Rating: 
Summary: Unbelievable on a prog-scan DVD player and an HDTV
Review: I never saw this film in the theater, as I bypass many new releases due to SO MANY distractions in any theater these days. Any time of the day - just cannot do it. I prefer great films in silence within my home theater and in the right "mood setting".Since I had never saw this film, but had read the novel(s) when I was a teenager, I was anxious to see how modern technology, the craft of filmmaking and storytelling, and the state of home sound systems would make this film. Simply, I was blown away. The progressive scan DVD player and my HDTV made this movie so breathtaking and incredible. The DTS soundtrack was perfect, the effects were photorealistic and in no way detracted from the storytelling (hear me, George Lucas?), and the casting was impeccable. I honestly cannot think of anything negative, in any way, to say about this experience. Never did see the "theatrical" version, so cannot comment there. This 4-DVD set was my first exposure to it. It is worth the price alone to see such wonderful actors as Sir Ian McKellan and Christopher Lee add to such masterful careers with this film. All the other actors/actresses were cast just right. Liv, Cate, Ian, Elijah, both Seans.....wow. Based on all components of this film....actors/actresses, effects, sound, editing, immersive experience, color, music/score, this rates right up there with the best DVD I own, if not the best. The T2 Ultimate Edition is right there also, but the story portrayed in this film, and all the Tolkien world brought to life makes this just an awe-inspiring film. It's good I did not see "The Two Towers" at the theater either -will wait for a comparable DVD this year (pretty please????) and enjoy this story continued. There are some things worth the money in this day and age. $30 is a small price to pay for such an experience like this. The neat thing is that I have not even explored the 2 extra DVDs for all the supporting material yet, or listened to the commentaries. Want to relish the film for what it is before I take my time on those goodies. This film and the two after it deserve every bit of praise and accolades they get. New Line sure hit gold on the huge risk they took to finance these babies!
Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Fantasy Epic Of All Time
Review: I never thought a superb adaptation of Tolkien's "The Lord Of The Rings" would ever appear on the screen. Yet Peter Jackson has accomplished the impossible, offering a splendid adaptation of "Fellowship Of The Ring" which remains true to J. R. R. Tolkien's vision, even if it sacrifices nearly a tenth of the plot. He does an admirable job emphasizing the trials and tribulations awaiting Frodo Baggins and the rest of his company; Elijah Wood is a memorable Frodo Baggins, Orlando Bloom is fine as Legolas, John Rhys-Davis is a splendid Glimli, replete with all of his taciturn manners. Yet along with Elijah Wood, the acting accolades go deservedly to Viggo Mortenson as Strider/Aragorn, and especially, Ian McKellan as Gandalf, who deserves an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. Other excellent performances include those of Sean Bean as Boromir, Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee, Christopher Lee as Saruman the Wise, Liv Tyler as Arwen and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. Yet there isn't one false note shown by any of the actors since they all do admirable jobs bringing the denizens of Middle-earth to life. Some have criticized raising Arwen's (Liv Tyler) stature as a character in the film, since she is hardly mentioned in the novel. Yet Jackson's instincts are correct, since she will play an important part later in the saga, as Aragorn's (Viggo Mortenson) lover. I also appreciate the film's emphasis on Saruman's (Christopher Lee) treachery, which is only hinted at in the text. I have seen "Fellowship Of The Ring" twice; it is a sumptuous visual feast for the eyes as well as a nail-biting swashbuckler of a film. It harkens back to the great film epics of the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's, with its own epochal sense of film making. It's been the most enjoyable three hours of film I have seen in a long, long time. Unquestionably, despite Jackson's and his co-writer's liberal adaptation of Tolkien's tale, it remains the finest adaptation of a literary classic I have seen. The film is graced with an admirable film score by Howard Shore; easily one of our foremost film composers. I sincerely hope it earns an Academy Award nomination for best film score. I look forward to seeing "Fellowship Of The Ring" several more times before it ends its American theater run. Hopefully, that won't be any time soon.
Rating:
Summary: The Star Wars of the new Generation
Review: I never thought how huge the JRR Tolkien novels would be on film. They are truely a wonder to see on the screen. The film takes you into a world of fantasy that you can believe. The characters come to life and the setting is vibrant and real. The acting, cinematography, effects, and plot is all wonderful. The DVD is packed with extras, however the one draw back about the extended editions are that you have to watch them in segments because the films are about 4 hours long if you don't. It is truely a wonder to behold. I highly reccomend the whole series.
Rating:
Summary: Simply put, this is one of (if not THE) best film ever made.
Review: I normally do not throw superlatives around lightly but for this film I do it with complete conviction & pride. Not since THE GODFATHER (I and II, respectively) have I been so enraptured by a film. It transcends its genre (fantasy) to a level that easily places it among the best of ANY genre. It is the THEMES; love, honour, devotion, sacrifice, loyalty, duty, compassion, restraint - I could go on and on with the TRUE beauty of this film....its themes. It's ultimately not about the story arc or the characters themselves, etc; it is about the magnificent underlying current of how the characters act and react with such realism. How they fit into those themes. That is why the books are so captivating as well. It's the purity of Tolkien's spirit & beliefs flowing though every page. Peter Jackson HAD to somehow get that out from the page and onto the screen & he absolutely nailed it. A beautiful film in every sense, even in the darkness and evil. Yes, there is beauty in that as well. And I agree too that the fight scenes were top notch filling me with the edge-of-my-seat tension that these characters CAN die (and some do), and the scenery, costumes, special effects, acting, etc. were all glorious in every detail as well but what makes this movie so amazing are the humanistic touches; where Aragorn gets on bended knee with tears in his eyes and clasps his hands over Frodo's and says that he would have followed him to the end; when Sam & Frodo at the end look towards Mordor and Sam comforting Frodo says that they will see their friends again someday; when Gandalf sacrifices his very LIFE to save those dear to him against a creature that basically can kick the shizit out of ANY monster EVER put to film since film was invented (King Kong, Godzilla....nope.); Boromir's fall & then redemption (and life sacrifice as well) to protect the smaller and weaker. His sense of honor and duty winning against the lure of the Ring. I could go on and on and I wish that I could but again, I say this with fierce conviction; Lord of the Rings is truly one of the best films ever made......and get this....there are 2 more on the way. With that being said this is a great time to be alive for my eyes, ears, heart & Soul are going to continue to witness such wonderful magnificence up on that movie screen. Thank you, Mr. Jackson...I cannot wait.
Rating:
Summary: Best Fantasy Film Ever Made (caution: spoilers)
Review: I note that some are willing to review this movie before they see it. Amazing. Well, I just got home from the theatre, and I'm blown away. I've read the triogy maybe 5 times in 30 years, and this movie captured the spirit of Tolkein as well as one could hope. The entire backstory (Isildur, Sauron's fall, Bilbo & Gollum, and the Rings of Power) is clearly explained in the first 5 minutes. The scene of the battle between Elendil, Gil-galad & Sauron, where Isildur takes The One Ring, is utterly stunning. Makes Cecil B DeMille look like a piker. People who've never read any of it will be right up to speed. Sure they left out Bombidil, and lots got cut at Bree, but given the relentless drive of the film, that's a good thing. The Mines of Moria and the battle at Khazad-dum are stunning. Isengard is made real. The various races are all well done, especially the orcs. Jackson has taken some liberties (e.g. Gandalf's imprisonment is told in real-time, not as a tale told later), but every one of these helps the film. Hey, THIS IS THE BEST FANTASY FILM EVER MADE. One small complaint -- I have to wait a year for the next film. I'm ready right NOW!
Rating:
Summary: Frodo and Gang are number one in my book!
Review: I noted another reviewer commented on Frodo's wimpiness. Let me say #1. Who cares - look at him, he is adorable. And #2 c'mon, he's a hobbit. What? They're supposed to be brave? This movie really transports the viewer there. I found myself not wanting it to end. And that is where the Platinum Series Extended Edition was perfect. Not only was the movie that much more long and enjoyable, but important parts left out of the original motion picture could be seen. This really helped me understand the story and get to know and love the quirkiness of each character. The cast and crew commentaries were insightful and interesting. If you like pure entertainment and can appreciate it for being just that - then run (with your fingers and keyboard), don't walk to Amazon.com and buy this gem for your DVD library.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Moive!!
Review: I now own this movie on the Extended DVD version. I like Lord of The Rings movies. They follow the books by J. R. R. Tokien's! I recommend these DVD's.
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie, okay DVD
Review: I only bought this DVD because I didn't see it in a movie theater and I didn't want to wait on the extended version. I say if you want to own a version of the movie save your money and get the extended vesion. The movie is amazing, but the DVD extras are just commercials and trailers that most people probably saw a million times and aren't worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: I COULD NOT GET INTO IT
Review: I ONLY READ HALF THE BOOK SO I CANT REALLY COMPARE it to that but i think this movie was just okay. i felt it was one of thos movies were every ten seconds something chasing them or there in some danger after a while the constant danger gets boring.
Rating:
Summary: Attention studio execs: this is the way to sell DVDs
Review: I only wish more of my favorite films could be released in the manner that this film was. First we had the theatrical version: wonderful, a great film we loved it. But even though the studio heads KNEW that they could sell a lot more DVDs if they chose to trick us THEY DIDN'T! They told us that an extended edition was on its way right from the start. PLEASE DO THIS MORE OFTEN. DVD collectors are sick of getting the shaft by greedy execs without a shred of decency that have been bilking fans with the bait and switch over and over. NOT SO with this set of DVDs. THANKS and DO THAT MORE!
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