Delay for The Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Confirmed

Two days ago we broke the news, and now it is confirmed: the Blu-ray release of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy' is delayed to 2010. Studio and industry sources have informed our friends at The Digital Bits that the BD trilogy is no longer on the 2009 schedule, and is now tentatively slated for early 2010 (probably March). No official confirmation of the delay is to be expected, as the title was never officially announced in the first place. No official reason for the delay was given either, although The Bits believes that Warner Home Video "didn't want Rings to get lost in the crowd", considering that the studio "already has a number of big 3rd and 4th quarter titles coming on Blu-ray this year" (such as 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Gone with the Wind' and 'North by Northwest'). 'Lord of the Rings' fans are already replying that it is likelier that those classic movies would be the ones to get lost in the crowd if released at the same time as the Tolkien trilogy filmed by Peter Jackson. There is no information as to whether the delay will entail any change in release details, or whether the studio will use the additional months to include the extended versions of the movies in the Blu-ray release, as demanded by numerous enthusiasts here and elsewhere.
Source: The Digital Bits | Permalink	Relevant for:

TheSoviet  » Sep 09, 2009
I sure hope this was so they could add the Extended Editions through seamless branching. Was looking forward to this in November either way.

wsciv123  » Sep 09, 2009
I hope that New Line Cinema / Warner Home Video has listened to the fans and will release the Trilogy having both the theatrical and extended editions available at the new release date...

Carador  » Sep 09, 2009
If the delays mean the quality of the overall Blu-Ray will be enhanced, then I say go for it. But if the delay is a result of something retarded, then I'm gonna be pissed.

Y?E  » Sep 09, 2009
After seeing customers comment on the blu - ray version on amazon.com, i don't blame them for delaying the release. Apparently, no one is going to buy the movie if it's the theatrical version since the majority of LOTR fans have got the extended cuts already!

felipefps  » Sep 09, 2009
I bet they will include the extended editions. It would be an epic fail not to do so.

Nooff  » Sep 09, 2009
I don't think it'll include the EE. This will be the Theatrical Editions just like they announced. We're talking Warner here, since when have they become listeners?

Irrob  » Sep 09, 2009
I highly doubt a release of this magnitude would have gotten "lost in the crowd." That's a silly reason to delay, if true. Anyway, it's a delay I can live with.

neos_peace  » Sep 09, 2009

I think they are just using this as a cover because they just aren't ready to release it yet. Personally I hope that this is just an attempt to say "Hey our consumer's really want the EE with the SE of this triliogy, OK, we'll move the date to make them happy to make more money in the long run." I know, I know thats quite a bit far fetched. But doens't hurt to hope and pray that, that is what they are actually doing. I know for me I was going to hold off because I want the special edition ones more.

Born2BeBlu  » Sep 09, 2009
I still find it too coincidental that this is taking place just after the GLADIATOR debacle - it could have been anything, but since no reason was given makes it all the more suspicious. I still think New Line/WB were set on releasing outdated transfers, but since Paramount took such a public sacking, that made them think twice.

LeBougre  » Sep 09, 2009
Too bad for the delay, but if they include the Extended cuts with the Theatrical versions, it would be so great !

louisdamani  » Sep 09, 2009
I want the Extended Versions or not at all. Hopefully they listen to the fans.

Irrob  » Sep 09, 2009
Will you guys cut out that EE vs TE stuff once and for all? What a broken record this has become. I thought Peter Jackson was clear. You'll get the theatricals first, then the EE's timed with The Hobbit. He generously laid out the schedule for everyone. Enough already, just be patient.

givetoandy  » Sep 09, 2009
If I'm spending money on LOTR Blu-ray discs, then I too am only getting Extended Versions. We already have both Theatrical and Extended, and the Theatrical DVDs are simply dust collectors... likely to never be viewed again. Can't wait for the Extended versions!

Bucky  » Sep 09, 2009
Extended Editions or bust.

mishal  » Sep 09, 2009
Damn. I was really looking forward to this release. Didn't care if it was TE.

DrrnHarr  » Sep 09, 2009
Warner never officially announced the titles for a November release so I am not sure why people are upset.

tru blu  » Sep 09, 2009
As it was never properly announced, I guess it was to be expected. Sucks though!!

cathexist  » Sep 09, 2009
It would be fantastic if they delayed to add the extended versions, but I highly doubt that...

EWL5  » Sep 09, 2009
I haven't seen anyone mention the possiblity that the BD's probably had heavy usage of DNR and EE (edge enhancement, not extended edition!). With the backlash the Sapphire edition of Gladiator has gotten, I'm sure Warner wants to avoid a recall and re-issue of the theatrical BD. A popular movie from New Line that was a victim of DNR/EE was Pan's Labryinth. Band of Brothers has it too.

rmainhammer  » Sep 09, 2009
If Warner doesn't include the extended editions, I just won't buy it yet. It's that simple. Most agree with me on that I think.

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