Rating: 
Summary: Good, But RotK Is Better
Review: This Extended Edition is good, even great, but the Theatrical release of Return of the King is better than it, I think, so it's no telling how good the Extended Edition of RotK will be.
I really enjoyed the new opening sequence where it showed the map and Bilbo writing "The Hobbit" and "Concerning Hobbits". I really enjoyed that, because it seemed to explain hobbits more and give a more enjoyable feel to the movie.
Also, I'm tired of everyone complaining about Bombadil, he had 1 chapter! He had nothing to do with the Ring or the Fellowship. He was mentioned once in the Council of Elrond in the book, but Jackson only put things in the movie that had to do with the Ring. Therefore, Bombadil was not needed.
I have this DVD, and believe me, it is worth the extra 10 bucks!! Get out and buy it or rent it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Story - Great Movie - Great DVD!
Review: This extended version of the literary masterpiece has much more detail than the theater version. As a LONG time fan of Tolkien, I was happy with the way the film followed closely to the Book, but I am even more thrilled with this new version as it includes so many little things that made the story so interesting.
My only complaint is that there was not more! :)
Buy it. Watch it. ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: This is what movies were made for...
Review: This fantastical film was nominated for a best picture Oscar, so it seems even the uptight Academy members couldnt avoid giving it some nod of praise, besides just the usual good cinematography and best score banalities. But they werent brave enough to actually award it The prize, though it certainly would have deserved it. Tolkien's literary work is, without a doubt, a sprawling masterpiece. But anyone who has read the work and seen Peter Jackson's epic film knows the two are quite capable of standing independent of one another (you don't need to read the book to know the movie is good, and vice versa). And that is how one should consider the film, a piece onto itself. Yes, Jackson has managed to keep the spirit and integrity of the story (which stays amazingly true to the book), but it is not a direct translation. The book sets a lazy pace and spends much time celebrating Middle Earth's inhabitants with songs and legend; the quest is the backdrop placed for us to enjoy the characters. The film, however, is all about evil vs. good and the bloody fight to preserve it. Jackson has managed to inscribe a new passion and adventure for our senses in a way that only a great visual storyteller could, and in a way only a movie could. Lord of the Rings far surpasses any movie released in 2001 and it is unfortunate that many equate commercial success with substandard movies. Or believe a movie needs to be drama-based to be worthy of serious consideration. The fact is, the translation from literature to a credible, intelligent film without losing any of the original substance is, in itself, remarkable. Add onto that the years of pre-production, impeccable casting, filming, post-productions---this movie deserved to win Best Picture for it's unyielding dedication to detail and devotion to making it a Reality. The fact that it is a genre-specific film is probably the only reason it has been denied its right to stand by the greats. To make a movie that grand in scale without disintergrating the project into hollywood mush, To create an entire world translated from imagination to an interesting visual reality, To allow the characters to shine DESPITE the intimidating scale of the backdrop and story is a testament to Jackson's skill and direction. This is a movie that connects with its audience and creates escape; this is true storytelling that goes beyond clever camera tricks and overdramatic actors. This is one of the best films ever made; this is the type of storytelling magic that films were made for (in the grand tradition of the original Star Wars triology and ET and the Matrix). AFI needs to revise their top 100 list.
Rating:
Summary: Great show but a bit lengthy
Review: This fantasy movie is my kind of show. Elf, fighter, mage, cleric..etc Everything you need to have in a AD&D game. I really love it. Nice special effects and a good story. My only complain is that it is slightly long.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent story and special effects...
Review: This film has an excellent mixture of real footage and special effects. It is freaquently difficult to tell the difference between the real and computer generated. From the previews and trailers it was hard to tell that they had digitally shortened the Hobit characters, but in the movie it is amazing how they accomplished this. I can't wait to see the making of the movie that I am sure will be on the DVD when it comes out. This movie deserves five stars, no question in my mind. As many people have, I am sure, I read these stories when I was in high school, and I can't remember the finer points of the novels. From what I remember however, I think that the movie did ample justice to the book. Many things in the movie happened differently than I had imagined -- bigger and better! One caution though, don't take the PG-13 rating for granted. This is a violent and dark/evil film at times. I saw several children in the theater that were under 10; this is far more violent and scary than Harry Potter. At times the battles reminded me of Braveheart's, but condensed. In all, for adults and older teens, this is a great film about the classic battle between good and evil, in a fairy tale setting.
Rating:
Summary: a long expected film, and unexpected result
Review: this film has been desired and expected by fans for a very long time.. and, when a few years ago we heard about it being put into production, it was met with a lot of excitment and a little skeptism. "who is the "Peter Jackson" ? "What has he made"? When we viewed some of his early work... we enjoyed it...but is he capable of this sort of undertaking. The answer is YES! peter jackson graces the big screen with this masterpiece.. and he passes the critics and fans with flying colors. Filled with heartfelt moments, mystery, action, and adventure. This film lives up to the standards set not only by us.. but by the book. i wish to sincerly thank peter jackson for his work, and dedicvation to the legend, the masterpiece, and the journey that is lord of the rings. thank you,
a fan
Rating:
Summary: *MASTERPIECE*
Review: This film has to be one of the best things to ever hit the silver screen since it's inception... Quite frankly anyone who does not like this movie and/or cannot appreciate it's perfection has the intelligence of a flea. The score is mesmerizing and beautiful to behold! The acting IS superb! The cinematography is breathtaking! And the story is classic! Peter Jackson's intelligent direction puts this movie in a class better than Star Wars in my humble opinion. The passion this man has for the movies is evident in viewing it. I have read the books 6 times and I feel it conveys the overall tone and feel of the books with perfection even though it may change some necessary things...
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Movie!
Review: This film is a wonderful, classic fantasy masterpiece! A must-see for people who can appreciate the brilliance of Tolkien. If you read his books then you will surely applaud this movie. No doubt one of the best mythical fantasy movies in my list!
Rating: 
Summary: Un-watchable
Review: This film is devastatingly disappointing. If you have ever read the book, you know how wonderful it is. The movie is a mishmash of Hollywood ....and terrible writing and acting. The screenplay has very little to do with the actual story; much is invented (very badly) and of course nearly all that Tolkien wrote (character development, story, motivation)is left out. The characters, so lovingly and complexly rendered by Tolkien are reduced to one dimensional B-movie stereotypes. Gandalf is ridiculous. No power, no wisdom, no subtle grandeur. He is Shemp in a "Soggy-Bottoms-Boy" false beard. Frodo is a perpetually wide eyed wimp devoid of courage or wit. Just awful. The other members of the "fellowship" are rendered as idiots. The rest of the cast parts are poorly written and even more poorly acted. Lots of pointless action, none of it scary or exciting. Just expensive. When given such wonderful material with which to work and what is obviously an enormous budget, the makers of this film should be ashamed of themselves. This film is an utter failure and must be regarded as one of the worst adaptations ever. I'm giving my copy away. To someone I don't like.
Rating:
Summary: Un-watchable
Review: This film is devastatingly disappointing. If you have ever read the book, you know how wonderful it is. The movie is a mishmash of Hollywood ...and terrible writing and acting. The screenplay has very little to do with the actual story; much is invented (very badly) and of course nearly all that Tolkien wrote (character development, story, motivation)is left out. The characters, so lovingly and complexly rendered by Tolkien are reduced to one dimensional B-movie stereotypes. Gandalf is ridiculous. No power, no wisdom, no subtle grandeur. He is Shemp in a "Soggy-Bottoms-Boy" false beard. Frodo is a perpetually wide eyed wimp devoid of courage or wit. Just awful. The other members of the "fellowship" are rendered as idiots. The rest of the cast parts are poorly written and even more poorly acted. Lots of pointless action, none of it scary or exciting. Just expensive. When given such wonderful material with which to work and what is obviously an enormous budget, the makers of this film should be ashamed of themselves. This film is an utter failure and must be regarded as one of the worst adaptations ever. I'm giving my copy away. To someone I don't like.
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