Hey Folks,

A special treat for you today! By invitation from the great folks at New Line Cinema, Gordon Paterson and Wendy Rutherford, I was privileged today to screen the Extended DVD release of "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" at the New Line Cinema office in Hollywood.

Also invited and in attendance were: Jonathan and Ted from Tolkien Online, Patrick Lee from Sci-fi.com, Keith, the Webmaster of IanMckellan.com, Brent Bios from Mi Casa and representatives from TorN. There were several others in attendance as well, but due to time constraints, I was unable to meet everybody. Hehe

After being greeted by Gordon, Wendy and Amy Gorton from New Line's Home Entertainment division, we were treated to a very nice continental breakfast, and then it was on to the screening room!

Prior to firing up the DVD, Gordon and Brent acknowledged the folks at Mi Casa, and others, for their parts in putting this all together. They then gave a brief rundown on the efforts that were made to create the seamless integration of the additional footage. In order to pull this off, many of the original scenes were completely re-mixed and re-edited. Then it was on with the show.

Before I get into all the detail and list all the spoilers, it is worth noting that this was definitely not a re-make where extra scenes were just plugged back in. In my opinion, this extended version, as was Mr. Jackson's expressed desire (as he stated in the bonus features), is a more definitive version that brings the movie closer to the book. As a fan of Tolkien's works, I was much more satisfied with the way the story flowed, and with the similarities to the book this time, rather than sitting there and making comparisons, as I did when I saw the theatrical release. While there is additional footage added to the Cave Troll and the Amon Hen battle scenes, the major additions actually come in the way of dialogue. A line added here and there helped the interaction between the characters and gave many of them much more depth.

Right off the bat, during Galadriel's narration, you'll notice Sauron delivering a few additional blows with his hammer before he starts bashing whole groups of elves. Also, during the narration, when Isildur is attacked while riding with his company, rather than getting jumped and then, poof, being in the river, they show him dismount, engage in battle and then put on the ring to escape. While Isildur is in the river, as Galadriel says, "But the ring betrayed Isildur," it shows the ring slipping off his finger. It THEN makes sense that he ends up with arrows in his back.

Now for the real treat! After Galadriel finishes her bit, Bilbo takes over the narration while starting on his book. This is beautifully done. He starts, of course, with the title "There and Back Again," but also goes into the first chapter entitled "Concerning Hobbits." Bilbo's dialogue for this chapter is very similar to the Prologue in the book, and is voiced over wonderful scenes of Hobbit life, including Sam hard at work in his garden. Bilbo's narration continues during Gandalf and Frodo's journey to Bag End.

As with Isildur, the influence of the ring is made more apparent during a scene with Bilbo in his study, frantically searching for the ring, only to discover it in his pocket. The manner in which he embraces the ring when he finds it clearly shows its effects on him.

The Sacksville Bagginses also appear more prominently. Bilbo tells Gandalf that it must be them banging on his door prior to the party and that "They never give me a rest, nor forgiven me for growing old!" Then, after an extended greeting scene at the party, you see Bilbo's ear wiggle wildly. He says "It's the Sacksville Bagginses!," grabs Frodo, and rushes to hide behind a tent. Just then, Lobelia and Otho make an entrance into the party, and definitely do not look happy. But this is quickly remedied by cutting back to Bilbo and Frodo behind the tent, where Bilbo explains to him the real reason for his wanting to adopt Frodo. A very moving scene, one of which I will not spoil further. ;o)

The next new bit is after Bilbo has left. Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin are shown carrying on inside The Green Dragon; it includes the Gaffer and Ted Sandyman's discussion, and Ted referring to Bilbo as "cracked, and Frodo's cracking!" The best part of that bit is, as they are leaving, one of the hobbits (Pippin, I think) flirts with Rosie and Sam gets jealous! Frodo restrains him, but it was hysterical!

The journey to Bree has additional footage, with Frodo and Sam camping. Frodo tries to comfort Sam, as Sam doesn't like to sleep in the woods. Our first glimpse of the Elves is given here as promised. With the Elves illuminated as described in the book. Frodo explains to Sam that they are "High Elves" and that they are leaving Middle Earth. The imagery is stunning! Bree is pretty much the same, but the journey from Bree to Rivendell also has additional dialogue and footage. First, when the question comes up as to why they should trust Strider, Frodo states, "I think the enemy would seem fairer and feel fouler." Then, the trek through the Midgewater Marshes is included, and poor Pippin gets swarmed by flies and promptly yells "I am being eaten alive!" Later at night, while camping, Aragorn kills a deer and brings it back for supper. To show more depth to Aragorn, instead of murmuring a poem about Gil-galad, he is sitting with his back to the camp, singing, with tears in his eyes. When asked by Frodo "Who is the lady your singing about?" he explains that he was singing the Lay of Luthien, and about her being immortal and the love of Beren, a mortal man. This was another very moving scene and will do well to prime the audience for his and Arwen's relationship.

Once in Rivendell, extra dialogue is included between Boromir and Aragorn in Elrond's museum hall. Boromir asks, "Who are you?" to which Aragorn replies "I am a friend of Gandalf," and, noticing Boromir's clothing, states "The men of the south are welcome here." There is also a major confrontation at the council with Boromir having more to say and actually attempting to pick up the ring! This prompts Gandalf to rise and start walking toward Boromir while chanting black speech and causing the skies to darken. This was another great effect that alludes to the real power of Gandalf, however, Elrond promptly scolds him for his use of the black speech. Hehe

There is then a scene for Aragorn at his mother's grave, tending to it and praying. Elrond then consoles him, and explains that the Elves can re-forge Narsil and that within him is the power to wield it. This shows greater depth for both of these characters as Aragorn states that he doesn't and never has wanted that power. PJ enhances the departure from Rivendell with a blessing of the company from Elrond, in which Arwen and a few other elves are present. The Fellowship then prepares to leave in more of a formation-type departure, with the company awaiting the ring bearer, and then being led by him. As in other cases, the dialogue enhancements here help to lighten the mood and give depth to the characters as Gandalf asks Frodo "which way is Mordor," and he sheepishly replies, "ummm left!"

On the journey towards Mordor, the added dialogue did a great deal to enhance the continuity of the storyline. There is additional counsel for Aragorn from Gandalf, and even a bit of comedy added, as not only do the Hobbits tackle Boromir while sparring, they topple Aragorn as well!

Next up is Moria. It starts with a comical search for the door, in which Gandalf remarks how dwarves made the doors so they could not be seen when shut. Legolas adds "Typical for a dwarf" and I'd swear that Gimli blushes! Again, this feeds more into relationship of these two characters. A tighter bond to the book is drawn when Gandalf finds the doors but cannot get them to open, and responds to Pippin's question of what he's going do with "Knock on the doors with your head Peregrin Took! But if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will seek for the opening words."

Also in Moria, more was added to the journey as Gandalf explains the real wealth of Moria by using his wand to illuminate the veins of Mithril in the cavern walls. A mention of the Mithril rings that were given to Bilbo as a gift from the Dwarves is also mentioned. During the segment where Gandalf and Frodo are discussing Gollum, Gandalf informs Frodo that Gollum was one known as Smeagol, which further helps to tie in with what should be coming up in the TTT movie regarding Gollum and also gives more depth to the character.

Now, for what you've been waiting for! The Cave Troll battle scene has tons of extra footage, from the Troll attempting to stomp on Gimli (or one of the hobbits), to his snagging Boromir with his chain and flinging him against the wall like a rag doll. All of the fellowship gets to gang up on the Troll a little more and there's much more goblin action as well. The Balrog is shown a bit more, but not really discernible.

After the Fellowship reaches Lothlorien, and is brought to the first flet, there's a hilarious exchange between Haldir and Gimli. In fact, there's quite a bit more of Haldir. ;o) There are added bits of Boromir consoling Frodo, and when Celeborn and Galadriel make their entrance, Celeborn has more than one line, which adds continuity. Galadriel's interrogation of the Fellowship is much more intense. Legolas is given more lines in which he explains that Gandalf fell to the Balrog and blames Gimli for their going into the mines in the first place. All in all, the exchange made much more sense with the added dialogue. Then, while the Elves are singing their lament for Gandalf, additional depth is added to Sam when he wonders out loud if they even mention Gandalf's skill with fireworks, and then stands up and attempts a poem remarking on the fireworks, and sits back down when it doesn't work too well.

There are additional exchanges between Galadriel and Frodo by her mirror, and she shows him her ring and even names it as Nenya. The gift-giving scene is included and is done as a flashback scene for each of the members of the Fellowship as they are going down the river in the Elven boats and reflecting on it. It starts off with the cloaks and Legolas explaining to Merry and Pippin what the Lembas are, that one small bite can nourish one for a whole day, and more comedic character given to Pippin when he tells Merry that he's already eaten four whole ones! There's intense dialogue between Celeborn and Aragorn, then, each of the Fellowship is given a small, curved, Elven knife. This helps, as many fans were wondering where they came from in the theatrical release. Galadriel also counsels Aragorn, and hints to his future by referring to him as Ellesar. Gimli is also shown honoring Galadriel and asking for a strand of her hair. Legolas and Gimli also bond, as they should. The entire departure scene and the scenes of Galadriel in her swan boat were stunning and beautifully done.

The river trip is more intense with exchanges as the Fellowship feel the presence of the Uruk-hai chasing them and Gollum is shown following them down the river on a log. When they reach the banks of Amon Hen, Boromir pleads with Aragorn to make for Minas Tirith, which leads to a heated exchange between the two of them and develops their characters even more. The battle scene at Amon Hen is also more intense. Not only does Legolas get to shoot more arrows, but Merry and Pippin get to take out a few Uruk-hai by clocking them with rocks! Even the character of the Uruk-hai is given more depth by having Lurtz lick his blood off the Elven blade that Aragorn sticks in his leg.

Last, but not least, for this extended version, added to the credits for the Feature Film DVD, on the last page, they have listed all 10,000 members of the Fan Club. So, if you're a member, you will be able to pause the DVD and see your name up in lights!

There are two Special Features disks that are exquisitely done with menus in stylish Red Book format. There are multiple options for exploring the special features. You can view the entire disk by selecting a special "Play All" button, use the menu screens, or even access and index. The special features starts with a very inclusive Tolkien biography, and in "The Making of the Movie" feature, PJ and the staff talk about Tom Bombadil and why that and other things were left out or why certain characters were changed or added in. Also included in the special features is an art and photo gallery with thousands of images!

To wrap this up, with all the additional dialogue, footage, and action sequences flawlessly blended in, and the fully loaded two disks of special features, this is, in my opinion, the definitive movie adaptation of "The Fellowship of the Ring," and is a must-have DVD! Again, a very special thanks to the folks at New Line for giving us this opportunity, and kudos to PJ and all the cast, crew, and development teams that have bought this vision to life and made this possible!

You can pre-order the Extended DVD here and the Extended Collectors Edition here.

~Illuvatar

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