Rating: 
Summary: LOTR Review
Review: All three dvds are very entertaining. The adventure is captivating and the special effects are amazing. By far the best trilogy ever made.
Rating: 
Summary: Great trilogy, but missed the mark in a few places
Review: It is hard to take issue with Peter Jackson's trilogy. The scenery, characters, and epic battles were incredible, at times even surpassing the books in grandeur and excitement. The battle between Saruman and Gandalf in The Fellowship was more complete in the movie. The books were more poetic, like classical epics, and as such had richer characters and more overall depth. That said, I didn't like some of the changes that were made. Some were understandable, but others should have been reworked a bit to more clearly portray the characters of the books. 1. No Tom Bombadil or Barrow Wites [understandable given the length of the films] 2. Obligatory love story injected between Aragorn and Arwen that was almost non-existent in the books. Jackson changed several pieces of the story to add this love affair. It was the elf Glorfindel, not Arwen, who carried Frodo to safety in Rivendell and vanquished the Nazgul (with some help from Gandalf). Aragorn never fell off a cliff in battle, only to be awakened by Arwen's love. In fact, I don't think that battle with the wolves ever happened. 3. There was no elf army from Lorien that came to Helm's Deep. It was the Ents (Huorns, actually) who stomped them in the end. 4. Merry and Pippin never tricked the Ents into going to war against Saruman. They weren't that 'astute'. Treebeard decided it, and roused the others to leave Fangorn. 5. Frodo never threatened to hand the ring to the Nazgul, nor did he ever see the Eye of Sauron except in the Mirror of Galadriel. Gandalf expended all his energy to prevent it from happening when Frodo dualed with Boromir. 6. Frodo didn't meet with Aragorn after his encounter with Boromir. He decided to split with the Fellowship on his own. 7. There didn't seem to be any distinction between ordinary men and the Men of Westernesse like Aragorn and the Rangers who were really 'super-human', and lived far longer than ordinary men. In some ways, their power exceeded that of wizards. Even Gandalf did not dare wrestle with Sauron through the palantir, whereas Aragorn did (quite successfully). 8. The movie made it seem as though Eowyn was able to kill the Lord of the Nazgul because she was a woman (a cute, politically correct idea...but not accurate). It was Merry's stroke into the leg of the Nazgul Lord that sent him into shadow. Nazgul Lord: "Come not between the Nazgul and his prey! Or he will not slay thee in thy turn. He will bear thee away to the houses of lamentation, beyond all darkness, where thy flesh shall be devoured, and thy shrivelled mind be left naked to the Lidless Eye." God I love these books!
Rating:
Summary: Hold your horses
Review: Wait and buy the extended versions, which follow the original novels much more closely. In both of the previous installments the longer version was vastly superior to the theatrical relase. I can't imagine that Peter Jackson would not put the same amount of care into this extended version. As a whole, Peter Jackson did a wonderful job of bring J.R.R. Tolkien to life! Very few in Hollywood have been able to bring such "completeness" to Tolkien's visions. However, in order to expereince the wonderful flow as Tolkine would have intended, I strongly urge you to buy the extended versions. So be patient and hold onto your money, they extended releases are coming!
Rating:
Summary: Wait for the extended edition
Review: As a Tolkein purist, I've had some moments of bitter disappointment and fury at the liberties taken in making the trilogy, especially in the Twin Towers. Nevertheless, this is the greatest film epic of our time, and deserves praise for the incredible detail and fine acting and screenwriting that went into it. (It's certainly MUCH better than Star Wars!) Having said this, I would never buy the Hollywood release version of any of these movies. I already have the extended versions of both "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers," both of which fill in some of the gaps that resulted from leaving scenes on the editing room floor. Of the three movies, the first is by far the most faithful to the book, while the second displays some blatant errors and manipulation that had me fuming as I left the theater. (Frodo and his "marriage ceremony" where he shows the ring to the Nazgul in Osgiliath, which would render Aragorn's feint of showing himself to Sauron using the palantir of Orthanc useless, because Sauron would know that Aragorn didn't have the ring, and therefore wasn't trying to use it against him. Add in the Ents deciding not to fight, until Merry and Pippin talk them into it, and I was pretty disgusted. The extended version fixed several problems, and brought the ents and the walking trees to the battle of Helm's Deep, where they belonged. I have high hopes that the extended version of ROTK will give some background information on Merry's sword -- I think there's a scene missing where he mentions that it's not even sharp, so they send him to the smith. Remember, only the blades that he and Pippin carry have the power to kill the head Nazgul. Eowyn had nothing to do with his death, and I was surprised to see that the movie was faithful to the book in how that scene played out. (I just wish they'd shown Aragorn in the halls of healing!) I was very disappointed that the two most dramatic scenes in ROTK weren't even filmed -- the dramatic blowing of horns, announcing the arrival of the riders of Rohan just as Gandalf faces down the head of the Nazgul at the gates of Minas Tirith, and the unfurling of the banner of the king of Gondor on the lead Corsair ship as the black fleet arrives at Minas Tirith, showing everyone that Gondor had triumphed in the south, and that the true king had returned to vanquish his enemies and retake the throne. Perhaps these scenes will be present in the extended edition, although given the flow of action in the cinematic version, I doubt it. Nonetheless, every extra second added to these movies is to be savored, and the true vision of the epic can best be appreciated in the extended versions. We do know that 7 minutes with Saruman was removed from ROTK, so that will be restored. Despite their flaws, these are great films, especially their extended versions. Tolkein would be proud to see his vision presented with such grandeur and detail, despite some changes made for the general viewing public that compromise the story line. By all means, buy all 3 movies, but only in their extended versions.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal!
Review: All three movies in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy are phenomenal! They have great music (score), acting, special effects, cinematography, and, best of all, each movie in the trilogy goes by author J.R.R. Tolkien's fascinating book fairly well. These Oscar-winning movies are a must-own on DVD! Thank you director Peter Jackson and crew!
Rating: 
Summary: The Ring Lord
Review: So much has been said about the Lord of the Ring movie trilogy and the books as well.
The series deserves all of the praises that it has gotten the few years it has hit box office. I can understand why it took so long to wait to make it a movie series. They just honestly never really had the right technology out until a few years ago.
There isn't really that much that I am disappointed about the series. Except for the fact that it is very long ( as are the books, ) and that they coped up some important information in the films.
I do think it would be wise to read the books ( as well as the Hobbit. ) To fully understand the story of the ring and Bilby Baggis for that matter.
Honestly though the picked out the best actors and actresses for the film. The music and sets are superb for the series.
The Lord of the Ring movie trilogy will more then likely be the first classic movie series of the 21st century. It is better then the movie TITANIC because you don't forget it. It's not like that movie at all because you wouldn't mind seeing it again even after seeing it in the theaters.
All though there are some mixed view points on how well the series was made compared to the books now. I really think they did an awesome job. I don't think that any one else could have made a better attempt bringing this classic to screen.
Rating:
Summary: Stop!!!!
Review: Don't buy. Wait for the Extended version which will be like 10 times better. The only reason I don't give this 1 star is because it's LOTR and it's the bomb regardless but any true diehard LOTR fan would much rather have the extended version or even the extended GIFT SET version. Just a warning
Rating:
Summary: The difinitive trilogy since Star Wars.
Review: Not since the Star Wars trilogy has there been such a monumental film series. While much critisism has been focused on the theatricle versions of the film (the ones presented in this box set), it is my personal belief that extended versions are in no way supperior to their edited counterparts. There is a legitimate reason why the films were trimmed down (could The Return of the King get any longer?). If you watch the films (both theatrical and extended eddition) you will realize that the latter are indeed paced better. The release of this set is all too convienent; in fact it comes out the day I get out of school (wink wink, mom, if you reading this). It sure would make a supurb "out-of-school" gift (wink, wink)
Rating:
Summary: And a half star if I could
Review: The theatrical releases of all three movies are the final culmination of Peter Jackson's triumph. The three films are masterpieces on their own, and while the theatrical versions aren't as satisfying as the extended versions, they are still amazing. The Fellowship of the Ring suffered slightly in that we had the slow introduction to the chief characters. In a three hour movie, pace is extremely important and the Fellowship almost sank under its own weight. Once the plot began, however, the movie shined. Many believe that Tolkien placed little value in action but the book is filled with adventure. The difference between books and movies is that a book can't spend ten pages describing a battle where as a movie has to spend some time showing us the battle. The Fellowship is probably the one movie that holds the most true with the book, but that's because it can. It's largely a character study and is the setting up of the plot. In my opinion an excellent movie, but not the best of the trilogy. The Two Towers seemed to be the one least liked in general but in reality, it's one of the best. This is not because of the over-emphasis on the battle at Helms Deep as much as it is the movie where the movies begin to lead us towards their inevitable conclusion. Peter Jackson has three different stories to tell, that of Frodo and Sam who left the Fellowship, Merry and Pippen, who were taken by the Orcs, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who attempt to save Merry and Pippen. Of course the three groups stay separated throughout the entire film as each presents one of the major themes that Tolkien wrote them in the books. Unfortunately, Legolas and Gimli are reduced to super action hero and comic relief dwarf respectively, but Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn shines. Sam and Frodo are played to perfection as is Gollum who is brought to life by computer effects and amazing voice acting. Gandalf returns (which is not a spoiler) and provides the narrative drive of the plot. Theoden is one of the best characters in this movie and is perfectly played. The movie has a few differences from the book, but again it maintains the spirit of the novel while adding something to the Lord of the Rings story. This is personally one of my favorites in the trilogy. The Return of the King brings us back into the story with Gollum's sad tale. We immediately know what the characters must do, and while we are sure they will do it, the story relies on them to overcome their obstacles to reach those goals. The movie does give a fair amount of time to the battle scenes and the confrontation in Shelob's lair (which actually occurred in the second book) is inter-cut beautifully with the Siege of Minas Tirith. While Jackson had to create some new elements for the sake of the story, such as Frodo sending Sam away when he didn't in the book, it's understandable to display to those who haven't read the book exactly what the ring is doing to Frodo. Criticism of the ending has been common, but adding the Scouring of the Shire would've been too emotionally draining and let's not forget that it's an anti-climactic moment in the book. We know after Frodo destroys the ring, Merry helps slay the Witch King (that name is used in the book, despite what some may say), Sam stays true to his friend, and Pippen fights in two battles that they are capable of saving the shire on their own. Showing it would've been redundant. The movie ends true to the book otherwise, and does a great job of not leaving too many lingering questions about the main characters, the hobbits. Overall, a great set of movies to own, but I'd only give a set of all three extended versions a full five stars. Also, most here have overlooked the musical scores written by Howard Shore. The music to Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece in of itself. If you are a fan of the movies and think that three hours is long enough to watch them, then this is the set for you.
Rating:
Summary: The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy
Review: This movie trilogy is arguably the most amazing story ever told on film. Peter Jackson's vision for Middle-earth and all its inhabitants is so complete that you cannot help but be pulled into this wholly engrossing story. The acting is absolutely top-notch, with many break-out performances, and the camaraderie of this ensemble cast is second to none. The emotions portrayed are so real that you believe unflinchingly in these characters. Particularly of note are the many scenes when a character cries. In so many other movies, the tears look fake, i.e. no redness of the eyes and nose area or the occasional runny nose. Tears in such instances look as if they have been eye dropped in. By contrast, when these actors cry, you really see and feel that they are pouring everything they have, emotionally, into their role. These and many other small attentions to detail make these characters completely believable. The special effects are truly ground breaking in this film series. Each successive film seems to outdo the previous offering. The levels of visual beauty in each scene will leave you staring with your mouth wide open in disbelief. While it is true that Peter Jackson did take some creative liberties with the story-telling end of things, it is understandable why he did so. In order to tell this story to a modern-day audience, these changes were not only necessary, they were crucial. These changes almost always translated into a more gripping, compelling, edge-of-your-seat, biting-your-fingernails, tension-fraught scene. With that in mind, it becomes a little easier to forgive any deviations from Tolkien's original classic. Pretty much everything that stands out as memorable from The Lord of the Rings novel has its place in these movies, though. Together, the acting, special effects, music, story and character interactions meld together seamlessly to create a rich tapestry that is something truly otherworldly to behold. If you do not own this trilogy, you simply must pick it up. I will make an excellent addition to your collection. This film series will most definitely stand the test of the ages.
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