LOTR ROTK Extended = Nirvana

With 350 new scenes, adding 50 minutes to an already exceptionally long film, the extended DVD (not including credits) is a whopping 4 hours and 10 minutes long. For ardent Tolkien fans, this is nirvana.

So far, after having the DVD in our possession just a few days, we have watched the movie in its entirety without commentaries, with the actor commentaries, and with the director commentaries. Additionally, we have watched about 3 of the special feature segments on the 3rd DVD.

Without question, my favorite scene on the extended ROTK DVD is the initial sequence with Saruman, when Gandalf talks to him and breaks his staff. This is one of the most powerful scenes from the book, since it tangibly demonstrates the transference of wizard power and leadership from Saruman (who has ceased to be Saruman the White and become Saruman of Many Colors) to Gandalf the White. I really missed this scene from The Two Towers, and hoped it would be included in ROTK. I understand the directors’ need to shorten the film and not include it in the theatrical version, but am thrilled (and quite satisfied) that it made it into the extended cut.

Bernard Hill’s performance in this scene as Theoden is also a major highlight– he is passionate, decisive, and strong. Theoden is one of my favorite characters from the movie version.

The added scene with Gandalf facing the King of the Nazgul at Minas Tirith I am sure will stand out for many as another highlight– it is interesting (as discussed in the actor’s commentaries) that in this scene, Gandalf is not able to use his “flashlight trick” with his staff to repel the Nazgul, as he did with the lesser human ringbearers during the retreat from Osgiliath…. I seem to remember that in the book this confrontation actually took place in front of the gates of Minas Tirith– in any event, it was a welcome addition.

The best scenes for me (after the Saruman staff scene) are probably the minor ones that add critical plot elements from Tolkien’s original, but had to be cut for time reasons from the theatrical version. The discussion that Pippin and Faramir have at Minas Tirith when Pippin is getting outfitted in the Guard of the Citadel armor that used to belong to Faramir, the transference of Frodo’s mithril shirt from the Orcs who captured him outside Shelob’s lair and its presentation to the fellowship at the Black Gate, the mouth of Sauron character (who has to be one of the nastiest I’ve ever scene) at the Black Gate… all of these add tremendously to the movie for me.

What a stunning theatrical achievement the entire LOTR movie trilogy was and is…. it is hard to imagine any film being able to top it in terms of the depth, richness, and quality of the entire production. Of course, the depth and richness of Tolkien’s Middle Earth provides content for the moviemaking canvas which may be unsurpassed as well.

What bliss to have the extended ROTK DVD to now enjoy and relish… Thank you to all cast, crew, directors and producers who made this tremendous dream into a stupendous reality. Materially speaking, I cannot think of a better Christmas present for me personally!

🙂