The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" Extended Edition has sparked significant discussion and controversy, primarily due to its revised color timing. The new 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer exhibits noticeable changes in color and contrast compared to the earlier DVD and theatrical cut presentations. Shadows are deeper, saturation is reduced in key scenes, and a green/cyan tint pervades the film. These adjustments, confirmed by Peter Jackson and Director of Photography Andrew Lesnie, were intended to align the film aesthetically with "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." This intentional regrading might challenge purists who believe a film should remain unchanged, but it should be noted that these extended cuts are supplementary and not considered canonical versions.

Despite questions surrounding the color timing, the video quality of the new transfer is considerably enhanced. The image is rich and bold, with deep black levels, vibrant primaries, and exceptional detail. The transfer was created from 2K scans, providing clarity within the limitations of the source material. While some filmic softness remains, textures are highly refined, and edges are crisp without artificial sharpening. The encode is solid, minimizing artifacting, ringing, and banding prevalent in previous releases. However, issues like delineation suppression and occasional waxy skin tones persist due to choices made during regrading.

Overall, this Blu-ray release shows marked improvements over its problematic predecessors. Detail levels are significantly improved, and DNR issues that plagued earlier versions are largely resolved. The film now exudes a cinematic quality that was previously lacking, with natural edges and minimal digital noise reduction. Despite some persistent flaws, such as inconsistent coloration and occasional distractions from intentional color grading, fans can appreciate this version for its enhanced visual experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is nothing short of aural brilliance, boasting robust DTS-HD Master Audio surround tracks that enhance the cinematic experience. Dialogue, whether whispered or shouted, maintains outstanding clarity and definition throughout, making every conversation, roar, and whisper ring true across the soundfield. The LFE output is particularly noteworthy, adding weight and intensity to every scene. Be prepared to be engulfed by the Nazgûl’s wails, an angry cave troll thrashing through Balin's Tomb, and the monumental presence of the Balrog as it shakes the very foundations with its breath. The environmental ambiance consistently impresses, with impeccable directionality and smooth pans that are as precise as an Elven archer's arrow.

Dynamics and prioritization of Howard Shore's masterful score beneath the film's soundscape are executed flawlessly, making for an immersive experience that keeps viewers on their toes. Each sound element, from orchestral swells to the sounds of battle, is pitch-perfect and emotionally resonant. Soundstage fullness and constant localization effects create an engaging and enveloping auditory experience, whether in quieter hall scenes or chaotic battlefields. The bass response is potent and varied, contributing to a consistently engaging experience without requiring adjustments on your receiver. The sonic intricacies—from swords clashing, bodies thumping against the ground, arrows whizzing by, to volcanic rumbles—are part of this audio presentation's unparalleled quality. This perfection in the Extended Editions of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy merits unequivocal praise and solidifies these releases as the epitome of high-definition audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" Extended Edition are a trove of insightful and comprehensive features that provide a deep dive into the film's production. While presented in standard definition, the extensive content more than compensates for the lack of high definition. Highlighting the production's meticulous work, the extras include multiple documentaries, audio commentaries from various key contributors, and featurettes that explore every facet of the filmmaking process. The four audio commentaries, featuring a variety of voices from directors to actors, offer rich and varied perspectives on the film. The collection is impressively structured, making it a valuable resource for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Four tracks featuring directors, writers, designers, production team, and cast.
• Easter Egg: MTV Movie Awards short with Jack Black and Michelle Gellar.
• The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – The Untold Story: Trailer for Snowblind videogame.
• The Appendices Parts 1 & 2 Introduction: Introduction by Peter Jackson.
• J.R.R. Tolkien: Creator of Middle-earth: Biographical documentary on Tolkien.
• From Book to Script: Challenges and changes in adapting Tolkien's work.
• Visualizing the Story: Storyboards, pre-visualization processes, and animatics.
• Designing and Building Middle-earth: Detailed look at sets, costumes, and locations.
• New Zealand as Middle-earth: Featurettes on location scouting in New Zealand.
• Middle-earth Atlas: Interactive map tracing key journeys from the story.
• Filming The Fellowship of the Ring: Multi-part documentary on principal photography.
• Visual Effects: Exploration of innovative techniques used for visual effects.
• Post Production: Putting It All Together: Insight into the film's editing process.
• Digital Grading: Examination of digital color grading techniques.
• Sound and Music: Coverage of sound design and Howard Shore’s musical score.
• The Road Goes Ever On…: Reflection on the film's release and reception.
• Costa Botes' Fellowship of the Ring Documentary: Behind-the-scenes documentary capturing on-set interactions.

Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" presents a landmark moment in cinematic history, delivering a near-reverential treatment of J.R.R. Tolkien's esteemed novel. With Jackson at the helm, accompanied by co-writers Fran Walsh and Phillipa Boyens, the movie masterfully balances faithfulness to the source material with necessary cinematic innovations. The film was lauded for its adherence to the spirit of Tolkien's original work while making smart alterations to translate the complex, "unfilmable" literary text into a captivating visual format. Jackson’s ability to contextualize and modernize the characters' motivations and conflicts provided a seamless blend of high fantasy and grounded narrative, enhancing both the epic scale and intimate moments of Tolkien's world.

The extended version of "The Fellowship of the Ring" affords Jackson further latitude to delve more deeply into the characters' backstories and motivations, enriching the tapestry of Middle-earth. Deleted scenes reintroduced in this edition include Isildur's death, additional insights into Bilbo and Frodo's early interactions, and moments like Aragorn visiting his mother's grave and Galadriel gifting the Fellowship. These additions, though not monumental individually, collectively deepen the emotional and contextual fabric of the film, drawing viewers further into the story. Despite maintaining some decisions made in the theatrical cut—such as omitting Tom Bombadil and abbreviating Gandalf's return to the Shire—the extended footage solidifies character arcs and thematic elements, contributing to the film's nuanced portrayal of sacrifice, friendship, and heroism.

"The Fellowship of the Ring" stands as a deeply engaging, thematically rich adventure that redefined fantasy filmmaking. From its sublime New Zealand landscapes to its immersive narrative structure, Jackson’s directorial choices crafted a film that appeals equally to Tolkien purists and newcomers. The cinematic execution aligns seamlessly with the ambition of Tolkien's narrative, presenting flawed yet endearing heroes who embark on a daunting quest—each character meticulously crafted and developed. Despite critiques regarding the portrayal of antagonists and the reliance on deus ex machina devices, the movie’s achievements in visual storytelling and character development earmark it as a seminal work in both fantasy cinema and broader film history.

Peter Jackson's vision comes to life brilliantly in the Blu-ray release of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition.' Featuring a highly detailed, more filmic video transfer, this release corrects many of the issues that plagued the previous theatrical cut's presentation. The amazing level of detail and richer color grading enhance the visual storytelling, although the updated colors may not satisfy all purists. Nonetheless, the result is a captivating visual experience consistent with what Jackson and Lesnie intended.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track is exceptional, delivering a near-perfect auditory experience that immerses viewers into the rich soundscape of Middle-earth. Coupled with an extensive supplemental package that includes hours of behind-the-scenes content and additional footage, the Blu-ray set truly delivers a comprehensive package for fans and newcomers alike. While it retains last year’s green-tint controversy, there’s no denying this format represents the pinnacle of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' on home video.

If you already own the trilogy boxed set, there's little reason to purchase these individual releases unless you prefer the new cover art or need an Ultraviolet copy. The Extended Edition Blu-ray, therefore, remains an impressive offering and definitive edition for first-time buyers. It ensures that viewers get the full intended experience, sealing its reputation as an enduring piece of cinematic history.

I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee. And I don't mean to. I don't mean to.

Assuming The Fellowship of the Ring's new color grading has made its way to Blu-ray exactly as Jackson and Lesnie intended, Warner's Extended Edition Blu-ray release is a strong one. Its highly detailed, notably more filmic video transfer rights many of the wrongs of the previous theatrical cut's presentation; its DTS-HD Master Audio track is, in my estimation, perfect; its supplemental package goes on and on and on; and the film itself remains as powerful a fantasy epic as ever. Barring any further revelations, this is presumably as impressive as the Extended Edition of The Fellowship of the Ring will ever look or sound.