Rating: 
Summary: Almost endless fun
Review: I enjoyed "Fellowship" at the cinema in 2001, and I'm enjoying, and enjoying, and enjoying this feature-packed extended edition even more in 2002.Others have already commented on the extremely gratifying addition of seamlessly-grafted additional scenes, complete with new music; and on the amazing wealth of commentaries and special features. I hope the success of this special DVD set encourages the studios to create more like it. Anyone who liked the movie, even just a little, and who likes knowing about the inner workings of filmmaking, will find this great set an astonishingly good value. Oh, and a certain comment by Ian McKellan--about Ian Holm's appearance as the aged Bilbo in Rivendell--is one of the funniest and most unexpected things I've yet encountered in a DVD commentary. Wonderful DVD release, offering virtually endless viewing enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Simply could not be better
Review: There can be no denying that the ethereal other-worldniness of this astounding fantasy series has been captured so wonderfully on film. This seemingly unsurmountable task has actually been overcome! The characters could not have been better chosen, especially those chosen for Gandalf, Boromir, Frodo, and...let's face it, there was not a bad choice there! Of course, the film does translate better if you had actually read the books. However, my wife (who has never read the books) was completely enthralled and asked me questions about several aspects of the film. Yes, the film does not answer all, but her enthusiasm and interest had been completely captured by the wonderment of story, character, setting, and drama. This film lacks NOTHING in these departments. Oh, and one special note. For the review stating something akin to "Tolkein is rolling in his grave," I just wanted to note that I have actually met his daughter, Priscilla Tolkein. I, for one, can attest to J.R.R. Tolkein's love for his story and to the ones that he told it to. In all fairness, I never have met J.R.R. and cannot comment on his possible reaction to a rendering of his work, but I can say this in defense of his family: could we please have a little more tasteful respect for the dead? Enjoy this film for the adventure that it is and stop putting words in other people's mouths. There are some frightening moments for kids, but I believe it will be a joy for those who have read the books. Two Towers...here we come!!!
Rating:
Summary: Be a Clever Person and Buy This For New Scenes!
Review: Perhaps you bought "Fellowship of the Ring" when it FIRST came out on DVD, and now you're thinking, oh no, should I buy it AGAIN?
I think you should.
True enough, there are about ten truck-loads of docs and extras on two extra discs. But on the two discs of the movie itself, more importantly, you get 30 minutes of extra scenes. This is a must-have deal.
If you read the LOTR books, for example, you know that Galadriel was more than a spooky elf chick. She also gifted each member of the fellowship with weapons, tokens, and lembas bread ("one small bite is enough to feed a full-grown man", says Legolas--too bad Pippin ate four pieces). Her radiant smile as she speaks with Gimli belies her eerie nature. She is not the only character who we see more in full. There are more hobbit scenes, elf scenes, Aragon and Boromir scenes, and generally a generous dose of character development. Peter Jackson counted on the DVD format to allow him to show us more.
So by all means let him show you! Pick this beauty up.
Rating: 
Summary: Wha Happened To Tha Picture????
Review: The film & content = 5+ stars. No further comment. The 30 extra minutes = 5 stars. No further comment. The extra fluff stuff = 3 stars. There should have been more on the author and the tale itself...maybe a visual Tolkien Companion for the purists; an explanation of the different ages and why the things were the way they were in the 3rd Age, some discussion of the origens of Sauron, eleves, hobbits, dwarves, etc., even more on Tolkein himself and the incredible cadre of writers that surrounded him at Oxford...not a bunch of actors droning on incessently about the demands of the movie.... The shrinking of the movie surface on the DVD from the original complete format = 0 stars. What numbskull decided to take this sumptous beautiful masterpiece and shrink the area to widescreen? Makes me only want to watch the complete format version sans the extra 30 minutes. Take a hint next time, special edition folk...keep the complete format and throw the widescreen edition into Mount Doom with the ring.
Rating:
Summary: Better than original release
Review: Yes, the movie is long, but it really is better this way. My sister, who tolerated the theater version (didn't read the books) honestly enjoyed this extended version. Background information as well as better pacing dramatically add to the cinematic experience. There's a handy bathroom break included, as you get to switch DVDs.
Rating: 
Summary: I wish it were TV formatted
Review: I like the behind-the-scenes part where Ejijah Wood swears like a truck driver - I count the F-word at least 5 times. An actor is nothing like the character he plays!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Book--Now my Favorite Movie
Review: I have frequently been disappointed when seeing a movie based on a book I have already read (and loved) The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book of all time; I have a 30 year old copy that is worn out from reading and re-reading. I had seen Ralph Bakshi's
cartoon Lord of the Rings and was severely disappointed. Peter Jackson's version is so true to the book that it is frightening!
Any changes to the book (such as Arwen fighting off the black riders) are an improvement. I really liked the extras on the expanded DVD. Some important scenes got left out in the theatre version and you get them back in the expanded DVD. Highly recommended!!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best of all time
Review: Finally, The Lord of the Rings movies come to life. This is a nearly perfect adaptation from J.R.R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings triligy. The story begins with an introduction of what has happened to cause everything that is to happen. But then, it goes into the life of the young hobbit Frodo of the Shire. The wizard Gandalf the Grey has returned to the Shire for Frodo's Uncle Bilbo's birthday. But Frodo learns of the Rings of Power, and the master ring, the one ring. Now he must find his way with the one ring to the Elf town of Rivendell, but it doesn't stop there... The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is full of dazzling special effects and a perfect cast, with Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins and Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey. This is a movie I highly recommend to anyone. Just wait for the second and third movies to come out on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite movie of all time!
Review: This movie can only be described as a masterpiece! The only reason my wife and I didn't buy the DVD of the original theatrical version, is because we were waiting for the extended DVD edition. We weren't disappointed! The "new" and extended scenes that were put back in, make the film more cohesive, and even better than the theatrical version! After seeing the original version of the movie, my wife bought and read THE HOBBIT, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy in less than two months! She agreed that the "new" scenes are great and that they bring even more of the magic of the books to life! We can't wait for THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING! LORD OF THE RINGS is the ONE film trilogy to rule them all!!!
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful movie
Review: I enjoyed the original release of this movie, so of course I needed to get the directors extended version. I wouldn't necessarily say that the extended scenes make the film better, but they do add information to the story line which might make it easier for people to understand the movie. A nice added bonus to this movie is two DVD discs which show the behind the scenes for this movie. It was very entertaining to see how this movie was adapted from the novel and how the created all of the visual effects.
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