The Adventure Continues...
Rating: 9/10
Running Time: 208 minutes
UK Certificate: pg
On DVD
An awful lot of thought has gone into marketing the Lord of the Rings movies, and the collector's edition boxed set of the Fellowship of the Rings is no exception. There are two versions available: a high-priced boxed set and a four DVD standard edition.
The first comes complete with 4 DVDs in a lavish slipcase and two book end statues of the Argonath (replicas of the statues that the characters pass at the end of the first movie). The second contains the slipcase of the four DvDs. Both contain the special edition of the movie.
You all know the story by now, but you can see the review of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, here. Frodo Baggins is a simple hobbit who comes into posssession of a magical ring of power that turns out to contain the malice of the dark sorcerer Sauron. Frodo must brave all manner of dangers on the first part of his quest to destroy the ring (and banish Sauron) forever.
The movie itself contains over 30 minutes of extended footage that explains the story so much better. However, at over 3 and a half hours in length, it's very very long indeed. Some of the scenes, like the Lorien/Galadriel sequence seem unforgivable that they were ever removed from the movie at all, while others, made me glad they had been cut. Which ones? You'll have to decide for yourself.
It's Got: All the bits that were cut out of the first movie. More Galadriel
It Needs: To fit on one disk
DVD Extras The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring: Special Edition. The DVDs contain so many extras it would be pointless to list them all here, but there are interviews with just about everyone - cast and crew, technical details, maps and unfinished footage. In fact, there are two full DVDs containing over four hours of extras. My one gripe: I was surprised to discover that the movie now spans across two disks, so youll have to change disks halfway through. DVD Extras Rating: 9/10
Summary
Awesome. All the bits of the film that should have been in there in the first place, a must for collectors and Tolkein fans everywhere. Gorgous packaging, sumptuous quality. Both editions are great value for money. If youre like me, youll probably end up owning both.