The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [WS] [2 Discs] [DVD] [2001]

Peter Jackson's dramatization of The Lord of the Rings, which I consider to be the greatest work ever to be originally written in English, is superb. The sets are exactly like the scenes that I have visualized over and over again in my many readings of Tolkien's masterpiece, and each and every actor is stellar - in this cast of thousands, there are no "extras." Even those playing minor or background roles are magnificent. Sir Ian McKellen, however, stands out as Gandalf. After having seen him as Gandalf's polar opposite, Shakespeare's Richard III, I was completely amazed with the intensity in which he plays the compassionate and brave, and yes, at times, cheerful, wizard. Even though I know Gandalf resurrects in Two Towers, I was deeply saddened when he dies, his last words - Tolkien's - being "Fly, you fools!" as he plummets down into the abyss. Likewise, Tolkien fan Christopher Lee shines as the elegant but evil Saruman, reminiscent of his own prior work in the 1950's as Dracula. Interestingly, Lee is reportedly the only member of the Lord of the Rings cast who ever met Tolkien. Shakespeare fans would be pleased to know that he started his theatrical career in Lord Lawrence Olivier's Hamlet as an uncredited Spear Carrier! Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, John Rhys-Davies, and last, but by all means far from least, Orlando Bloom, are absolutely perfect as the Fellowship, with the burden of destroying the Ring falling completely on the shoulders of gentle Frodo (Wood). The film begins with Frodo's carefree life being completely shattered when he is destined to destroy the One Ring of Power - or die in the attempt! Tolkien himself served as a Lieutenant in World War I and bestowed top-notch medical skills on Aragorn, as a military adventure such as that undertaken by the Fellowship cannot even begin without having good emergency personnel on hand. In one key scene, Frodo is stabbed and nearly dies - his energy fades, and, as he starts to examine Frodo, Aragorn is completely astounded to see the Mithril mail shirt that saves the Hobbit's life. Undoubtedly Mortensen and Wood could have performed this scene flawlessly had it been written into the film. Out of all the three Lord of the Rings movies, Fellowship is the one most faithful to the book. I strongly recommend it.

When I first saw LOTR I honestly had never read the books so didn't really know what to expect. I like fantasy type films so watched it shorty after it first came out to DVD. Was instantly drawn in to this wonderful and unique film and like most could not wait until the sequel. After many viewings over the years this film holds up very well and is by far a classic. After all the films came out I got into the books and realized how well Peter Jackson balanced staying true to the books all while still making a great film and putting his own touches on it. Truly a cinematic masterpiece! And for those who own the DVD's I would consider upgrading to blu ray. Its like seeing the films again for the first time with the superb visuals that only blu ray can provide and well as the sound quality. And the steelbook is very awesome!

What can I say or anybody say about one of the three movies that made and are in movie history. Yes, the infamous Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and this 1st part of the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, is probably the second best of the trilogy. Although its second best, that doesn't mean it isn't good. This extended cut of the original film IS the better version, as are all the extended editions. This version is as close to the books you can get. In my opinion, the appendices are a plus and must be watched to fully understand how much effort it took to make these films. Peter Jackson and company have outdone themselves by creating an historic film in the history of film.

This is my favorite of the 3 LOTR films, its got the most adventure and excitement because it starts off so innocently, the range of emotions in this movie stretch so wide. You gotta get this movie but i'm assuming you already have a copy of it, maybe your looking to upgrade to blu ray, its worth it, the details you see in this movie dont take away from the illusion, they add to it. The film makers did an amazing job of making sure every detail was of this world. And the only other way to have noticed it, was if you saw them in the theater because the resolution was higher and the picture was bigger. Trust me its worth the upgrade!

As a long-time LotR fan, I was so excited when the trilogy was released. The film was beautiful, the acting was spectacular, and I've loved going back to rewatch them over the years. As technology has advanced, I figured it was time to replace my DVD copies with their Blu-ray counterparts. The Blu-ray versions look amazing. Fellowship is still my favorite, by far. Unfortunately I was spoiled by having the special features on the extended editions, and will have to get the Blu-ray versions of those as I've even enjoyed going back to watch the behind-the-scenes stuff as well. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this Blu-ray version.

I just finished watching the extended version and it was like watching a whole new film! In every way, this version is superior. The thirty extra minutes are not wasted. The characters are fleshed out, the battles seem more desparate and the agony of the journey both to Rivendale and beyond is made plain. I urge anyone who hasn't already purchased the theater version to skip it and get the extended one instead. Anyone who already has the theater version.....well this one is definately worth forking out the extra dough to get.

I first saw this movie in a theater when it was released. Now that I own the DVD, I can watch this masterpiece anytime I want. There are enough visually stunning scenes to enable one to rewatch the movie countless times without getting bored. All of the actors are outstanding, and the movie's length is appropriate. As much as I enjoyed the special effects, would be nice if I had the option to purchase a DVD that doesn't include a separate DVD for something I will never watch (i.e., the special effects DVD). Watching that second DVD would spoil the magic.

Have this on DVD and boy can I tell a difference with the blu-ray! This movie from start to finish is perfect. I am not using hyperbole there. IT. IS. PERFECT. Buy it, reserve a night for it, and watch/re-watch it, whatever the case may be. Prepare to travel Middle Earth and get lost in splendor. My only warning is that this single disc version has none of the extras that were included in my extended 4 disc DVD set! So if you are a bonus nut, like I can be with movies I love, wait for the EE of this one. I just watch my bonus discs on DVD. :)