Rating: 
Summary: For Those Who Felt That There was Something Lacking
Review: For those who enjoyed the teatrical release, but felt it didn't measure up to the epic proportions of the novel, you're in for a real treat. Unencumbered by time restrictions, Peter Jackson gives us the full epic vision of what this film should be. There is more background on the hobbits, more character development, more of everything really. This is not a director's cut that merely tacks on scenes that shouldn't have been included anyway. This is a virtually perfect, and very refreshing vision of Tolkien's world. As in all trilogies, this first installment is more about establishing background, setting, and characters. There is every reason to think that each film will be better than the first, and that this series will surpass Star Wars as a great fantasy classic. I can't wait for The Two Towers!
Rating:
Summary: An Adventure Awaits You...
Review: For those who have read the book, the Lord of the Rings surely is a masterpiece. For those who haven't even glanced at the cover of Tolkien's LOTR stories, the Lord of the Rings is surely an adventure. This movie was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, and deserved every one of them. The acting was awesome. Every single actor and actress in this film gave it their best, and their best was more than enough to bring Tolkien's story to life. For those of you that are not familiar with the story, the movie basically starts out in the Shire, where Frodo Baggins is living peacefully...unaware that he will soon be in grave danger. He inherits the 'one' ring. This ring corrupts many people, and creatures, and fills them with greed and betrayal, for it was made by the Dark Lord Sauron. Along with his friends, Frodo sets out to destroy the ring, while running away from those that hunt it...and those that hunt him. The stunts are spectacular, the scenery is wonderful, and I dont think you could have made any book come to life in a movie better than this one. As for agewise...I let a five year old see it and she wanted to watch it again...it depends on the child. The orcs (ugly and evil creatures) are pretty scary for youngsters, but the heroes of this film make up for the scary parts, and can leave anyone from ages child to adult with their mouthes hanging wide open. Watch the Lord of the Rings...The Fellowship of the Ring, the first movie in the three part journey...an adventure awaits you...
Rating:
Summary: Why DVD's Were Invented
Review: For those who love LOTR, you need no convincing that the extended edition of "The Fellowship of the Ring" is worth owning. (I appreciated that the studio announced ahead of time that there would be two DVD editions. Usually we end up finding out about the "special" edition after we've already bought the regular one.) The added footage and 6 hours worth of making of features are a fan's dream. What comes across as you watch the documentaries is how much effort and detail went into the making of this movie. From the director to the prop builders, it was clearly a labor of love. All that passion translates to the screen to make this a wonderfully enjoyable film. Congratulations and thanks to the filmakers for a job well done.
Rating:
Summary: Works fine on PlayStation 2 (4-disc Extended Edition)
Review: For those with PS2s who have trouble with DVD's: I had absolutely no trouble with any of the four discs in this set. I have watched the first two discs (the movie) with the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, and also with the writers' comments. I have watched most of the extras on the other two discs.
Now if my PS2 could only get through Chocolat...
Rating:
Summary: We hoped it would be good -- and it was
Review: For years, readers of The Lord of the Rings wondered if there could ever be a movie made of this trilogy that would be both good and true to the original. With the release of Fellowship of the Ring, we wonder no longer. Although a big-budget production, Peter Jackson has made a magnificent transformation of the story from book to film. Filmed in New Zealand, the movie has the look and feel of a fantasy land, both wild and beautiful. The cast is well chosen: Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey; Elijah Wood as Frodo, the feaful, yet brave Hobbit who endures the burden of ring bearer; Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, Sean Astin as Sam, Sean Bean as Boromir, Ian Holm as Bilbo, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, and Christopher Lee as Saruman. Each plays his role as a real character, not as a caricature. And they do so magnificently. The combat scenes are so intense we grip the arms of our chairs, yet there is no dependence on action to bring in an audience. Nor is there a dependence on special effects; those used are done well, but do not dominate the film. It is the story of the Fellowship as created by Tolkien that thrives here. We care about the good and despise the evil, but sometimes the line between is not entirely clear. Although true to the books, there is no slavish devotion to reproducing every word, scene, and character. For instance, Tom Bombadill has been left out, as have the songs and poems so many Tolkien devotees love. Even so, little harm has been done. Now that The Two Towers is being released, interest is once again high in the works of Tolkien. The trilogy is available more than ever in bookstores. Recordings of The Fellowship of the Ring are available on VHS and DVD. Readers and movie goers should also enjoy The Hobbit, still awaiting as good a treatment on film.
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Films Ever Made
Review: Forget A Beautiful Mind. The Lord Of The Rings:The Fellowship Of The Ring was robbed! FOTR (that's Fellowship Of The Ring, for you non-tolkienites) is FAR superiour to that much over-rated film.
If you want to see an extradinary movie, look no farther than this first installment in The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.
I saw this movie back in the theater in January by accident because the film I was there to see was sold-out.
At the time I had never turned a page of Tolkien's fantasy epic but associated it closely with The Chronicles Of Narnia,
another series I had never taken the time to read.
I didn't know what to expect just that I wasn't expecting much.
I was dead wrong! The movie unfolded on the screen like a vibrant,
colorful work of art, one that I could hardly behold in one viewing. I went back and saw it again, then again.
The movie never dimmed or faded, but my enjoyment and fascination grew with each viewing. The acting is perfect for the film.
The story is steller. In fact, I can't think of a single thing I would change with anything in this absolutely extraordinary movie!
I read a couple of reviews on Amazon before posting my own.
Somebody called it boring, or whatever. They must have seen a different film. This is a flawless work of art! Destined to be remembered along with such classics as Ben-Hur and Casablanca, or what have you. I already bought the theatrical version and am eagerly anticipating this FOUR-DISC SET. A film-lover's dream! An extra half hour has been added into the film and there is over six hours of making-of content on two discs!
I am now in the process of reading The Two Towers to try and quell my impatience for movies two and three, ... I can't wait!
My Precious!
Rating:
Summary: Forget the original theatrical version. This one is amazing!
Review: Forget everything you saw in the theater. The extended version DVD features 30 minutes of additional footage that truly enhances Peter Jackson's vision for the trilogy. Some additional footage is only seconds long, while other parts include full scenes. Among them you'll find an introduction and additional footage of the Shire, Merry and Pip singing in a bar, a longer Fellowship council scene with further insights into Boromir's attraction to the ring, some additional footage that helps to explain Aragorn and Arwen's relationship, Samwise reciting some poetry after Gandalf's death, and some wonderful footage with Galadriel at Lothlorien as she gives each member of the fellowship a gift to take with them. The only drawback, and it is a minor one, is that this version also includes additional scenes of violence. In particular, one scene where the Uruk-Hai attacking Boromir pulls a knife from his leg and licks it, was inappropriate. The extended version is far truer to the original story in that it adds additional moments of levity and grace that seemed missing from the original theatrical version. The stories are filled with examples of the hobbits singing and reciting poems as they journey, and the extended version attempts to put some of that back into the film. This helps to make the film not quite so dark. Fans of the film will not be disappointed with this DVD set.
Rating:
Summary: To Be the Greatest Epic Trilogy Ever Made!
Review: Forget Star Wars. This new version of Lord Of The Rings is 100% the best version ever to be made. There is so much action and wonderful brand new special effects in this film I hardly had a chance to breath. Just when you think the film is about to end, more of the story continues and continues and continues again. This is wondeful. The story is unpredictable and the great suspense and anticipation is enjoyable. The casting of Elijah Wood as "Frodo Baggins" is perfect. Mr. Wood puts so much emotion into his acting. His role is believable. The casting of Ian McKellen as "Gandalf" is perfect as well. I would like to see an Academy Award nomination here. For anyone who has seen the animated version of The Lord Of The Rings (1978) will throughly enjoy this film. If you have not, you may not want to see the 1978 version because it might spoil the next two Lord Of The Rings films for you. That is if you do not want to know the ending. What is so excellent about this Peter Jackson directed film "The Fellowship Of The Ring" (2001) is that you will not have to wait 2, 3, or 5 years for a sequel. The next continuing story of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers will be released in movie theatres next year in December 2002 and the conclusive third film Lord Of The Rings:The Return Of The King will be released in December 2003. I hope this film will top the record 11 Academy Award nominations. This film is a wonderful roller-coater ride and you will be emotionally involved with the great acting of the fine cast.
Rating:
Summary: Days 'o Fun
Review: Fortunately, I had some days off the week I bought this. I first, of course, watched the extended (available on this DVD only) version of the movie--which is even better than the theatrical release. I then spent sveral days exploring all the behind the scenes videos. Finally, I went back and watched the movie again with Peter Jackson's commentary. Then someone told me about the easter eggs. Still, I've probably only seen 75% of what's available. Awesome! I can't wait to buy the equivalent sets for The Two Towers and Return of the King.
Rating:
Summary: As much as you could ever want...
Review: Four DVDs, the first two holding the movie, with extended scenes and new scenes, would be enough for most. But the next two DVDs have interviews, video clips and still frames about Tolkien, storyboards, costumes, designs, the Realms of Middle-Earth, hobbits, visual effects, the cast, and much, much more.
Mine also came with...full price admission ticket for seeing the 'Two Towers', valid to 12/31/02.
Remember it is PG-13, so small kids might need you to be there to hold their hands and explain to them how scared YOU are, so they feel brave. Have LOTS of good Hobbit ale, it IS a long movie.
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