ElementZ

I want to get all 3 movies of the LOTR but not sure what to get. I would like to get the Extended Editions of all 3 but I heard that each film is split up on 2 dvds.

It annoys me to watch a film and then get up to switch discs in the middle of it. Are the EE's still worth it or should I just get the regular versions?

jigga6286

The EE's are definitely the versions to pick up. Plus, you might want to take a break in the middle of a 3 1/2 movie.

Filmmaker

Wait for THE LORD OF THE RINGS: Limited Edition (available as individual titles for approx. $30 each or a boxed set for approx. $90), which features BOTH theatrical AND extended editions compressed together on one disc, thereby removing the requirement to flip the disc mid-playback.

kitkat

If you like extras I'd say go with the EE's. The films are split over two discs, but the splits are not abrupt, they fit naturally into the movies. In fact, I think they make the EE's easier to watch than the theatricals because it's so easy to watch one of the movies over two sittings if you don't have time for it all at once. I think of them as the six part miniseries version of LOTR.

If you're not into extras you might want the upcoming limited edition that was mentioned above, and have both versions. I think the EE's tell the story better, though, and the picture quality is very good.

Goldblum

Agreed.

Bacon

get the EE, I can't imagine having both the regualr and EE on ONE DVD, the compression would be aweful plus the EE really adds a lot to the stories

Goldblum

I agree, but he said he doesn't want to switch discs. If this is important to him, he should get the new one.

rdclark

What makes anyone think the new discs won't be flippers?

Has anyone ever calculated how much the complete running time of the EE versions, *PLUS* the running time of the sections of the theatrical cut that are different from their EE counterparts, would add up to? Because that will be to total effective running time of the new version (using seamless branching), and I very sincerely doubt they will fit on one side of a disc.

RichC

Drexl

I say get both the TE's and the EE's.

Filmmaker

Because everything I've seen posted so far regarding these releases indicates disc one will be the movie (both versions) and disc two will be a new making-of documentary, both discs being single-sided. I guess time will tell...

AdamComic2

The new Limited Editions will only have DD 5.1. If you have the capability, the DTS ES 6.1 on the 4-disc EE's is some of the best DVD sound I have ever heard. Let's not forget the four commentaries on each movie which will also be absent on the new LE's.

mzupeman2

There's no way the new editions coming out are one single sided disc anyhow... they have to be flippers. If it doesn't flip, then well... as said the compression is going to be horrible. Don't buy an inferior product just for the sake of not wanting to switch a disc out.

The best edition as far as special features go and in terms of quality, are the Extended Editions. Extended Editions usually mean crap for 99% of DVD's that have 'extended' on them, as it's just two minutes of additional footage added to cash in on the product. BUT, the EE's of LOTR really does add to each movie and I can't picture watching LOTR in their theatrical form ever again after seeing the EE's.

I strongly push for the EE's.

Fok

Go with the EE's, you won't regret it and swapping the disks part way is no big deal IMO

CertifiedTHX

I have the theatrical cuts and the extended editions, and am tempted by the upcoming limited editions for the new documentaries--but if I had to choose one, I would have to go with the extended. Best film presentation, multiple commentaries, in-depth documentary content. I don't mind changing discs for a premium transfer. No offense, just saying.

Has there ever been a DVD package released featuring both single-sided and double-sided discs? Wouldn't that be a rather unattractive mix?

--THX

mzupeman2

I don't know about movies, but the Flintstones seasons have a few discs that are single sided, and the last disc has a double sided one. It is rather unattractive.

SuperBatMan

Superman: The Animated Series for all three volumes has disc one as a single-sided disc, while disc two is a flipper. I really hate it, as disc one has art on it, while of course, disc two doesn't. It just looks ugly together.

Filmmaker

The Limited Collector's Edition for CINDERELLA MAN would be one...

Johnny Boy

If you haven't bought the LOTR movies yet, you're probably not a diehard LOTR fan. It took me about 1 year after Return of the King came out on dvd to decide to buy my 3 LOTR movies. I'm not a huge fan myself, but I enjoy the movies for what they are. I recommend getting what I got - the cheaper theatrical versions (unless of course you are in fact a diehard fan that has to have everything LOTR related, then disregard my post). Each movie is conveniently on one disc. There's hours of great special features on the second disc (Not as much as the EEs of course, but still, there's hours.). I enjoy my 14-dollar-each theatrical versions (a killer deal if you ask me). They are great dvds and they are filled with all of the LOTR material that I will EVER need.

rdclark

I've only seen one official source, the press release. Which says nothing about "single sided." Where have you seen different?

RichC

chess

The EEs are possibly the most impressive DVD sets ever produced for individual films. They are without question the pinnacle of my collection.

That said, it sounds like you are a casual fan, and the theatrical cuts would do just fine.

CertifiedTHX

Damn, I detest packaging decisions like this. Just add another disc, how hard is that?

--THX

mzupeman2

I think Mary Tyler Moore does the same thing with their last discs though, not sure. I have 'em at home but it's been a while since I looked.

IamLegend

I can make it easy for you...the extended editions are the best by far-more details and more like the books!
I have an extra set that I can sell you....the packaging is also great..look like 3 classic books on the shelf...I can send all 3 to you in mint condition for $65 shipped.
email me if interested.

starman9000

I recommend the extended editions, and you can get the collectors editions for around 20-22$ each. That said, you can probably find all three of the theatrical editions for around 15$ total.

davidh777

The EEs are far superior. The TEs' bonus material is mostly fluff, but I admit I have sometimes put those in when I just want to skim through certain scenes without loading both discs into my carousel. I thought the break on FOTR was a bit abrupt.