The Value of Extended DVD Editions of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: A Fan's Perspective

As a die-hard fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, getting the special extended DVD editions can be an exciting proposition, but it's worth considering if you already own the standard editions. Let's explore why these extended editions are valuable and whether they're worth the additional investment.

Additional Content and Enhanced Storytelling

The extended editions are often celebrated for including significant additional footage that enhances the story, character development, and overall lore.

The extended edition of The Return of the King adds about 50 minutes of new material. This includes important scenes that provide more context and depth, enriching the narrative experience for fans. Character arcs are more fleshed out in the extended editions. For example, in The Lord of the Rings, scenes are added that give more backstory and motivation for characters like Aragorn and Faramir. These scenes deepen the understanding of these beloved characters and their journeys. The worlds created by J.R.R. Tolkien are richly detailed, and the extended editions often include scenes that elaborate on the lore of Middle-earth. This can greatly enhance your appreciation of Tolkien's world, providing a more immersive experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Extras and Fan Appreciation

Beyond the added footage, the extended editions come with a wealth of behind-the-scenes content and special features.

Documentaries and Commentary: These editions typically include documentaries and commentary from the cast and crew, offering valuable insights into the filmmaking process. These extra features help fans understand the creative choices and technical aspects behind the movies. Visual Effects and Production: The extended editions often showcase the extensive work that went into creating the visual effects and set designs. This can be fascinating for fans of filmmaking, providing a deeper appreciation of the technical achievements in these blockbuster films.

The Downside of Extended Editions

While the extended editions offer a lot of value, they are not without their drawbacks. Some scenes added to the movies do not always work well and may serve only as a nod to the book's fans.

Peter Jackson's Changes: Jackson, known for his creative liberties, sometimes moved passages from the books to different characters or scenes, often leading to less coherent storytelling. For instance:

In the books, Frodo had a dream about his passage to the West. In the movie, Jackson assigned this to a speech Gandalf gave Pippin before the Battle of the Pelennor. This moved scene served no point and could have been left out. The scene from The Fellowship of the Ring where the hobbits are trapped by a willow tree and freed by Tom Bombadil was moved to Merry and Pippin's adventures with the Ents in Fangorn Forest. This change did not significantly enhance the narrative and could have been omitted.

It's important to note that Peter Jackson considers the theatrical releases to be more definitive, with the extended releases mostly catering to fans of the books rather than standalone film enthusiasts.

Conclusion

If you enjoy the films and appreciate the additional context and depth provided by the extended editions, they are definitely worth considering. However, if you're only a casual viewer or not particularly invested in the details of the story, the standard editions might suffice for your needs.

The choice ultimately depends on your personal connection to the films and your desire to experience every aspect of the storytelling. For many fans, the extended editions offer a rewarding addition to their collection, enriching their understanding and enjoyment of these beloved works of cinema.