscapes are breathtaking. The battle scenes are bloody and exciting. All the trappings -- clothes, jewelry, even beer mugs -- are realistic. And the special effects are almost entirely convincing-looking, especially the gruesome Gollum. He's the first fully convincing CGI character, and after awhile you'll forget he is made digitally.
  
  Elijah Wood is outstanding as Frodo Baggins. He runs the emotional gamut: fear, pain, horror, happiness, resignation, rage, love, lust and emptiness. Sean Astin is equally good as the steadfast Sam, Frodo's best friend. Supporting hobbits Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd get to grow up into mature hobbits, and Ian McKellen is excellent as the grandfatherly wizard Gandalf. Viggo Mortensen, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Liv Tyler, John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean are only part of the amazing supporting cast, all of whom give excellent performances.
  
  The extended versions of the movies are even better than the theatrical versions -- plenty of cut scenes that fill out the characters and plotline are put back in. As a result, the extended versions cleave more closely to the original books. Not to mention TV specials, featurettes, cast commentary on everything in the movies, Sean Astin's sweet little short film "The Long and Short of It," and extensive behind-the-scenes footage that will inform viewers about special effects, sets, direction, and everyday life filming "Lord of the Riings."
  
  The movie adaptation of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has been accepted by most fans and critics alike. Why? Because the trilogy is among the best movies ever put to film. A stunning achievement.

• 18) NEVER WATCH THE ORIGINAL AGAIN!

  by Anonymous on November 15 2002
    40+ helpful votes

  I just finished watching the extended version and it was like watching a whole new film! In every way, this version is superior. The thirty extra minutes are not wasted. The characters are fleshed out, the battles seem more desparate and the agony of the journey both to Rivendale and beyond is made plain. I urge anyone who hasn't already purchased the theater version to skip it and get the extended one instead. Anyone who already has the theater version.....well this one is definately worth forking out the extra dough to get.

• 19) AWESOME! This is the icing on the cake!!!

  by Marcy Gomez on June 08 2002
    40+ helpful votes

  AWESOME is the one word I can think of to describe this instant classic.

  But I am not here to extol the wonders of "The Fellowship of the Ring" as much as to clarify the confusion some reviewers might have out there. What I want to clarify is this: Yes, New Line Cinema is releasing 3 versions of FOTR.

  The first is the theatrical cut (meaning: the exact same movie that you saw in theaters) on August 6. This is a 2-disc set that includes the specials "Welcome to Middle Earth" (by Houghton-Mifflin), "Passage to Middle Earth" (Sci-Fi channel behind-the-scenes special, and "The Quest for the Ring" (Fox special)....

  Then you have the 4-disc Special Extended Edition (*which is what this DVD is*) which includes an additional 30 minutes of footage incorporated into the film. The add'l scenes include more Aragorn back story, more "character moments," and a slightly different introduction to hobbits as narrated by Bilbo Baggins. Discs 1 & 2 are the film and commentaries of more than 30 participants including Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Howard Shore and much more. Discs 3 and 4 contain over 6 hours of in-depth behind-the-scenes footage. Disc 3 is "From Book to Vision" which explores the screenplay, design, special effects, costumes, armory, locations, storyboards, etc. Disc 4 is "From Vision to Reality" with features such as "Bringing Characters to Life," "A Day in the Life of a Hobbit," "Principal Photography: Stories from the Set," as well as picture galleries and much more!

  The 3rd version is the Collectors Gift Set (also released on November 12th) which includes the Special Extended Edition DVD, 2 collectible Argonath bookends and The National Geographic special DVD - "Beyond the Movie."

  So the question is: how big of a fan are you? Casual fans may just want the theatrical version DVD. More avid fans (who could never get enough of The Lord of the Rings) will want the theatrical version DVD (to be released on 8/6) and the SEE. Avid fans and collectors will most likely want the theatrical version and the Collectors Gift Set. The wonderful thing is having choices. The beauty about these releases is that they DO NOT OVERLAP. Meaning: what you get in the theatrical version DVD does not show up again in the SEE DVD. They are completely stand-alone. All I can say is, thanks to New Line and Peter Jackson for such a wonderful (early) Christmas present!!!!

• 20) Literary genious turned cinema masterpiece

  by bixodoido on August 01 2002
    40+ helpful votes

  This is one of the few movies I've seen that does justice to the book it represents. True, it doesn't follow the story exactly, but Peter Jackson did about as good a job as you can expect anyone to do in three hours. This movie is incredible. There simply is nothing to complain about. The acting is superb, with several cast members giving the performance of a lifetime. The special effects are breathtaking, and the stunts and fight scenes very memorable.
  This film captivates you from the very start, when it tells the story of the rings, and holds you until the last moment, where we are left to wonder about the fate of the scattered fellowship (well, those who never read the books, at least). I knew this film was a masterpiece when my wife, who hates the fantasy genre, insisted on seeing it 3 times in theaters.
  There is nothing but pure perfection in this film, and doubtless it will become as classic and legendary as the book that inspired it.

• 21) The most moving film in my generation

  by Gregster on December 14 2004
    40+ helpful votes

  My generation (the under 30 group) has been needing a trilogy that could hold its own among names such as Star Wars and The Godfather. This trilogy is it. I have never been so moved by shows of friendship, hope, and faith as I have been by this film. The action is fabulous, the plot and characters so true to the story, and the humor so funny that I can think of no other film I would watch for 12 hours straight. The extended versions are wonderful and include the changing height of Merry and Pippin thanks to Treebeard, more competition between Legolas and Gimli, and more moments to remember.
  I can watch the whole trilogy, wipe the tears from my eyes, and be proud of this great film of my time.

• 22) Alternative Way to Obtain the Box

  by Rob C on December 15 2004
    40+ helpful votes

  I've noticed a lot of people are waiting and buying the Trilogy set because they want the box, but there's another way to get the box, the same box that comes with the Trilogy set. For people who bought the first two LOTR:SE and have just picked up the last SE, LOTR:ROTK, you'll find a mini fold out mail in rebate booklet that comes with it. Printed on the front cover of this booklet, you'll find an URL that offers the Trilogy box free, yes free, plus $3 for shipping and handling. For people who couldn't wait for the Trilogy set to come out, and knowing there's absolutely nothing different between buying the three LOTR:SE separately and buying Trilogy set, aside from the box, this information is nothing short of absolute joy.

• 23) Simply the best ever.

  by Anonymous on January 09 2003
    30+ helpful votes

  I say this with all sincerity: this is the best DVD ever made.
  Watching this extended edition of the film is like going from TV to full theatrical wide-screen-- there's just more there, sometimes just a detail, other times a whole plot-point.

  But given the mastery displayed in the theatrical release, it could only be expected that an extended edition would make a good thing better.

  The real victory here is in the documentaries and additional material. These are the best documentary pieces I've seen on a DVD. Best of all, the documentaries aren't 'dumbed-down'-- these are some (some? they go on forever!) smart, well-articulated interviews with the makers of the film. And they make this box-set soar!

• 24) "One ring to rule them all."

  by M. Hart on November 09 2004
    30+ helpful votes

  Beginning in 2001 and the two subsequent years that followed, a trilogy of amazing films were presented to audiences based upon J.R.R. Tolkien's (1892-1973) literary masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings". When the first film, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", was released in theaters, it was 178 minutes long (just under 3 hours). Then, in the fall of 2002, a special extended version of the film was released on DVD that included an additional 30 minutes. This extra 30 minutes of scenes was not simply tacked onto the DVD to be viewed in a separate "deleted scenes" menu. Instead, director Peter Jackson reincorporated all 30 minutes of various scenes back into the original film with additional music composed and recorded specifically to make their reintegration seamless. The result was an even more impressive 208-minute film that increased the depth of the story, primarily with the elves.
  
  Similarly, when the second film, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers", was released in theaters in late 2002, it was 179 minutes long. As with the first film, Peter Jackson reintegrated 44 minutes of scenes for the second film that were not part of the original theatrical release for the special extended version that was released on DVD in the fall of 2003. The result was a far more interconnected and detailed film that included scenes with the father of Boromir (Sean Bean) and Faramir (David Wenham), Denethor (John Noble). Those who did not watch the special extended version of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" did not see Denethor until the third film was released in theaters in late 2003, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", which was 201 minutes long. (This was nearly as long as the special extended version of the first film.) Finally, after months of anticipation, the special extended version of the third film that has an additional 50 minutes of footage will be released next month. Though I cannot yet comment on the additional footage that I haven't yet seen, I fully expect it to be an even more exciting experience than watching the theatrical release.
  
  Between the three theatrically released films, which total 558 minutes (9 hours & 18 minutes), the total amount of additional film for all three special extended versions comes to 124 minutes (2 hours & 4 minutes). This means that all three special extended versions total 682 minutes, or 11 hours & 22 minutes. Between the theatrical & special extended versions, my preference is for the special extended versions. Overall, my rating for all three special extended films is a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. For people who have already purchased one or both of the previously released individual special extended versions, purchase of "The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Special Extended DVD Edition)" probably won't be worth the expense. However, if you haven't previously purchased either of the previously released individual special extended versions, then this combined special extended version DVD collection is well worth the price. It would also make a fantastic gift for anyone that wants to watch all three special extended versions and doesn't yet have any of them on DVD. I extend my personal thanks to Peter Jackson, the fine actors and film crew who brought J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy to life. These three films will no doubt entertain audiences for many decades to come.

• 25) The Easter Eggs on this DVD

  by Anonymous on August 17 2003
    30+ helpful votes

  First of all, GREATEST DVD EVER!!!! That being said, I wanted to share what I had found out. I had heard that there were two hidden "Easter Eggs" on this DVD--and it took me ages to find them! I just hope that this review will help save time for people. Easter Egg #1: The MTV Parody on The Council of Elrond. On Disc One, you go to Scene Selection. Right after the real Council of Elrond (Chapter 27), you press down on your DVD remote--you should see a Ring. Select it and be ready to laugh :-) Easter Egg #2: The Two Towers Trailer. Okay, I know its coming out on DVD in like a week, but I still like watching trailers. Anyway, on Disc Two, go to Scene Seletion. To the very right of the screen, there is the separated chapters (you know like 43-47). Anyway, go to Chapter 48 (The Fan Club). Instead of selecting it, press down, and you should see The Two Towers. Select that. I hope this helped some people:-) Enjoy!!!!!

• 26) Wait till November

  by Anonymous on June 15 2002
    30+ helpful votes

  I am sure this DVD set will be great. However, if you can wait until thanksgiving you will be much happier. Lord of the Rings: Extended Edition and DVD Collector's Gift Set are scheduled for release the second week of November. This will be a 4-disc set with lots and lots of extra features. Most important you will get a 208-minute extended cut version of the movie in both Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES audio. In addition you will get so much other stuff you will be the most knowledgeable guy on the filming of the Fellowship of the Rings when the second film hits theaters in December. So wait if you can or you will end up with two DVD sets of the same movie.

• 27) WHAT THE FILM SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALL ALONG

  by Anonymous on October 10 2003
    30+ helpful votes

  At first I thought that an extended version of The Fellowship of the Ring was just another money making ploy on the part of the film's producers, directors and marketers. I am very glad to admit that I couldn't have been more wrong.

  This is one extended version that delivers completely. Other supposed extended versions of other films tout extra footage while delivering a short segment in the "Special Features" section that is nothing more than outtakes. The Fellowship of the Ring extended version offers a complete cut of the film with the extra footage included in the course of the film. Spectacular!

  This is what the film should have been all along, filling in some important story gaps that were so glaring in the theater release. Story flow matches the book more and really adds to the personalities of the key characters. Too bad Hollywood has to lower its standards to accommodate the weakest links in the movie going chain. Oh well, such is the contest for optimum attendance at theaters and dollars at the box office.

  The 4-DVD set is also packed with must-see extras that will complete your trip to middle earth as never before. If you have already purchased the regular release of this film you won't be losing out by correcting your mistake and buying this one as well. Besides you can always give the shorter version to one of your second cousins, twice removed.

  A must have for all Lord of the Rings aficionados.

  Douglas McAllister

• 28) Awesome Movie Marathon (slip cover news too)

  by P. Marshall on December 14 2004
    30+ helpful votes

  I've been a long time Tolkien fan and was one of many somewhat disappointed by the theatrical release of ROTK. I thought the entire first 85% of the movie was fantastic, but I just wish that PJ had used some of the time he allotted to the too-long ending to what we now know are some great cut scenes. But now all is well as the scenes are added back into this EE, which is the only version I'll probably ever watch again.
  
  For those of you who were complaining that you bought the first two EE versions and now you can't get the slip cover that holds all 3 EE boxes, New Line must have heard the complaints and has stepped up (kudos to New Line). They have a direct offer on their web site (http://www.lotrdvdbox.com) to get the slip cover for $3 TOTAL (that includes S&H). Maybe Amazon will step up and offer this also (and I hope they don't delete this post as it's a service to their customers like me who've bought the previous two EEs). It says allow 8-10 weeks but I think it's a nice gesture to offer the slip cover for what must be close to cost (when you consider S&H is included). I think it's legit, but I'm not sure since it's not on the main New Line site.

• 29) Lord of Filmmakers

  by J. Wallin on January 09 2003
    20+ helpful votes

  Peter Jackson has again shown his genius. As if the theatrical version of the Fellowship of the Rings wasn't brilliant enough, Mr. Jackson has outdone himself with the extended version of one of the best films of all time. The additional 30 minutes of the film were seamlessly inserted into the original and they add greatly to the overall effect of the film.

  The additional scenes in Hobbiton and the sequence where the gifts of Galadriel are revealed were particularly beautifully done. Of course, I am a fan of Cate Blanchett, so I would like to see as much of Galadriel as possible in the three films.
  
  I purchased both the theatrical version, as well as, the extended version and I was not disappointed by either. I look forward to similar dual releases for the Two Towers, which I saw last weekend. Although darker and more violent, it is even better than the Fellowship..., if that is possible.

  Thank you Peter Jackson, thank you New Line and thank you to the magnificent cast and crew who have brought Professor Tolkien's masterpiece to film. I have been waiting for this for 30 years.

• 30) Best Adaptation Ever

  by M Darrow on May 03 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  Confession - I am modern man and, as such, am frequently very representative of my generation - skeptical and dismissive, irreverent and difficult to impress. In the past, I would be hard pressed to admit satisfaction without finding some grievance with anything, let alone a Hollywood blockbuster. But here's the deal - Peter Jackson's Fellowship of The Ring is as perfect as the Hollywood adventure gets. I would defend any and all of the changes that were made in adapting Tolkien's opus in a blood fight against any JRRT geek who shall step forward.

  Fellowship - this first part of the trilogy, more than Towers and ROTK, begs for contraction... it is longest in the number of pages and approximately 18 years falls between the beginning and the end. I've heard complaints at the lack of Tom Bombadil and the Barrow Wights and I have to tell you that the Bombadil section of the story is the most easily omitted, mainly because he dominates the one chapter or so and then never comes up again. The main point of Bombadil is the insertion of some more singing and to dish out magic weaponry. This really isn't worth ten minutes of screen time.

  What I love about this movie is the speed and sense of urgency that moves things and, yes, the result is that a lot of moments of the book get cut. This movie has kept the focus solely on the movement of the ring to mount doom. This is the best way to do adventure on screen - make sure that the characters have major (life or death) objectives that they continue to pursue. Some express that the movie omitted the sense that the fellowship had a decision to make over whether to go to Mordor or Gondor. It was not an omission; something that they accidentally forget... it was a change and a damned good one. I love the suggestion that the ring is going to Mordor - period. This is the doubtless objective that drives the film that makes it move well. If there was a lot of hesitation and the sense that they were just going south and making the decision later then we're left with aimless location driven drivel (Phantom Menace anyone?).

  There's been disdain for the fact that Frodo tells Aragorn he's going by himself to Mordor and Aragorn accepts it. I cannot put into words how genius I think this move is, primarily because in the book Aragorn figures it out quickly anyway and here we're spared a boring scene where they all stand around scratching their heads. Secondly, I always felt it was peculiar that Aragorn (in the novel) wants to protect Frodo and yet when he figures out that Frodo went off and that Boromir tried to take the ring (possibly scaring him off) that he does not go after him. It seems like cowardice because he himself proposed the idea that he go to Mordor with Frodo and Sam and that the others go to Gondor. In the film, Frodo gets to look him in the eyes and Aragorn knows that he is going off for the right reasons.

  Then there's those that gripe about the extended role of Arwen, probably feeling that it's been Hollywooded up by adding more of `the girl' and `romance'. But isn't it queer that Aragorn marries Arwen, who does so little. If it happens exactly as the book, the audience will end up liking Eowyn more as a stronger character. Not that Aragorn has to love the stronger character, it's just that by showing more of what George Costanza would call `relationship Aragorn' - Aragorn out of the context of the quest or war, it doesn't just add more Arwen, it adds dimension to the future king - adds humanity, which honestly isn't in the book.

  At least one fan review says something to the extent that many fans take great offense to the fact that Glorfindel was eliminated. What they don't understand is that in a movie it can be hard to throw in extra characters with extra names mainly because the names are frequently missed (their not written down for you to see every few lines after all). Since Glorfindel doesn't ever come up again, why burden an audience that's already taking in a lot of info with his presence?

  I feel that the reason some fans are so attached to these small characters (Glorfindel, Bombadil, Lobelia, Lotho) is because there's something lacking in some of the power players in the books. My examples are Aragorn, Saruman and to a lesser degree Gandalf. Tolkien creates Aragorn and Gandalf as almost arrogant know it alls and though he often says that they show mercy or compassion or love or kindness, he doesn't show them do it (this, by the way, is a frequent symptom of fantasy - and other genre type - writing). The film has taken bold moves to flesh out these characters and show them as Tolkien meant for them to be. Saruman in the trilogy is an almost sniveling and pathetic villain. His power and the power of his voice are stated repeatedly but the few times he shows up there is a real weakness. The film has vastly improved on his strength and created a Saruman that far exceeds my imagination in venom and charisma. In summary, I think the great characterization of major players is well worth the expense of the likes of Glorfindel and Bombadil.

  Now, it may seem that I am bashing Tolkien in my defense of the movie but... well maybe I am and I'm sorry. It's not that I'm a JRRT detractor or don't love his works. It's just that I have experienced lots of different fiction and seen it adapted and frequently characters and dramatics are slighted in a condensed form. Here, that is not the case at all. Not that LOTR is not a staggeringly fantastical work of imaginative power, it's just that... well, Faulkner it ain't.

• 31) A Masterpiece.

  by Anonymous on June 30 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  I consider 'The Lord of the Rings' to be the greatest work of literature of all time. I read it at least once a year, and consequently I ventured to the theatre with an overwhelming desire to see Tolkien's masterpiece adapted with a sense of honesty, integrity, and soul. I understand that film is an entirely different medium to literature, constituted by an utterly diverse structure, and utilizing vastly different means of character, plot and thematic development. Thus, I did not expect to see the entire first book perfectly 'recreated' - it would simply be quite impossible. Therefore, I went to see what I hoped would be an interpretation which reflected, and venerated, the very essence of the epic written by J.R.R. Tolkien...

  And what an interpretation it was.

  It alters the story, adds or removes entire sequences and characters, and enhances or diminishes the roles of countless other elements. But it works as beautifully as it looks. It moves swiflty, with each scene enduring long enough to merely take our breath away, before quickly taking our hand and leading us to the next stage of the epic quest. From The Shire to Isengard, to Bree and to the flight to the Ford; from Weathertop to Rivendell, through the grim yet magnificent chasms of Moria and into the enchanted vale of Lothlorien; all under the shadow of Mordor and 'the Eye'. Three hours is yet barely enough to tell the basic outline. And yet, each character, in being cast so perfectly, is able to develop despite the necessary haste. Perhaps we do not see enough as we should like: part of loving Tolkien's work is delighting in exploring the glorious world he so exquisitely details. In the literary version, the reader is made to feel the weariness of the journey undertaken by the heroes, as they wander the vastness that is Middle-earth; in the film, we see this vastness, but never quite explore it. But this is no criticism; it merely enhances the sense of urgency. The Ringwraiths are, quite simply, terrifying, orcs deadly, Saruman treacharous and the mention of Mordor and Sauron casts shadows we can feel yet not see. As my 'Tolkien un-initiated' (yet immensely impressed and excited!) girlfriend whispered: "This is just like a horror film!" Yes, I thought, but here there is also infinitely more.

  One never fails to believe that this is an epic; similarly, one never fails to be impressed, entertained, and excited. As Tolkien fans, our intial sense of awe at seeing the world and characters we love so incredibly and faithfully recreated lingers long after the credits signal the end of the film. As I had hoped, this film has been lovingly crafted from the pure essence of Tolkien's story. For example: If the book is likened to an enormous tree, the reach of its branches and breadth of its trunk being as impressive and complex as they are beautiful, then the film is the miniature model of the tree, fashioned from the very same wood. Smaller, and unable to exactly copy every complexity of the larger tree, but nonetheless being a faithfully rendered representation created from the very material of the original.

  To Peter Jackson, all the cast, all the crew and everyone else involved, I thank and salute you. I was finally able to walk the warm halls of Bag End and the green fields of the Shire with Frodo; I was able to stand in awe of Gandalf and matters bigger than I; I could fear the terrifying nothingness of the Black Riders, and I could watch in wonder as the fellowship passed under the kings of old as they glided down the great river Anduin. Of such things, dreams are made.

• 32) Extended Version - WOW !

  by Anonymous on November 20 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  This is not so much an extended version of the theatrical release as it is the complete, uncut version (although the director denies this) - not complete in terms of what Tolkien wrote but complete in terms of the scope of the film production. Next to the theatrical version it contains many extended scenes and some altogether new scenes all of which work very well indeed and add a great deal to the movie in terms of content and pace. The overall pace is a little slower and more measured with greater emphasis on the journeys and the relationships of the Fellowship - more satisfying and truer to the book. A number of scenes omitted from the theatrical release which set up events in the later books are included - these are generally so crucial to the plot that it is difficult to understand why they were left out in the first place. Characters such as Haldir and Celeborn, who had little more than cameo roles in the theatrical release, are much more fleshed out and Galadriel is allowed to show her kinder, softer aspect in addition to the dark, dangerous elf queen seen in the cinema version.

  The extras -

  A superb and mind boggling array of by far the best thought out and most generous special features that I've ever seen on DVD. Documentaries on all stages of production from Tolkien's childhood through to the opening night in Wellington, maps of the shire, several commentaries, stills, and more - all accessed via a beautifully designed set of suitably Tolkienesque menus.

  Conclusion -

  I would not have believed it possible but all of the additional footage in this extended version of The Fellowship Of The Ring adds up to a vast improvement on the theatrical release. Add to this the truly superb special features and improved theme packaging and you have a DVD set that should be indispensable to any fan of the book, film, tolkien or just good movies in general. Buy it - you'll never watch the theatrical release again.

• 33) Best DVD Ever?

  by Anonymous on November 18 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  Quite possibly!

  This new four disc set of Fellowship Of The Ring is absolutely fantastic.
  I thought the original theatrical cut was great(saw it four times at the theater!),but this new 208 minute director's cut is much better,immersing one even deeper into the world of Middle Earth.This is what a director's cut should be.
  Picture quality is outstanding and the sound(I listened to the DTS track)is amazing.There are four commentary tracks,and loads & loads of bonus materials on the third and fourth discs.

  As a previous reviewer stated,if you haven't purchased the two disc theatrical set,don't even bother.This is the way to go!
  (I know I'm glad I held out!)

  By the way,there's also a coupon for a free ticket to LOTR:The Two Towers.I can't wait to see it!!

• 34) Should satisfy even hardcore LOTR fans

  by B. Merritt on December 21 2001
    20+ helpful votes

  Okay, I admit it! I'm a Lord of the Rings geek! There! I've said it. Whew. I've read the original LOTR books so many times that I've gone through three printings (starting with a 1960's and going to the most recent printings with artistry by Alan Lee). I feel somewhat qualified (that's a large word here: 'qualified') to review and rate this movie. So here we go:

  The story is that of Frodo Baggins and his quest to get rid of the one ruling Ring of power that was forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord. The Fellowship of the Ring is formed once a small band of Hobbits reach Rivendell (run by a half elf lord named Elrond). Here Frodo, Samwise, Merry and Pippin (the Hobbits) are joined by Gandalf (a wizard), Gimli (a dwarf), Legolas (an Elf), Aragorn (a Ranger formerly known as Strider), and Boromir (a man). They set out to help Frodo on his quest to throw the ring into the fires of Mount Doom and along the way are thrown into every fiery mess one could imagine (or maybe not). At the end, the Fellowhip is in a shambles but that's no surprise considering the power of this Ring: it turns all around it to greed and dishonor.

  The movie itself. I'm sure that there will be much talk about what is lacking in the movie that was in the book. But one cannot expect every facet of a book to enter into a screenplay. The movie would have been 13 hours long then! So let's take a brief glimpse at what was lacking and why:

  #1: In the book it is Bilbo's AND Frodo's birthday party (they have the same B-Day), but in the movie it it just Bilbo's. This is not surprising since later, there is no mention of Frodo coming into his 'inheritance' because he was coming of age (33 to Bilbo's Eleventy-One). No big deal there.

  #2: Some characters are completely omitted for times sake and this was not a problem since they didn't play pivotal roles later. Notably there is no Labelia who buys Bag-End, no showing of old man Maggot and his mushroom farm, no Glorfindel meeting up with the travelers on the road to Rivendell. There are more but I will dive no further into it. These omissions were acceptable and expected in my mind.

  #3: The development of Old Bill, the Horse that faithfully lugs their wares (up til he is presumed dead at the entrance to the Mines of Moria) is never brought forward. Oh well.

  #4: Galadriel gives only one gift (to Frodo) when the Fellowship leaves Lothlorien. No surprise there since the light of Galadriel will be used later in future movies. But the gifts given to the other members of the Fellowship is never addressed. Not surprising since they don't play a role later.

  Now. What was good? Well....almost everything. There is something in the movie for everyone. There are small tidbits that Mr. Jackson (the director) left in for LOTR diehard fans that I absolutely loved. Notably, during Bilbo's birthday party you'll see Bilbo telling a story to children-hobbits about his adventures during the original, 'The Hobbit,' when he meets up with Trolls and they're turned to stone by the sun. Then, later in the movie, if you watch closely, you'll see the Fellowship hiking by large boulders....what was that out of the corner of my eye? That looked somewhat like a statue of a...a...troll?
  Also, when Galadriel holds all of the Fellowship with her gaze there is no hint as to what exactly is going on there, but those who are the diehard fans will know, won't we. I might have a bit of LOTR blasphemy here, but I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Jackson's development of the friendship of Frodo and Samwise (even better than Tolkien himself did! Blasphemy!).

  The film is completely satisfying in my humble opinion. The shrinking down of the Hobbits and Gimli is masterfully done. The sets are dark and mysterious, just as I'd pictured them (for this is a dark story). The first ten minutes of the movie is crucial to those who've never read the LOTR books, since it gives a detailed history of Middle Earth. And the movie leaves us wanting more. The worst part, for me, will be waiting another year for the next installment in the excellent series. I can hardly wait!

• 35) Buy Separately, it's cheaper.

  by N8 on December 20 2004
    20+ helpful votes

  For those fans of this series who want to own all three extended versions, I highly recommend you buy all three films separately as the grand total will be cheaper than buying this box set. Also, if you want to get the "slipcase" cover/box that holds all three extended version boxes that is "only" available when you buy all three together, if you buy the Return of the King extended version, you will find that it comes with a coupon that lets you get the slipcase cover for all three movies for only $3!!
  
  Go LOTR!

• 36) This Tolkien "Novice" Was Blown Away By the Film!

  by Kevin Nieman on January 09 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  If you want a non-Tolkien fan's response to "Fellowship of the Ring," (FOTR) look no further.

  If you are anything like me, you have long heard of J.R.R. Tolkien's tales of fantasy and magic, but you've never developed an interest in reading them.

  As it turns out, reading the book is probably not a good idea before seeing this movie. As you can see, the other reviewers who have read the book complain about the film omitting this scene or that little tidbit found in the book. They generally give the film good marks, but these nagging omissions are ever present for them.

  I was not labored with this knowledge. As most people know, film is a different medium than literature. You can take two chapters to describe the local scenery in a book, but you can't spend an inordinate amount of screen-time on scenery or the audience gets bored. That is why it is a mistake, I think, to compare this film to the book. Treat them as individual pieces of work, respect them as such, and you will not have a problem.

  As someone whose knowledge of elves, orcs, and wizards was confined to the pages of Dungeons and Dragons books (which I believe was inspired by Tolkien's novels,) I had a familiarity with the kind of world "FOTR" would offer. However, I was NOT prepared at all for the way this film grabbed me.

  The basic story involves a Hobbit named Frodo who is entrusted with a golden ring that has the power of pure evil in it. The One Ring has corrupted many souls in it's long life, and Frodo's quest is to keep the ring safe and out of the hands of the monsterous beings seeking it out. After all, the fate of the world depends upon him protecting the ring. If the ring falls into evil hands, only death will follow.

  This is no cheesy, fairy tale. This is a story with teeth: Big, nasty, sharp teeth with fangs that will strike at any moment. It is sweeping in scope, frightening in its tone, and the hours fly by like you would not believe. You will care deeply for Frodo and the other characters as they face incredible dangers, deal with hidden temptations, and struggle to fend off the powerful forces of evil.

  You will feel the fourth wall melt before you as you are literally transported into Middle Earth with the characters, and with every setback, with every failure, and with every misstep, you will feel like you are taking it with them. It is a stirring film of immense grandeur and spectacle, and I recommend this film like none I have seen in quite some time. It is an epic the likes of which has never been done so successfully before, and I cannot wait for the next film to be released.

• 37) Mine. All Mine. My Precious.

  by Robert Shepard Jr. on June 05 2005
    20+ helpful votes

  Certainly, if you're any kind of "Lord of the Rings" fan, you'll want these DVDs just for the extra scenes. They do an excellent job of fleshing out the story, filling in important details such as how Frodo gets the Phial of Galadriel or what happens to Saruman the Wizard. For those with serious time constraints, the six DVDs lend themselves handily to leisurely watching the movies one DVD at a time over six weekends. Or, of course, you can throw sanity to the wind and watch all of the nearly twelve hours in one, single, "ringathon" session.
  
  About the only scene in the entire extended epic which I didn't much care for was the Mouth of Sauron; it was just plain creepy, and the way Aragorn dealt with the Mouth was out of character and differed too much from the book. But, the beauty of DVD players is that most come with fast-forward buttons, so no big deal.
  
  However, the complete Extended Edition consists, not of six, but of twelve DVDs. Disks Three and Four for each movie are filled with extras: documentaries, interactive maps, still photos, and interactive videos. One of the latter allows you to go through a scene at Helm's Deep, and progressively add in different sound effects to a silent video until you get the finished result in the film. A similar video depicting the Mûmakil battle in front of Minas Tirith allows you to progressively add in the special effects.
  
  I have to say that, as excellent as the movies are, the extras are even more fascinating, if you can imagine such a thing. I've already been through all of the documentaries not once, but twice. Each DVD has, on average, about three hours of video, so I find that it takes me about six to eight weekends to work my way through the entire lot. If you're interested in the art of filmmaking, this material is an absolute must. It takes you through the entire process of adapting the novels to screenplays, storyboarding, animatics, on through production (the actual filming), pickup shots and post production: adding the special effects, sounds and music, and figuring out how to put it all together and what to leave out.
  
  Collectively, these movies won 17 Academy Awards, with "Return of the King" alone tying "Ben Hur" and "Titanic" for 11, the most ever for a film. By the time you get through all the documentaries, you'll fully appreciate what a staggering accomplishment director Peter Jackson pulled off, and why he deserved every award he got. He could not have done it at all were it not for the shared vision of hundreds of fanatically dedicated workers working sometimes around the clock to make sure every detail was exactly right. It was a stroke of genius on Peter's part to recruit Alan Lee and John Howe, both of whom are well-known Tolkien artists. This allowed Peter to give the movies such an uncannily familiar look and feel. You look at the Golden Hall of Edoras and say "of course that's what Meduseld looked like! I knew it all along!"
  
  It would be impossible to cover all of the extras, so I'll just focus on some of my favorites. At the start of Disk Three for each movie is a biographical section on Tolkien and the kind of things that inspired him to pen "The Lord of the Rings". There is a documentary on the various tricks used to take normal-sized actors and shrink them down to hobbit or dwarf size, and make it look utterly convincing. The bane of earlier fantasy films, such as "Willow", was their inability to portray realistic "little people". One technique, called "forced perspective", has been around at least since the 1950s, but Peter came up with an interesting new twist.
  
  In the sections on adapting the books into the screenplays, they do an excellent job of explaining why they felt it necessary to depart from the books in some places, up to and including dropping whole sections, such as the scouring of the Shire. One major issue they had to deal with was how to introduce Arwen, who basically in the books just shows up for her wedding with Aragorn, and we have no idea who she is. They went so far as to try to portray her as a sort of warrior princess at Helms Deep, but then, thankfully, hit upon the idea of using flashbacks instead.
  
  By far the best documentaries, in my opinion, are those which deal with Gollum. I can remember sitting in the theater at the start of "The Return of the King", watching as Gollum hid under the mountains ("we even forgot our own name!"), and thinking to myself: "I wonder if Andy Serkis really liked having his eyelashes plucked out," seeing how it didn't look like he had any. Only then did it occur to me that I was looking at a computer-generated character. It was so utterly convincing that I completely forgot. Now that's movie magic.
  
  In the documentaries, we learn how Andy Serkis was initially brought in just to do the voice of Gollum, and to interact with Sam and Frodo in practice sessions before they would proceed to do the actual shoot talking to thin air. It didn't take Peter very long to figure out that it just looked better with Andy present. In post production they painted him over with the animated character. Also, his facial expressions as he said his lines were absolutely priceless. They actually redesigned Gollum to reflect this more accurately, which is why the few glimpses we get of him in "The Fellowship of the Ring" don't look quite right. Several times the documentaries show a split screen with Andy on one side, speaking his lines, and Gollum on the other; the resemblance is most startling. It's a shame Andy didn't get an award for his performance, but there wasn't any real category that could describe what he was doing. Was it acting? Voice acting? Something totally new?
  
  Another thing which I came to appreciate was that, in undertaking such an enormous project spanning up to eight years, it really has to be fun. Peter Jackson made it fun. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He gave everyone free artistic rein, checking in on them from time to time to make sure everything was in line. They came to feel like family. Forget joining the circus. When I grow up, I want to work for a digital effects company!
  
  Well, now that I've been through the extras, I'm probably due to actually watch the movies again, with an artist's eye to how it was done. Then I'll probably go through the extras once more. I can truthfully say that this is by far the greatest DVD production I've ever seen. I can only hope that Peter eventually gets permission to film "The Hobbit". The Middle Earth saga will not be complete without it, and it's impossible to imagine any other director doing it justice.
  
  A final note: another thing which really strikes me about Peter Jackson is his compassion. Case in point: the inclusion of a special memorial documentary called "Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for 'Into the West'". This tells the story of a very talented young man whom Peter, and indeed many of those working on "The Lord of the Rings", befriended. Cameron showed great promise as a filmmaker but, sadly, succumbed to cancer. One concern he expressed near the end was his fear of being forgotten. To paraphrase Peter: "He's on the DVD. He will not be forgotten."

• 38) A spectacular, resounding triumph

  by Micah Newman on January 10 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  A spectacular triumph
  I waited so long for this movie to come out, that getting closer to the day, I started to fear that I had built it up into something that consummation could not possibly fulfill. But when I finally saw it, my fears were allayed once and for all.

  This adaptation is not quite flawless, but there are so many exquisite things about this film, they more than make up for distracting omissions. The depiction of the Shire is wonderful, and the interaction between the main characters truly heart-warming. In my opinion the best acting job (which is saying a lot in this superbly-acted film) is by Ian Holm as Bilbo. And I refuse to believe that Ian McKellen is in this film. Clearly, they somehow got Gandalf to play the role of Gandalf.

  The flight from the Shire and the subsequent trek to Rivendell end up painfully abbreviated; particularly as Merry and Pippin are depicted as just bumping into Frodo and Sam quite by chance, whereas in the book it's clear that they know what he's up to and their joining of the company is premeditated. But this I can chalk up as a necessary evil; they do, after all, have to get to the good stuff. I can't believe so many people are even mentioning Tom Bombadil in their review of this film. Did you honestly feel his absence? Sure, he's a fun subplot in the book, but there's no way to make him work cinematically. There seems to be a time problem right around the escape from the Shire, too: clearly not as much time as in the book has elapsed between Gandalf's exit and the hobbits' escape, but there seems to be an internal inconsistency in the seeming simultaneity of Gandalf's and the hobbits' leave of the Shire and all the extensive traveling Gandalf obviously has to do before meeting up with them again at Rivendell. Ah, well.

  I must confess I was a trifle disappointed in Aragorn; low-key is certainly apropos, but Viggo Mortensen just seems to deadpan a few too many lines. The visual creativity in portraying Frodo's visions when he puts on the ring; i.e. at the Prancing Pony and at Weathertop are fantastic; one of the things that really makes this film and gives it is haunting sense of danger and threatening evil. I believe PJ & co. couldn't have done any better than they did with the character of Arwen. In the book she scarcely appears, and it's completely logical for them to conflate her role with that of Glorfindel. A single movie can only have so many characters, after all. Since Aragorn ends up marrying her at the end of the saga (sorry for the spoiler for all you uninitiated), you obviously have to see more of her than the book has. Liv Tyler's portrayal is enchanting and lithe, and Elvish just sounds like so much sweet milk on her lips.

  If you think about it, it's obvious that portraying Saruman explicitly instead of implied as the book does is cinematically absolutely necessary. From Gandalf's recounting at the Council of Elrond in the book, you find out what happened, but I think it's just as well to show it as part of the narrative instead of in flashback. I think it worked quite well. One thing that felt sorely missing was the re-forging of Narsil-they don't even mention it! It is, after all, a crucial thematic element. I wonder if they'll reveal it later down the road somehow.

  Sean Bean's Boromir is excellent, as is John Rhys-Davies' Gimli. I just love Gimli. He's just happy as long as there are orc-necks to hew. The action scenes are phenomenal; like the special effects, truly unlike anything I've ever seen before. Visceral, kinetic, and with a palpable sense of peril, they speak of Peter Jackson's filmmaking talents like so many other aspects of this movie. The cave troll, wow! Then the Balrog, HOLY MACKEREL!

  Like so many others have already said, the real sense of emotion and passion is one of the things that really drives this movie, maybe even *the* thing. The filmmaking techniques, acting, and overall screenplay contribute to this effect. Cate Blanchett's Galadriel is quite good; particularly in the scene where they first meet. The sense that the book gives so well that she's gazing into your soul is achieved wonderfully. The mirror scene is perhaps a bit heavy-handed, but still okay. Another thing they definitely should have shown (it would have taken only a minute of screen time) is the various gifts that Galadriel gave to the members of the Fellowship, besides the vial with the light of Earendil in it. You do see the leaf-clasps on their cloaks, but not her giving it to them. And obviously the elvish rope Sam gets figures in kinda importantly down the road. Also missing that would have been nice to see if Gimli's reaction to actually meeting Galadriel and subsequent one-eighty in his attitude towards her and elves in general. It's important for his character, and I felt the loss.

  Oh man, the Argonnath on the river Anduin-totally convincing! You totally buy that those are real statues that are part of the landscape. Along with many other Oscars it deserves, it'll be a crime if this doesn't get at least nominated for cinematography. The ending, like everything else in this film, is extremely effective. Of course they had to show the very first part of the Two Towers, because, well, it's just natural that way. I expected it. All that was left wanting were the words "Minas Tirith shall not fall!" from Aragorn as his last words before Boromir dies. I guess they never refer to Minas Tirith by name in the movie, though.

  I do believe this may indeed be better than Star Wars, and I congratulate and effusively praise PJ and crew for pulling this off so wonderfully. Now begins the long wait for The Two Towers... Lord have mercy.

• 39) Minor Tolkien Heresy... (BEWARE SPOILERS)

  by T. Rainman on January 10 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  Picture this. It's Christmas Eve, 1978. A teenage Tolkien addict (who had already read the books some ten times) walked out of a movie theater (into a snowstorm) after seeing Ralph Bakshi's animated Lord of the Rings movie and said, "Well, that wasn't quite as bad as I feared...." Fast forward 23 years. It's Christmas Eve, 2001. A thirty-something Tolkien addict (who has by now read the books 25+ times) walked out of a movie theater (into a snowstorm) after seeing Peter Jackson's live-action Lord of the Rings movie and said, "Is there another showing today?" Yes, after three hours of sitting on my butt in a theater, I was ready (after a short bathroom break) to do it again right away. And I had expected to be disappointed, too.

  It's that good.

  As Roger Ebert rightfully pointed out, as an adaptation of one of the best-loved novels of all time, Jackson's film falls woefully short in a number of ways. As the latest attempt to bring an entertaining, exciting addition to the Swords and Sorcery genre, it succeeds brilliantly.

  Last year's Dungeons and Dragons movie brought tears to my eyes. Tears of anguish that I had wasted my hard-earned dollars. Lord of the Rings also brought tears to my eyes (although I guess it's only fair to admit that the books do that, too). (SPOILER ALERT) I was only lukewarm on Elijah Wood as Frodo for 2 1/2 hours, until the scene in which he admits that -- after trying to go off without his companions -- he's glad that Sam caught him. The on-screen devotion and magnetism between the two hobbits is very moving. Likewise with Sean Bean's attempt to save the hobbits from the orcs. (END OF SPOILER)

  So why did I title my review Minor Tolkien Heresy? Because Peter Jackson wisely decided that even a three hour film was insufficient to do justice to Tolkien's masterpiece (rumor has it that his original cut was 4 hrs and 45 minutes long). Instead, he lifted characters, locations, story-line, and above all, the ESSENCE of Tolkien's work out of the books and used them to make a superbly-paced, highly-entertaining piece of cinema. The major themes of Tolkien's work come across strongly. All of his changes and deletions make perfect cinematic sense, and a couple of them actually improve (wow, that borders on a MAJOR Tolkien heresy) the story. (SPOILER ALERT) After all, in the books, why does Gandalf go to the Pinnacle of Orthanc? Because Saruman is the chief of his Order? Perhaps. Maybe Saruman tricked or magically held him there. But a movie audience never would have bought it (the much truer adaptation of this sequence in the 1978 animated version just doesn't work). Jackson's interpretation is much better. You know exactly why Gandalf ends up atop the tower. And Tolkien doesn't say EXACTLY how it happened, so why not this way? (END of SPOILER)

  It's technical merits are many: the acting is brilliant, the cinematography breathtaking, the special effects awesome, and the costumes and sets are wonderfully imaginative (not always the way I pictured it, but it's the filmmaker who is showing me his vision, not bringing my vision to life).

  I'll spare you any more rambling. To sum up: even if you're a Tolkien purist, see the movie. It's so good, the differences from the book probably won't bother you (they sure didn't bother me). If you have any interest at all in the Fantasy genre of films, SEE THIS MOVIE. Otherwise, you'll be missing the best fantasy film ever.

  One last note: I saw the movie with my 68-year-old mother, not with my 5-year-old son. There was a good reason for this! Leave kids under ten at home.

• 40) Simply majestic

  by D. Dubei on May 31 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  Before i review the movie, I just wanted to make sure everybody knew that this is a 2-disc set and that a 4-disc set is coming out in november. just so you know if you want to buy this and that or just this or that. :)

  now, this movie is one of the best movies ever made. i guess it was fitting that it did not win an oscar back in March, after all, Citizen Kane also did not win an oscar for best picture. (by the way, raise your hands who knows what movie won in it's place. do you think 50 years from now we'll remember A Beautiful Mind or Lord of the Rings?)

  The movie begins with a 10 minute prologue about the Ring of Power and its journey from the finger of Sauron to Bilbo's possession. from the very start this film breathes life to the story. unlike Harry Potter, a superb book turned into a mediocre movie, Lord of the Rings the movie has life of its own. All of us who read the book by Tolkein know the plotline, and while the movie follows it faithfully, leaving out only a few sections, including the Tom Bombadil part (which i feel was a divergence even in the book), and introducing new plot lines, the movie moves along with passion and intensity. we want to know what will happen to Gandalf when he meets Saruman. we want to know how Frodo sees the world when he puts the ring on his finger. the movie breathes of vitality.

  There are also many parts of the film that sent chills down my spine, such as when the Wringwraiths surrounded the tiny hobbits on the ridge, or when Gandalf and Saruman fought each other, or the entire scene in the Mines of Moria.

  The music for the film is superb, composed beautifully by Howard Shore. the music invokes peace during the scenes at Hobbiton and danger in the mines of Moria. Well done Mr. Shore.

  So in the end, i congradulate Peter Jackson and all involved in making this movie. what's more, i'll be very happy these next two years knowing that the next two are going to be just as good. All three were filmed at the same time, which means that they will all be the same quality! great work Mr. Jackson! I can't wait until the Two Towers!

• 41) Greatest DVD of all time!

  by Anonymous on November 14 2002
    20+ helpful votes

  In what has to be the greatest DVD box set ever produced for a single film, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition takes a great film and lovingly improves it to a phenomenal level of perfection.

  Upon first viewing the theatrical version on it's opening day of release, I was immediately in love with the first film of this trilogy. The expertise and care in adapting the wonderful Tolkien book into film was amazing, producing one of the best adaptations of all time. It made me fall in love with movies all over again, like Star Wars did for me at a young age. After a few months of digesting it and seeing it repeatedly, I decided that it had to take top spot as my favorite film. Each time after viewing it, I couldn't bare to watch anything else for days since it would pale in comparison to Fellowship.

  Well, I now found a film that squashes that theatrical version: The Extended Edition. The addition of 30 extra minutes is seamlessly woven back into the fabric of this masterpiece with a new orchestrated score. And the results are amazing. There are no big action scenes added, nothing that changes the plot, just simple character development that makes the world of Middle Earth come even more alive. The film's so authentic and detailed it seems like this place must exist somewhere on Earth.

  Smaller characters such as Merry, Pippin, Legolas and Gimli are further fleshed out, and the inclusion of Frodo and Sam witnessing of a group of wood elves on their way to leave Middle Earth forever gives the film a stronger sense of melancholy. It proves early in this story that Middle Earth will not be the same ever again. Such small inclusions really pack an additional wallop in the audience's emotional involvement. So much so I can't imagine ever watching the theatrical version again.

  What makes this so special is that often when an excellent film is expanded for the home video market, the added material is usually better left out. Longer versions of movies such as Star Wars, Apocalypse Now Redux and Star Trek: The Motion Picture (excluding the recent director's cut) only hurt the film. But this Fellowship edition provides the shinning example of how an extended version can be far and away superior to the original.

  I rarely include discussion on special features in my reviews, but here I cannot avoid it. This DVD's special features surpasses anything ever done in the short history of DVD. There are hours and hours of additional viewing, exploring every step of the movie's creation. Everything from the history of J.R.R. Tolkien to post production is extensively covered here. The production of this trilogy is the most documented filmmaking experience in history, and the DVD takes full advantage of it. With almost 30 hours of extras, you'll feel like you were on set with director Peter Jackson for the four years that went into making The Fellowship of the Rings.

  For anyone that enjoyed the theatrical version of Fellowship and those looking for an extensive study on what goes into making a major motion picture, this DVD is an absolute must-buy. You will not be disappointed. This gets my all-time highest recommendation.

• 42) It's all that you want it to be, and more

  by Mike Stone on December 19 2001
    10+ helpful votes

  True moviegoers have come to know a familiar desire in these days of gross commercialization and cross-promotion: that an anticipated new film will live up to its hype. Well, "The Fellowship of the Ring" doesn't just live up to its hype. It stomps all over it. Hype becomes a devalued word, useless when confronted by a movie this good. It is hype proof.

  While it's shattering the need for one word, it is reincarnating another: Epic. It is a word that has come to represent such ignoble qualities as garishness, largess, of being over done and over long. But "The Fellowship of the Ring" restores the original sense of the word; it is historic, legendary, heroic, and grand.

  Director Peter Jackson, an intimate artist who just happens to be painting on a large scale here, retains most (if not all) of Tolkien's story, while shedding a lot of superfluous background information. He finds the middle ground between not pandering to those familiar with the book, and providing enough background for those not familiar with the book. The information presented is necessary, and relevant to the story being told, but also alludes to the wealth of knowledge laying underneath, tempting those who see the movie to go out and delve into the book for more. Which is really what a good film adaptation should do.

  And Jackson, known for his keen cinematic eye, does not disappoint. In fact, he exceeds all expectations, bringing to the screen a visual aesthetic that is both original and personal. He constructs several visceral and kinetic, if a bit confusing, battle scenes. The confusion works, however, in that it brings a real sense of danger to the scenes. The scenery he (or rather, Grant Major) created was breathtaking when it needed to be, and foreboding when necessary, but always real, textured, and inspiring: The Shire was quaint and wondrous; Rivendell was majestic and picturesque; Mordor was vile and perilous.

  Jackson, for all his skills with visual aesthetics, never lets it trample on his characters. Most were fully drawn, with real emotion and motivations. Legolas didn't say much, but when he did it spoke volumes. Boromir, a conflicted man whose purpose to the plot is paramount, was handled well, with the respect and care the character deserves. Gandalf the Grey, who has become the archetypal *omnipotent* wizard, could have been portrayed as just that. But that would not have been true to the character. Like in the book, Gandalf is not all-powerful, especially when confronted by, in one memorable scene, the formerly good now evil wizard Saruman. Gandalf is a flawed man, but wise enough to know how to overcome his weaknesses for the good of the fellowship. And Frodo Baggins, the little Hobbit entrusted with the Ring, begins life as a wide-eyed innocent. But we watch him grow and learn of the magnitude of his task, sensing along with him the fear and obligation he comes to know. But the one character who made the most seamless jump from book to film was Strider. He was my favourite character in the book, and my assessment of him hasn't changed in his celluloid form. In fact, the film Strider may have even more depth, as his key background information, which in the books doesn't come till much later, is revealed early on. It doesn't take away from the flow of the story as far as I'm concerned, because Jackson handles the release of this information with a skillful touch.

  I was worried that rumours of broadened female roles, in a cheap attempt to widen the film's appeal, would be true. Rest easy, friends. They're not. Arwen and Galadriel, even though they're played by big name actresses, appear enough in the movie so that they register, but not so much that they'll anger hardcore Tolkien fans.

  Some characters, however, left something to be desired. Gimli the Dwarf was all gruff exterior, with no inner machinations to speak of (he has one line, in the Mines of Moria, that, while funny, seems terribly out of place). Pippin and Merry acted more like the Two Stooges than loyal fellows. However, they did provide the film with some much needed comic relief, and will get many opportunities to grow in the next movie of the trilogy. Any criticisms leveled at these three characters, however, do not detract from the movie at all. It should also be noted that all of the characters were perfectly cast. Any reservations I had about, say, Sean Astin as Samwise, or Liv Tyler as Arwen, were quickly put to rest. And some choices, like Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Viggo Mortensen as Strider, or even Elijah Wood as Frodo, were nothing short of perfect inspiration.

  "The Fellowship of the Ring" is not for the casual moviegoer. It demands your attention and, at times, that you do some homework before viewing. It's a movie epic in scope but aware of the importance of its small details (the musical score by Howard Shore, and the cinematography by Andrew Lesnie were always spectacular but never intrusive). And even though it runs a hair under three hours, you'll wish that the filmmakers had given you more. They will, don't worry. Although you'll need some time to once again be able to produce adrenalin and experience awe. And if the next two movies are anywhere near as good as this one, well, we're all going for a wonderful ride.

• 43) These movies are great but ...

  by Raul Cardona-Pendrey on August 09 2006
    10+ helpful votes

  Yes, the cinematic benchmark for the 21st century. Both versions on one disc, very good idea? Well, only if you don't have them already. If you don't, this is for you and you can stop reading.
  Fans however, already own all the versions of these movies. The new documentary, no matter how excellent, raw and real it may be, will get one viewing; better for renting. The only reasons for buying this are if you plan to view the documentaries more than once or if you are an obsessive collector of all things related to these movies.
  Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan; I preordered every DVD on the first day I could. I don't doubt that next year they will release an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version (possibly both) that will be entirely worth having. Until then I will wait to give them more money, not now.

• 44) The Best Film Of 2001, And Maybe, Ever!

  by Anonymous on July 23 2002
    10+ helpful votes

  This is a spectacular film! I saw this back in December by accident actually. I was planning on seeing the just released 'The Royal Tenenbaums' and had disregarded this as a slow, boring film for fans of the books of which I had never bothered to read.
  I couldn't have been more wrong! I went up to the ticket booth only to find that the movie I was going to see was sold out.
  I surveyed the other options eliminating them one by one, until I came to The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. I had seen almost all the other films and finally decided to see Lord Of The Rings. I figured if nothing else I could see what all the hype was about so I paid my [money] (Ouch!) and headed into the theater. Well, I thought to myself as I watched the new Star Wars
  trailer, it would appear that the next Star Wars movie is going to be all love story, I was wrong again, as I found out later.
  Lord Of The Rings started playing and from scene one, (Galadriel telling the story of the ring thus far, if you remember) I was hooked! The fascinating storytelling kept me engulfed inside another world, Middle-Earth, in fact. The magnificent cinematography and terrific art direction had my eyes riveted to the screen for every single second of film. The spellbinding score was perfect for each and every scene, not one note was wrong or misplaced. The direction was fantastic and the acting, which has received some grief somehow or another, was perfect. Every line was said with perfection, nothing wooden in any of the actors performances. The movie ran for around three hours, which was amazing to me because when I walked out it had felt like two hours at best. I would have sat there and watched the entire trilogy with only a small bathroom break in between if I could have.
  After seeing the movie I rushed here, to my computer and got online to Amazon.com and bought the entire Lord Of The Rings set and The Hobbit and have thus far read, The Hobbit, The Fellowship Of The Ring, and am currently reading The Two Towers which I plan on finishing before the first DVD release of LOTR next month.
  I went out and saw The Fellowship Of The Ring when The Two Towers trailer was packaged with it and loved the movie just as much as I
  had when I first saw it if not more so. Now there has been some
  controversy over leaving out and changing some of the original story in the book for the movie. I can tell you now that this move
  without a doubt, kept the film going and never slowed to the pace that it would have slowed to had Tom Bombadil been included.
  I thought the parts with Tom Bombadil were the slowest in the book and I, for one am glad that they were excluded. The other scenes, such as the deeply moving gift giving scene, I have heard will be included in the November Special Extended Edition DVD release with new music scored by new Academy Award Winner Howard Shore and will be contained on two discs, with two more discs for over 6 hours of special features. I am planning on getting the Collector's Edition
  of that DVD that also includes a National Geographic Beyond The Movie DVD and several other Lord Of The Rings items.
  But until then I am awaiting The Two Towers, due out December 18th. I also can tell you that the very overrated 'A Beautiful Mind' should have lost Best Picture in favor of The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. I just realized that it's Tuesday, which means that this DVD comes out Two Weeks from today!
  Yipee! Yahoo! Horray! Yes! Terrific! Spectacular! Magnificent!
  My Precious will soon be mine!

• 45) Peter Jackson's Magnum Opus

  by Glen A. Kelly on April 26 2005
    10+ helpful votes

  When I was a young lad growing up in a poverty stricken suburb of Melbourne Australia, rather than fall prey to the ravages of poverty, I sought escape and solace in books. The first books I read cover to cover were J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy and since that day, and a few thousand books later, I find myself once again lost in Tolkien's magical world of Middle Earth.
  
  I was, at first, somewhat skeptical about the possibility of transferring such an epic work of literature to film but after recently acquiring the LOTR DVD Extended version I must say that if ever a film version of a book can be considered to have done justice to a masterpiece of literature it is Peter Jackson's work on these films. It is truly Jackson's magnum opus.
  
  Not only do the films do justice to Tolkien's books they actually manage to enhance them in a manner that almost appears predetermined or contrived. In just about every other instance where a movie has been based upon a book a travesty of the highest order has occurred. Perhaps with the possible exception of "All Quiet on the Western Front" and even here much detail and essential narration was sacrificed for the obvious time constraints and budgets of film studios. This is certainly not the case in relation to the film version of LOTR.
  
  The many images I imagined or conjured up whilst reading the books as a naive pre-pubescent have been reproduced in an almost uncanny similarity on film. Of course the artistry of Alan Lee in the original books assisted in this process and has had an obvious influence on the film trilogy. No one is infallible of course and there are a few inconsistencies with the movie adaptation vis a vis the books. However, Jackson has more than compensated for these by embellishing such scenes as "The Lighting of the Beacons" which was an almost inconsequential part of the book but is a triumph of cinematic design, editing and musical composition in the film version.
  
  For the younger IT savvy generation who may not have bothered to read the books, I would urge you to do so and then revisit the movies.
  
  The extended DVD version of the LOTR movies are a must as the theatrical version was underdone to say the least. The extended footage serves to round out and deal much more comprehensively with the many characters in the stories and gives the whole trilogy a more balanced feel as well as being more consistent with Tolkien's books.
  
  That such an outstanding adaptation of a literary piece de resistance can be so superbly recreated on film gives me great hope that other literary classics will soon be gracing our DVD players. One can only dare to dream about the film versions of Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. Not to mention Livy's The War with Hannibal. Were Peter Jackson to be given carte blanche from the Hollywood film studios and their enormous budgets the ubiquitous and often tedious medium of popular filmmaking would undergo an instant metamorphosis.
  
  As I stated above, one can only dare to dream.

• 46) Excellent treatment of excellent films

  by Brian on December 28 2004
    10+ helpful votes

  I'll save my praise for the films; you've most likely made up your mind on that count...as for this version:
  
  The presentation here is excellent. Each film contains 4 DVD's, packaged snugly in its own fold-out box, with a slip cover to keep the three together. It's all very sharp looking and sturdy; both aesthetic and functional.
  
  The special features are extensive and all engaging; tons of interesting making-of type stuff--you really get a deeper appreciation for just how much time and effort (and expense!) went into the films; watching them, you notice the detail on the armor, the painstakingly crafted frescoes and etchings on the walls and facades of buildings, etc...each sword, every piece of armor, every architectural display is a handmade work of art. And it's amazing to see how much effort they're willing to put forth for a few seconds of film; e.g., they spent weeks making casts and recreations of actual rock outcroppings to recreate them in the studio, all for a few brief scenes.
  
  The interviews are also excellent, you see how the actors developed their characters and get a sense for how it felt to be in the movie and how they arrived at certain presentations and deliveries for certain scenes. There are also some neat maps and atlases, compendiums of characters, etc. that are fun to sift through.
  
  All in all, if you're a hardcore fan, this is really a fantastic purchase (especially at the reasonable price of $80!!!) and even if you just enjoyed the movies and would like to own them, go with this version over any others because it's far superior. Highly recommended.

• 47) Books Brought to Reality

  by Thomas Dixon on December 27 2004
    10+ helpful votes

  I was fortunate (and surprised!) to have received this boxed set for Christmas. Having already seen all of the extended editions, I broke into the packaging right away and discovered all of the fine documentaries included with each DVD set (The Appendices). This material is essential to understanding the decisions made during the writing and production process by Jackson (and his co-writers) in order to ensure that the story moves along without straying too much from Tolkien's vision; they also serve to broaden the experience. A marvelous achievement in filmmaking is the only way to describe this.
  
  Oh, and not to dig too much at a previous review, but why on earth would you want full-screen versions of these magnificently-shot films? Do you really want a full quarter of the director's image to be cut out from your experience? Just hang on to these DVDs until you can afford an HDTV with an HDMI connection from the player and you'll be really glad you have this set (I am saving my $$ already). By the way, these will NEVER be released in full screen versions.

• 48) Movie of the Year?

  by John Harris Stevenson on December 23 2001
    10+ helpful votes

  I should confess at the beginning that as a child of nine I read The Lord of the Rings. My aunt read The Hobbit to me when I was six or so, and then introduced me to Tolkien's longer work some years later. I loved the book as a child, and as an adult have returned from time to time to this bit of "comfort literature" in which a grown-up can certainly find new things.

  I had expected to be disappointed with Peter Jackson's film, not because I am some sort of Tolkien purist, but because as I get older and know more of the world, it seems harder to find real wonder in film. The first Star Wars movies created the contemporary notion of the "blockbuster," spawning summer after summer of over-hyped junkfood cinema. For every Raiders of the Lost Ark there are dozens of films like Independence Day, Tomb Raider, and Armageddon that promise the world and deliver an empty experience.

  During the five minute prologue, which explains the history of the Ring, I feared endless esoteric exposition and tedium. My concerns were misplaced. The opening scenes with Ian McKellen and Ian Holm are touching and immersive; one feels one is seeing old friends reunited in some fantastic world. Rings only got better after that, revealing itself to be one of the most impressive bits of movie-making I have ever seen. The film reminds me of some of the great epics and adventure movies of the past, flicks like Star Wars, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Lawrence of Arabia. Virtually everything about the film works very well: acting, cinematography, special effects, and editing all serve the story and the development of the characters. Nothing is wasted, and one cannot help but be impressed with Jackson's work on Rings.

  Jackson has gone to extraordinary lengths to faithfully adapt the book while creating an excellent film, and all the major themes from the novel are there. He should be applauded for this, not picked to pieces. I am annoyed by Tolkien fundamentalists who seem to think that every word written in Rings is somehow sacred; they should be very thankful that Jackson has made the changes that he did, changes that are faithful to the complexities of the story yet create a very effective movie. I suggest that Tolkien purists not see the film if the changes will bother them.

• 49) If you already own the first two extended editions ...

  by G. Cymbala on December 30 2004
    10+ helpful votes

  If you have already bought the extended editions of The Fellowship of The Ring and The Two Towers, consider buing the Extended Return of The King alone and ordering the slip-case box separately, for $3.00 from http://www.lotrdvdbox.com/ .
  
  But if you don't own any of the extended editions, by all means, order this. Fantastic production of the classic books, despite the many characters and scenes that were left out.

• 50) One DVD to rule them all!

  by Anonymous on December 04 2002
    10+ helpful votes

  Astonishing, breathtaking, immersive. This definitive 4-DVD set is truly an absolute masterpiece. I had never read the Tolkein books, but have been completely captivated by this most extraordinary movie. Fortunately, I knew the extended version was arriving in November so I held back on purchasing the theatrical version DVD a few months earlier, waiting for the good stuff, and it was worth the wait. The additional 30 minutes of footage lends itself to a much richer story, adding both depth and clarity. The commentaries are enriching, and the two DVDs of bonus material simply overwhelm the casual moviegoer with the staggering amount of time, talent and effort that went into the process of making this movie. I can only hope that New Line Cinema and Peter Jackson provide even longer extended version DVDs of "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King" because the reception that this extended DVD has gotten has been beyond successful. Truly, the filming of these three movies over a 15-month timeframe, along with the commensurate avalanche of technical, creative and visionary treatment, will go down in cinematic history. What a crowning achievement for all who were involved. Buy this DVD set and provide yourself with hours upon hours of engrossing entertainment.

• 51) Blow the original out of the water!!

  by S. Alix on January 30 2003
    10+ helpful votes

  This took a great fantasy film and made it a masterpiece that will truly be ageless and timeless. Probably the BEST addition to the film is the new intro wich starts much like the book. A simple introduction to the hobbits. The best part is that this version is not so rushed. The story takes time to question, talk, and truly care about it's characters. You learn more about certain motivations and you get to sit back and enjoy the movie on a whole nother level beyond the talk/action/run sort of thing the theatrical release seemed to be stuck in. Over all it's much more enjoyable and truly a cinematic masterpiece. i LOVE being able to absorb the richness of the Shire for 45 minutes before leaving it for the long arduous journey to destroy the ring. Almost all the locations are extended allowing the viewer to enjoy the richness of Tolkiens world and how Peter brings it to life so vividly.

  If for some reason you don't like widescreen. You really should do your research. Every DVD has an option (Anamorphic widescreen) that will stretch out the picture without losing the sides. Full Screen does alot of things with the picture to fit it unaturally into the TV Square size. You really miss alot when it's Full Screen. The black bars on your screen are only their because TV was never made to show Cinematic films. Thanks to Widescreen TV's that will no longer be a problem. But please, before you bash it, find out what your missing and how DVD (using Anamorphic Widescreen) has given every movie the ability to fill up the whole screen, even square tv's, but importanly WITHOUT losing picture.

  I hope that The Two Towers is as enhanced with the extra footage in the Expanded Edition as this one was. It's a shame that the best versions of each film will rarely if ever see the light of a true theatre experience.

• 52) Don't forget the sound!

  by Mark Pollock on January 25 2005
    10+ helpful votes

  If you haven't heard these films in their DTS ES 6.1 mixes yet, well, you haven't missed an awful lot, and you have probably enjoyed the films anyways. I won't make the ludicrous claim that you must have surround sound, huge tv, and comfy chair to enjoy these films.
  
  Nevertheless, the 6.1 mixes are absolutely fantastic, well balanced, never gimmicky. During the skull avalanche, the skulls are falling all around you. In the battles, there is fighting everywhere, and there is a temptation to look behind you just in case an arrow is about to emerge from the china cabinet in the other room. The dragon firework in "Fellowship" zooms over and behind you, etc etc.
  
  Of course the films also look great, are well compressed onto dvd, the features provide for some great viewing, the commentaries are good, and, well, it's hard to complain! (Okay, I could complain about the Scouring of the Shire, but what good would that do?)

• 53) Possibly the greatest film saga of our time.

  by rnorton828 on December 28 2004
    10+ helpful votes

  Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's epic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" could very well be the greatest film saga of our time. All three films are very well-written, produced and directed. The scenery of the locations and sets is nothing short of breathtaking. The cast members all turn in some outstanding performances, especially Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Elijah Wood, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin and Christopher Lee, to name a few. Jackson matches, and then surpasses, George Lucas' ability to tell an epic tale of good versus evil. Earlier this year, The Return of the King joined The Godfather, Part II as the only sequels to ever win the Oscar for Best Picture. And now, New Line Home Entertainment has released the Extended Edition DVD set for The Return of the King, and made the entire Extended Edition Trilogy available in this 12-disc set, which includes additoinal footage not shown in the cinematic releases--30 minutes added to The Fellowship of the Ring, 43 minutes added to The Two Towers and 50 minutes added to The Return of the King. Also included are cast and crew interviews, in-depth documentaries, behind-the scenes footage, interactive maps, cast and filmmaker commentaries and much more. Composer Howard Shore has added new scores to complete the extended versions of each film, and hundreds of new digital effects have been created. Decades from now, the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy will still be remembered as one of the greatest film sagas in cinematic history, and now with the Extended Edition Trilogy box set, New Line and Peter Jackson have given us the completed version of this wonderful film trilogy.