In reviewing the DVD release for the “The Return of the King – Extended Director’s Cut,” I thought it was important for me to fill you in on how I feel about the Trilogy as a whole. I read back over my movie review of the third film that I wrote last year and figured I couldn’t possibly have said it better. So before I get into the main DVD review, here’s a look at what I said last year…. December 14th, 2003: With all the film and DVD reviews I’ve written over the past year, some of you might have gotten the impression that I love movies. And you would be correct. However, in all my 40 years of life I have only felt truly passionate about three. They would be “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers”, and now finally, “The Return of the King.”

I’m not passionate about them in a ‘fan geek’ sort of way. I do not dress up as a Hobbit, I don’t go to conventions, you will find little in the way of ‘Lord of the Rings’ paraphernalia around my house, and I haven’t decorated my living room to look like the main hall of Rohan. The passion I feel for these films lies deep inside. It is for the emotions the films evoke, the earnest and heartfelt performances of the actors, and the wondrous visual tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world that Peter Jackson and his talented crew have meticulously brought to life.

Having read the books when I was thirteen, I had my doubts as to whether a film series could ever be made that would even come close to doing justice to what my imagination had already created. When I heard Peter Jackson was set to direct the movies that would make up the trilogy, I initially scoffed.

I was very familiar with his earlier films, “Bad Taste”, “Meet the Feebles”, and “Dead Alive.” All three films are ludicrous in their approach, but they are favorites of mine for being hysterically funny. Then I remember seeing “Heavenly Creatures” and being shocked that Jackson had directed such a disturbingly poignant film. The attention that was paid to that particular film gave Jackson the opportunity to direct an American film, “The Frighteners.” Once again, he created a film that I appreciated for its outlandishly skewed view of what might have been a run of the mill ghost story.

As different as each of these films were, the main threads that held them together were the highly imaginative stories and the incredible camera work. Though I really liked all of these films, and considered Jackson to be somewhat of an independent film genius, I had a hard time imagining he would be able to transfer his talent to a project with the size and scope that “The Lord of the Rings” would have to be in order to be successful.

As the time drew closer for the first film to be released I started getting a little more excited about the project. Pictures and stories started flooding the Internet and it began to look like Jackson was going to create a film trilogy of epic proportions. The first thing he got right was filming all three parts simultaneously. In this way, each film was able to be released a year apart so the audience’s anticipation wouldn’t wear thin. Having to wait twelve months was far better than waiting years.

The second thing Jackson got right was in the casting. Throughout all three films there isn’t a weak actor in the bunch. Most were familiar to theatre audiences. But through the magic of makeup, computer enhancements and most important, sheer talent, each and every familiar face disappeared into the character they were to become.

By the time “The Fellowship of the Ring” was released in theatres, my anticipation was such as I had never felt for any other film. Before the first frame flickered in front of my eyes, somehow I knew I was in for a theatrical experience unlike any I had ever had, and that Jackson had indeed succeeded.

I walked out of the theatre that first time exhausted, fulfilled… and ready. Ready to see the next two films, ready to buy the DVD… heck, I was ready to buy the Complete Super Special Ultimate 20-disc Extended Cut version of all three films. Of course all I could do was wait. But, at least I could see “The Fellowship…” a few more times in the theatre.

As terrific as “The Fellowship…” was, I was even more blown away by the extended version that was released on DVD just prior to the opening of “The Two Towers.” Once again quality and good sense prevailed. I’ve seen many ‘extended versions’ of films where the additional scenes are mostly superfluous and really do nothing more than give the studio marketing department something use to sell the product. In the extended version of “The Fellowship…”, every scene that was added enriched the experience of watching the film. They gave the story and the relationships between the characters deeper meaning. Though it would not seem possible, the additional scenes actually made it a better film.

By the time I watched the DVD a couple of times, I was prepared to see “The Two Towers.” Again, it was a visual and emotional feast that built upon the foundation the first film set up. New characters were introduced, and it became clear that this series would be more than just a simple story about a couple of Hobbits on a mission. Each character’s story was as important as the other’s. It also pushed the limits of WETA (the New Zealand special effects department) to a level far beyond anything that had ever been accomplished in Hollywood.

The introduction of Gollum as a fully realized CG character was amazing. There was never a doubt that this little troll like character was anything less than real. Unfortunately, most people had no idea that the creature’s incredible performance was not the work of the effects department alone. Actor Andy Serkis had just as much to do with breathing life into the character, if not more. I originally thought it was only Serkis’ voice and body movements that were used to create the character. It wasn’t until the release of the DVD that I learned all of his facial expressions were tracked as well. What you see IS Serkis’ performance, and all the talk of him deserving an Academy Award nomination was dead-on.

When I saw “The Two Towers” in theatres I was in awe. Yet as great as it was, I felt that there was something missing. I went back to see it a couple more times, and like the first film, walked out exhausted, but a little less fulfilled. I needed to see more. I knew there were scenes cut that should have been there. It wasn’t until I saw the extended cut a few weeks ago on DVD that I knew I was correct. Forty minutes of additional material was added back in, and again nothing was redundant or unnecessary. The first viewing on DVD was like watching a whole new movie. The pacing seemed better, and it felt more like a stand alone film than just a bridge between the first and last part.

The most important addition, and this is not a spoiler, is the inclusion of some scenes that flesh out the relationship between Boromir and his brother Faramir. This relationship is very important for reasons I will get into later.

Now it is December 2003, and another year of anticipation has gone by. The time had finally come for me to see the conclusion of the trilogy, “The Return of the King.” I walked into the theatre with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I wondered if my hopes were too high. Could Peter Jackson actually make a final chapter that surpassed the first two in every way? Would this be a letdown after all we had seen?

Not a chance…..

“The Return of the King”, on it’s own merit is a cinematic masterpiece unlike any other movie committed to celluloid. It is breathtaking to look at with its vast landscapes and armies, yet it could be quietly personal when it came to the characters. As the final film, it perfectly closes every chapter opened by the first two.

I know this has turned into more of a personal look at all three films, and less of a review of “The Return of the King”, but I felt any kind of true review would give away too many spoilers and that I will not do. I will mention again, however, the added scenes in “The Two Towers” DVD. Be sure to watch this extended cut before you see “The Return of the King.” It’s not a must, but it will give you more insight into the relationship between Bormir, Faramir and their father.

Some people have said that “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy is nothing more than an overlong and over hyped special effects extravaganza. This could not be further from the truth. Sure, there are other flashy special effects trilogies out there, and it is true that they are all flash and no substance. For example, both “The Matrix” and new “Star Wars” trilogies are pretty to look at, but they are flat, emotionless and lack any kind of passion. I still looked forward to seeing them, but not in the same way.

“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy deserves to be lauded as one of the most masterful film epics ever created. It goes far beyond being just some ‘fantasy film.’ The special effects are unbelievable to be sure, but Peter Jackson, along with every single person involved in the making of the series, put their hearts and souls into the production and it shows. I predict it will be decades before any other film else even comes close to this achievement.

As it is, after seeing “The Return of the King” I couldn’t believe it was the end. That it was over. Finished. Complete. The film series that I wanted to see more than any other. It fulfilled me more than any other movie experience ever has… and there would be no more.

A friend we met at the theatre that night made an observation that made the event, exciting as it was, a little sadder. She said, “You know, we’ve spent that last three years in anticipation of seeing each of these movies, what do we have to look forward to next year?”

I thought for a long time and the only answer I could come up with was, “The Complete Super Special Ultimate 20-disc Extended Cut DVD set….?”

December 17, 2004:

While I might have been joking about a release of a Complete Super Special Ultimate 20-disc Extended Cut DVD set of the Trilogy, admittedly if there was one, I’d probably buy it. Instead, I picked up the recent release of the DVD set for “The Return of the King – Extended Director’s Cut.” I purposely avoided any websites that would tell me what would be added, that way every thing new would be a surprise. The only information I was armed with was the knowledge that a full 50 minutes of scenes were added.

I though to myself , “50 MINUTES…??” How could Jackson possibly add anything else to the film to make it better? So, of course I set out to see for myself if such perfection could be improved upon. Wanting to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, I will do my best not too give too many plot points away. Suffice to say that this ‘Extended Version’ adds some wonderful character development that, much in the way it improved upon “The Two Towers”, does so here. The story itself is not so much advanced or fleshed out as the relationships between certain characters. Where in the theatrical cut there was some question as to how certain characters became close, and here we see it for ourselves. There are also some scenes that are lengthened simply to allow for more of Tolkein’s original dialogue to be used.

Probably the most fascinating of the additions, at least to fans of the Trilogy (and those who were really paying attention to the first two films), was that we actually get to see the fate that befalls Saruman. In the theatrical version, Christopher Lee’s misguided villain is all but cut out of the picture, which I personally thought was an odd decision. His presence was so instrumental in the first two films that leaving him out just seemed wrong. The scene itself is a terrific one, and wholly satisfying in the way that it closes that chapter of the story.

There is one other small scene that I feel is very important to mention. It comes when Aragorn and his army are sitting at the gates of Mordor. I feel it is a crucial scene, because it completely changes the meaning of another key scene. In the original theatrical version, just as the army is getting ready to attack, Aragorn yells, “For Frodo”, and the way it played was like they knew he was still alive. However, this new sequence has them face one of Sauron’s minions, who shows them Frodo’s chainmail. He tells them that Frodo died in agony. So when the following scene plays, the line, “For Frodo” is now meant to sound their final attack in memory of their fallen friend. Great scene, should have been in the theatrical version.

I would like to mention that in watching “The Return of the King” again, I was reminded of the Academy Awards. The first two films, while they had multiple nominations, were almost totally overlooked by the Academy voters. I was the most excited I had ever been watching the Oscars to when “The Return of the King” was not only nominated, but swept the ceremony. However, in spite of how thrilled I was by their victory, I was also very, very disappointed. And I’ll tell you why.

“The Return of the King” was nominated in just about every technical category, as well as Best Director and Best Picture. Yet, for all those nominations there was not a single one for any of the actors in the film. In a way, I found that insulting to the cast. Yes, the film was technically amazing, but the Trilogy as a whole would have been nothing without the actors. These were not just a handful of hack actors sleep-walking through the film and allowing the special effects to take over. Every actor poured his or her heart and soul into the characters they were portraying. There were more Academy Award winning performances in just the final film alone, than there were in all of the other movies released the same year… combined.

The fact that they were dismissed by the Academy, as if they were of lesser importance than the props was a complete travesty. As much as I’d like to mention each and every actor deserving of the Gold, for the sake of length in and already too long review, I will focus on only one. Sean Astin. His portrayal of Samwise Gamgee was the strongest of his career, not just because his character changed and grew so drastically over the three films, but because he became he character totally in the eyes of the audience. Watching him in “The Return of the King” and seeing his character’s determination to help Frodo… to help his friend… reach the end of his journey brought tears to my eyes, both when I originally saw it a year ago, and again the other night. As far as the Oscars go… in the simplest of terms… Sean Astin was robbed.

That said, I will turn briefly to the DVD release of the ‘Extended Version.’ If you’ve already seen the releases for the first two movies, then you might already have an idea what you’re in for. Like those others, the ante has been upped to 4 discs. The first two hold the movie itself as well as a total of four commentaries. The first is by Peter Jackson and the writers, the second is by the design team, the third by the production team, and finally, the cast. That is a ton of commentary, let me tell you. I’d love to say I’ve listened to them all, but so far time has not allowed me the pleasure. But rest assured I will, over the next few months, be sure to do so.

It is on the third and fourth discs that you find an ungodly amount of featurettes, documentaries and the like, spanning hours. Again, I won’t get into detail here beyond listing the extra features below, but it is a behind the scenes fan’s dream. Again, the producers of the DVD have gone to great lengths to show you every little detail about the making of the film. As far as quality goes, I doubt we’ll see DVD release as comprehensive as this for quite a while (or new movies deserving of such).

As this is the final film of the Trilogy, the extra features also give us a little bit of a look at the cast as they bid their farewell to the world of Tolkein. For many of them, working on this film required them to give up over a year of their ‘normal’ lives as they had to spend much of the production time in New Zealand as well as be prepared to be called back for endless re-shoots, even after the films had wrapped. Working together under those conditions forged real friendships, not those Hollywood friendships that are forgotten before the next script hits the desk… but real, life-long friendships. And as viewers, we have dealt with three years of anticipation (four if you count the release of this DVD), so it is a difficult goodbye for us as well.

This may sound extremely hackneyed, but if you buy any DVD this year, I suggest you buy “The Return of the King – Extended Director’s Cut.” But only if you already have the Extended Cuts of the first two films. If you don’t, I’d have to change that to… if you only buy 3 DVDs this year, I suggest you buy… I think you get the idea. By the way, if you go out shopping for the third film and you notice a box set with all three extended cuts, but you already do have the other two… you don’t have to re-purchase them all. Just buy the last film and you will find information inside that will allow you to order the slipcase that holds all three sets for $3.00. It’s a great deal, and I’ve already ordered mine!

I mentioned in my review last year that I have a passion for these movies, unlike any other series I can think of. It’s a year after the theatrical release of the third film, and that passion hasn’t waned a bit. Watching them again, I still stand by my comment that I believe the Trilogy is one of the most powerful achievements in cinematic history. I say this not as a ‘fan geek’, whatever that name might imply, but as a lover of movies.

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Brad Durif, Karl Urban, John Noble
Extras: Commentary by The Director and Writers: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens
Commentary by The Design Team: Grant Major, Ngila Dickson, Richard Taylor, Alan Lee, John Howe, Dan Hennah, Chris Hennah, Tania Rodger
Commentary by The Production/Post-Production Team: Barrie M. Osborne, Mark Ordesky, Jamie Selkirk, Annie Collins, Rick Porras, Howard Shore, Jim Rygiel, Ethan Van der Ryn, Mike Hopkins, Christian Rivers, Alex Funke, Joe Letteri, Randy Cook, Brian Van't Hul
Commentary by The Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Karl Urban, John Noble, Andy Serkis, Lawrence Makoare, Smeagol & Gollum
DISCS 1-2: The Feature:
A new version of the third installment includes 50 minutes of never-before-seen footage incorporated into the film.
DISCS 3-4: The Appendices:
Disc Three: The Appendices Part Five – "The War of the Ring"
Peter Jackson Intro
"J.R.R. Tolkien: The Legacy of Middle-earth" documentary
From Book to Script:
- "From Book to Script – Forging the Final Chapter" documentary
- Abandoned Concept: Aragorn Battles Sauron
Designing and Building Middle-earth
- "Designing Middle-earth" documentary
- "Big-atures" documentary
- "Weta Workshop" documentary
- "Costume Design" documentary
Design Galleries – 2, 123 images
- The Peoples of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
- The Realms of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
- Miniatures (galleries with docent audio)
"Home of the Horse Lords" documentary
"Middle-earth Atlas: Tracing the Journeys of the Fellowship" interactive map
"New Zealand as Middle-earth" interactive map with on-location footage
Disc Four: The Appendices Part Six – "The Passing of an Age"
Elijah Wood/Sean Astin/Billy Boyd/Dominic Monaghan intro
Filming The Return of the King
- "Cameras in Middle-earth" documentary
- Production Photos (gallery) – 69 images
Visual Effects
- "Weta Digital" documentary
- "The Mûmakil Battle" demonstration/interactive feature
Post Production: Journey’s End
- "Editorial: Completing the Trilogy" documentary
- "Music for Middle-earth" documentary
- "The Soundscapes of Middle-earth" documentary
- "The End of All Things" documentary
"The Passing of an Age" documentary
Cameron Duncan
- "Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for 'Into the West'" documentary
- "DFK6498" short film
- "Strike Zone" short film
Easter eggs: Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn interview Peter Jackson (2004 MTV Movie Awards), Dominic Monaghan interviews Elijah Wood posing as a German journalist
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1), English Dolby Digital EX, English Stereo Surround Sound
Studio: New Line
Release Date: 12/14/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website
Website

We'll give The Return of The King an A+.