Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) on November 30, 2003 at 12:28:36

In Reply to: An attempt to clear things up... posted by mollecon on November 30, 2003 at 10:50:34:

The theatrical versions and extended versions both contain "extras", but the EE (extended editions) are the ones that contain the real goodies - hours and hours of production notes, terrific commentaries, documentaries on art direction, special effects, costumes etc. - quite the most exhaustive extras you will find on DVD, a fan's dream.

The Special Edition EEs contain collector items: polycast Argonath bookends for FOTR, a Gollum statue for TTT, as well as a few other goodies (such as game cards) and an additional DVD (a National Geographic one for FOTR and a Gollum DVD for TTT). These sets are pricey, over $50 bucks discounted. LOTR fans have to have them, but other folks should be content with the regular EEs.

Most fans, as well as the cast and critics, prefer the longer extended versions of LOTR - this is especially true of TTT, which flows better in the extended cut than the theatrical version. Some films with added scenes are just longer movies, not better movies. In the LOTR's case, the opposite is true - the added footage enhances the films and is integrated seamlessly into the whole. I haven't watched the theatricals at all since the EEs came out.

BTW, the EE DVDs are available *only* in anamorphic widescreen - the theatrical releases can be purchased in pan & scan (foolscreen) but I can't imagine why anyone would.

The EE FOTR & TTT are the way to go. You get the most complete version of the story, superior video and sound quality compared to the theatrical version, DTS, plus the best bonus material thus far in the history of DVDs.