Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Versions) - April 6, 2010

[ajmrowland]

Originally Posted by Dale2231

Actually Jackson said in the commentary of the EE of ROTK that he has new scenes he wants people to see but they WON'T be going into the movie to make yet another edition, they will be added as special features. The EE was his directors cut, thats all there is folks lol.

Well, we at least have that talked about (in the commentaries) 25th anniversary edition to look forward too.lol

[ajmrowland]

Originally Posted by cflames89

Ok, think what you want. I will be happy with my theatrical next year. I don't want to wait 3 damn years for the EE.

Last I checfked, it was two years. The Hobbit's going to be a two-parter. Either way, just be like me, and netflix them.

[mthopper]

Just some thoughts:

I see a lot of us saying we will refuse to buy the BD release(s) unless they're the extended editions because "once you know you're missing awesome content you can't enjoy it." Some have clearly stated their judgment for all who like the theatrical versions and certainly for the studio(s). I'm all for calling the extended editions superior, but isn't it strange that so many of us are so critical of Warner Brothers and convinced they'll screw up the release by giving us chopped up editions, when in fact even the extended editions chop up the story as told by its author? E.g. the books contain ten times the content of the films. A couple people have actually even taken the line that the Lord of the Rings films are perfect adaptations, but only if they are in their "extended" form. But even these editions leave out a ton of material. But that's not necessarily a bad thing either. It's desirable for a film. All adaptations must do it to some extent; the longer the book the more chopping that must be done. A better reason for waiting (for the extended edition release) would be simply because you personally feel like more is better in this case. But since both editions cut out story, we should suspend judgment upon those who prefer the shorter of the two edited versions.

(In connection to this, I also see a lot of us talking about how the Lord of the Rings film series represents the best movies ever made. This may be trivial, but I think we must qualify the difference between a true film and an adaptation. I.e. since story is so fundamental to a film's quality, it's really like comparing apples to oranges to compare an adaptation like Lord of the Rings, the story of which cannot be attributed to the filmmakers, to Taxi Driver or The Dark Knight or whatever. Surely we may call it the best adaptation, or say it has the best script, or direction, or score, or some combination of these. And I suppose some would say that it does have many these things, and so when added together it all makes for the best film ever. All these technicalities simply confirm that the whole "best film ever" discussion is really futile since when it comes to film, like other arts, it really is all about a person's own likes and dislikes, and universal absolutes are very problematic.)

There have also been several mentions of the need for us to boycott these studios who are supposedly ruining our lives. I love movies as much as everyone here, especially Lord of the Rings, but think about who "we" on this thread are. Look at some of the avatars in here... Many on this thread are nerds and losers as far as Warner Brothers is concerned (and I mean that affectionately). They make their real money from the mainstream audience. I can't say what are the wishes of the mainstream, but if the big audience is uninterested in the really long versions, how can we blame the executives for seeking to earn as much profit as possible? I promise they're not trying to ruin anyone's lives. We should cut 'em some slack. Even if they have no better motivation than money, surely we can all agree they would love to satisfy everyone if they could. Perhaps the best case scenario would be if we had enough dough to waive at them to always get what we want, like lobbying firms do for special interest groups...

[ajmrowland]

Originally Posted by mthopper

Just some thoughts:

I see a lot of us saying we will refuse to buy the BD release(s) unless they're the extended editions because "once you know you're missing awesome content you can't enjoy it." I'm all for calling the extended editions superior, but isn't it strange that so many of us are so critical of Warner Brothers and convinced they'll screw up the release by giving us chopped up editions, when in fact even the extended editions chop up the story as told by its author. E.g. the books contain ten times the content of the films.

I also see a lot of us talking about how the Lord of the Rings film series represents the best movies ever made. I think we must qualify the difference between a true film and an adaptation. I.e. since story is so fundamental to a film's quality, it's really like comparing apples to oranges to compare an adaptation like Lord of the Rings, the story of which cannot be attributed to the filmmakers, to Taxi Driver or The Dark Knight or whatever. Surely we may call it the best adaptation, or say it has the best script, or direction, or score, or some combination of these. And I suppose some would say that it does have all these things, when added together make for the best film ever, but really, "best film ever" is kind of a waste of time since when it comes to film, like other arts, it really is all about a person's own likes and dislikes, and universal absolutes are so problematic.

In addition, there have been several mentions of the need for us to boycott these studios who are supposedly ruining our lives. I love movies as much as everyone here, especially Lord of the Rings, but think about who "we" on this thread are. Look at the avatars for crying out loud. Many on this thread are techie nerds and losers as far as Warner Brothers is concerned. They make their real money from the mainstream audience. I can't say what are the wishes of the mainstream, but if the big audience is uninterested in the really long versions, how can we blame the executives for seeking to earn as much profit as possible?

Finally, as to the couple of people who have said the Lord of the Rings movies are perfect adaptations, you're mistaken, even if they're some of the best. Sorry. There are in fact plenty of embellishments. Concerning the Harry Potter adaptations, remember those are primarily for kids and parents. They couldn't have possibly made those movies the entire 5 hours they each would require if they did indeed render the "perfect" adaptation.

First, I agree. Originality is zwhy I hold Pixar in high honor.

Second, I'm no loser, I just have no life.

Third, I would guess there is no perfect adaptation for film. But LOTR is among the absolute best IMO.

[billypoe]

Originally Posted by mthopper

Just some thoughts:

I see a lot of us saying we will refuse to buy the BD release(s) unless they're the extended editions because "once you know you're missing awesome content you can't enjoy it." Some have clearly stated their judgment for all who like the theatrical versions and certainly for the studio(s). I'm all for calling the extended editions superior, but isn't it strange that so many of us are so critical of Warner Brothers and convinced they'll screw up the release by giving us chopped up editions, when in fact even the extended editions chop up the story as told by its author? E.g. the books contain ten times the content of the films. A couple people have actually even taken the line that the Lord of the Rings films are perfect adaptations, but only if they are in their "extended" form. But even these editions leave out a ton of material. But that's not necessarily a bad thing either. It's desirable for a film. All adaptations must do it to some extent; the longer the book the more chopping that must be done. A better reason for waiting (for the extended edition release) would be simply because you personally feel like more is better in this case. But since both editions cut out story, we should suspend judgment upon those who prefer the shorter of the two edited versions.

(In connection to this, I also see a lot of us talking about how the Lord of the Rings film series represents the best movies ever made. This may be trivial, but I think we must qualify the difference between a true film and an adaptation. I.e. since story is so fundamental to a film's quality, it's really like comparing apples to oranges to compare an adaptation like Lord of the Rings, the story of which cannot be attributed to the filmmakers, to Taxi Driver or The Dark Knight or whatever. Surely we may call it the best adaptation, or say it has the best script, or direction, or score, or some combination of these. And I suppose some would say that it does have many these things, and so when added together it all makes for the best film ever. All these technicalities simply confirm that the whole "best film ever" discussion is really futile since when it comes to film, like other arts, it really is all about a person's own likes and dislikes, and universal absolutes are very problematic.)

There have also been several mentions of the need for us to boycott these studios who are supposedly ruining our lives. I love movies as much as everyone here, especially Lord of the Rings, but think about who "we" on this thread are. Look at some of the avatars in here... Many on this thread are nerds and losers as far as Warner Brothers is concerned (and I mean that affectionately). They make their real money from the mainstream audience. I can't say what are the wishes of the mainstream, but if the big audience is uninterested in the really long versions, how can we blame the executives for seeking to earn as much profit as possible? I promise they're not trying to ruin anyone's lives. We should cut 'em some slack. Even if they have no better motivation than money, surely we can all agree they would love to satisfy everyone if they could. Perhaps the best case scenario would be if we had enough dough to waive at them to always get what we want, like lobbying firms do for special interest groups...

Welcome, new member & fellow Georgian!!

[SellmeyourDVD]

Originally Posted by Alan A

retard!! it's people like you that delays the EE
cause they know they can milk your tit for lots of $$$

I hate it when technology gets to the masses it go right in the toilet.

who really cares what people decide to spend THEIR money on? The movies are coming out, can't we be happy about that instead of ranting and raving about the EEs'?

[tunerfreak87]

Originally Posted by ajmrowland

Last I checfked, it was two years. The Hobbit's going to be a two-parter. Either way, just be like me, and netflix them.

Actually, I believe that the second parter was scrapped because they don't have rights to anything other than the "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings Trilogy". Don't quote me but I'm pretty positive Tolkien's son went to court over it. I'll do some extra research on that...Hopefully it is true because that trilogy prequel crap is a flop idea anyways.

[cflames89]

Originally Posted by tunerfreak87

You dont have to spend 90 bucks, just netflix em. Then you wont have to wait 3 years or whatever.

I will be proud to spend more money on these historical films.

[tunerfreak87]

Originally Posted by cflames89

I will be proud to spend more money on these historical films.

I already spent money on theatricals once I'm already double dippin on the EE's as is.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by cflames89

I will be proud to spend more money on these historical films.

I will be proud to keep some money in my bank account but have fun.

[HermanTurnip]

Originally Posted by tunerfreak87

I already spent money on theatricals once I'm already double dippin on the EE's as is.

I'll be double-dipping as well. Already did so with the standard DVD versions.

In defense on the standard theatrical versions, there are times I'm not able to commit the 4 hours required to view the extended versions. The wife and I are more than happy to toss in the theatrical version when we want to watch a LOTR flick in its entirety. On a rainy Sunday we'll watch the extended versions, but any other time it's the standard.

[tunerfreak87]

Originally Posted by HermanTurnip

I'll be double-dipping as well. Already did so with the standard DVD versions.

In defense on the standard theatrical versions, there are times I'm not able to commit the 4 hours required to view the extended versions. The wife and I are more than happy to toss in the theatrical version when we want to watch a LOTR flick in its entirety. On a rainy Sunday we'll watch the extended versions, but any other time it's the standard.

Agreed, that's why I'll only watch em on the "rainy Sunday".

[sonnyworld85]

Originally Posted by HermanTurnip

I'll be double-dipping as well. Already did so with the standard DVD versions.

In defense on the standard theatrical versions, there are times I'm not able to commit the 4 hours required to view the extended versions. The wife and I are more than happy to toss in the theatrical version when we want to watch a LOTR flick in its entirety. On a rainy Sunday we'll watch the extended versions, but any other time it's the standard.

Yeah I can see the logic in that for sure. I used to have all three theatrical DVD's but I sold them off once I got my hands on the EE's. What I usually do is watch one extended edition per month, I don't have that much spare time to watch a 4 hour movie within a week or so

[Windows V]

Since everyone seems to be in an uproar over lack of EE, I decided to rent all three and watch them alongside my theatrical versions. Basically I'll watch the theatrical version, then the EE, for each part. Not sure what to expect....

Generally I'm not a fan of uncut, extended, complete version of movies, etc. For example, I prefer the theatrical cuts of these movies over their "better" extended versions: Apocalypse Now, Casino Royale, Kill Bill Volume 1, Spider-Man 2, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Independence Day, etc.

So what's so special about the LotR EEs? Note that I have read the books, but that was a long time ago, so I could care less about having a cinematic version of an audiobook.... why do you all prefer the EEs? Is it simply because it is "more true to the books"? Or does the extra footage make it a better movie in its own right?

[sonnyworld85]

Originally Posted by Windows V

Since everyone seems to be in an uproar over lack of EE, I decided to rent all three and watch them alongside my theatrical versions. Basically I'll watch the theatrical version, then the EE, for each part. Not sure what to expect....

Generally I'm not a fan of uncut, extended, complete version of movies, etc. For example, I prefer the theatrical cuts of these movies over their "better" extended versions: Apocalypse Now, Casino Royale, Kill Bill Volume 1, Spider-Man 2, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Independence Day, etc.

So what's so special about the LotR EEs? Note that I have read the books, but that was a long time ago, so I could care less about having a cinematic version of an audiobook.... why do you all prefer the EEs? Is it simply because it is "more true to the books"? Or does the extra footage make it a better movie in its own right?

In my honest opinion, I think the EE's make for a more complete epic film. The theatrical cuts have always felt incomplete IMHO.

[MCT]

same. I experienced all three LOTR films during their respective theatrical runs, and after I saw the EE's, I couldnt imagine watching these films any other way.

Except I'll get the theatrical Blu Rays because I've gotta have them in HD asap.

[Eternalnow]

I just want more LOTR! I love it so much I want every scene, so its only natural for me to watch the EE as opposed to the theatrical cuts. But the moment any version of The LOTR drops on Blu Ray I'm picking it up, no hesitation. I couldn't care less what version it be.

[JTStarkiller]

Originally Posted by sonnyworld85

In my honest opinion, I think the EE's make for a more complete epic film. The theatrical cuts have always felt incomplete IMHO.

I agree. The EEs don't add anything crucial to the plot, but they build on character, and sometimes I wish directors and editors would keep stuff like that.

[Gremal]

I agree about the EE scenes with the exception of one in Two Towers where Gandalf is smoking. He can't even make it through one of his lines without hacking up a lung.

[Coop0129]

Since they released the DVD in both, I am sure they will release the Blu-Ray in both. More people that are hardcore fans will buy it this time around as non-fans or should fair weather fans already have purchased the DVD set and don't realy care at this point. But, the majority of people who will buy a Blu Ray that is for a movie that has been out for some time are pretty big fans. I know I won't buy it unless it is the extended cut.