Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray

[X]

Well, now hold on. That's just said "anyone paying attention" but I don't see anything like an official release from New Line stating that they were going to release another version PRIOR to the DVD release like they are with this Blue-Ray.

I'm pretty sure that if you can track down some official press releases during that time, you might have seen something. Both of these articles were from when the dvds were released. I can agree with you that some people missed it, but I wouldn't say most. From my perspective EVERYONE that was into the film knew that the extended film was coming out. For me, that makes it seem like most people knew that it was coming out.

I don't think that there's a right or wrong in either perspective. The internet was still a youngster then and there weren't as many places as there are now to get the news. I think that around this time, I was a CL on AOL and playing in several RPGS there. News could spread like wildfire then. Everyone in that circle of friends that I had there and in my real life circle all knew what was coming. I couldn't tell you who broke the news first, but it wasn't a secret because I pre ordered my copy.

Perhaps the retailers didn't want Joe public to know because they could double dip on the profits, but I don't think that it was New Line that told them to keep quiet. In fact, I am at least 80% sure that the people at Suncoast tried to upsell me that preorder because I told them I was waiting for the extended version.

Either way, I think that while some people knew, others clearly didn't and without the interwebs or knowledge of a previous extended version, I don't think many normal folk would be hearing or seeing that press release.

[Bryancd]

Yeah, I don't mind them doing these kind of releases, either, and I didn't feel cheated when the extended versions came out. I sold the original releases on e-bay and got some $ back anyway.

[X]

Yeah, I don't mind them doing these kind of releases, either, and I didn't feel cheated when the extended versions came out. I sold the original releases on e-bay and got some $ back anyway.

I think that's the whole point. People are going to buy what they want to see and nothing will be exactly how you want it. I know that just as some people would like to see both versions on the same disk ala Blade Runner HD DVD, you'll have some purist that don't want any of their money going to the extended, non-director's cut, versions. I love the extended ones, but I can see how some people would only want to pay for the theatrical releases considering they are Jack's preferred cut of the film.

I'm just a sucker for extended cuts and find myself hunting them down despite the director's opinions. ( Like Dune). Or ones that were endorsed by the director and made the film better. (Like The Abyss).

I think in the end, I would want to keep both releases in separate sets. Watching the trilogy in theatrical version is a day long endeavor as it is. When you add in all the additional time from the extended versions, it's like adding another normal length film to the viewing time.

In the end, I know which versions I prefer and I don't need or want the other version taking up space that could be used for the six billion hours of BTS and additional footage.

I also know even before it's released that I will need to shell out more for the extended versions compared to the normal versions, but they have yet to let us down with adding extra bang for our buck.

Current rumor suggest that there is going to be a nice wait for the extended versions and they won't be out until 2011 and the release of the Hobbit if it helps.

[Ktrek]

I'll wait for the extended versions. Artistically I think the extended versions offer a more cohesive story. They won't get my money twice this time like they did with the DVD editions. You know the 'ol saying... "fool me once shame on you..."

Kevin

[Bryancd]

^^ And yet another person who didn't know. So Kevin, Kenny, Rico, and me all had no idea about the extended version, so I am going back to my contention that that was not very widely known. Anyone else? Besides Chris, who did know?

[Bromptonboy]

Wow, I will also wait for the extended editions.  They will be worth it. 

[Rico]

I've also become more patient and more thrifty in recent years.  So, I'm fine with waiting.  On a related point, the recent release of "Star Trek" 2009 version on Blu-Ray is how to do it right.  That set is PACKED with extra stuff.  JJ and Paramount didn't hold much back.  Certainly it will probably be released at some point in the future again, maybe with a few more goodies, but they really gave this the deluxe treatment the first time out.  That's the way to do things.

[Ktrek]

I've also become more patient and more thrifty in recent years.  So, I'm fine with waiting.  On a related point, the recent release of "Star Trek" 2009 version on Blu-Ray is how to do it right.  That set is PACKED with extra stuff.  JJ and Paramount didn't hold much back.  Certainly it will probably be released at some point in the future again, maybe with a few more goodies, but they really gave this the deluxe treatment the first time out.  That's the way to do things.

I agree Rico! And that price was reasonable also. I bought it on Amazon pre-order and with their pre-order guarantee I think I paid $18.99 for it. In fact all the blu-rays lately have been below $20. Harry Potter on pre-order went down to $14.99. But yea...The Star Trek movie was packed with good stuff. My only complaint is the artwork. I think it has some of the most unimaginative artwork I have ever seen on a DVD or Blu-Ray. There is absolutely nothing about the cover that would have enticed me to buy if I didn't know the movie.

Kevin

[Bromptonboy]

Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray

Posted: 28 Jan 2010 09:45 AM PST

Originally down for a release in November 2009 Warner Bros. have announced the date for the Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray is 6th April 2010.

Several Blu-ray specialist blogs have said the delay was because Warner Bros. didn't want Lord of the Rings 'lost in the crowd' having already announced the release of several classics in the Blu-ray format in the run up to Christmas.

The delay may also have been caused by the 'tentative' court settlement between New Line Cinema and The Tolkien Estate back in September.

Included in the box set will be The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King together with more than seven hours of special features.

While this release will be the theatrical versions and we all know the extended versions will be on the shelves at some point, I will be watching mine on release day.

These are the 3 movies I went to the cinema to see, its these that won the Oscars and its these I fell in love with a decade ago.

Besides, Lord of the Rings Blu-ray extended edition will be held back until The Hobbit is ready for release. What better way to build up the public into a Hobbit frenzy than to release them a week or two before The Hobbit premiere?

With The Hobbit now looking at a Christmas 2012 release, 2 years is far too long to wait to see these movies in HD.

Amazon currently offer the best price with a guaranteed pre-order price of $65.49

You can pre-order from Amazon to ensure you get the low price and guarantee you get your copy delivered on the 6th April by clicking here.

Disclosure: Amazon will reward this site with around a $2 bounty for each customer who purchases Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray through the above link. Any bounty earned will go towards the running costs of your favorite Hobbit movie blog.

[Bryancd]

I'm holding out for the extended versions.

[Geekyfanboy]

Yeah I'm with you Bryan... at least I say that now :)

[Bryancd]

Yeah I'm with you Bryan... at least I say that now :)

Well, I figure I already have the standard release and they still look great, so to pony up the dough for Blue-Ray, I only want to buy them once. :)

[Geekyfanboy]

Yeah I'm with you Bryan... at least I say that now :)

Well, I figure I already have the standard release and they still look great, so to pony up the dough for Blue-Ray, I only want to buy them once. :)

I totally agree with you.. my thing are the seven hours of extras.. I'm an extras fanatic.. so if there is new extras I'll have to get them... so it's a wait and see kind of thing for me.

[Bryancd]

Are these going to be all new extra's or stuff we have already seen?

[Meds]

Kenny, Bryan I too lovely extras but considering the extended editions were brought out before blue ray was twinkling I'm sure all the extras available we'll already have.