The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition Blu-ray hits on June 28
One of the most magical, intensely spectacular epic adventures in motion picture history comes alive when these extended editions explode onto Blu-ray with unsurpassed high definition picture and sound. Sound + Vision Magazine ranked the 2010 release of the Trilogy as #5 in their Top 10 Blu-rays of the Year, noting that it was one of only two releases to earn five stars for sound and calling it "breathtaking." Now fans can see and hear the extended trilogy at home the way it was meant to be seen, on Blu-ray Hi-Def. Based on the length of each extended edition feature film and in order to present each film in the highest possible picture quality, each film is presented on 2 Blu-ray Discs.
The Lord of the Rings franchise's popularity continues unabated, with pre-sales response soaring. The official Facebook page (Facebook.com/LordOfTheRingsTrilogy) has reached more than 4 million friends and boasts an average 1M comments per post. The page includes updated insider information, Trivia Tuesdays, Caption This! posts, clips, trailers, sweepstakes, promotions photo galleries and more. Also featured, a new application that will allow fans to generate their very own 'Elvish' name, to be available soon.
This highly anticipated Extended Edition (Blu-ray) set will be released in English 6.1 DTS-HD MA audio and includes a new transfer of The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring which was remastered from the original 2k digital files. The set boasts more than 26 hours of additional content, highlighted by the rare behind-the-scenes documentaries created by Costa Botes, the filmmaker given unprecedented access to the set of each production by Peter Jackson. Costa Botes was able to capture raw and riveting behind-the-scenes film footage. His unique approach to storytelling - allowing the footage to speak for itself - results in an intimate and candid backstage pass to the challenges, preparations and camaraderie that went into shooting one of the greatest cinematic adventures of all time. The feature-length documentaries, with more than four and a half hours of footage, focus on a number of complexities and circumstances that tested the filmmakers, cast and crew during the shoot, as well as a look at some of the comical antics and personal moments on the set. The Costa Botes documentaries accompany acclaimed special features by Michael Pellerin from the original extended cut releases to make this the most comprehensive The Lord of the Rings compilation ever. (All three DVDs were honored with Saturn Award wins for Best DVD in their release years - 2002, 2003 & 2004, plus multiple trade awards).
The Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy, revered as one of the most thrilling epic adventures in motion picture history and one of the highest grossing adventure film franchises to ever be created, was born with the release of The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, followed by The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King. Now they are offered on Blu-ray with more than 2 hours of extended scenes that were carefully selected under the supervision of director Peter Jackson.
The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition Blu-ray contains 26 hours of extras
The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition (Blu-ray) will be packaged in multi-disc elite packaging inside a premium rigid slipcase and will retail for $119.98 SRP. Orders are due May 24, 2011.
Additionally, Warner Bros. Consumer Products has teamed up with top licensees Games Workshop Ltd., Tonner Doll Company, Inc., Sideshow Collectibles, NECA, The Noble Collection, WETA, Pez Candy, Funko, LLC, Bioworld Merchandising Inc. and WMS Gaming to create an array of merchandise support for The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition (Blu-ray), including apparel and accessories, novelties and collectibles, stationery and paper goods, toys and games.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is an intense Action RPG video game based on the renowned works of J.R.R. Tolkien and will launch in 2011 on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows in 2011. Evolving the RPG genre through innovative online, interdependent co-op play for up to three players who form their own Fellowship, this game breaks new ground as the first The Lord of the Rings video game to embrace the gritty and brutal reality of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Exploring previously unseen lands, storylines and characters as well as those familiar from past feature films, gamers experience expansive co-op gameplay and upgradeable weapons, character customization and development, skills and special abilities. Gamers must play together or perish as they work to defeat Sauron's forces in the North. Learn more at WarInTheNorth.com.
About the Trilogy and the Films
The Lord of the Rings tells the story of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), a hobbit who battles against the Dark Lord Sauron to save his world, Middle-earth, from the grip of evil. In the films, Frodo and his fellowship of friends and allies embark on a desperate journey to rid Middle-earth of the source of Sauron's greatest strength, The One Ring -- a ring that has the power to enslave the inhabitants of Middle-earth. The trilogy tells tales of extraordinary adventures across the treacherous landscape of Middle-earth and reveals how the power of friendship, love and courage can hold the forces of darkness at bay. Beside Wood, the films star Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, featuring Sean Bean and Ian Holm, with Andy Serkis as Gollum. The films also star Marton Csokas, Craig Parker and Lawrence Makoare.
In this first part of the Trilogy, the young hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a ring; but this ring is no mere trinket. It is the One Ring, an instrument of absolute power that could allow Sauron, the dark Lord of Mordor, to rule Middle-earth and enslave its peoples. Frodo, together with a Fellowship that includes his loyal hobbit friends, humans, a wizard, a dwarf and an elf, must take the One Ring across Middle-earth to Mount Doom, where it first was forged, and destroy it forever. Such a journey means venturing deep into territory manned by Sauron, where he is amassing his army of Orcs. And it is not only external evils that the Fellowship must combat, but also internal dissension and the corrupting influence of the One Ring itself. The course of future history is entwined with the fate of the Fellowship. The film won four Oscars for Best Visual Effects, Cinematography, Makeup and Original Score.
Special Features:
Disc 1 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Feature Extended Edition Part 1
- The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - The Untold Story Trailer
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- Commentary with Cast
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 2 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Feature Extended Edition Part 2
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- Commentary with Cast
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 3 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part 1 From Book to Vision
- Peter Jackson Introduction
- J.R.R. Tolkien: Creator of Middle-earth
- From Book To Script
- Visualizing the Story
- Designing and Building Middle-earth
- Middle-earth Atlas Interactive
- New Zealand and Middle-earth Interactive
Disc 4 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part Two From Vision to Reality
- Elijah Wood Introduction
- Filming The Fellowship of the Ring
- Visual Effects
- Post Production: Putting It All Together
- Digital Grading
- Sound and Music
- The Road Goes Ever On...
Disc 5 (DVD)
- Behind-the-Scenes Documentary Created by Filmmaker Costa Botes during filming of The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
In their parallel journeys, the Fellowship will stand against the powerful forces spreading from the Two Towers -- Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where Saruman has bred a lethal army of 10,000 strong; and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dûr, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers culminates in the astonishing battle for the refuge, Helm's Deep, the Kingdom of Rohan's ancient large stone fortress, besieged by Uruk-hai warriors. The film won two Oscars: Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects.
Special Features:
Disc 6 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers Feature Extended Edition Part 1
- The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - The Untold Story Trailer
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- Commentary with Cast
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 7 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers Feature Extended Edition Part 2
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- Commentary with Cast
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 8 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part 3: The Journey Continues
- Peter Jackson Introduction
- J.R.R. Tolkien: Origin of Middle-earth
- From Book to Script: Finding the Story
- Designing and Building Middle-earth
- Gollum
- Middle-earth Atlas Interactive
- New Zealand as Middle-earth
Disc 9 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part 4: The Battle for Middle-earth
- Elijah Wood Introduction
- Filming The Two Towers
- Visual Effects
- Editorial: Refining the Story
- Music and Sound
- The Battle for Helm's Deep is Over...
Disc 10 (DVD)
- Behind-the-Scenes Documentary Created by Filmmaker Costa Botes during filming of The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers
The final battle for Middle-earth begins. Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin), led by the mysterious Gollum (Andy Serkis), continue their dangerous mission toward the fires of Mount Doom in order to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) struggles to fulfill his legacy as he leads his outnumbered followers against the growing power of the Dark Lord Sauron, so that the Ring-bearer may complete his quest. The film, which won Academy Awards in all 11 categories for which it was nominated, took wins for Best Picture, Director, Editing, Art Direction, Costume Design, Visual Effects, Makeup, Adapted Screenplay, Sound Mixing, Original Song and Original Score.
Special Features:
Disc 11 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King Feature Extended Edition Part 1
- The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - The Untold Story Trailer
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- Commentary with Cast
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 12 (Blu-ray)
- The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King Feature Extended Edition Part 2
- Commentary with Director & Writers
- Commentary with Design Team
- Commentary with Production and Post Production
- BD-Live enabled
Disc 13 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part 5: The War of the Ring
- Peter Jackson Introduction
- J.R.R. Tolkien: The Legacy of Middle Earth
- From Book to Script
- Designing and Building Middle-earth
- Home of the Horse Lords
- Middle-earth Atlas
- New Zealand as Middle-earth
Disc 14 (DVD)
- The Appendices Part 6: The Passing of an Age
- Introduction
- Filming The Return of the King
- Visual Effects
- Post-Production: Journey's End
- The Passing of an Age
- Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for Into the West
Disc 15 (DVD)
- Behind-the-Scenes Documentary Created by Filmmaker Costa Botes during filming of The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring was released December 19th, 2001 and stars Alan Howard, Elijah Wood, Noel Appleby, Sean Astin, Sala Baker, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom. The film is directed by Peter Jackson.
The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers was released December 18th, 2002 and stars Bruce Allpress, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sala Baker, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Jed Brophy. The film is directed by Peter Jackson.
The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King was released December 17th, 2003 and stars Noel Appleby, Alexandra Astin, Sean Astin, David Aston, John Bach, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom. The film is directed by Peter Jackson.
Comments (30)
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darksektor1971
EXACTLY MY TOUGHT MAN...i'm a big fan of the extended versions with statues and everyting, and willing to give my brother the actual extended version i have, BUT!, WHAT FOR???....STILL DISC SWAP????...no thanks!!!
1 year agoby @darksektor1971Flag
SpaceCowboy
@darksektor1971 I dunno, but it's really stupid. If the 4 hours of Once Upon a Time in America can be put on a one disc Blu-ray with special features too, then why the hell not have each of the Lord of the Rings films on one disc. And hearing that each films comes with five discs I thought both the extended and theatrical cuts would be included. So...I am hesitant about getting this.
1 year agoby @SpaceCowboyFlag
darksektor1971
@slysnide, @SpaceCowboy....im upset...why 2 discs AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
1 year agoby @darksektor1971Flag
SpaceCowboy
@slysnide I know, right? It's freaking Blu-ray! Have the films on one disc in one part. Geez.
1 year agoby @SpaceCowboyFlag
thedude-abides
@slysnide Didn't know that, but it's just more to your point. EPIC FAIL, indeed.
1 year agoby @thedude-abidesFlag
slysnide
@thedude-abides: And did you know that rental disks now axe all extras? Even when many single disk movies came with extras. They were willing to spend more money to manufacture two different single disk editions so renters wouldn't extras that buyers did. "Slumdog Millionaire" somehow got their rental disks swapped for the purchase disks, and subsequently the dvds in the stores have no extras, but the rentals do. There was a story about that mixup on MW shortly after the dvd came out. EPIC FAIL on all counts in my paragraph.
1 year agoby @slysnideFlag
thedude-abides
Completely agree, @slysnide. That is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to blu-ray. We know how much data each disk can store. Like u said, that was one of their main selling points when they first came out.
The fact that each blu-ray averages about $25 per movie isn't enough, now the manufacturers are doing what they always do in trying to suck as much money out of consumers as they possibly can. 15 disks is absurdity at its highest level - especially when everyone knows they could easily put all three movies on one disk.
1 year agoby @thedude-abidesFlag
skywise
wowo that is a LOT of extras. I cant wait for this to come out. i NEED this to come out on Blu Ray.
1 year agoby @skywiseFlag
moviegeek
15?? Dang.
1 year agoby @moviegeekFlag
DeLaMer87
@mattbierwagen, do you feel that you said the same thing as @moviemaniac?
1 year agoby @Delamer87Flag
DeLaMer87
Woot
1 year agoby @Delamer87Flag
Worth5Bucks
15 DISCS????? Im seriously hyperventilating right now
1 year agoby @mattbierwagenFlag
ejk1
Although the article is misleading in saying a record 17 Oscars, this is the only way to buy this trilogy. Time to start saving some pennies.
1 year agoby @ejk1Flag
MovieManiac
15 DISCS?? HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am definitely buying this.
1 year agoby @moviemaniac66Flag
Titanictom
KICK ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year agoby @titanictomFlag
Diaigma
@slysnide - I don't mind that so much. At least it gets you up and walking around a little every two hours. Maybe Jackson wants his viewers to be healthy :P
1 year agoby @diaigmaFlag
Bawnian©-Dexeus
@diaigma me three
1 year agoby @bawnian-dexeusFlag
Diaigma
@dark-env - we run in the same circles, you and I. I love how, if the price dips after you pre-order something, you get charged the lowest price, even if it goes up :P
1 year agoby @diaigmaFlag
slysnide
Jesus, they converted it to Blu-Ray and they still split the films across two discs. ??? BR was marketed as housing more data per disc as one of its premium highlights. And yet they still do this???
1 year agoby @slysnideFlag
Dark enV
@diaigma yeah that's what I did. I signed up to hear about when they'd announce a pre-order for it and got an email 2 weeks ago and pre-ordered it that very day
1 year agoby @dark-envFlag
Dark enV
@diaigma you and me both, I pre-ordered this a good while back :D
1 year agoby @dark-envFlag
Diaigma
Btw, guys - the pre-order at Amazon is under $90. Why pay more?
::waits patiently for a check from Amazon::
1 year agoby @diaigmaFlag
Dan
BUYING IT.
1 year agoby @dan1Flag
Diaigma
Pre-ordered! :D
(That's why I waited and didn't buy the theatrical Blu-ray)
1 year agoby @diaigmaFlag
aoshi
LOl@censorship
1 year agoby @aoshiFlag
aoshi
So basically the difference from this version to the DVDs is the Costa DVDs. So the question now is: where can I get those doc*mentaries without having to buy the whole thing all over again?
1 year agoby @aoshiFlag
CBF
I'm not a fan of Blu-Ray but hot damn, this one's nice. 15 discs? Oh, my.
1 year agoby @comicbookfanFlag
Bawnian©-Dexeus
Finally, movies worth spending over $100 on :)
1 year agoby @bawnian-dexeusFlag
Brian
Can't wait! Finally in glorious 1080p!
1 year agoby @brianFlag
Nice_guy293
I can't wait to get it! Getting it as soon as it's out! But is it really coming out June 28? Other places say December is when it's going to be released. What is the actual date?
1 year agoby @nice-guy293Flag