In an early announcement to retailers, New Line Home Entertainment in
conjunction with Warner Home Video have revealed the cover art for 'The Lord of the
Rings Trilogy' Blu-ray and Amazon has begun taking pre-orders. The
release currently does not have a release date, but it is expected to be
released later this year - most likely during the holiday season.
No technical specs or special features have been revealed at this time, but
you can expect to see 1080p VC-1 video accompanied by a Dolby TrueHD
soundtrack.
The only potentially negative news here is that the films will be presented in
their theatrical versions instead of the more popular (and more faithful)
extended versions. This is not entirely surprising as Warner made it well
known early on that the theatrical versions would be released first, with the
extended versions coming sometime later (likely around the theatrical release
of 'The
Hobbit'). However, any hope of the 2009 release using seamless
branching to show both versions has now been washed away.
But, that doesn't take away from the fact that this is indeed 'The Lord of the
Rings' - three films which together grossed more than $1B domestically - in
high definition. This is one of the releases Blu-ray fans have been begging
for, and you can bet this is going to be one of the best selling Blu-ray titles
this year.
Man warner is all about the double dip... So I'm supposed to rush out and drop presumably around 80 bucks for this box set, then in probably like a year or so, go out and drop like 100 more bucks on the extended cut??? I think I will wait till around the hobbit comes out, and see what happens..
Plus you just know that the extended box set will have some sort of movie cash going on to promote the new flick.
@Chad: where does it state you should wait? I certainly am not going to wait 2-3 years to own these on blu-ray, I'll get the theatrical, then get the extended cuts. simple as that.
@Chad: where does it state you should wait? I certainly am not going to wait 2-3 years to own these on blu-ray, I'll get the theatrical, then get the extended cuts. simple as that.
/P
Paganmoon: I was saying that it stated above extended cuts were coming out later. Also, Peter Jackson has stated that extended cuts WILL BE coming out when The Hobbit comes out. Check out digitalbits.com. Jackson has said they are on the way!!
Extended editions only for me I'm afraid. Warner must really be expecting a lot of people to either not care for extended editions or will double dip to only release the theatrical versions for now.
I have zero problem with the whole theatrical vs extended thing. They are different films imo. They have given plenty of advance notice so you can choose to wait if you desire. I personally want to keep my theatricals separate from the extended and not be forced to accept the extended as the only cut (like Lucas tried to do). Bring em on, I'll buy both.
I will not do it Sam I Am. I will not buy the standard versions. I will wait for the extended versions. I will die a little waiting when it is released in its standard version, but I've been ripped off enough by this company.
I can't understand all those who are in the 'i'm waiting for the Extended Editions' camp.Any self respecting LOTR fan or movie fanatic should own BOTH of the cuts anyway.
New Line is merely replicating the DVD release and have been clear in their plans to firstly release the Theatrical cuts.At least they're being upfront and not cheekily bringing out a new SE every 6 months or so like some studios.
You can't really blame the studios for 'double dipping' really as the real enemy here are the idiots who buy/download sub-standard copies.The only way for the studios to recoup their loses is to bring out multiple versions i'm afraid.
I don't blame the studio for double-dipping. It's a smart move on their part. Even smarter is they informed fans well ahead of time of the double-dip so they don't upset people. I will rent these and hold off for the EE's. $70 is too rich for my blood when I'm going to wind up completely replacing them in 2 or 3 years.
I am very dissapointed that we don't simply get one version that has the seamless branching. I love the extended cuts and also will not buy these and double dip later but it would have been very nice to have one set that had both. The extended versions have some pacing issues IMHO and sometimes I'm in the mood for a more lean cut of the films.
How absurd. The BD technology is there for a single release and have the viewer choose the theatrical or extended version at menu selection. I imagine that if there's a big enough stink, they would recind the decision to have two releases.
Seamless branching would have been nice. On an anticipated title as this, it would have showcase the capabilities of blu-ray media. Just about every post so far will either wait for the Extended version or get both. No one said they will buy the theatrical versions and ignore the Extended version. If you take a survey asking the customers what they prefer, I can bet 99.99% would say they prefer seamless branching. Studios do not care about what the costumers want or manufacturing a better product. They care about getting the most return on their product. It's this attitude that entices the downloads and bootleggers.
I can't believe all of these people are whining about extended editions, I mean come the hell on. Did you not go see the movie in the theater because you knew someday an extended edition would come out? HELL NO, so stop whining and support blu ray. How this trilogy does will reflect directly upon when we get star wars. You KNOW George Lucas will be watching how LOTR does on blu ray very carefully.
Thanks for the news but just like most of the commentators here, I will wait for the extended edition. I already have the extended editions on DVD when it first came out. I've waited this long so far, waiting a little longer won't hurt.
I'm in the minority as I prefer the theatrical cuts. The extended cuts are fine but just too long for my taste. Can't wait to see how these look and sound.
I'll be double dipping on these. I agree the EE versions are far better, but I will not wait another 2-3 years.
@ everyone complaining that there is no EE version being released that's because the last I heard Peter Jackson wanted to be more involved in getting those version to Blu-ray and is busy with the Hobbit movie right now. I believe it was also stated that he had something special planned on the EE release, but no details on what it was. New Line/WB is just trying to satisfy the fans by giving some sort of release for these title. Hey at least we're getting something all the Star Wars fans are still waiting with no word what so ever on a release.
I also have no problem with the theatrical vs. extended separate releases. With the DVDs, no content was duplicated and they told us in advance, why would we expect the Blu-rays to be different?
I "like" LOTR, don't love it hence I'll jump on the theatrical versions of the films. I have the extended cuts on DVD and while they are the more faithful version... at over 4+ hours for each film, I think they are intended for the die-hard LOTR fans more so than the casual one.
I'm happy to be getting the theatrical version. I love the movies and still watch the theatrical edition almost as much as the extended. In other words, just because the extended edition was released, it didn't diminish how I felt about the theatrical edition. I loved those before the extended edition was released and I still love them now. I want both!
I'll just rent each of the three LotR theatrical editions on Blu-ray and buy the extended set when it comes out. It works out perfect. I still get to see the movies now, but I end up saving $50+ even if I rent them from Blockbuster.
Anyone who complains about Double Dipping and waiting for the extended editions, haven't all of you done that anyway with any movie? How many people can you say have certain movies on Beta, VHS, LAser Disc, DvD, and now Blu-Ray. When Raiders of the Lost Ark comes out on Blu Ray it will the fifth time I bought the movie. Yes I will have owned the movie on all five ogf those formats.
Buy this and support Blu Ray
@ The Guilty Party - That's a really good point. It's very hard to find time to watch a 3 1/2 or 4 hour movie when there are so many movies that are shorter. 3 to 3 1/2 hours for each one is much more reasonable (and plenty long already if you ask me).
I doubt it well be one of the best selling blu ray titles this year, The extended version? probably.
regular version? Probably not becuase everyone welll just wait for that. Also where is a release date? I wont pre order anything without a release date.
I was squarely in the "EE or nothing!" camp, but I refuse to wait 2.5 years for those editions. On DVD we had to wait ~8 months and I could handle that, but 2.5 years is too long.
Oh and I imagine this will not be the highest selling BR this year. My guess would be TF2.
Hobbit is slated for 2012. So I look at it this way. If I want any LOTR in HD for the next 2-3 years this is the version. 80 buck probably not but amazon has it for 69 and because there are so many people with the wait and see attitude I'm sure it will drop to a more reasonable < 59
i'll wait to buy the extended versions. i've already purchased the theatrical and extended dvd's.
no need to quadruple dip! i'll just rent them on netflix to hold me over.
very exciting news though...can't wait to see these. nice cover art too.
This is all part of the plan! making more money for them. First this then cash out another $100 1-2 years later for the extended version. Ill probably get both but Ill let someone else purchase this for me as a xmas present. lol
Wow, no extended versions is disappointing! This may hurt them in sales, since most hardcore fans will be waiting. I'll be waiting for sure, since the extended's are much better. When does the Hobbit come out again?
I will have to pass on these and wait for the extended versions. I waited for the DVD extended versions so they will have to do till then. I'll never watch the theatrical again after seeing the extended versions. I really don't see the point.
I'm definatly buying these on release day. There is nooo way i'm waiting at least over a year for the extended. i'll buy both, then sell the theatrical when the extended come out. LOTR's!!!
Just like the DVD's the extended edition Blu Ray's will blow away the theatrical cut. Wouldn't doubt there will be a DTS-HD soundtrack. Just gotta have a little patience!
no extended version....NO SALE! ill netflix them to watch but will buy when the extrended versions
come out.....honesty come on!!! you couldn't put the extended version on there too? In the words of
Red Forman(that 70's show)...dumbass!!!
I waited for the extended DVDs, I can wait now too. Blu-ray is just too expensive to double-dip whenever the studios need a cash fix. And I agree, the way to go would have been seamless branching.
I'm sorry but, why bother. After already purchasing these on DVD, if they want a double dip from fans, they ought to just bring out the extended versions rather than waste the time. I know there will be people that rush out to buy these but, knowing full well that they will release the extended versions at some point, they are somewhat just shooting themselves in the foot. They want record sales, bring on the EE's. Not alot different from Lucas bleeding star wars every which way possible with all the various releases.
I am waiting for the extended version. I loved these movies but this is just another ploy to try and get as much money as they can from the loyal fans. My advice for everyone is to just wait.
Too bad they're not extended but oh well. It's hi-def LOTR. I triple-dipped for the DVDs (theatrical, extended, limited editions) and I don't mind double dipping for the Blu Ray versions.
More double-dip shenanigans. I'm not a fan of this trilogy (I've only seen the first film) but I'll probably eventually buy it just because it's a collection any decent film collection should probably include. But whichever version I buy, that will be the only version I buy. I'm done buying multiple copies of anything.
I've got all three extended editions on DVD and still haven't managed to make it through the first one yet. I'm more than happy to wait till the extended ones come out on Blu and then even longer for them to go in to sales before I get them
No thanks on the double-dip. I already paid WB for the theatrical and special collector's edition versions on the DVD side so I'll just wait for the extended versions on Blu-Ray. Even if I don't get seamless branching on the extended version so that it includes the original theatrical version, its no big loss to me since the extended version is my personal favorite anyways.
And for those that are getting both versions, power to you. But just remember that not everyone has the cashflow to feed the WB monster, so be respectful for those of us that will just wait
Give me a break that is like 2011 I have to wait that long to buy the extended versions New Line is going to make millions anyway whether they release them before the theatrical release of the Hobbit this and from what I'm seen people are talking about buying the extended versions more than the theatrical versions so I don't think New Line Cinema is going to make much money selling the theatrical versions
Like everyone else, I'm waiting on the Extended Editions. Did the same with the DVD release. Oh well. It looks like we've got another year or two to wait on those. Now all I need is Star Wars on BR and I can die happy.
BIG FAIL Warner. Many many people will have DVD versions already why on earth would they want to double dip to get the theatrical versions. Look at the new Blu Ray release for Sin City for example, both versions in one set.
I plan on getting both TE and EE because since I never got the EE on Dvd i will get them on BLu,so I will get these and then buy the EE when they are released.I will then sell for a low price my TE to my friends or what not so no big deal to me.Hope everyone finds a solution to their dilema lol.
Extended or nothing.
For those who can not understand way, it is EXACTLY you people why they can do such travesty. You daddy's boys who must have every single release of every single item on the world in every bloody version. Just because of you, this crap will sell well and Warner can do that. If there were no such people, we would get EE at once and everyone would be happy.
I would get the Ext Editions but only if they offered the option via branching to switch between the two cuts. I wouldn't want to be forced to watch the entire extended cuts every time. I like 'em but damn they're long.
As far as I'm concerned, the purpose of Blu-ray is for showcasing content in the best condition possible. For this reason, I feel that all catalog releases should deliver the best content available, incorporating all possible information available for the release. The Ultimate Matrix Collection did a great job of this and therefore deserved to be a 'day one' purchase. This approach for The Lord of the Rings films just preys on the fans of the franchise to get the most money possible out of them.
Do yourself a favor; pass on (at least the purchase of) this collection and refuse to spend your hard-earned money for anything less than a meatier Extended + Theatrical release. I applaud and thank, as a Blu-ray consumer, those who have expressed similar attitudes.
Blu-ray offers more advanced video, sound, and features than DVD ever did. Perhaps we as its consumers can change the market in similar dramatic ways.
I'm not gonna triple dip. I have the Extended Editions on DVD and I'll not jump the gun and buy this version. So I'm in the 'I'll wait for the Extended Versions on BD' club. Also for the same reasons why razorsharp84 stated.
It was understandable when the theatrical DVDs came out first, as Peter Jackson was probably still working on putting together the extended cuts, but there's no excuse whatsoever for the same thing to happen this time, it's just a plain old rip off.
No thanks Warner. I waited for the EE on DVD instead of buying the theatrical versions so I guess I'll be waiting again. I wonder if they'll be reading these comments?
LOTR trilogy is among my favorite movies and books for that matter. But there is no way I could try to again watch the theatrical versions having seen the extended editions, whether they are in HD or not. No way...they are just not the same. No sale. I shall wait
I enjoy both cuts. This is the only movie I will willingly double dip in, just because I love them and sometimes find it fun to jump back and forth between cuts. In some cases there are actually different scenes in the theatrical. So its almost like watching deleted scenes. Regardless, any LOTR in 1080p and lossless audio (hopefully 7.1) will be most welcomed.
But I, like most of you, want the Extended cut MORE. But I'm willing to wait for it if PJ is putting some TLC into it. I'm hoping for some deleted scenes and bloopers. Something the other DVDs lacked.
<<I can't understand all those who are in the 'i'm waiting for the Extended Editions' camp.Any self respecting LOTR fan or movie fanatic should own BOTH of the cuts anyway.>>
Can't say I agree. We already own the EEs, so it's not like we don't have LOTR on our shelves, and in my opinion, the EEs are the only way to watch the films. I don't want to trade higher picture quality for every 3 minutes going, "Oh man, I miss that scene from the extended cut."
No extended version, no sale. Teach em a lesson about octuple-dipping like they did on DVD. I'm dying for this fantastic trilogy too, but don't give in!
EDIT: And to the above quote about us having some "duty" as a fan to pay for the trilogy twice (on top of what we've paid for previous versions already)..... I hope that was a joke.
This is a total rip-pff - there is no excuse with all the memory available on Blue-Ray (remember that was on eof the selling points vs HD-DVD) for not including BOTH versions on these discs at the same time. To try and "milk" the public into perhaps buying both versions is cynical and small minded. No one is a bigger fan of the films than I am, but I will shun these discs, and I hope everyone else will to to teach these guys a lesson!
I like the longer versions but I may get these anyway. Amazon says it's a 7 Disc Set! I hope the films are not broken into parts?! it must be Extra's unless it's an Error on Amazon's part.
It will be tough to do, but I think I also will wait for the extended versions. My Oppo BDP-83 makes the standard DVD's look good enough that I can wait for the superior versions to be released.
The only positive thing I can say here is that...
well, first of all, FINALLY an announcement.
But also, if the artwork shown is the actual final packaging, that would be great!.
I think it would be just ridiculous to just stubbornly wait for the holiday-seasons.
And I mean, if they actually mean Christmas by that...
Because it's just way too late.
They would be smarter to sell the "theatrical" in the summer.
Then leave the "extended" for the end of the year, it would sell a lot better.
Plus, if they really will not be branching between "theatrical" and "extended",
that would be ***-*****...
It would be such a missed opportunity for a film where it would be perfect.
However, it could still happen.
All they probably said is that this will be a theatrical-version only.
It could still be they release the extended-version
and use branching to cut it to "theatrical".
That would make a great feature anyway and it would be stupid not to do it.
Nobody knows it would be done that way,
so the theatrical-version would still be sold.
Oops, I guess I ruined it for everyone now...
Just a rental for me thanks. I'll wait for the extended editions. The 1080i HDTV torrented versions will tide me over. I really hope they don't really wait til December 2010 when The Hobbit, Vol. 1 comes out.
Along with the Star Trek films, I'll be waiting for the seamless branching versions where one hopefully will get all versions available for each film on one disc.
If it drops to $60 I'll bite. I'm a big fan of the film but I won't spend over $20 per if I know the EE will eventually come out. Probably will just rent this version and wait to see if a box set with all the versions is on the horizon.
I'll just wait for the extended, unless I find these versions used for dirt cheap---which I probably will within 6 months of release. Until then, I'll just rent them from netflix if I want to see them in high-def.
I'm a little upset with most of the studios. Nobody is udilizing the capacity of the blu-ray disc. Why not release BOTH versions of each movie on their own respected disc. USE THE TECHNOLOGY IF IT'S THERE. Don't tell us the disc can do these wonderful things and not use it.
Nice try Warner Brothers, but I will be waiting for the Extended Versions, don't produce to many retail copys of the Theatrical Versions as they will not sell.
I swore when New Line/Warner Bros. screwed me the first time they did this (Bought LOTR - FOTR) and THEN they came out with the extended version that I would NEVER buy without waiting for the extended version. There should be a boycott of the theatrical version (which hopefully could cost the Marketing Executives to lose their jobs) That's it. a nationwide boycott!!!
i'm getting both versions anyway cause i don't just want the ext. to watch every single time. i really LOVE these movies and the battle with the wifey means i'll b getting both. i really want MA 7.1 i'm redoing my livingroom system for this purpose. now bring on the movies we all waiting for: Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Jaws.
i wonder if speaker wire can melt from playing these movies too LOUD!!!!!
i just notice something i checked the time on all 3 movies and the total time is 557 minutes.
the 1st is - 178m
2nd - 179m
3rd - 200m
these are all regular versions NOT the ext. times. where did they get 358m from.
178m + 179m = 357m thats just 2 movies wheres the 3rd at. i know this has to b an error.
My 3 abridged versions have not seen the light of day since the extended cuts came out. They wont be getting lil blu-ray brothers and sisters to keep them company. I'll wait.
As a huge LOTR fan, I recommend to all other fans to boycott the theatrical blu-ray release and send a
message to newline that fans of the trilogy deserve both the extended and theatrical versions released
as a combination. SAY "NO" TO DOUBLE DIPPING! How about pre-ordering, then canceling....
So many of you are acting so angry towards Warner. Hate to break it to you, but they are a business. There are plenty of people who will buy the theatrical, and while I am one who will wait for the extended versions, they are NOT ripping anybody off. It is your choice to buy it or not to buy it. Warner is doing nothing wrong and are making a smart business decision. Get over it.
Someone should do one of those Hitler rants about this. I would lol. Yeah, definately gunna wait for the EEs though. Now if only there was some information about the Alien quadrilogy and Star Wars.
Sure you are in the business of making $$$$$ New Line, but Come Onnnnnnnnnnnnn........ nobody wants the theatrical versions on Blu-Ray. We WANT THE EXTENDED EDITIONS!!!! Bring em' on!!!
