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Quite Simply the Best DVD Ever Produced
by Drew Morton
It almost seems like the filmmakers behind the Lord of the Rings trilogy are treating the first DVD edition of The Fellowship of the Ring like a disaster. The two-disc edition, which hit shelves in August, boasted besides the theatrical version of the film, an extra disc packed with documentaries covering the various aspects of the film, a preview of the next film, The Two Towers, along with an extensive publicity gallery. Now, less than three months later, we have a mammoth four-disc edition of the film.
The Fellowship of the Ring was one of the best films of 2001. The film, part one of a trilogy based on the famous fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, follows Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and his friends, including the wizard Gandalf, Frodo's servant Samwise, Gimli the dwarf, Langolas the elf as they venture to Mt. Doom to destroy the sacred One ring which could bring doomsday to Middle Earth.
The new DVD, dubbed The Extended Edition, not only includes four times the special features, but also an extended version of the film, featuring a half hour of new footage integrated into the theatrical cut. The additional footage brings the film closer to Tolkien's novels by giving us sub-plots that were eliminated due to the length of the film. Director Peter Jackson gives us a revised opening sequence (following the eight minute prologue) with Bilbo Baggins paraphrasing the opening chapter of the novel, "Concerning Hobbits" along with numerous extended scenes from the departure of Frodo, Samwise, and company from Hobbiton, an abandoned but extremely important sub-plot in Lothlorien, and a bloodier battle at the conclusion.
The quality of the four disc set is perfect. From the detailed book-like design of the box to the quality of the audio and video, this is the movie to show off to your friends. The transition from the orginal film to the additional scenes is seamless in audio and video quality, which is one of the best sensorary experiences DVD has shown us.
Along with the extended film, Peter Jackson, the actors, the writers, and the production team have provided the viewer with four commentary tracks covering all aspects of filmmaking and the influence it has had on each one of them. These tracks are, on the whole, informative and entertaining for those interested in the novels or other aspects of filmmaking.
Accompaning the two-discs of the feature film are two additional discs full of extra features. Divided into two parts, the first disc covers from the novel to pre-production and the second from pre-production to the finished product. Among the features, the set includes numerous extensive documentaries covering literally every aspect of the film from J.R.R. Tolkien's life, the music and special effects of the film, and the publicity and aftermath of the film's release. The only extra feature I felt that could be added was the orginal theatrical version of the film, however, I think that would defeat the purpose of this Extended DVD Edition.
While some might find a four disc set designated to one movie excessive and gluttonous, a viewer of the extended version of The Fellowship of the Ring cannot deny that they are viewing what is not only currently the best DVD of the year, but the best DVD ever produced.
Grade: 5 out of 5
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