The Definitive Guide to Owning Every 'Lord of the Rings' Movie on Blu-ray

This guide helps you navigate the world of Lord of the Rings Blu-ray releases. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your Middle-earth journey, we'll guide you to the perfect set.

Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set is Right for You?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy offers various Blu-ray versions, each with unique features. 4K releases boast superior picture quality but often lack the extensive bonus content found in standard Blu-ray and DVD editions.

The standard Blu-ray versions offer excellent value, but The Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray has a noticeable green tint (absent in other versions). However, if bonus features are a priority, the Extended Edition boxed set is unbeatable, including two discs per film, three discs of Appendices, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map. The extended editions provide significantly more content and context.

All Available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Options:

For comprehensive options, here's a breakdown of available Blu-ray releases: boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, and individual discs. Finding individual theatrical cuts can be challenging.

• Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy: $84.89 (Amazon) - Includes two discs per movie, three Appendix discs, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map.

• Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: $12.99 (Amazon) - Three-disc set of theatrical releases.

• Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection: $95.43 (Amazon) - 30-disc set including extended editions of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

• Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection: $40.49 (Target) - Theatrical releases of both trilogies.

• Theatrical Edition: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring: $24.99 (Amazon) - Two-disc theatrical release.

• Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: $10.08 (Amazon) - Two-disc extended edition.

• Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook: $9.96 (Walmart) - Steelbook of theatrical release.

• Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook: $34.99 (Amazon) - Five-disc extended edition.

• Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook: $9.96 (Amazon) - Two-disc theatrical release.

• Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: $48.99 (Amazon) - Five-disc extended edition.

Extended vs. Theatrical Editions:

The extended editions include additional scenes, expanding upon the narrative and providing greater context. While the theatrical cuts are shorter and more action-focused, the extended versions offer a richer, more immersive Middle-earth experience, with significant runtime increases (30 minutes for Fellowship, 45 for Towers, and nearly an hour for Return of the King).

Upcoming Releases:

• Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital): $209.99 (Amazon) - Pre-order available, releases March 18, 2025. Includes both theatrical and extended cuts of all six films in 4K UHD.

Editor's Note: Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.