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: Exceptional viewing
Review: This DVD set was a joy to watch. The documentaries are amazing and will, in my opinion, answer every "How on earth did they do that?" you could possibly have. I especially enjoyed hearing the cast commentary while the extended version of the movie played in the background. Their exclamations of surprise and pleasure at the scenes now included, plus their behind-the-scenes stories made me feel like I'd watched a home movie with close personal friends. I'd recommend this set to anyone who loves movies and Tolkien. And if I knew how to send a thank you card to Peter Jackson, I'd do it!
Rating: 
Summary: bored of the rings?
Review: Is it just me who doesn't get what all the fuss is about? Personally I never liked the books, all three where over long and full of flat 2D characters, in that sense you could say that this has been a faithful adaptation, As its way way over long and goes nowhere, they could have ended the film about an hour or so before hand and still finished the story in the same place. Yes we all know the special effects in this movie were fantastic, as they where, but I've never thought that special FX made a movie only enhanced it. On watching this movie I could not help but feel that a lot of viewers, namely the ones who write the reviews that start with things like "dazzling CGI" or "breathtaking FX" where so transfixed by the Computer imagery that they didn't notice the story line was paper thin and the acting was almost nonexistent. In my eyes this is no master piece or a classic as some other reviewers have said, Its a very weak film with some good effects. I believe time will tell on this movie as it did on Titanic.
Rating:
Summary: What can I add but wow!!
Review: Yes - this DVD is as good as everyone says. For the first time ever the extra material is as good as the film, and I have watched it all from start to finish a bunch of times. The movie is more evenly paced, with crucial scenes added in. Love it, love it, love it, and I can't wait for the next one...go PJ and NZ!!
Rating:
Summary: True Art, True Masterpiece, Very Fine Acting
Review: Bravo to the great master Tolkien and to all those who have followed, and have so carefully and lovingly transformed his literary masterpiece into a cinematic masterpiece. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Phillipa Boyens, Howard Shore, WETA, the entire heretofore unsung but spectacular cast, the artists, EVERYBODY who did this incredible work!! I love you all. God bless you for what you've given us!
Rating:
Summary: A Sinner Repents
Review: God loves a sinner come to his way of understanding and hopefully Peter Jackson will be as kind to me. After viewing the movie in theater on its initial release I was not overly impressed and ho-hummed the film. I was bothered by the fast pace and scant character introduction having no familiarity with Tolkien's work. I Was not keen on the director's fast edits during fight scenes (I make it akin to showing a dancer only from the waist up it just isn't the same as seeing the whole hog if you pardon the expression). So when the DVD was released I didn't think twice and didn't buy it. Then friend's of mine who did told me how marvelous they thought the film and so I began to wonder. When I heard that the extended edition was to be released I decided I would wait for it. It was well worth the wait. Much of my criticism seemed to wilt away with a re-edited edition restoring the film to its original concept. I am now awed by the technical and artistic vision brought to this work by a director and ensemble in fine form. Christopher Lee never looked so menacing, Ian McKellen so pensive and Liv Tyler so breathtakingly beautiful. Having now read the first two books of the trilogy I can avow that Jackson has done more that pay homage to Tolkien I believe he has excelled him as a storyteller. I can't think of higher praise than that.
Rating:
Summary: This is it for LOTR Fans
Review: This version reveals and explains so much more than the lesser. It is a shame and a crime that they had to remove so much for the theater. At least in these days that extended versions are available so that the complete works of the cast does not go unseen for years. This is a must. "You cannot pass...." this up! Espeicially if you've read the books.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, of course
Review: So many others have reviewed this DVD...it's excellent. The packaging, the material, it's all top notch and worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Could it get any better?
Review: I'll be brief. I loved the theatrical version of TFOTR. Now that I've seen the extended version, I hate the theatrical one. Can't ever watch it again. The extended version adds so much to the story. Makes it almost like watching a completely different movie. Don't waste your money on the lesser version. Buy this one and you won't be disapointed. 'Nuff said.
Rating:
Summary: get those 6.1 amps now
Review: There have already been so many reviews and discussions about this vervion of LOTR that I have nothing else to add. I mearly want to point out that for those of us who purchased 6.1 receivers for our home entertainment systems, this is the movie to get. Under sound selections you will find DTS EX. And that is what you want to be able to find each and every movie you purchase (naturally you won't). But if you ever wanted to show off your sound system, this is the movie to do it with.
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