widescreenforever's quest for the ultimate Aloha from Hawaii propts me to ask a similar question about the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  I have not watched a single scene from any of the three films (and having trouble maintaining interest in the novels.  Maybe I'm too old.)

Now I'm ready to acquire the LOTR for my video library, but there are so many versions out there.  Which version(s) do you guys/gals recommend?  TIA

Personally, I would recommend the 4 disk extended cuts.  I wouldn't bother with the latest release that does seamless branching and tries to provide theatrical/extended on the same disk.  Many of the reviews I've read on these suggest that video quality was sacrificed as compared to the full-blown extended versions.

The theatrical versions are nice, but the extended versions add approximately 40 minutes per feature.  Entire subplots are explored in these versions.  Given that you're looking at a 9 hour plus experience just to watch this once, you might as well go for the long versions.  After all, how many times are you going to sit down and watch the whole mess?

Quoting kdh1949:

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I have not watched a single scene from any of the three films (and having trouble maintaining interest in the novels.  Maybe I'm too old.)

Certainly not a question of age, because these are in no way children's books IMHO. By the way, Tolkien was 62 when the first book was published.

Advice from a Tolkienanatic;

Pete Jacksons Extended versions are the only way to go! The theatrical releases were good, but the extended versions are so much closer to the original work!

As for being too old!?!      If you're not a WWI veteran these books should definitely be in your collection (I've read them 7 times...  )

Quoting Berak:

Quote:
Advice from a Tolkienanatic;
As for being too old!?!      If you're not a WWI veteran these books should definitely be in your collection (I've read them 7 times...  )

I find this an interesting comment because WWI played a significant role in Tolkien's LOTR journey.

Quoting Kathy:

Quote:
Quoting Berak:

Quote:
Advice from a Tolkienanatic;
As for being too old!?!      If you're not a WWI veteran these books should definitely be in your collection (I've read them 7 times...  )

I find this an interesting comment because WWI played a significant role in Tolkien's LOTR journey.

Indeed - some would say that the great Wars played a part as an influence in Tokien's triology, but the professor himself denied it vigourosly. To him - he said - it was merely a fairy tale, and according to his kin he would be a bit embarrased over the "cult" status it has achieved today.

Quoting kdh1949:

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Thanks, all.  It sounds like the extended versions are what I want.

BTW:  When I was in college (1966-1970) I attempted to read the trilogy since it was so popular with the college crowd.  I never got very far into it and lost interest quickly - though I usually liked that genre of novel.  When the first film was released, I bought a copy of the trilogy, but once again I didn't get too far along.  Maybe I should have started with The Hobbit?

When I first started to read LOTR I remember the first 100 pages or so being relatively boring and slow ( Hobbiton etc ).  Once past that though the books really take off and became totally engrossing.  Its well worth getting through the slow introductory parts...  Did you ever read the Thomas Covenant Stephen Donaldson books?  ( The third series is still being written ) very similar in my opinion and very well worth reading too ( a more modern style perhaps! )!  Wonder when they will be turned into movies....