Over on DigitalBits, they have the following attributed to Mr. Peter Jackson:

I'm sure most of you have heard me blabbing off in the past few weeks but we've just finished the extended cut of the DVD. I finished the edit before I came over here - these poor bastards at Weta have got another 350 effects shots to do! They're well on the way. Elijah's seen the extended cut. New Line have announced some box set that's supposed to be coming out which I didn't know anything about. When I've done King Kong I'd like to do a proper box set and we've got a whole bunch of material - not of the movie but we've got a whole lot of bloopers out there! When King Kong's out the way I'd like to do a really high definition version with the best possible picture quality.

I could have sworn that the extendeds were his best presentation of this films, according to his own words. Looks like it might be best to wait to purchase everything till 2005.

Oh my Lord. I am so there.

Peter Jackson is the man!!!

[Settles in for 5 pages of "this double dipping is nothing like what Luca$ does]

For most of us, we already have to two EEs. I'll get the third EE and be content. I really cannot imagine anything else that I would want that the EEs do not offer. I won't have a HDDVD player in 2005 (nor will probably any of us), so it's not a real concern of mine. I would *consider* a box set of if it would include the National Geographic DVDs (or content) as well. Other than that, I'm happy to add the ROTK EE to my collection and be happy.

It's not since Jackson has nothing to do with the first boxset.

I think a little elaboration is in order, in defense of my initial post.

I will definitely get the ROTK EE when it comes out, no doubt about that. When/if the boxset comes out, I'll consider it also, depending on my budget at the time and what will be included in the boxset. If it is attractive to me enough, I'll most likely ebay all three of the EE versions to soften the blow of the boxset.

When/if the HD versions come out, I will consider it based on the eventual cost of the HD hardware, cost of the HD DVDs, etc. Alot of factors remain to be seen on this particular issue...

Will the theatrical version be available via seamless branching? If not it is worthless. I mean everyone is pissed about the special (extended??) versions of Star Wars so everyone must also want the original versions (as we saw them in theatres) of the 3 LOTR movies. People are tough on Star Wars so lets throw the blame around to all major blockbusters with sequels and extra edition movies. Take the above with a wink.

Im all for the three (3) EEs, but I think its asinine for New Line and Jackson both to want additional box sets. If you (Jackson) are quoted as saying (in the past) that the EEs are 'it' then why now are you saying that more can be done.

True.

I know the EE versions were packed with great stuff, but I think they could have even included bloopers and yes, even deleted scenes in the EEs.

I'd still like to see what kind of offering the boxset will entail.

Worst analogy ever.

The (massive) difference is that both options are available. If you want the theatrical DVD, buy it. If you want the EE, then buy that version.

Instead, Lucass is giving is one option - buy the SE's or go to hell.

Who's George Luca$? ... what's $tar War$? ...

I think maybe you didn't read the last line of johnglad's post.

I think there is a big difference, that is unless Jackson goes back and say, makes it so Boromir no longer tries to take the ring from Frodo. These are Extended Editions, and as tired as this arguement is, SW:SE is revisionism.

I'll upgrade the whole trilogy in HD-DVD...

Ill buy the EE and id gladly by a HD-DVD set when it comes out.

It's only obvious that LOTR will be out on HDDVD when the hardware comes out, with just about every other film. I just hope we get a May release date for the TE.

doc

So will I...

yeah, I'm fine with the EE ones.........if we all keep waiting for a better version we'll always be waiting cause there is always gonna be something new and better come out!

I'm not sure I'm buying. I watch my DVDs on my PC, and until I upgrade my outdated PC, I won't be able to watch HD DVD. Second, I believe I'll only get a marginal improvement on picture quality because of my display (on this case, my 19" CRT monitor) limitation.

However, I'm definitely buying the EE DVD.

I'm there....


For me....buying the Theatrical and Extended versions of each film no way compares to the amount of money I put into buying the various Star Wars Trilogy box sets.

So.....3 extra HD-DVDs won't hurt a bit. I'll probably order them as enrollments from the Columbia House HD-DVD club.

Not to fan the flames but, it could be a good analogy. What if they only release the EE versions on HD-DVD and not the theatrical versions? Wouldn't that be the same as Star Wars? You could still buy the theatrical version of LOTR on DVD, a lesser quality product, just as you can still buy the original, non-SE Star Wars on LD or VHS.

Me too. I will buy it in either WM9 DVD, red laser HD-DVD, or blue-ray HD-DVD.

I'll see your and you raise you !

I'm just waiting for the Special Extended Edtion cut 20 years from now where Gollum shoots first.

Man, the Lord of the Rings in HD-DVD would be a reason to upgrade.

I know ebay is bad and all.. but Hell? that's a little rough don't you think?

If you don't want SE's then go buy a LD or VHS set and get over it.