Rating: 
Summary: Buy it for the commentaries and extra features.
Review: This sprawling four disc set is a DVD package of "reference" quality by which all "Special Editions" should be judged. The picture quality and sound of the expanded film are superb. The extra 30 minutes of footage are seamlessly blended into the theatrical cut. The four feature length commentary tracks on discs 1 and 2 are both informative and entertaining. An innovative "subtitling" feature--which flashes each commentator's name on the screen as he or she is speaking--makes it easy to follow a half dozen or more different voices on single track. Meanwhile, discs 3 and 4 are stuffed with several excellent documentaries, photo galleries and demonstration features examining every aspect of this epic production from the conceptual stages to the finished film. No detail is spared.So, why do I give this "extended" version only 4 out of 5 stars? To be honest, all of the special features in the world cannot hide the flaws of the additional scenes; the extra footage is a mixed bag. Too often, the added scenes trade narrative pacing for unnecessary exposition in a film already heavy with expository scenes. In many cases, the new footage both diminishes the impact of important events which occur later in the film and encumbers the narrative with unimportant details. This problem is most evident in the first 45 minutes of the expanded feature. The "new" scenes with Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm) do not enhance our understanding of the story and make later, more important events almost redundant. On the flip side, the extra character building scenes featuring Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) deepen the narrative and enhance our understanding of one of the trilogy's most important characters without slackening the pace. Likewise, the new footage of Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) adds details which are important in the next two films. My reservations aside, I recommend this set over the earlier DVD release of the theatrical version. By themselves, the commentary tracks and the behind-the-scenes features make this set indispensable for fans of Peter Jackson's magnificent epic.
Rating: 
Summary: For Reviewers that gave this release under 4 stars...
Review: I give this release high regard for what it is...a true Director's cut of an excellent film. The scenes that were removed from the theatrical release were simply done so to reduce the running time of the film. This release, however, includes extended versions of existing scenes as well as scenes that were missing all together...all of which greatly contribute to the experience Peter Jackson meant to convey to the audience. Now, reading the reviews here on Amazon, I keep seeing 1 and 2 star reviews due to the movie being split onto 2 discs. these people are citing special features included on the first 2 discs claiming that with only 30 minutes of added footage, it should be possible to get the whole movie onto 1 disc. This is very true, but the special features you guys are citing are audio commentaries by over 30 people, and were not talking about 30 people, stars, production people,writers, etc. all talking on 1 audio track. So you have to understand there are ALOT of audio tracks one can choose from when watching this movie. Some people think this is fluff, but I know there are many points in this movie where I would want to get the writers' input instead of a cast members thoughts on a film. Second of all, there is something called a DTS track on this movie as well as a standard 5.1 Dolby Digital track too, ...and a stereo track for the less off viewers who think their mts stereo tv's have such great speakers. Did I mention DTS? Look it up if you're not educated in home theater and you might come to understand why a near 4 hour movie with 3 movie audio tracks and multiple audio commentaries might be required to be split over 2 discs. Next time do your research before badmouthing what may be the best DVD release this country has ever seen... and I don't just mean cause it was a good movie. P.S. If your DVD doesn't play in your Dell DVD Rom, and you give it 1 star for this, you are an idiot! I hope I do not need to elaborate, just because you bought an OEM computer at the cheapest possible price from your local discount computer reseller does not mean you bought the right to complain to rest of the world when something does not work. Try a firmware update before you complain next time.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant for fans
Review: The extra 1/2 hour really adds heaps for dedicated fans of the book. There's whole scenes that are added in, and many scenes (it seemed like most scenes) are extended and made significantly richer in detail and characterisation. Far more about the Shire and Hobbiton is seen (it's lovely!), the hobbits have more character development at the start, Midgewater is included (originally not shown at all), there's more time spent in the mines of Moria, and Galadriel's "presents" have more meaning. Amazingly, the added scenes don't seem pointless at all (at least to me). It will take a long time to get through all the special features too - so far I've only listened to the actors' commentary (very interesting to hear the "hobbits" messing about with each other) and one of the documentaries, but they've been very entertaining. People who haven't read the books would probably prefer the original version without all the extra details, but it is truly wonderful to see so many little moments from the story brought back in. (The character of the film is quite different from the original, however, so I may end up buying a cheap copy of that one day too.)
Rating:
Summary: Top DVD of 2002!
Review: This is an amazing package. Four discs, DTS extended version of the film, great extras, this is a great package at a bargain price. Well worth the wait for all of you LOTR fans. I admit I am not a fanatic of the series ( have not read all the books, couldn't spot a hobbitt without his shoes off, etc), but I loved this movie. it is well directed and just a stunning film. Years from now, the debate about last year's Oscar selection might be why was A Beautiful Mind picked over this classic. The print and the sound are great on this collection. The movie is better now than the original version (which was pretty good already). Even though this is a long film, it moves along very well. I have always been a sucker for the underdog movie (Star Wars, Seven Samurai, Magnificent Seven, Dirty Dozen) and this may turn out to be the best of the bunch (well maybe second best behind Seven Samurai). This is a perfect gift for those DVD lovers on your gift lists. Even if they bought the 2 disc set that came out earlier in the year, get him or her this one. They will thank you for it. The extras are amazing. Four commentaries, a ton of shorts, some history on the author- it may be the best packaged disc to come out yet. This is the rare movie that gets better after each viewing. It is also a disc set that you can enjoy at your own pace and relish the hours of extras. Buy this set, you will not regret it!
Rating: 
Summary: A nasty hobbit -- or -- Bored of the Rings
Review: Gee, the whole world really loved this film. I bought all the hype, all the accolades. Walked into the theater anticipating a rare, compelling visual experience. Walked out feeling like the victim of an elaborate hoax. I have serious issues with this film. Here's the SMALL problem. Too long. Too repetitive. Too many battle scenes that go on for too long. If they edited out about an hour they'd have a nice little action film. Not a great movie, but no longer a mind-numbing one. Here's the big problem. Does Peter Jackson ever make an inspired choice? Does he ever opt for subtlety? How many hackneyed, heavy-handed moments can a director squeeze into one movie? I think perhaps now I know. Jackson shamelessly milks every emotional situation. . .he can't resist hammering us over the head with the oldest movie cliches in the book. There were probably moments of incredible visual effects in this film, but there weren't any interesting moments between the characters. I'd like to throw stones at Elijah Wood's insufferable performance, too, but I guess I'll cut him some slack. Sure, I couldn't abide another moment of his wide-eyed, whiny Frodo. Yes, I longed to see him put down in the most cruel method possible. But given the director's taste for the obvious, for his consistent courting of the lowest common denominator, I'm inclined to blame him for Wood's performance, too. To truly beat a dead horse, though....has there ever been a more wretched, ineffectual protagonist than this Frodo? I mean, what was there about this weepy little brat that inspired brave men to accompany him? This is probably a Part I phenomenon; undoubtedly we'll (I should say "you'll") bear witness to his stunning transformation to heroic figure in subsequent chapters. In part 1 I got sick of his whining, and really wished he would just die already. This felt way too much like going on a noble quest with my Aunt Ruth. So much rang false. The movie may have broken my old record for "groan-out-loud" moments. (Previously held by "Top Gun".) That's pretty surefire, isn't it? No matter what other virtues a movie might have, if you're continuously muttering "yeah, right" to yourself, it's a bad movie. For you. This was a horrible movie. For me. Yes, there were some incredible images. Some amazing effects. But even here, lots of the "creative" choices veered decidedly towards the cheesy. When the Elf Queen (or whoever the hell she was) showed her evil side, I had flashbacks to "Night Gallery" episodes from the 70's. But it must be me. The whole world can't be wrong, can it? I hope you all enjoy the next installment......
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: This movie is one of the best I've ever seen. The typical hero's journey even deeper. My favorite scene is the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo when they are temporarily lost in the Mines of Moria. Gandalf says that all we have to decide is what to do with the time we are given. It takes your breath away with it's simplicity and wisdom. I can't wait for The Two Towers, I want to see if Pete can top this awesome and unforgettable movie.
Rating:
Summary: Extended Edition - The Lord of the Rings
Review: This Extended Edition is a must for true Tolkien fans. Peter Jacksons personal vision for this film is deepened with this version.
The additional scenes - while not the most important to the film - add depth and nuance to the story. These are small touches that add wonderful information that will have fans smiling with delight.
The comentary is fun (cast comentary is very funny at times - look for the Tig game) and extensive. This is a Must DVD for Fantasy Fans and lovers of great film.
Rating: 
Summary: 3 hours and at the end of it all you're left with NOTHING!
Review: The "Lord of the Rings" book trilogy is one of the best I have ever read. It's too bad the first movie is one of the slowest, uneventful, and boring I've ever watched. There was so much potential for this movie to be one of the greatest of all time, but Peter Jackson had to ruin it all. The acting is atrocious. I've never seen so much wooden acting in my life! I don't know whether it's the actor's or the director's fault, but whoever is responsible should get out of the business for good. Not even the fx are good in this movie. This movie is good if you want a good night's sleep though.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as Good as the Theatrical Release
Review: There's a reason the extra scenes were not included. For the most part, they're boring and don't add anything to the story. This doesn't apply to all of them, of course. Some of them I enjoyed. The new scenes I especially didn't enjoy were at the opening of the film (Concerning Hobbits, etc). However, these scenes could make it easier for those who haven't read the book to understand hobbits. I must admit that the DTS track is a noticeable improvement over the original Dolby Digital. I'm not one for special features, so they make very little difference to me. I loved the theatrical release, but this extended edition tends to get boring at times.
Rating:
Summary: There and Back Again
Review: This is an incredible DVD! I purchased the theatrical version in August. I thought it was the most incredible film ever, until I saw the extended version. Now I own both. But the cool thing is, there are new features on this DVD, and not the same as on the first DVD. And, Howard Shore, the composer, composed all new music, just for the extra footage. How cool is that? I would recommend this movie to anyone, and if you like the theatrical version, you'll like this for certain!
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