The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Edition Box Set)

Even the 'couch-potato advantage' of having the whole movies on a single DVD each doesn't really apply anymore, since you will have to get up and change the discs anyway, if (like many thousands no doubt will) you intend watching them back to back. There is, however, a more subtle advantage in owning the theatrical versions over the extended versions, in that if you intend to watch the whole lot in one day, you might just be able to do it, whereas at a mind-boggling 11 hours and 21 minutes, the entire extended trilogy may result in SSAS (Severely Sore Arse Syndrome) or even deep-vein thrombosis.

Peter Jackson has created the must-have movie trilogy of all-time, and from beginning to end, the journey is as fascinating as was originally penned by J.R.R. Tolkein himself. A triumph of a trilogy, but if like me you enjoyed every minute of it, you will surely want to own every minute of it too.


An achievement in cinema...   November 17, 2004
S. Paterson (Brighton)
57 out of 58 found this review helpful

Having seen all of the films at the cinema and thinking that they were good, but not good enough to warrant spending 20 each on the DVDs, i saw this box set containing all of the theatrical editions of the films.

I have to confess, i brought the set because of the amazing value that Amazon were offering (under 20). But, having watched all of the films again, a few times over, i can now appreciate the true brilliance of the story, the acting of Elijah Wood and others such as Orlando Bloom, the directing of the amazing peter Jackson and, saving the best to last, the special effects that are present in the movies.

The set comes in a great looking tough cardboard box, with all of the film covers on the front and is something extra that you wouldn't have if you brought all three films separately. This collection is a must have for any film fan, and (i'll say it again), it's fantastic value for money!


Brill Buy   February 6, 2005
30 out of 31 found this review helpful

I thought that because this is the theatrical edition, it wouldn't be as good as the Extended one, especially since it is at such a low price. How wrong I was. This box set is amazing with every film on one disc, brilliant acting, brilliant soundtrack, brilliant everything! I've read the books and even though nothing can beat the books, this is a thoroughly enjoyable watch and for 20, how can you go wrong?! Brilliant, recommend it for any LOTR fan.


Truly, Truly Amazing   June 1, 2004
28 out of 32 found this review helpful

This trilogy really is an achievement of film history. It is extremely difficult to fault. The trilogy manages to touch all your different emotions. The acting is absolutely suberb and anybody who says it isn't is plain and simply lying. You definetly do not have to read the books to enjoy these films, however after wathing them you may feel you want to. The stunning special effects are plain for all to see even if only on a trailor but the plot is also very entriguing and keeps you interested throughout.

Many people critisize these films. I can tell you now anybody who tells you they're no good says this because they want to be different it's as simple as that. Even if you don't consider these films the best you've ever seen you're certain to enjoy them or at least see a masterpiece of a whole new world developing in front of you. One thing I would reccomend however is that you wait for the extended trilogy to be released before buying these theatrical ones.


An outstanding cinematic acheivement   June 8, 2004
russell clarke (halifax, west yorks)
27 out of 31 found this review helpful

I first read Lord of the Rings when I was about 17 and it took me nigh on six months to trawl through its interminable verbiage. I haven't read it since nor have I been remotely tempted to....until now .The single greatest compliment I can pay this out standing trilogy is I'm on the verge of tackling that magnum opus again. Then I can join the legions of sad cases relentlessly moaning that this or the other plot point or character isn't the same as it is in the book and well it's fatally compromised now. Personally I think an outstanding job has been done in transferring Tolkiens rather overbearing and weighty tome into a coherent screenplay that still fleshes out the disparate characters and allows the narrative to flow without (with one or two exceptions) becoming too clunky. Boromirs death scene is overlong and there is way too much exposition about the Rings terrible powers but these are minor gripes.
Those reviewers who recommend waiting for a box set of the extended versions have a point as the extended versions of "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers" explain one or two plot points better. The relationship between Boromir and Faramir is one that certainly benefits from this. Overall though these versions of the film are more than acceptable and this box set offers exceptional value.
Make of the films what you will. Is it essentially a torturous road movie? Is the coveting of the "precious" Ring a comment on our consumerist society or the relentless hordes of Mordor a cipher for Fascism? Whatever, these are magnificent films. The direction is wonderful and the cinematography makes full use of those stunning New Zealand landscapes. The integration of the digital technology with the sentient is seamless and the production design is absolutely outstanding. The acting could have been hammy or simply O.T.T. but is handled superbly throughout with Ian Mckellan and Sean Astin particularly good, though John Rhyss Davis is fantastic too behind his Dwarf persona and of course mention must be made of Andy Serkis as Gollum who is perhaps the films greatest single achievement.
The multiple endings are necessary to tie up all the various story threads and the film is quite moving in several places helped greatly by Howard Shores fulsome soundtrack. If you happen to have nine hours to spare then its worth watching in one long session.You.ll is amazed at how quickly the time will pass and more importantly how bereft you will feel at the knowledge that "Return of the King" is the last of this sublime trilogy.
Then again there's always the extended version of that to look forward too. I for one cannot wait.