– Customer review on 02/07/2007

When I first saw the trailers for "The Fellowship of the Ring," I had never had any interest in reading the lengthy tome of a trilogy. But seeing the possibility of the movie, I immediately went out and read the whole thing, insisted on receiving it for Christmas, and enjoyed every minute of it. The feelings I had while reading the series were heightened seeing it come to life in the stunning movie. I thought it was a fabulous work of art.

I thought that having Galadriel tell what was basically the prologue of the book was a good idea, as it helped those who had never read the story. It also immediately involved me in the film; I felt I had an insider's advantage on the rest of the audience. Cate Blanchett has a wonderfully deep and emotional voice; the way she speaks Galadriel is almost as effective as her appearence as the Elven queen. Also, showing the last battle of Isildur and Sauron helped unfog a part of the novel that had me a trifle confused.

The entire movie is full of beautiful sets and landscapes. The Shire was almost exactly as I'd pictured it. Hobbiton is cute and very whimsical. Mordor was frighteningly well done, extremely real. Rivendell had a little bit of a European-tourist-trap look, but was beautiful all the same. The entire backdrop of the movie (the mountains, Moria, Isengard) was perfect; it's amazing that "Fellowship" was filmed in one country.

Now to the characters. All I can say is, "Wow." I was a little apprehensive about the casting at first; I'd created such real images of the characters in my imagination, I almost didn't want them spoiled for me. However, I was not disapointed in the least. Elijah Wood, though not one of my favorite actors, was believable. You could tell from the first glimpse that Frodo was special; Wood's pale, sharp features contrast sharply with the more ruddy, robust look of the rest of the hobbits. He also cries like a little girl. But his weaknesses and strengths make his Frodo an apt choice for the starring character. The rest of the Hobbiton gang was well-chosen, too. Sean Astin ("Rudy" forever to me) was loyal and a bit bumbling, just like the Gamgee of Tolkien's telling. Pippin and Merry were congenial, slow-witted lads, but very brave nonetheless. Viggo Mortensen is outstanding. He has the ability to make Aragorn both menacing and kind. He physically represents Strider to the nines with his strength and virility; the action sequences of his are very passionate and exciting. Some may have complained about Arwen's character being slightly expanded; I thought it a good change. In the books, you have to read the whole trilogy and then rifle through the appendix in "The Return of the King" to learn the history between Aragorn and Arwen. Liv Tyler is ethereal and breathtaking, but at the same time displays the courage and magic that make the Elves the beings they are. Speaking of Elves, I can't help but gush over the handsome and ever-so-talented Orlando Bloom as noble Legolas. Bloom captured the archer's very movements; he treads lightly and fights fearlessly. Legolas's bowmanship was amazing; he looked so natural loosing his arrows machine-gun style. He was my favorite character in the books, and his essence transcends the film. Gimli was pompous and brave, as well. He is well-represented in the movie. Boromir was hopelessly lost, but at the same time valiant and strong. Sean Bean gave an emotionally-charged performance as the tortured warrior. Hugo Weaving was very good as Elrond. He was noble and cold at the same time. And Gandalf. What more can be said of Ian McKellan's showcase portrayal of the wizard? He was magnificent. He could be Gandalf, the kind old conjurer who set off pyrotechnics for hobbit-children. Then he could turn around and stun the life out of you with Gandalf the powerful wizard, facing the balrog with defiance and an iron will. His Oscar nomination is well-deserved.

Peter Jackson is a brave soul to take on a project that could have backfired in so many places. Instead of bringing us uninspired kitsch, he serves up raw emotion, graphic battles of good and evil, chilling and wonderful characters, and enough special effects (realistic, mind you) to make John Cameron's mouth water. Knowing that "The Two Towers" was my favorite of the books, I eagerly anticipate the second helping of "The Lord of the Rings."

– Customer review on 07/06/2007

Absolutely necessary to fill in the gaps for those of you who do not have the time or the patience to read the books. Excellent that each movie is split on 2 DVDs meaning that the quality of the movies is better. This is also very cheap, usually you pay this price for each individual extended movie, how it has become so cheap over here is a mystery, as checking out prices everywhere else including overseas it is still expensive. Legendary deal.

– Customer review on 21/09/2008

A must for all Lord of the Rings fans. The extended version is far more cohesive and fills in the gaps in the 'original' version. The 'Two Towers extended version is covers more fully the happenings at Lothlorein and in The Return of the King scenes are included that explain more. Would recommend it as a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes LOR

– Customer review on 11/08/2008

Lord of the Rings is one of the best trilogy's ever made, and this extended pack from FishPond is awesome and by far the cheapest price I have come across.

– Customer review on 10/12/2009

This people is how it's done. Great cast, beautiful locations, intelligent plot line, stunning visual effects and a gorgeous soundtrack to go with it.

The basic idea is a little hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), comes into possession of his uncle Bilbo's (Ian Holm) magic ring which he later learns is The One Ring created by the Dark Lord Sauron in order to enslave the races of Middle Earth. And so he goes off (along with his loyal gardener Samwise Gamgee -well played by Sean Astin) to destroy the Ring. Along with 8 companions Frodo sets off for Mordor with the Urak-Hai, Ringwraiths and other dark forces hot on his heels. Oh and Orcs.

A stunning, well done trilogy that made a killing at Academy Awards. Bloody beautiful. A million points to Peter Jackson for being such a genius. Well done indeed.

– Customer review on 28/10/2009

The condition was very good and it came very quickly by post and I mean quickly!!!

Great product and great movies, probably the best movies I have seen ever!!!!

– Customer review on 09/10/2009

fantastic item, fast delivery couldn't ask for better. Highly recommended

– Customer review on 17/08/2009

one of the best fantasy films in a long time highly recommended

– Customer review on 04/08/2009

Fantastic Product. I love the movie and I love everthing about this Extended Trilogy Pack. It is selling cheap in Fishpond and worth buying it from Fishpond.

– Customer review on 31/03/2009

This pack is great value and a must for all Loard of the Ring fans. Fishpond prices are great value. Don't look anywhere else.