The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition) (2001-2003)

[Red Pill 101]

For anyone still on the fence, I wanted to chime in here since I've received and viewed my discs:

The Fellowship looks nothing like the screenshots posted before its release. Snow is white, Gandalf's beard is grey, and Sauramon's beard is white. YES, the coloring has changed. Had I not known about it, though, I honestly probably wouldn't have noticed.

In my opinion, the coloring is fan-tas-tic; the picture looks incredible. I was really worried before this was released, and now, for no reason.

My TV is calibrated.

If you are going to buy it, or have bought it, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Red Pill 101

For anyone still on the fence, I wanted to chime in here since I've received and viewed my discs:

The Fellowship looks nothing like the screenshots posted before its release. Snow is white, Gandalf's beard is grey, and Sauramon's beard is white. YES, the coloring has changed. Had I not known about it, though, I honestly probably wouldn't have noticed.

In my opinion, the coloring is fan-tas-tic; the picture looks incredible. I was really worried before this was released, and now, for no reason.

My TV is calibrated.

If you are going to buy it, or have bought it, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

Agree 100%

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by raygendreau

There are many references to the “look” of LOTR EE BD. i.e “It doesn’t look the way it is supposed to look” or something to that effect.
There are only two people that truly know/knew how Lord Of Rings was supposed to look. Obviously, we aren’t going to get a critique from JRR Tolkien, but the books are available. The images are in narrative form, but at least they are readily available. The only other person that knows how Lord of The Rings is supposed to look is Peter Jackson. We have been told via WHV PR release that what you see on the EE BD is exactly how Peter Jackson wants it to look. There was never an issue of this sort with The Harry Potter BDs since JK Rowling is alive and well and accessible for comment.

How can we be sure that what WHV PR is telling us is true? I’m satisfied, but some of you are not. Perhaps it would help to contact Peter Jackson for a direct comment. We know people are trying, but so far… no luck. Has Peter Jackson ever said anything about this issue? Yes he did, in 2001. There is no reason to believe that his “vision” for the movie has changed over the years. The time, money and technology available to realize the changes, “to nudge it sideways from reality” as he says at the beginning of the Regrading Video has changed and has enabled him to more accurately set the mood and tone of the Fellowship of the Ring that he wanted from the beginning. Will he change it again in the future? Certainly a possibility. If you buy into what I’m saying and don’t want to watch the entire video again, just check the statement at 4:30 about the look he was going for in the Prancing Pony Scene, “green and uriney” in his words.

YouTube - ‪LOTR Digital Color Grading Part 1 of 2‬‏

So far, I have watched Disk One of FOTR. So far, I think Jackson nailed it. It no longer looks like some medieval swashbuckler based on historical fact shot in New Zealand (disregarding the big hairy feet and pointy ears and people flying around on giant eagles, of course). I have now been whisked away to a mythic land of the ancient past to take part in a desperate mission to save my world. It took me about 30 seconds to become completely engrossed in this wonderful world of middle earth with the heroes I came to love when I read the Lord of the Rings for the first time in the mid ‘50s.

The way the BD is supposed to look is… well….the way it looks.

The problem with this video is the fact that the reality of the new release directly contradicts many color timing choices specifically referenced in it. Rather than re-type what I've already typed I'll just quote the post I said it in, I'm pretty buzzed right now so I probably won't find the best post but whatever:

About the Appendices.
That's just the tail end of the debate though; it was talked about extensively a while back.

This video is poor evidence to use in support of the new color timing as it specifically talks about applying selective colors (or draining them) that do not apply to this release. Where they specifically talk about draining greens, in Hobbiton and the Shire for instance, it's in direct contradiction to this release's timing. They even show him removing green from Hobbiton as a rough example (and it's saturated with it now)! The consistent green tint is likewise at odds with his original philosophy (based on that video.) The featurette talks very specifically about applying certain color biases to certain scenes.... they even show a scene in Rivendell pre-graded vs. post graded. That scene's mood is drastically altered because of the consistent green bias in this new EE release compared to that example.


Anyway, I’m only an hour through RotK and I already can’t wait to rewatch Fellowship and the rest, color timing and contrast issues or not. I love these friggin movies, so at least we can all agree on that front.... and I haven't said it yet but it's also cool to see an A/V site's official reviewer (and an extremely competent one) so active in the discussion. That's a welcome rarity. I've also been drinking for a few hours so the post is a little rough. Don't have to work tomorrow, good times.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by Sean72

There is nothing done in the new EE that couldn't have been done back in 2001 with the tools that were available then.

Well, in 2001, he was only able to digitally grade 70% of the film. In 2011, he was able to digitally grade 100%.

That said, the featurette that keeps getting posted contradicts the use of a blanket tint. In the course of the featurette, Jackson and the other participants seem overjoyed by the ability to change colors on a region-by-region, hill-by-hill, cloud-by-cloud, face-by-face basis. The idea of a full-film blanket tint is just not supported by their comments in the featurette. A blanket tint in some scenes? Sure. But not the full film.

They spend a lot of time showcasing how digital color grading allows them to avoid blanket tints in every scene

EDIT: Looks like Stinky-Dinkins beat me to my answer

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Red Pill 101

For anyone still on the fence, I wanted to chime in here since I've received and viewed my discs:

The Fellowship looks nothing like the screenshots posted before its release. Snow is white, Gandalf's beard is grey, and Sauramon's beard is white. YES, the coloring has changed. Had I not known about it, though, I honestly probably wouldn't have noticed.

In my opinion, the coloring is fan-tas-tic; the picture looks incredible. I was really worried before this was released, and now, for no reason.

My TV is calibrated.

If you are going to buy it, or have bought it, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

Just watched some of FOTR and TT on my HD monitor, which is also calibrated and I could not agree more. Yes, there is a slight tint added, but it is hardly noticeable.

[Sean72]

Originally Posted by Red Pill 101

For anyone still on the fence, I wanted to chime in here since I've received and viewed my discs:

The Fellowship looks nothing like the screenshots posted before its release. Snow is white, Gandalf's beard is grey, and Sauramon's beard is white. YES, the coloring has changed. Had I not known about it, though, I honestly probably wouldn't have noticed.

In my opinion, the coloring is fan-tas-tic; the picture looks incredible. I was really worried before this was released, and now, for no reason.

My TV is calibrated.

If you are going to buy it, or have bought it, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

It looks exactly like the screenshots that were released, you just have to view them on the same display. It might look completely different 'at your house' but for someone else who is running say a HTPC setup and views the screencaps on their primary display, what they should see is exactly what the screencaps show. I've a PC setup in my primary viewing room and I've verified that many times over with many different releases.

[Sean72]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

Well, in 2001, he was only able to digitally grade 70% of the film. In 2011, he was able to digitally grade 100%.

That said, the featurette that keeps getting posted contradicts the use of a blanket tint. In the course of the featurette, Jackson and the other participants seem overjoyed by the ability to change colors on a region-by-region, hill-by-hill, cloud-by-cloud, face-by-face basis. The idea of a full-film blanket tint is just not supported by their comments in the featurette. A blanket tint in some scenes? Sure. But not the full film.

They spend a lot of time showcasing how digital color grading allows them to avoid blanket tints in every scene

EDIT: Looks like Stinky-Dinkins beat me to my answer

Right I've been harping on that point for a while too, why dynamically color grade each shot with much effort only to destroy those dynamics with a linear filter.

I also believe that one simple error could be responsible for all of the problems some of us are noticing. A darker shade of green with a right blending mode could reduce peak white level, add green tint to varying degrees to the underlying grays and colors (and white) and it could absolutely murder some of the shadow detail.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by Sean72

It looks exactly like the screenshots that were released, you just have to view them on the same display. It might look completely different 'at your house' but for someone else who is running say a HTPC setup and views the screencaps on their primary display, what they should see is exactly what the screencaps show. I've a PC setup in my primary viewing room and I've verified that many times over with many different releases.

Yep. I've viewed my screenshots on the same display I'm viewing the film on, and even flipped back and forth from screenshot to film frame on the display. Everything is virtually identical. The screenshots are objectively accurate

[MEB]

Just finished watching Two Towers EE. I saw an occasional waxy face but that could have just been the resolution of HD revealing the presence of makeup. Otherwise it was STUNNING! Incredibly detailed and colorful image from start to finish. Fantastic!!

And, believe it or not, even though it didn't have a tint nor did it have any excessively dark scenes, I still felt like I was whisked off into a land of fantasy and adventure. Imagine that!

Mark

[Red Pill 101]

Originally Posted by Sean72

It looks exactly like the screenshots that were released, you just have to view them on the same display. It might look completely different 'at your house' but for someone else who is running say a HTPC setup and views the screencaps on their primary display, what they should see is exactly what the screencaps show. I've a PC setup in my primary viewing room and I've verified that many times over with many different releases.

Well, I'll believe you then. I viewed the screen-caps from my work laptop (two monitors) and my home PC. None of which are calibrated Everything honestly looked like hell to me.

When viewed on my TV from the physical Blu disc, not even the title "Fellowship of the Ring" looked green; not white, but not green.

I kinda consider myself on the sideline: I just want everyone to be happy. This is an expensive set (again, opinion). I would like to see everyone content with what he/she has spent their money on.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by MEB

Just finished watching Two Towers EE. I saw an occasional waxy face but that could have just been the resolution of HD revealing the presence of makeup. Otherwise it was STUNNING! Incredibly detailed and colorful image from start to finish. Fantastic!!

And, believe it or not, even though it didn't have a tint nor did it have any excessively dark scenes, I still felt like I was whisked off into a land of fantasy and adventure. Imagine that!

The few waxy faces that appear could also be a product of the limited, shot-specific noise reduction Jackson most likely employed while finalizing the film (most filmmakers in the digital age use noise reduction here and there), or more extreme region-specific color changes made during the film's digital color grade

[Croweyes1121]

Hey, here's something to chew on...

The following are considered pretty factual at this point I believe:

1. There's far better picture detail on this release as opposed to the TE.
2. There's black crush on this release as opposed to the TE.

Maybe I just don't "care enough", but I personally call that a wash. Add to this that these are my FAR preferred versions of the films and...yeah, I'm happy.

[MEB]

Originally Posted by Sean72

It looks exactly like the screenshots that were released, you just have to view them on the same display. It might look completely different 'at your house' but for someone else who is running say a HTPC setup and views the screencaps on their primary display, what they should see is exactly what the screencaps show. I've a PC setup in my primary viewing room and I've verified that many times over with many different releases.

Yep! I have a Mac Mini connected to my JVC LCoS TV over HDMI. I used a colorimeter to calibrate the Mac Mini to the JVC. When I display the screen shots on the JVC via the Mac Mini, they look exactly like what I see when I display the same scene from the Blu-ray player to the JVC. Exactly!

And they should. Bits are bits. The screen shots ARE accurate as to what is on the actual discs.

Mark

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

Yep. I've viewed my screenshots on the same display I'm viewing the film on, and even flipped back and forth from screenshot to film frame on the display. Everything is virtually identical. The screenshots are objectively accurate

Its probably the hardest thing to explain, because they are accurate, but at the same time couldn't be more misleading, because the 2nd breakfast scene is a perfect example of something that doesnt work in a screenshot, but does work in motion (at least in my opinion and in seemingly the majority of viewers).

When I watch the 2nd breakfast scene on my TV in the living room it just works. Thats the only way I can explain and why I feel that showing those screenshots is misleading, because its sends completely the wrong message about that scene and the entire film as a whole.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Sean72

There is nothing done in the new EE that couldn't have been done back in 2001 with the tools that were available then. I think the new regrade is fantastic aside from the green tint and the black crush (which may very well be tied together depending on the shade and the blending mode used for the green overlay.)

If that's true then the entire film would've been digitally color graded back then. It wasn't. But now it has been.

[scivian]

Originally Posted by gregmasciola

"Honestly I wish I'd never read any of these threads."

So do all who read such threads, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the Blu-Rays that were given to us.

Best post Ive read in awhile.

[MEB]

Originally Posted by merrick97

Its probably the hardest thing to explain, because they are accurate, but at the same time couldn't be more misleading, because the 2nd breakfast scene is a perfect example of something that doesnt work in a screenshot, but does work in motion (at least in my opinion and in seemingly the majority of viewers).

I'm pleased for you that your see a less tinted image when the image is in motion. I honestly do believe that you are calling it like you see it.

Unfortunately for me, that is not my situation. The image looks EXACTLY the same whether I pause it or it is motion. And that image looks EXACTLY the same as displaying the screen shots on my JVC via a Mac Mini.

Mark

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by MEB

I'm pleased for you that your see a less tinted image when the image is in motion. I honestly do believe that you are calling it like you see it.

Unfortunately for me, that is not my situation. The image looks EXACTLY the same whether I pause it or it is motion. And that image looks EXACTLY the same as displaying the screen shots on my JVC via a Mac Mini.

Mark

I think you have caught the Kenneth Brown syndrome!!!

p.s. I am referring to Ken Brown no longer being able to unsee the green tint as a joke. Dont think I am insulting him.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by merrick97

I think you have caught the Kenneth Brown syndrome!!!

I hear they have a vaccination for that

[4K display]

Originally Posted by atexp80

Does anyone own the Canadian release? I was wondering if the box and case is identical to the US release? I've searched the thread but couldn't find any info other than regarding the discs. I'm interested in if the slipbox has any French text on it and if the inserts in the cases are metallic or plain printing?

Thanks in advance.

They are not identical, the Canadian release is done by Alliance.

The slipbox has French on the front and the spine.

Each black case has a dual-sided coverart insert although the metallic printing is English side only.

As you probably already know the CAD versions have a crapload of trailers as well.