It's no secret that the The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a cornerstone of any avid cinephile's collection. These films have not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but have also set the benchmark for fantasy cinema for over two decades. Whether you're new to the series or looking to enhance your current DVD collection with the stunning visuals of Blu-ray, this guide will help you navigate the myriad of options available to complete your Lord of the Rings collection.
Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?
Choosing the right version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy can be a bit of a quest in itself. The 4K releases offer unparalleled picture quality, perfect for those who prioritize visual excellence. However, they lack the extensive bonus content found on the DVDs and standard Blu-rays.
If you're looking for value and additional content, the Blu-ray sets are a fantastic choice. There's a minor caveat, though: the Blu-ray of The Fellowship of the Ring has a noticeable green tint, which some fans might find off-putting. This issue isn't present in the other two films or the 4K versions. For enthusiasts who crave every detail and extra scene, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is the ultimate treasure. It includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices each, three booklets per movie, and a beautifully illustrated map of Middle Earth inside the cover. It's the definitive collection for completists!
Every LoTR Blu-ray You Can Buy
We understand that everyone's collecting needs are different, so here's a comprehensive list of all the Lord of the Rings Blu-rays currently available. From boxed sets to individual discs, we've got you covered:
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
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
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
$12.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection
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
Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection
Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.
$40.49 at Target
Theatrical Edition: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$24.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc extended edition set.
$12.97 save 22%
$10.08 at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Steelbook of theatrical release.
$11.46 save 13%
$9.96 at Walmart
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Five-disc extended edition set.
$34.99 See it at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$19.98 save 50%
$9.96 at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Five-disc extended edition set.
$48.99 See it at Amazon
LoTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray sets
For those looking to immerse themselves in the full Middle Earth saga, purchasing the trilogy sets is the best option. The boxed collection of all three extended versions is the crown jewel for fans, but there are also sets that include both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies for those who want to experience the entire epic.
How Different are the Extended Editions from the Originals?
The debate over theatrical versus extended editions has been ongoing since the films first hit home video. The theatrical cuts were designed to keep audiences engaged without overwhelming them with length, resulting in a tighter, more action-focused experience. However, the extended editions offer much more depth and context, adding significant scenes and extending others, which can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the story. The extended cut of The Fellowship of the Ring adds about 30 minutes, The Two Towers about 45 minutes, and The Return of the King nearly an hour of additional footage. For fans, more time in Middle Earth is always a welcome journey.
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Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays
The list of available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays is extensive, yet it's always growing. A comprehensive 4K UHD collection that includes both the theatrical and extended cuts of all three Lord of the Rings movies and all three Hobbit movies is now available for preorder, set to release on March 18, 2025.
Out March 18, 2025: Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
$209.99 at Amazon
Editor's Note: If you're looking to stream the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions online, they are currently available on Max.