The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is not just a cinematic masterpiece but a cornerstone for any avid collector of physical media. Celebrated globally, these films have not only swept numerous awards but have set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. If you're yet to own these epic tales or are considering upgrading from your (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, you're in the right place. Whether it's filling that Lord of the Rings Blu-ray-shaped hole on your shelf or seeking advice amidst the varied recommendations from friends, we've got you covered with all you need to know about acquiring your dream LOTR Blu-ray collection.
Choosing the perfect Lord of the Rings set can be daunting, as different versions offer unique features. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality but lack the comprehensive extras found on DVDs and Blu-rays. On the other hand, the Blu-rays provide excellent value, although the Blu-ray version of The Fellowship of the Ring controversially features a weird green tint not present in the other films or their DVD and 4K counterparts. If you're unfazed by a slightly greener New Zealand landscape and crave extra scenes and bonus content, the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is your best bet. This set includes two discs per movie, three discs each of Appendices, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth on the inside cover—a must-have for any completist!
To cater to diverse preferences, here's an overview of all available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray options: boxed sets, extended editions, theatrical cuts, and individual discs for those interested in specific films. Note that individual Blu-rays of the theatrical editions can be tricky to find, but we've tracked them down for you:
Extended editions of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy that include two discs per movie, three discs each of Appendices, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth.
$96.77 save 12%
$84.89 at Amazon
Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
$12.99 See it at Amazon
Extended editions of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy in a 30-disc set.
$130.99 save 27%
$95.43 at Amazon
Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.
$40.49 at Target
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$24.99 See it at Amazon
Two-disc extended edition set.
$12.97 save 22%
$10.08 at Amazon
Steelbook of theatrical release.
$11.46 save 13%
$9.96 at Walmart
Five-disc extended edition set.
$34.99 See it at Amazon
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$19.98 save 50%
$9.96 at Amazon
Five-disc extended edition set.
$48.99 See it at Amazon
For those looking to own all three movies in one go, purchasing a set is your best option. The boxed collection of all three extended versions is highly recommended, but if you're not ready for such a long viewing session, other options are available. For the ultimate Middle Earth experience, consider sets that include both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.
The debate between theatrical and extended editions has been ongoing since the home video release of the Lord of the Rings films. The theatrical versions were edited to fit cinema runtimes, resulting in slightly shorter but arguably tighter and more action-focused films. However, the extended editions offer much more context and additional scenes, enhancing the narrative and providing a richer experience. The extended cuts add roughly 30 minutes to The Fellowship of the Ring, 45 minutes to The Two Towers, and nearly an hour to The Return of the King. For fans, spending extra time in Middle Earth is a cherished opportunity.
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While the list of Lord of the Rings Blu-rays is extensive, it's not exhaustive. A new 4K UHD collection featuring both the theatrical and extended cuts of all three Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films is available for preorder, set to release on March 18, 2025.
Out March 18, 2025
$209.99 at Amazon
Editor's Note: If you're interested in watching the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions online, you can currently stream them on Max.
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