It's no secret that The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any cinephile's physical media collection. These films have captured hearts worldwide, garnered numerous awards, and set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. If you're reading this, chances are you're looking to enhance your collection or perhaps start one. Maybe you're upgrading from those (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, or seeking clarity amidst the varied advice from friends on which versions to buy. Or perhaps, you're simply eager to fill that Lord of the Rings Blu-ray-shaped void on your shelf. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect LOTR Blu-ray film collection.
Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?
Selecting the right version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy can be a bit of a quest in itself, as different editions offer varied features. The 4K releases boast stunning visual quality, but they lack the extensive bonus content found in the DVDs and Blu-rays. On the other hand, the Blu-ray sets offer great value, though the Blu-ray version of The Fellowship of the Ring has a controversial weird green tint—unique to this format and not present in the DVDs or 4Ks. If you're okay with that tint (which does enhance the lush New Zealand landscapes), and crave additional scenes and in-depth bonus material, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is your best bet. It includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices each, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth inside the cover. For the true fans, the extended editions are the ultimate choice.
Every LoTR Blu-ray You Can Buy
To cater to all preferences, here's a detailed list of all available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, from boxed sets to individual discs. Whether you're after extended editions, theatrical cuts, or just a single movie, we've got you covered:
Extended Edition### The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
5$96.77 save 12%$84.89 at Amazon (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
7$209.99 at Amazon
While the list of Lord of the Rings Blu-rays is extensive, it's far from complete. A new 4K UHD collection featuring both the theatrical and extended cuts of all three Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films is available for preorder, 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.