Rating: 
Summary: This is definately one of the (if not the) best movies ever
Review: I was one of the lucky bastards who got a chance to see the prerelease of the new Lord of the Rings movie.
I am extremely happy to report that this movie is almost everything you would expect from it! The storyline is very faithfull to the book, the cast is great and the special effects are simply astounding! This is simply a breathtakingly beautiful movie! For me, a great Tolkien fan of course, this is without a doubt THE best movie EVER!!
Rating: 
Summary: Lord of the Rings Shows Great Promise
Review: I was originally against the making of a Lord of the Rings movie or trilogy because no three two-hour movies can do justice to a book series that took Tolkien a lifetime to write. I have since changed my view because of the sincerity expressed on the part of the actors, actresses, staff, and director in staying true to the story. They have made a strong effort to make the movie like Tolkien envisioned it on the written page, and I intend to see their work. I can't expect it to be like the book completely, but no movie is ever like the book. Although I expect it to be different and am prepared to respect it for what it is as a film rather than as a competitor with the books, there is one thing that can ruin the films completely--the portrayal of Arwen. If Arwen is a chop-happy modern warrior woman as some of the previews have led me to suspect, the films will be bittersweet at best. Tolkien in his first book does not delve much into Arwen's character, but she is without a doubt a pillar of strength from the beginning to the end. She is the very essence of femininity which is not weak, but is not physically strong or dominating. She is quiet, gentle, wise, and an incredibly powerful character. She never accompanies the fellowship on their travels, but is nevertheless the motivating force behind Aragorn's actions. I can not respect her as a warrior woman, and it would misrepresent Aragorn's character to portray that he can respect her as such. In fact, there is a woman in the books who falls in love with Aragorn and suddenly takes up a warrior role, but Aragorn graciously refuses her. My point is this--beware of the modern ideal woman (a man in a woman's body) souring a possible filming masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Well....
Review: I was pretty glad I got this DVD, at first. I loved the movie and the bonus material was pretty good, even though some of the interviews and featurettes had the same stuff in them. What kind of disappointed me was that, for anyone who went ahead and bought this, there's another version of it coming out! One that's obviously better (extra footage, new music, more bonus material, etc.) and doesn't cost much more. So, for anyone who is thinking about buying it now, beware. Just wait and get the other version, the 4-disc set. You'll be getting more for your money.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Movie, Spectacular Adaption
Review: I was really doubtful at first. I'd just seen Harry Potter and was terrified LOTR would be the same: a movie that so strictly adhered to every minute detail and line of the book that it refused to transform from a bunch of disconnected scenes into a movie. But Peter Jackson's direction couldn't have been more perfect. The movie retained all the original meanings and feelings of the book. A couple scenes vital to the book were noticably, but not irreplacably, absent as the film was kept at the perfect length. In some ways, the film even went beyond the book as the superb acting, amazing music, excellent direction and camera angles, and marvelously used scenery all banded together to focus on the true meaning of the book: the awesome courage of the characters. Every time I watch it (and I've watched it an awful lot) I get this gut-wrenching feeling as I am completely overwhelmed at the ability of the actors to bring such bravery, and somehow such mortality, to their characters. From the first five seconds Jackson completely submerges you in this world where self-sacrifice and loyalty is key to the existence of all it's characters, where magnificent landscapes must be protected from the growing darkness, and where evil takes so many faces. Even having read the books, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Simply an amazing movie, and an even more amazing adaption.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece altered by glitches on 2 of the 4 DVDs
Review: I was really looking forward to seeing the movie the way Peter Jackson wanted it to be. And it was worth the wait! The wonderful 'new' scenes bring us even closer to Tolkien's masterpiece than the movie-theater version. Unfortunately, my pleasure was somewhat downgraded by major glitches on the two number 2 DVDs (second part of the feature, and second part of the bonus documentaries). The 2 chapters when the Fellowship meets with Galadriel and when Frodo offers the ring to her are completely unreadable. Needless to say that it was huge disappointment. I must say that I did not see other reviews addressing this problem and I might very well be a very unlucky guy. It is a must-see/have DVD and I strongly recommend it but I hope you will be luckier than I have been!
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite!
Review: I was reluctant to see this film only because I couldn't get into the books. But at the urging of a number of people whose judgment I trust, I finally saw it. And what an extraordinary accomplishment this is! That it didn't win an Academy Award for Best Picture is beyond shocking--losing as it did to the very flawed A Beautiful Mind.Here is a film that is rich in every aspect, from the superb casting and lovely performances, to fearsomely exhilarating special effects, to a narrative that is made entirely believable by fine directing, fine editing, beautiful costuming and exceptional cinematography. It's a rivetting movie that succeeds in every way and one needn't be a fan of fantasy to enjoy it--this is one of the rare efforts that transcends its genre and is, simply, a great movie. Not to be missed.
Most highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Surprised to see so many other high reviews
Review: I was shocked to see so many high reviews about this film. For a film it's good, but for a screen adaptation of a book, it fell utterly short. If I had never read the books, I would have thought it just another Dungeons and Dragons film.
My only advice to people is this: if you've read the books, don't see the movie. If you've only seen the movie, don't read the books. Peter Jackson missed the point of the books. Why else would he have made so many changes to the plots. He changed the character's personalities, motives, actions, etc.... I dare not list all my complaints here, save I may offend some people who enjoyed or may enjoy the film.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie but don't buy it yet!
Review: I was so excited about getting this DVD but after I bought it, I was very irritated. The movie is fabulous, but there will be a special collector's edition released in November 2002 that will include 30 minutes of extra footage in the movie. If I had known this, I would have rented the movie and waited until November to purchase the 4 disc collector's edition instead of the 2 disc set I bought today. The special features disc is very detailed and interesting, but again there will be even more features on the collector's edition. If you are a true Lord of the Rings fan, you may want to consider waiting until November to purchase the movie.
Rating: 
Summary: nap time
Review: I was so excited about watching this movie. In two attempts I fell asleep twice so I gave up. It was obvious there were great special effects and I enjoyed the book to a degree but just couldn't stay awake. Call me a 40 year old kid but I enjoyed Harry Potter much more. Thumbs down on this one for me unless you need help falling asleep.( I have noticed 25 people found this review unhelpful. I am not trying to slam the movie but just point out that for me, I couldn't stay awake through it.)
Rating:
Summary: It was better than the original release
Review: I was so much more impressed with the extended version than the original. There were some things missing from the theatrical release that would explain things that happen in the upcoming sequels. These gaps were filled, most notably Galadriel giving Sam the rope that he later uses against...if you haven't read the books for awhile, I won't ruin it for you. However, I recall Sam finding the rope in one of the boats. His gift from Galadriel was not the rope. The "gift set" cds have more background information than even the most knowledgeable Tolkien fan would want, interviews with everyone from the actors to the gaffers, it seems. Worth it for the bookends that are included, if nothing else.
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