Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best Films Just Got Better...
Review: I am a Tolkien zealot (as I like to put it), and though I loved "The Fellowship of the Ring" when it hit theaters last year, I had my share of problems with it, being the die-hard fanatic that I am. Some of these were liberties taken by the filmmakers that could not, and cannot, be reversed (Arwen instead of Glorfindel, Aragorn's leaving of Anduril in Rivendell, etc.). However, this extended "director's cut" has fixed quite a few of the earlier edit's annoyances. Though I loved the original film despite the occasional niggle, this expanded version FEELS more like Tolkien. The pace is less rushed (even though the first film was very long itself), and there are considerably more character moments. Gimli and Boromir are the most notable improvements. Boromir was always excellently developed (even more so now), but Gimli, as a character, was very weak. In fact, Gimli's portrayal as seen by the original cut was a severe disappointment, as Gimli is one of my favorite characters, and he had been reduced to a surly complainer who seemed to lack all but the most basic of emotions. Now, however, Gimli feels more like Gimli, thanks to his moments with Galadriel and Haldir in Lothlorien. One of the best new scenes, however, involves Sam and Frodo, as they spy a troupe of Elves departing Middle Earth. Almost every second of added footage is completely worthwhile. This stuff isn't just for fans of the novels, though - the added scenes make for a more coherent and heartfelt picture (and a slightly more violent one as well). My only real beef with the extended version is that it spans the course of TWO discs, which brings with it the annoyance of exchanging when one has ended. Add to this new and improved Fellowship a whole horde of previously unseen features and you have the ultimate Fellowship of the Ring presentation. Tolkien fans and fans of the films should not pass this one up under any circumstances.
Rating:
Summary: The ultimate edition of the film superior to theatrical vers
Review: I can't pretend to have seen all the extras on this deluxe DVD edition of The Fellowship of the Ring. What I can comment on is the extended version of the movie. The original release was a brilliant diamond with minor flaws. The new, improved version is looks like the same diamond but on closer inspection the flaws aren't there.The extension of some scenes and addition of others makes Tolkien's rich fantasy allows for deeper character and plot developments. Additionally, some of the characters are given a richer back story that enables to understand their movitations better. The difference is like looking through a microscope adjusted for the first time to the proper focus; we were aware that something was there all along but now can distinguish what we're looking at. All of this adds to a richer understanding of this classic fantasy as a film. The transfer appears nearly flawless and is one of the sharpest I've seen (the only transfers I can think of that are comparable in clarity, color and sharpness are Toy Story 1 & 2, A Bug's Life and Lucas' Star Wars: Attack of the Clones). Peter Jackson's commentary is illuminating and interesting in all the right places. More importantly, their interesting even in the most mundane scene. His explanation doesn't demystifying the film. They actually underline the difficulty of his task in taking Tolkien's epic vision squeezing it into a well tailored suit that compliments the material. Enough has been said about the marvelous effects and acting (and it is a crime this film didn't win more Academy Awards but then that's nothing new). I can't really say anything any better than what has been stated before. I have stuck my big toe into the pool of extras and they are tremendous and interesting. Even if you don't watch the documentaries again (or for the first time), you'll be digging this version of the film out to enjoy again and again. The packaging is quite nice although a bit flimsy. I would have like to have seen more added to the booklet but most of what's important is on the discs. It's not noted anywhere (that I can recall) but the first editions of this boxed set include a free "ticket" to The Two Towers.
Rating:
Summary: A richer experience
Review: First off, I am *not* one of those people who has read the entire set of Lost Tales published after Tolkien's passing. I also have only read "The Silmarillion" once. I am not, I hope, to be considered a fanboy. But I have seen the theatrical version of "Fellowship of the Ring" at least three times, and the extended version once. I am still working on the commentary tracks as I write this. FOTR:SE is a must-see for anyone interested in good storytelling and this particular genre. The additional scenes had the effect of giving the story truly balanced pacing. This rhythm made the film feel surprisingly shorter than the original theatrical release. As if that was not enough of a pleasant surprise, the characterizations are richer and more understandable. I understand why Peter Jackson elected to shorten the theatrical release to 3 hours, but I strongly insist that it made for an inferior film to the masterpiece of the extended version. This set has the character of being many things for many potential customers. The bargain hunter will realize its value immediately since once is getting up to 5 DVD discs for a street price of $... The audiophile will lose his/her mind when deciding to use Dolby 5.1 EX, DTS 6.1 or regular Dolby Surround Sound. The film student will have over 14 hours of commentary to listen to and explore. And the collector will get a set of nice bookends in the surprisingly well made recreation of the Argonath in miniature. And if these are not reasons enough, the initial set I received (with unexpected alacrity from Amazon.com, I might add) has a coupon good for one free admission to "The Two Towers" if you catch it within its first two weeks at the theater! One can make all the noise in the world about features, but what about quality? That has, so far, been indisputably superb. The audio commentaries I have heard so far are very atypical of the Hollywood DVD commentary track. Usually, these tracks feel drawn out, boring, uninspired, tedious or at least superfluous. Not this time. What a relief it is that the production values of the film evidently were passed along to this astonishing DVD collection. "The Fellowship of the Ring: SE" set is not a mere labor of love. It is, rather, a labor of intelligence and passion both. Those of you who purchased the DVD back in August of 2002 when it first appeared should take heart that the overlap between that DVD and this one is surprisingly small. So yes, you can own them both and not feel that you have the same film twice. Instead, you can feel positive about having two editions of a fine piece of classic storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: Warning to Mac users!
Review: This movie will NOT work on a Macintosh DVD-ROM drive.
Rating:
Summary: NEVER WATCH THE ORIGINAL AGAIN!
Review: I just finished watching the extended version and it was like watching a whole new film! In every way, this version is superior. The thirty extra minutes are not wasted. The characters are fleshed out, the battles seem more desparate and the agony of the journey both to Rivendale and beyond is made plain. I urge anyone who hasn't already purchased the theater version to skip it and get the extended one instead. Anyone who already has the theater version.....well this one is definately worth forking out the extra dough to get.
Rating:
Summary: 30 min. that add so much
Review: This is the movie that I wanted to see last december when it came out in theaters. I have to admit, being an avid fan of the series, I was terribly disapointed in the characeter development (or lack there of) in the theatrical release of this film. Tolkiens world was much deeper then just action and a story. It was about people and not only their struggle to accomplish their mission, but their inner struggles as well. The bonus footage on this film completes this film. For one, It gives a more in depth description of hobbit life which I think is essential in the movie since in reality, the movie is about them. Boromirs and Aaragons characters are also deeper then they were before. We also get to see the much missed gift giving scene. Over all I thought the movie flowed better then the original release. And, even though it is 30 min. longer it doesn't seem it. This edition is not just for tolkein fans, it is for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: All I can say is...
Review: ...wow. I am absolutely floored by the content, the packaging, the aura of this collection. The 30+ minutes of additional footage are simply amazing and should have stayed in the movie if you ask me. I won't ever watch the 3-hour version again. =) This is truly a masterpiece. Can't wait for The Two Towers!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Keep your theatrical version copy, also
Review: I bought the original, theatrical version of this dvd when it came out, because I loved the movie so much I knew that I couldn't wait for the extended version. I expected the extended version to have everything on the original version, but there are a few omissions. In the scene where Frodo and Sam are beginning their journey out of the Shire, and Frodo quotes something Bilbo said about not knowing where you'll wind up once you step out your door, the original version segued to a shot of Sam crouching before a fire, with a long pipe hanging out of his mouth. The new extended version segues to a new scene, so you don't get that nice little shot. Then, in the scene where Gimli is stopped by the Elves before entering Lothlorien, the extended version cuts off the part where he says that they should turn back because of the danger. These might be minor quibbles in light of all the new and extended scenes (which do add to the enjoyment, generally) but these omissions kind of bother me, and make me wish I hadn't already sold my copy of the theatrical version.
Rating:
Summary: You need this DVD
Review: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring is the best DVD to have in your collection. I must say that Peter Jackson and his team of filmmakers have surpassed my expectations with this DVD set. They conveyed the story beautifully in the theaters last December. The previous version of the DVD was great for those people who just wanted to see the movie again. THIS DVD set, however, is for the fan. It gives insight into the filmmaking process from the perspective of many of the people who were involved in the making of the film. From cast interviews, fantastic descriptions of the "bigatures" and honest commentaries, this DVD set gives the Lord of the Rings fan all they could ask for and more. This is a "MUST HAVE" addition to any DVD library.
Rating:
Summary: The Road Goes Ever On.....
Review: Since I was little I have been reading The Hobbit and the Trilogy and wished for it to become a movie. One was so that others knew what I was speaking of when I mentioned Ringwraiths. Now my dream has come true.
As a Tolkien fan, I did realize that the movie does differ from the book in many areas, but the quintessential elements of the story were portrayed to such exactness that the only way I could be happier then to watch this masterpiece come to life, was becoming a hobbit, and being in the movie as well.
This first installment just gives you a taste for what is about to happen to our poor, broken fellowship. I love the extended because it conveys more background information that will be useful in the upcoming installments.
I believe that the first version of the movie was marvelous, but for those of you who have an unquenchable thirst for Tolkien, the extended version is the way to go.
The special features lets you in on how much effort was put into this film as long with hints to some things that only the readers of the books will understand, but all in all it is suited for everyone.
And so the Road goes on and on, down from the door where it began, Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can.
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