Rating: 
Summary: The additional time is well spent...
Review: The addition of 30 minutes has made a world of difference in what was already a great movie. The story is smoother, the expanded character development makes more sense, and the wonder that is middle earth draws you in far deeper than the original film. The extended version a rare treat -- it's longer but yet feels faster than the original while magically also seeming more complete.The small price to pay for these improvements is having the movie spread over two DVD disks instead of a single one. Frankly it's worth it. A wonderful film to own and cherish, I'd recommend it to anyone who loved the theatrical release.
Rating: 
Summary: Superb!
Review: The additional 'making of' documentaries along make it worth buying this extended version alone! Couple that most of the extended scenes are in Gladrial forest (which I felt was grossly underdeveloped in the original movie version) and this is far superior to the original movie version My only disappointment was of the additional 37 minutes footage, 19 minutes was a list of all official LOTR fan club members. I am sure there are quite a few people who could have thought of a much better way to use those extra 19 minutes! I don't object to the fans being listed, but I do object to them being marketed as over half of the 'extra 37 minutes worth of footage!'
Rating:
Summary: Excellent additions
Review: The additional 30 minutes of footage was very helpful in the overall plot progression. While the extended footage was not absolutely necessary, it was a welcome luxury. The bonus material was nice, but only a hard core LOTR fan would sing it's praises very loudly. I think it was average in quality and impressiveness. The additional National Geographic CD was not what I expected at all. When I hear National Geographic, I think scenery and nature. What I got was an interesting look at how Tolkein's real life experiences shaped the writing of the Lord of the Rings. I had hoped for more scenes from the locations in New Zeland rather than what this was. The whole reason I bought this particular set was for the National Geographic DVD. The bookends helped compensate for my minor disappointment there. I expected them to be worthless pieces of plastic junk. They are fairly heavy, perfect for flanking your LOTR DVD's. The quality of the sculpting was impressive. These were not the plastic cereal box things I expected. If you are really interested in the additional movie footage, I would recommend getting the cheaper extended edition DVD set only. The National Geographic DVD is not something that most people would watch again and again. As for the bookends, they are nice, but hardly worth doubling the price of the DVD's alone.
Rating:
Summary: Best Film of the Year
Review: The American Film Institute (AFI) was accurate, while the Academy was wrong this year. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" was easily the best film of 2001. That said we turn to reasons why it was so. First of all, it should be said that the film was amazingly true to its source material (unlike one other major film which was pure fantasy disguised as biography), and that was no easy matter. The attention to detail was stunning, especially when one went back to the books to review those details. Certain dramatic license was taken to accentuate this chapter and set up the next, but littel was done that was not in the books somewhere. It was also beautifully produced (the Academy at least recognized that). New Zealand's "chamber of commerce" was handed a free ad campaign here. It was a literate tale, of course it had to be given its source. How wonderful to be able to commend a film that may encourage Americans to read, and one that emphasizes literate speech. Across the board the film was very well acted with several performances that warranted recognition. Overall, an epic version of an epic tale. And time will show that this entry, along with the other two that will be seen over the next two years, will be considered film classics. There is a school of thought that holds that "The Lord of the Ring" was the best novel of the last century, and a solid case can be made for that claim. In time a similar claim may be made for this master film version of Tolkein's epic work. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Can any movie do justice to the book?
Review: The answer is "no", of course, but this film gives it a great try and perhaps it comes as close as one can get to the spirit of the book. This is the tale of a long journey, immersed in much history and folklore, and, of necessity, sometimes it feels a bit rushed. Plus, some of my favorite parts of the book are left out of the movie, like the visit to the house of Tom Bombadil and the story of Sam's horse. These things would "humanize" (and that term is used loosely when discussings Hobbits, Elves, Dwarfs, and Wizards) the characters more, but much "humanization" is cast aside to leave more time for swordplay and action, which is what brings people to the theaters in this day and age. What amazed me is that the look of the movie is much the way I visualized things while reading the story. And a great story it is. Despite not quite living up to the book, as impossible as that is, I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: It is as good as you have heard!
Review: The Argonath figurines are stunningly handcrafted and heavy, The packaging is pure eye candy, and the movie inside is a piece of cinematic history. A large one. 30 extra minutes add significant detail to an already richly imagined world. Acolytes rejoice! This is the one to own!
Rating:
Summary: Lord Of The Rings: One Ring to rule them all..
Review: The awesome dvd of "Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship" os a must-see!! the dvd includes theatrical trailers, the "making of", behind-the-scenes, and much more!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best adaptations of all time.
Review: The beauty of this film is simply staggering. As literature, The Lord of the Rings holds a unique spot in history as one of the first works to be considered Fantasy. Though it is truly in the style of previous "romance" works, LOTR is one of the only books that truly delves into the sacred and mythical and comes out of the underworld with dignity and a lesson learned. Peter Jackson and the entire crew of the film version have not hesitated to let themselves be taken away by this truly amazing story and have surrendered to the world that Tolkien created. While the film is honestly quite bombastic and over the top at times, it is quite forgivable. The story itself is not lost in the minor changes in adaptation, and the film makes up for it in it's ability to vividly re-create Middle-Earth into a colorful and alive place that I am not even capable of imaginging when I read the book. The film also shortens the rambling tendencies of Tolkien and focuses instead on the story and the characters, bringing to light some parts of the book that may not be so clear. This first Lord of the Rings film does what a film adaptation should do: it takes direct inspiration from the book and makes a masterpiece that is true to the original, yet stands on it's own as a brilliant and transcendently beautiful work of art. I can't wait for the next movie to come out!
Rating:
Summary: One Set To Rule Them All
Review: The best adaption yet of "The Fellowship of the Ring" from Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy is now available in this superior director's cut. It also includes a National Geographic DVD and two finely crafted bookends (which look great holding up a DVD collection). Bonus and extended scenes make this showing nearly 30 minutes longer than the lengthy theatrical version. Some may say that's too long, but who cares? It's on DVD! Nature calls? Hit pause! Want to microwave some popcorn? Hit pause! Besides, it's a fantastic film. Those who have never read Tolkien or enjoy only the usual Hollywood drivel will probably find this film boring. However, those who enjoy great acting, direction, cinematography, editing and sound (or any combination thereof) will enjoy this modern classic.
Rating:
Summary: A must see
Review: The best epic film ever made.
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