Rating: 
Summary: Enchanting adventure for a great escape.
Review: Though is has been years since I read the J.R.R. Tolkien books and I was not a groupie, this movie has rekindled my interest and original enchantment with the entire world and inhabitants that Tolkien has created. The movie itself was easy to follow for both those familiar with the details about the story and those for whom it was new. Casting was believable, accurate and charming to watch. I really cared for each and every one of them. And of course the special effects made the entire world a reality from the countryside to the creatures. I was only sad to have to wait another year for the next installment. Just enough time for me to revisit my old reading haunts.
Rating:
Summary: A truly great film.
Review: Though it deviates in minor ways from the source material, The Fellowship of the Ring is easily one of the best films I've seen in years. Complex, rich in detail and characterization, and directed with a steady hand, this film truly delivers. As a longtime fan of the books, I was very nervous when I heard a live-action version of the story was to be made. When I heard that Peter Jackson was behind the wheel, I relaxed a bit. And boy, did he deliver. He (along with two other screenwriters) tightened the plot, trimming the film into a lean story that still manages (against all odds, in my opinion) to capture the true nature of Tolkien's world. I highly recommend this film.
Rating: 
Summary: boring
Review: Though it had alot of action scenes, the character development was bad and they talked so fast in the beggining you couldn't tell what they were saying. Since you couldn't get into the characters, the overload of action scenes was hard to get into.
Rating:
Summary: Great work of art!
Review: Though nothing on the screen can fully express the mastery of Tolkein's art of storytelling, this movie is a wonderful visual depiction of the first book in the epic trilogy. The acting is very good, the costumes are perfect for each charcter, and Enya's music is a beautiful piece of the artful soundtrack. I only wish every moment in the book could be captured on film in this manner.
Rating: 
Summary: Renders the theatrical version obsolete.
Review: Though Peter Jackson had always claimed that the 208 minute (roughly equal to "Seven Samurai" in length) DVD version of "Lord of the Rings'" first installment was not a director's cut, its vast superiority to the shortened theatrical release becomes clear immediately.For those initally dissapointed with "Fellowship's" overly fast pace (skipping over characterizations and details for the sake of action) , the seamlessly integrated 30 minutes of footage works wonders.
Here are some Improvements: 1) Instead of a mere adventure movie (or a cgi cartoon, some may argue), Jackson's FOTR now feels closer to the spirit of Tolkien's world. Through more maps, longer stays at various crucial locations, more journey time, more geographic and historical references, one finaly begins to get a sense of original work's epic scope. In fact, there are a few scenes where the dialogue is copied almost verbatim, and that's always a welcomed addition. 2) Every character (even Gollum) gets at least some additonal exposure and all are considerably fleshed out. Aragorn benefits the most, now seeming more like a full-fledged human being (within epic conventions, though), rather than a straight-forward action hero. Galadriel, called a "radioactive psycho" by some, has other scenes here showing her true regal nature. Merry, Pippin, and especially Gimli, are more than buffoons to liven up the proceedings. Ian Holm's Bilbo, who was one of my favorite character portrayals in the film, also gets more screen time in the beginning, just like Tolkien wrote. 3) The overall themes of the book are now much more apparent - the ring's temptation, the weakness of humans, the appeal of a simple lifestyle over industrialization, and the dissappearance of civilizations (elves). The Passing of the Elves scene, is quite amazing - a shame to have been cut in the first place, as it is fairly short. 4) Some of the choppier and confusing parts of the theatrical version are elaborated upon and some questions are answered, such as "How did the Ring betray Isildur ?", or "Why is Boromir so preoccupied with the Ring?" Although Sam is not explicitly introduced as Frodo's servant, he is at least shown gardening at Bag End. Many complaints that I, and other fans of the book, had with the theatrical version are now fully resolved, and by all standards, as a whole this is a much better film, already approaching that sought-after but seldom-attained classic status in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Approaching, but still stopping short of perfection, because many of the fundamental issues persist. Here are my remaining Problems with FOTR in order of annoyance: 1) Gratuitous use (or abuse, rather) of slow motion - esp. in the "Noooooooooo" scene right after Gandalf's fall in Moria, and the "drowning" of Sam scene. Cheesy and detracting. 2) Overbearing, generic, omni-present score. Some scenes, like Boromir's attempt to take the ring, and his death, while well-acted, should have been fine without the bathetic, cringe-worthy accompaniment. Sometimes, silence can be just as effective in generating the proper emotions. Granted, the music is not all terrible, it's just excessive - but the cliched chanting has got to go. 3) While I can forgive Merry and Pippin's all-too-fast integration into the Fellowship, The Council of Elrond scene, even with the additions (which help) still doesn't quite work. Oh well, at least we get to hear the actual "ash nazg durbatuluk" speach by Gandalf. And, there's a funny hidden parody of the scene on one of the DVDs. 4) Saruman is still the cartoonish villain, with no extra depth. The Extra materials on the DVD are top-notch, and as you may have heard, go into minute detail regarding all the aspects of production. They will take hours of viewing, if you care enough to investigate. Some of the audio commentaries are interesting as well - it looks like the presence of Philippa Boyens who was a harder Tolkienite than the action-oriented Jackson, helped steer certain scenes into the right direction. And without Richard Taylor, Alan Lee and John Howe, the visuals (best thing about the film in the first place) would not have been possible. We also get some discussion about New Zealand (interactive map provided) and the filming locations. In summary : if you even remotely liked the film you saw a year ago, were hoping for an improvement, and did not make the mistake of purchasing the theatrical DVD in August - by all means get this one!
Rating:
Summary: All the extras are worth the cost!!
Review: Though some people don't want to buy this if they already have the first 2 disc set of the Fellowship of the Ring on DVD, all the extras included with this platinum edition are definetly worth the cost.
The extra and extended scenes definetly help to complete the film all all the documentaries and interviews definetly help you to see what a huge project these movies really are.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so good
Review: Though the movie is better then the books, I would still rather go to the dentist then watch it again.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than what the critics have said!
Review: Though three hours is a bit excessive for a film about midget wrestling, this film manages to retain a sense of fun amidst all the backbiting going on in the cutthroat world of "sports entertainment". High points include an homage to "Raging Bull" wherein Elijah Wood asks Sir Ian Mckellan (as his trainer) to hit him in the face as hard as he can, and The Rock's cameo as the Masked Balrog.
Rating:
Summary: I don't see how it could be better.
Review: Three generations of my family have fallen in love w/this book over the past 40 years; and every one of us is enchanted w/the movie. Love & respect for Tolkein shines in every detail of the production & from every cast member's face. I think the (few) whiners should get a life. Of COURSE the book is better; nothing can duplicate the depth & beauty of a great work of literature. But this movie is going to produce a whole new generation or two of Tolkein readers. I can't wait to see the Two Towers. Treebeard & the Ents are my favorite fictional characters of all time, and the battle of Helms Deep/destruction of Isengard is the high point of the story for me.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific!!
Review: Three hours flew by! I didn't read the books nor do I intend to. (I tried when I was a young woman and could not get into them.) It isn't at all important to read the books before seeing this incredibly thrilling movie. And Viggo Mortenson--very tasty.
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