Amazon.com Customer Reviews
The rings are golden. - Review written on August 16, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
In the opening years of the 21st century, J.K. Rowling and Peter Jackson, acting separately, delivered fantasy storytelling out of the shadows to the centre of popular culture. Rowling's "Harry Potter" novels and the films based on them were a new phenomenon, but Jackson's part was the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic "Lord of the Rings" book series for the big screen. This series of three blockbuster films, the last of which captured the Best Picture Academy Award, is here collected in the legendary "extended editions" format, which have much additional footage that had to be cut from the already absurdly long theatrical additions.
I'll not recap the plot, which has been done here many times already, and begin by discussing some points about the films. The main criticism that might be lodged against the Extended Editions of the series is that, with each running circa 4 hours, it is physically exhausting to watch this series. It is seldom dull, but the length takes its toll nonetheless (I generally watched one DVD per night in my initial viewing). This matches my experience with the books to an extent. For all that, the films are a marvelous experience scene-to-scene, and as a whole; just, as I said, long.
The first film chronicles the foundation of the Fellowship of the Ring and their eventual dissolution, at which point they split into three plot plotlines, two of which run throughout the rest of the story, which are of unequal entertainment value:
1) Frodo and Sam's journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring is arguably the "main" plot of the series. It can be a bit dull at times, since neither character is much of an action hero (or particularly lively), though it features Smeagol/Gollum (Andy Serkis), perhaps the series' most fascinating and iconic character. Actors Wood and Astin generate a powerful oscreen bond (which is important, given how many of the scenes are just them).
2) The two comic relief hobbits, Merry and Pippin, are separated from the others, first by Orcs, and then by Ents. This folds into the third plot by the third film, but the Ent story in the second film is, I must say, sleep-inducing. Until the siege of Isengard, at least. Actors Monaghan and Boyd take their initially comical hobbits into some very dramatic and mature plaecs later on without losing the initial spark of the characters.
3) Finally, the plot that would be a great movie on its own, the story of Aragorn's ascent to the throne of Gondor, and the great battles at Helm's Deep and Pellinor Fields. The trio of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are fantastic action heroes; also to be found here are Gandalf, Theoden, Elrond, Eowyn, Arwen, Eomer, and Saruman. The action scenes that Jackson orchestrates here are revelatory, and the martial virtues on display evoke the best of our culture's heroic tales.
One of hte major issues ot consider is the difference in story between the theatrical and extended editions. Some of the scenes added are comic, but the latter two films are very much improved by the things that Jackson adds. Chracter-wise, Eowyn and Faramir, especially, benefit from the extra time. The extended scenes also explain more fully what happens to Arwen in the third film. And, perhaps most significantly, they provide closure to Saruman and his pet quisling Grima Wormtongue.
For any concerns about length, this series is truly the epic of our time.
Three Epics. One Masterful Trilogy. A Must Buy! - Review written on June 10, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
This is seriously mind-blowing stuff! Three of the greatest films ever made is combined into one box set that is perfect in every way. Including loads of additional footage that improve the depth of the story and characters, along with LOADS of special features. It's a must-buy set for not just LotR fans, but movie-goers and non-movie-goers alike! It's been about three-four months since my purchase (although not from Amazon), my box set still remain in my DVD collection as three of my all-time personal favorite movies. I have watched all three films up to 4-6 times, even once or twice with parents. Yes, I can safely call these "family" films. Although not for young children, but it is definitely a must-experience with the whole family! I don't recommend any children under 10-13 (depending on their maturity) to watch. These films have endless amount of peril and battles. Although, in the end it teaches deep messages about friendship, trust, bravery and morality - which is still valuable for children to learn, but they can wait till their 13...? Anyway. The films as well as the special features are contained on 12 whole discs! I call them the 12 discs of boiling mount doom flame! These films are extremely long, but who says you have to watch them all in one sitting? It may take you days to finish watching everything. The special features are actually just as long as the films! Some people might complain, but for me, that's what "Home Entertainment" is all about!
I highly suggest purchasing from Amazon. I bought my set from someplace else for $75.00, yet I don't regret it for a minute. But Amazon has a price of $64.99, so I say go for it! Don't even think twice!
In fact, this Trilogy set is "priceless" no matter what price you pay it for! Even if you're not a fan of these movies or the books, this set will likely change your outlook on these films, because they are quite different from the theatrical cuts, and a lot better in my honest opinion. You just have to rid yourself of any stubbornness that you may have! Watch them the way movies should be watched!
These films certainly helped me grow up in a lot of ways. From my experience, being an adult doesn't mean that you are fully "grown-up" or "matured". Just question yourself how far exactly does maturity go? I say it can go pretty far, maybe farther than most think. Watch these wonderful films and learn a little bit more about maturity, and learn a little bit about yourself as well.
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