It's no secret that The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any film enthusiast's collection. These films have captivated audiences worldwide, garnered numerous awards, and set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. If you're yet to own your copies, looking to upgrade from your (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, or seeking advice amidst conflicting recommendations from friends, you're in the right place. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose and purchase the perfect Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set for your collection.
When it comes to owning the epic saga of The Lord of the Rings, the choice of edition can significantly impact your viewing experience. The 4K releases boast stunning visual quality, yet they lack the extensive bonus content found in the DVD and Blu-ray versions. On the other hand, the Blu-rays offer excellent value, although the Blu-ray edition of The Fellowship of the Ring is noted for its weird green tint—a unique feature not found in the other films or their DVD and 4K counterparts. If you're unbothered by the tint and crave additional scenes and behind-the-scenes material, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is your best bet. This set includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices each, three booklets per film, and a beautifully detailed map of Middle Earth on the inside cover. Perfect for the completists among us!
We're committed to providing a wide array of options for our readers. Below, you'll find a detailed list of all available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray sets, including boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, as well as individual discs. Note that individual Blu-rays of the theatrical cuts can sometimes be elusive, but we've scoured the market to bring you the best options:
5 $96.77 save 12% $84.89 at Amazon
5 $12.99 See it at Amazon
4 $130.99 save 27% $95.43 at Amazon
5 $40.49 at Target
3 $24.99 See it at Amazon
3 $12.97 save 22% $10.08 at Amazon
3 $11.46 save 13% $9.96 at Walmart
3 $34.99 See it at Amazon
3 $19.98 save 50% $9.96 at Amazon
3 $48.99 See it at Amazon
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the full Middle Earth experience, consider purchasing a set that includes all three Lord of the Rings films. The boxed collection of the extended editions is highly recommended for the ultimate fan, but if you're short on time, there are also sets that combine The Lord of the Rings with The Hobbit trilogy for a comprehensive journey through J.R.R. Tolkien's world.
5 Extended editions of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy that includes 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
5 Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. $12.99 See it at Amazon
4 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
5 Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy. $40.49 at Target
3 Two-disc theatrical release set. $24.99 See it at Amazon
3 Two-disc extended edition set. $12.97 save 22% $10.08 at Amazon
3 Steelbook of theatrical release. $11.46 save 13% $9.96 at Walmart
3 Five-disc extended edition set. $34.99 See it at Amazon
3 Two-disc theatrical release set. $19.98 save 50% $9.96 at Amazon
3 Five-disc extended edition set. $48.99 See it at Amazon
The debate between theatrical and extended editions has been ongoing since The Lord of the Rings movies became available on home video. To accommodate mainstream audiences, the theatrical cuts were slightly shortened, resulting in films that are still over two hours long but more action-oriented and fast-paced. In contrast, the extended editions offer much more content, with additional scenes, extended sequences, and context that enrich the narrative. The extended versions add significant runtime: The Fellowship of the Ring is approximately 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers extends by about 45 minutes, and The Return of the King adds nearly an hour of footage not seen in the theatrical version. While they demand more time, the extended editions provide an even deeper dive into the enchanting world of Middle Earth.
Answer See Results7 $209.99 at Amazon
While the list of current Lord of the Rings Blu-rays is extensive, it's not exhaustive. A new 4K UHD collection, featuring both the theatrical and extended cuts of all six films from both trilogies, is now available for preorder and set to release on March 18, 2025.
Editor's Note: For those interested in streaming, the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently available on Max.