The Lord Of The Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy [Bluray]

Go ahead: look up "Lord of the Rings Blu-ray" on Amazon, and witness the anger: Uber-fans of the trilogy are pissed off that Warner Home Video is releasing only the theatrical versions of the hugely successful motion picture trilogy on Blu-ray at this time. For those not following the saga, following the end of each motion picture's Cineplex run its theatrical version was promptly released. Following the last movie, fans could then scoop up a three-pack of the movies with special features. But shortly thereafter, New Line put out the "Platinum Special Edition" series, which featured the director's cuts of the three films along with beautifully-crafted appendices that chronicled the making of the movies. This three-tier release cycle angered fans, who felt the interim release was merely a grab for cash.

Well, they're angry again; Warner's initial Blu-ray foray for Lord of the Rings includes only the theatrical releases of the films and a number of third-party featurettes - it does not include the hours of additional material re-inserted into the masterpiece by director Peter Jackson, nor the appendices. And we do need to be honest: it's good business to release the theatrical versions prior to the extended cuts. Not only can the studio then release the latter at a premium price, but some die-hard fans will buy both provided the extra content is mildly different.

Here is where I'll need you to read between the lines. While the extended features and extra scenes are really exciting for superfans, many average people don't want to spend twelve hours watching three movies - nine will do, thanks very much. And in many cases, it's not the behind-the-scenes documentaries that viewers want. They're perfectly content to relive the trilogy as they did in the cinemas ten years ago - albeit in high definition and optionally on their iPods.

If that's you, run out and buy this boxed set. It includes stunningly beautiful renditions of the movies for your hi-def television, plus digital versions and a bevy of extras for your pleasure. Those include SCI-FI, FOX and National Geographic specials plus a number of featurettes from lordoftherings.net (released prior to and during the original films' theatrical releases) - these are fun viewing, and for casual fans represent plenty of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The TV spots and trailers are also great fun - especially for those who remember the original trailer from the cinemas (little did we know!)

Viewing these films on Blu-ray is a little like watching them for the first time - it's heady, crisp and exciting. You'll notice the quality bump right from the credits - and you'll also notice new details and colors pop from your screen. Aurally it's fascinating as well; in full surround you'll actually hear details you cannot discern from the DVD series - battles are more terrifying, facial expressions more telling, and music more stimulating.

For superfans (and I am one) - do your thing, and wait for the extended versions on Blu-ray. You'll have earned the enjoyment, and let's face it: you can rail all you like against Warner, but you're going to have to own those discs. I know I'm going to buy them. But in the interim, when I board a plane on Friday morning for a trip down the east coast, it'll be with the Fellowship on my iPhone.