Middle-earth Ultimate Collector's Edition 4K UHD Review - The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

We cover the entire contents of the newly released Middle-earth Ultimate Collector's Edition on 4K UHD Blu-ray. This is a really great 31-disc set that features all six films from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies in both extended and theatrical forms - both of which come on both 4K UHD as well as regular Blu-ray. In addition to my review, I also lay out my ideal "Ultimate Edition", what I like to call "The Mithril Edition", which I hope will be the next release we get from WB.
Affiliate Links (NOTR gets a small cut, at no cost to you)
Middle-earth Ultimate Collector's Edition
Amazon (US): amzn.to/3neh86T
Amazon (UK): amzn.to/3HwTF9o
2020 4K Edition
Amazon (US): amzn.to/3c9IYLm
Amazon (UK): amzn.to/3kBnWKh
RELEASE THE MITHRIL EDITION PETITION: chng.it/nzCHPpFKXr
We also dive into the bonus items: the collectible book, mini travel posters, and Disc 31, which contains the three Alamo Drafthouse cast reunions featuring Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, and Peter Jackson - hosted by Stephen Colbert.
The set also includes the newly released Cannes 2001 Presentation - the reel that brought the attention of the world to New Zealand and the soon to be massive hit that was The Lord of the Rings.
For a more spec-oriented review of these films, check out Bill's review at Digital Bits: thedigitalbits.com/item/middl...
Special thanks to Warner Brothers for sending me this set in order to review on the channel!
00:00-01:22 Packaging
01:22-01:54 What's In The Box
01:54-02:51 4K & Blu-ray Quality
02:51-04:07 Physical Extras
04:07-06:35 Disc 31: Bonus Features
06:35-11:41 My Pitch for "The Mithril Edition"
11:41-12:32 Final Word
#middleearth4k #lotr4k #lordoftherings4k

[@MacbethofGondor]

I fully support the Mithril edition. I'm surprised they haven't released it yet, so many fans want to see the deleted scenes etc. Great video, and funny Gimli parody, keep it up 👍

[@lunakoala5053]

Why should they, when they can give it to use piece-meal? I don't even want to know how many people already bought mulitple releases. Every rerelease did try to give you a reason to upgrade. Some reason why, as a hardcore fan, you 'needed' the new release. This time around it's the cannes trailer.

[@bradjensen4927]

It worked (eventually) for DC fans, with the Snyder Cut. We can't give up!

[@lunakoala5053]

@@bradjensen4927 Not really that comparable tho, is it? NotR is asking for everything. Cut Content, Outtakes, Behind the scenes. Synder Cut just delivered a part of the previously cut content and nothing of the other parts.

[@bradjensen4927]

@@lunakoala5053 I was merely citing one instance where fans persisted and got what they asked for. I know it's not exactly the same thing.

[@johanjonasson4188]

This is what I hoped what this edition would be. Such a shame.

[@Gauthierbrad27]

The fact that they didn’t include the Appendices is astonishing. It’s such a no brainer for making a bad ass ultimate edition. I have my gold box Blu-ray set, I’m going to hold off until they finally come out with the meat real addition to get another set of them. I can’t even imagine how many hours I spent watching the Blu-ray version

[@c17sam90]

What’s weird is in the U.K. they just released the remastered blu rays with appendices

[@Hobbit_At_Heart]

I should like to add that a Mithril edition should all come with soundtracks or at least a bonus feature of the soundtracks being performed live by an orchestra/band. That would send me over the edge 🤩 I think an inclusion asp of an authenticated legitimate map would be amazing, something without fold creases and the shine of poster paper. Like I’m talking a real authentic paper and ink drawn map, rolled like a scroll. It also would make my geeky heart just keel over and die to have a full on set of movies that would match a book set. That’d be peak.

[@georgeliousas9857]

Man I still listen to the original soundtracks on long walks, gym sessions, before bed haha such masterpieces

[@jayneufeld8371]

My favourite part of the Hobbit and LOTR is the music.

[@sephestra.]

I saw the live music performance conducted by Howard Shore in the early aughts when it was in Chicago. Truly, absolutely one of the highlights of my life. I cried, my friends cried, most of the audience cried....it was an emotional rollercoaster.

[@2know99]

Yes please

[@MarkFilipAnthony]

I always wanted a music-only version, like just add a track that is only Howard Shores amazing score fit over the film footage. I know some places Jackson mixed over/replaced music with sound effects/no sound for dramatic effects, but it would be nice with the full score version on top of the film, maybe even have "subtitles" that is the actual music sheet. at least subtitles/translations of the amazing choir songs also: how about a whole track of subtitles in the dwarf runes and/or Elf letters?

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

If Sir Christopher Lee was still alive I wish they would make the Scouring Of The Shire

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

If they wanted to they could do the Tarkin method from Rogue One but I don't know how well that would work

[@peterpain6625]

@@Lord-Emperor-Vader But to recretate Lee's voice, intonation and cadence when speaking... i don't know if that would work.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

@@peterpain6625 That is why I mentioned it may not work well but they did it with Tarkin 5 years ago the technology has improved so it is possible but I just don't know

[@osrevad]

@@peterpain6625 They have a recording of him reading the LotR book The Children of Hurin. I think that performance could work.

[@davidkinsey8657]

Except they killed him in the extended edition.

[@polishedpebble4111]

Include a large map, as a poster, with character locations and routes noted.

[@philt2170]

I was waiting for this Ultimate Edition to be released for so long. I held off buying the 2020 4K Sets and bit my nails in anticipation. Rumor grew of a Gil-Galad in the Deleted Scenes, whispers of a the Glittering Caves, and the Ultimate Edition perceived its time had come, ... But they were all of them deceived, for this was not the Edition that was sought. It Betrayed us, Until, when chance comes, it will become a new, Master Edition... Mithril, Film from the vault, edited from the shards of Middle-Earth. Put aside the Ultimate, become The Edition you were born to be... Make The Mithril Edition!

[@hamidshuttari4492]

should be a fantasy screen writer for film /TV. God knows we need more soulful quality content.

[@reader2012]

I don’t mind “gimmicky” packaging, it shows that they put a lot of thought into the presentation. If they are going to charge $$$ I want to be able to display it

[@kayscoutbee7056]

Not sure if this was part of the Appendices in the original extended cut DVD set, but I absolutely loved watching the films with the cast commentary and would love to see those make a return as well!

[@SketchedbySte]

I cant understand why none of the 4k editions have it :(

[@joshualufkin7781]

It’s in the extras when you redeem the codes

[@diosmuertos6662]

If anybody was wondering what an Alamo Drafthouse is it's a movie theater in Central Texas that will serve you food and drink ( alcohol) while you watch the movie. They've done this for Spaceballs blazing saddles and a lot of older movies it's a lot of fun!!! For Spaceballs they had Lonestar beers for half... They do special things for each.

[@ProjectApollo747]

There is 2 up here in Omaha Nebraska

[@diosmuertos6662]

@@ProjectApollo747 didn't know that that's awesome!!!

[@crystalcortez9003]

As someone that watched the original extended editions with cast commentary, I completely agree a Mithril edition is necessary. Also, can someone tell me why I teared up while watching. I just love LOTR so much!!!

[@daaesviolin]

Your analysis was on point! Give us the Mithril Cut! I’ve always dreamed of seeing Èowyn and Faramir’s wedding.

[@nomorok15]

I am fully ready to raid this vault Pete was talking about. WHO IS WITH ME MY BRETHREN?!

[@MarshWaha]

I’m in!

[@kaijudirector5336]

@Thomaz Music FOOORTH EORILINGAAAASSSS!!!!

[@T1tusCr0w]

Let us make such a raid as will be worth a song!

[@pulseyouthgroup7423]

@@T1tusCr0w such songs as only the likes of the Green Dragon could afford! there is no higher standard!

[@A_Slayer_Named_Buffy]

Regarding the 3D, I remember watching the hobbit movies in 3D and the higher frame rate too, and I kept finding myself swatting away motes of dust and blades of grass in front of my face that weren’t really there. The only other 3D movie that I can recall having that effect on me was Avatar.

[@Zorpazorp]

Word. As someone who has also seen every frame of Middle Earth content ever released (or so I had thought) I stumbled across a hidden gem six months back. In some of the cinematics of the Two Towers Video game, which combine filmed footage with CG, there are a range of shots used from the 'Pursuit to Lothlorien' sequence, of which I had previously only seen a few clips and stills. One great shot of note was Legolas doing a ridiculous spin and fire moment to mess up a Goblin chieftain leading the assault. Just thought I'd mention it in case you'd missed it.

[@mateobetancur3262]

Where!? Can't find it anywhere :s

[@maxmercer1931]

The studio should have filmed an alternate scene where Gil-Galad and Elendil are seen fighting Sauron. If Tolkien didn't give us a look at such a confrontation , then Peter Jackson should

[@CM13492]

I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that it was filmed but was cut from the final film. Certainly they went through the effort of making Aiglos even though it is only seen for 1 second in every edition released so far

[@04nbod]

@@CM13492 There is definitely more Gil Galad stuff. There are stills of it. I think it was cut to make Elrond look more like a leader rather than the second in command of this person we never see again. There is one where it looks like he's staring up at Sauron, probably before he gets roasted.

[@playerscouncil]

This was filmed, along with GOBS of stuff surrounding the prologue, but 90% of it was cut for the version we got.

[@joncarroll2040]

There is a scene where Sauron kills Gil Galad. The actor who played Gil Galad has said it was shot and his description matches what I am told was shown at a Games Workshop manager's meeting the year Fellowship released.

[@KC-qb6oi]

I would love mithril edition to have more of Alan Lee's original artwork like the LoTR extended DVD set did. So beautiful!

[@quickbeam71]

I never watch the Theatrical releases anymore. I obtained the 4K LotR trilogy but was disappointed in the packaging & one of the discs was flawed so I purchased the set a second time. The 4K editions astounded me. The beauty of the details, especially in the costumes inspires my work every time I watch the films (I’m a fabric artist, tailor, hand embroiderer, needlepoint, crochet, & quilting JUNKIE). There has never been anything like the costumes in these films. Every stitch was executed with the highest form of skill & art. The cinematography of the New Zealand landscapes is even more beautiful than the HD versions. If you are a fan of the movies, you’ve got to see the 4K editions. If you’re a fan of the books (as am I) you will appreciate the depictions of Middle-earth even if you disagree with some of the plot lines &/or the exclusion of some sections of Tolkien’s original work (my pet peeve is that “The Scouring of the Shire” was excluded). Thanks for your review!!

[@amyconnolly3496]

Finally got The Hobbit extended edition, I love the scenes that didn’t make it in and wished they were in the theatrical release.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

I know the Desolation Of Smaug is made extremally better by the added scenes and I already liked the movies.

[@Wax_Man]

I saw the extended edition and was unimpressed again, first with the theatrical then extended

[@thomasalvarez6456]

@@Wax_Man It’s better. Especially if you skip the love triangle and some silly scenes. Especially all Alfred parts. At least with Legolas shield surfing it was only periodic rather than appearing again and again. Although I still think things like that were a bit too much

[@_Chelli_]

It was great, other than Thrain’s death, which was the worst use of the Wilhelm Scream in film history.

[@blackwolf4653]

Extended Version is out like 4years now what were you doing?

[@HPLOTRGOTfan]

There's also the bloopers! I saw them when Peter Jackson was in Sydney in 2005 doing a talk and he showed about 20mins of hilarious bloopers! That definitely needs to be in the Mithril Edition.

[@DemianX6x6x6X]

the behind the scenes of lord of the rings is a must! they are equally if not more enjoyable to watch as the movies themselves

[@heartshinemusic]

+1 for the Mithril edition. The one thing I really, really want is a consistent Gollem. So please update his appearance in FOTR to his final form in TTT.

[@erinolsen8062]

Does literally anyone care about the theatrical editions of the movies? Every single person i know is full on extended edition or nothing.

[@tiamzy]

I do. I recommend it to any first timers so they can better appreciate the Extended version.

[@Symbioticism]

I probably prefer the theatrical cuts to the extended. :)

[@alejandroelcid]

Well yes, for people who are not fans of Middle-Earth or who have never seen any of the movies they [extended editions] can be overkill. I recently bought the extended editions for both LOTR and The Hobbit, for years I had only been able to watch the theatrical versions; by the way they are still worth watching and beat most movies on Netflix. Don't discredit the theatrical versions, not everyone has access to any other versions, I definitely didn't.

[@goncaloferreira6429]

@@tiamzy will first timers buy this expensive set?

[@ArtofBrentMinehan]

I am a huuge tolkien nerd like you guys but prefer the theatrical cuts as films. They are better paced and the beats hit much harder. It is much better for new viewers as well.

[@alejandroelcid]

The best LOTR cast reunions and interviews so far have been the recent interviews Stephen Colbert had with BIlly Boyd and Dominic Monaghan; on both the daily show and on Billy and Dominic's podcast (The Friendship Onion). The Friendship Onion has been the best BTS interviews ever, Billy and Dominic share their own experiences, they have interviewed Elijah Wood, as well as Sean Astin. I would highly recommend listening to the podcast or watching them here on KZbin. They are one of the best.

[@T_Black_Lodge]

Great video as always! The Comic Con footage shown here is of PJ replying directly to my question regarding deleted scenes at the very end of the last Hobbit panel in 2014. I believe you can actually see me ask him about future box set releases in the full, uncut version. A very cool memory that I will always cherish.

[@NerdoftheRings]

That’s so cool!!

[@ClayMcDonald]

Thanks for the review! I think the studio is getting the hint from fans. The price has dropped to $150 on Amazon so I decided to pick this up. I'll still hang on to my original extended DVDs for the bonus content, but I'm looking forward to the 4K upgrade.

[@rileycord1248]

Despite my wish to see the cut Legolas scenes with Arwen, Gandalf, etc. the number one thing I want to see in the "Mithril Cut" is an extended version of the prologue. From Sauron cutting his hand and his blood forming the ring to Gil-Galad's death. I need it all.

[@rangerofthenorth1970]

My collection is on the way, but Mithril cillection sounds FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Another great video!!!!!!!!

[@NerdoftheRings]

#ReleaseTheMithrilCut :)

[@Caerulean]

Us fans "Give up the Mithril Cut, producers!" W.B. and co.: "If you want it, come and claim it!" Us fans: **draw our wallets and charge through the Ford of Bruinen with no hesitation** W.B. and co., hopefully not but probably: **sweep us down the river with a flood of their excuses** Someone make this a meme. 😆

[@lunakoala5053]

The Problem is, they aren't stupid. Nerd of the Rings didn't just list the features of the ultimate home release. He released a thirty year long strategy to milk those movies. This time, we got the cannes cut. Next time, we get some new behind the scenes stuff. Then maybe some more lost scenes.. And then in 30 years when everything has already been released piecemeal, we maybe get the mithril collection. That's also when the original star wars trilogy will be released, when advances in ai upscaling will already have made a commercial release pointless.

[@Caerulean]

@@qcrew2938 of the rings. 😏

[@RghtBrnd]

I got the Limited Middle Earth Collection a few years back and it's amazing. Each movie has a case that looks like a leather bound book set in a wooden bookcase.

[@luudest]

I have the War Of The Ring Collectors Edition - on a solid neoprene map and with painted figures.

[@Paredification]

I had subscribed to one of your friends (and rivals?) but this review has earned you a subscription too. Eloquently and succinctly put sir.

[@alluringspecter1252]

I've been watching your content for a month or so and have almost finished your backlog love the vid keep up the great work

[@hobbitonpiper]

A future Mithril Edition as you’ve described? TAKE MY MONEY :)

[@007DeanBond]

Everything you say is spot on. Like even if you can’t upgrade the bonus features, can’t they just put the footage on blu ray discs, so we don’t have to carry around 9 dvds. You could probably put everything onto 3 blu rays. And why do we need blu ray versions in the set when there’s 4k versions. Wasted space.

[@fgdj2000]

10:48 Hey, I love my Middle Earth bookshelf edition! :D Truth be told it was actually a Christmas present, but it's beautiful.... and of course I see your Point. I'm not sure I need an extra extended version. But I do love the idea of having most of the deleted material, or even some of it, converted to finished scenes. Maybe release a short film epilogue with more material on what happened to some of the characters later. George Lucas did this 20 years ago with the prequels! If they want, Warner/ New Line/ MGM can do it now. Since I (still) don't have 4K yet, I also have yet to upgrade to these new editions. Personally, while the quality is sure to be amazing, I'm not sure I like the new desaturated looking color grading and (from what I've seen) prefer the original one so far. Also, Color grading is usually also the job of the DP... and sadly, Andre Lesnie can't give his input on that topic anymore 😢 Anyway, thanks for the great review! Great channel as always. Have a nice day!

[@ArtofBrentMinehan]

Honestly would pay so much for that damn Mirthril edition. Sounds amazing.

[@DNGR369]

Amazing review! Not leaving anything out is very much appreciated! 31 discs is going to feel like a huge paperweight knowing there's more still out there and one day it'll come. The image quality is easily worth it alone though.

[@EmperorKingKaiser]

Great video NotR, and I agree with everything you said. Hopefully, we finally get the 'Mithril Edition' someday soon. For WB to call this the "Ultimate Collector's Edition" was shameful At the absolute least, it should have contained the upscaled Appendices. The gimmicks that were included bordered on junk - though to add insult to injury, they included a One Ring with the UK release and for whatever reason dropped it from the US version, which made me even more irritated with this release. Naturally, I bought it anyway, so shame on me :(

[@NerdoftheRings]

If you want to order the Middle-earth Films in 4K, here's the NOTR affiliate links for Amazon: Middle-earth Ultimate Collector's Edition Amazon (US): amzn.to/3neh86T Amazon (UK): amzn.to/3HwTF9o 2020 4K Edition Amazon (US): amzn.to/3c9IYLm Amazon (UK): amzn.to/3kBnWKh

[@nicolasmcginnis9742]

Thanks for the detailed review! One thing I'm less clear about -- does the 2020 4K Edition have the infamous 'green tint'? Was it only removed in the Ultimate Edition?

[@lankylamp1]

Sad old man asks only they delete30 seconds. Legolas mounting a horse by magic and Denethor running a mile in a minute whilst on fire. I shut my eyes and fast forward every time.

[@alejandroelcid]

Your review was greatly informative. Unfortunately, I already have the extended versions and I cannot justify buying this; besides I don't have a 4K player or TV 😅. Have you seen The Friendship Onion, it's a podcast and KZbin channel hosted by Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan? Their interviews with Elijah, Sean, and their own stories from their time on set are better than any bonus interviews included in any discs.

[@MrShadow314]

I want the deleted scene of Gandolf's two cents towards Thranduil about his wife, the white gems, and Legolas, in The Battle of the Five Armies included in the extended addition. I'm not sure why this was cut, but for me, this tiny nugget makes Thranduil's story/character progression in this fully snap into place. It's somewhere between fifteen and thirty seconds of extra time. Why cut this? I had to find this scene online too. Pretty sure the uploader mentioned it also wasn't even included as a deleted scene on an actual released disc, but I could be mistaken, on that.

[@IDontHaveThatCard]

I think it's included in the behind the scenes appendices for the extended Botfa

[@ChiaraSiasat]

That was great! And YES! Bring on the Mithril cut!

[@AnthonyBerkshire]

I also like the theatrical cut. It has a good rhythm. I would love to see a Mithril edition as well.

[@theg0t]

I am the same. I have to own the physical disk and have a 4k projector, great video. Your channels growth is an excellent example of building great content.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much! I've been too accustomed to spotty internet to rely on digital versions! :)

[@PiperisCalling]

Omg I know what's going on my Christmas list. I have the extended LOTR DVD set and it's my fav physical media I've ever had. Thx for the review

[@unitedweanalyse5193]

Always love it when you give your opinions on these matters! Keep it going! This channel is soon to go to unfathomable heights!

[@loading...8512]

I haven't had extended editions of LOTR since the original DVD releases and they have been watched SOOOO many times I absolutely love them the cases are so worth and lovingly taped up and repaired best I could but the DVDS are just starting to die from being watched to much I need this set so much

[@davidjr.tolson6831]

Here's what a truly "ultimate" set would look like in my humble opinion: All 6 Extended Editions only, on 4K and remastered Blu-Ray. The Appendices Parts 1-12 on Blu-Ray. The LOTR theatrical bonus features on Blu-Ray. The Costa Botes documentaries on Blu-Ray. The Blu-Ray bonus disc you promoted in this video. The National Geographic documentaries included. The Howard Shore documentary included. Give us all this, Warner Bros., and no other box set, aside from maybe your 2016 book shelf box set, will ever compete. Harry who? Star what? You will rule the landscape of home media for the next 10 years!

[@sephestra.]

My husband and I would wait patiently in line for weeks to purchase the Mithril Edition. We got together as a couple while watching the extended LotR movies as Tolkien nerd friends and we had a Middle Earth themed wedding; he was a dwarf, I was an elf. It was a damn good time.

[@ClassicHarleyQuinn]

Who at the wedding went as Morgoth and Sauron lol.

[@sephestra.]

@@ClassicHarleyQuinn Unfortunately, I couldn't convince anyone to go as either...or any ringwraiths or orcs. We did have two hobbits, a Thranduil, a Gandalf, and a Sindarin elf, though.

[@ClassicHarleyQuinn]

@@sephestra. Shame but cool nonetheless.

[@Dark_Jaguar]

My wishlist a Silmaril edition: Yet ANOTHER remastering of the 4K discs for LOTR. This time, go back to the film reels and recapture it truly at 4K. Actually, recapture the films at the highest resolution you can manage (16K perhaps) so it'll always be available digitally for future formats. Don't apply DNR on these. Let the film grain remain even if it means it doesn't quite match the Hobbit look. To that end, give another go at the color encoding. Fellowship certainly needed it, but this time with the other two go for a look that fits their theatrical style. Pretend The Hobbit movies don't exist and just try to make them be the best versions of those early 2000's movies they can be. This would go a long way towards resolving a lot of issues movie buffs have had with the 4K releases. I have zero complaints about how the sound was handled. Stay the course there. As for even further extras, I'm intrigued but including them as extras is all I'd ask for. If by some miracle there's any scenes at all of Tom Bombadil or the barrow-wights I'd love to see those as extras, but I'll be frank those extended editions are extended enough already. I feel like we have everything we need in those editions now, and for anything more I'm just going to read the books at that point. For The Hobbit, take a lesson from countless fan edits out there and provide not just the extended version but a drastically cut down version trimming the story into a single movie. Go minimalistic, keeping to the original story right down to leaving just what Gandalf is up to in his numerous disappearances a secret. Then, go further than the fan edits. Recut the additional material showing Gandalf's "solo" scenes into an "Appendice" story, one where he uncovers Sauron's return and culminating in that final confrontation. By breaking it up in this way, neither individual story detracts from the other and each is given the room to breath fully on it's own merits. You'll note we still just get two movies out of that. Yes. There's still way too many added scenes that don't really add anything to either storyline. Sorry Tauriel and Legolas, you're both getting the ax in my version. You too white orc. Alright, maybe the elves can appear in a tiny cameo introducing the two before they just vanish from the movie entirely. Get rid of the Bluray versions of the movies. If someone's buying an ultimate set, they almost certainly have a 4K bluray player. Heck, modern game consoles have that functionality built in. Well... if you can find the things in our modern chip shortage. I only request this to make room for the things I am requesting. Every last extra that this nerd has asked for, I want too. If the only way to upscale the extras is AI, don't upscale. Just include at standard def. In that case, sure, go ahead and toss them in as DVDs.

[@venom82]

Thanks for the review! I totally agree with you on Mithril Edition!!!!

[@ccpIz]

I scoop up a Mithril Edition in a heartbeat. Not only for myself but copies for all my nerd friends too. Release the Mithril Cut!

[@MedievalFantasy93]

The Hobbit Blu-rays are newly remastered too though, right? You can tell from AUJ alone if the Erebor flashback has the hazy border around it. No one will answer that for some reason or they gloss over it. It says on the packaging all six were remastered for Blu-ray.

[@freds5520]

If anyone considers getting the 4k remastered edition then PLEASE do yourself a favor and get it. Its worth the money. I got the 4k extended edition shortly after i got my Sonos Arc and its absolutely incredible. I saw things ive never seen before and i heard things ive never heard before (Dolby Atmos). If you are a LOTR fan its a mindblowing experience.

[@whitemoses7913]

I have the extended edition DVD set. So nice. Brought it out to take a look quite recently and I'll have to say the quality is a bit off for today standard (of course). But it has seen better days, and I enjoyed it very much.

[@Person-wz6iy]

I'm already hoping that War of the Rohirrim gets an Extended Edition! And yes Animated Films can have Extended Cuts, examples being: The Iron Giant, Rango, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

[@crynolyn]

Your Mithril edition concept is spot on ! Hope they make it

[@boazvankreuningen9015]

I love this. Ive watched lord of the rings extended so many times. Ive only seen the hobbit in the short version a couple times. I love them. The peter jackson movies got me in love with Tolkien. And now im reading the Lotr. Amazing review

[@themurrrr]

5:25 “… in some tiny island country in the bottom of the world” Me…. a native from Curaçao: New Zealand is TINY!?!?….. I guess that makes us…. puny??? 🤣🤣🤣 ❤️🇨🇼

[@NerdoftheRings]

Haha. This is more so how NZ was perceived at the time. Neither the production or the country got much attention. Though, I think most people don't realize how big NZ actually is. lol

[@themurrrr]

@@NerdoftheRings Oh, I understood why you said it. Honestly, New Zealand deserves so much recognition. I have been in love with this country ever since the days of Xena and Hercules. But as an inhabitant of an actually puny island, it still makes me chuckle when people call some place vastly bigger tiny or small.

[@NerdoftheRings]

@@themurrrr Haha. I hear ya. I actually didn't realize Xena and Hercules were shot there! I used to watch those as a kid.

[@themurrrr]

@@NerdoftheRings They were indeed! That’s what made the shows budget look bigger than it actually was 😜😅 It was all that New Zealand natural beauty that look like expensive movie sets

[@jayandres5477]

I saw your post on Instagram first and then ran over to KZbin to see your review. I have not gotten the chance to see The Hobbit extended editions. After watching LOTR extended editions, I can never watch the normal theatrical cuts anymore. 20th anniversary is coming up!

[@vinyamar3604]

Great Gimli impression there 😂 love it

[@d3m1g0d4]

Why would I watch the theatrical version when the extended version is available

[@DarthKhai1991]

I appreciate the honest review. I enjoy the extended editions but I know there are still some scenes even from the hobbit editions that didn’t make it in that spell out Thranduil’s motivations.

[@FrankVila]

Well, Nerd. For me personally a great set is one that reflects the product itself. So again, for me, the 2016 bookshelf edition does exactly that. Its so beautiful to look at and to hold in your hands. The craftmanship is just excepcional, and its how I always dreamed this saga to look in my movie collection. The crown of all editions, worthy of Middle Earth and Profesor Tolkien’s level of sophistication and elegance. That being said, the content is not up to that same level, as you say. So what I did was to buy it now that its easier and cheaper yo get, and put the 4K trilogies discs I purchased individually last year and violá! And the best thing is there’s nowhere any “blu ray” or “4K” logos en the set, so this will always be the ultimate physical packsge for me, since I can just keep replacing the discs if a better edition comes in the near or distant future.

[@porcu12345]

I really want to see the deleted scenes of the moria goblin attack on lothlorien where they chase the fellowship. They show it in the very first trailer for the movie iirc but it never made the final cut. They goblins get ambushed from both sides by haldirs elves and slaughtered.

[@zaynevanday142]

I was in the New Zealand Army at the time and I did the screen tests for Fellowship and quite a few of us worked as extras on the film the Army was paid $75 per soldier per day used and we got paid nothing 😂 not that I’m complaining it was an honour to be part of it all

[@rebelcommander7starwarsjur922]

So how much exactly extra stuff is there like bonus feature wise? Because I don’t have a 4K tv and I just have some Sony sound bar and there’s NO convincing my parents to upgrade the sound or tv. So I already have the I think original set for lord of the rings extended edition you know the one with each movie has there own box green red blue I also have the newer extended BlueRay version of the lord of the rings as well the one with the case for all three cases of the movies and an extra disc than the other set I also have the box set of BlueRay of all three hobbit films so what exactly special and bonus features do I get?

[@selenawolf2466]

I was lucky enough to get this for xmas from my dad. Couple years later, I STILL love this - I just really, really wish they used steelbooks for the individual cases. I have an unfortunate (for my wallet) love of steelbooks.

[@LeinadCasey]

AHHHHH I just got the 4K LOTR about a year ago too 😩

[@harmony.enforcer]

For me, having grown up on these, the Green Tint(TM) is part of the experience

[@FaZeEchan]

I would love exactly what you said theat would be great to have the ultimate edition with all the content in the movies

[@lunakoala5053]

Wasn't there already a non-tinted version? Shortly after the BluRay Versions first released, there was some replacement scheme going on, where they would send you replacement discs. Did those have yet another problem?

[@jeremyclifton7069]

I had no idea this had so many extra features! I would love to see the deleted scenes and more appendices!

[@NanocDark99]

But that blue tint was it that made fellowship of the rings so good!

[@gandalftehdank6052]

12:29 You sir are surprisingly very Dwarf-like

[@luudest]

9:38 What are the ‚Middle Earth Appendizes‘ A movie reference to the Books Appendizes?

[@TolkienAnswers]

Look up on KZbin a video that came out about a week ago. It is called, "The Lord Of The Rings - Unreleased Scenes (NEW 2022 Compilation)". I don't know really anything about it's creator, but it seem like a fan who went through painstaking work to put all "Mithril Cut" extended scenes into one continues video. It is almost 1 hour and 15 minutes long! Definitely watch it.

[@Europa-Park-Family]

You forgot the outtakes. And I would pay big money for your supposed Mithril Edition. It seems like a dream, but maybe we are lucky. Someday.

[@Mr100Rupees]

7:05 i am dead 😁😂🤣

[@tatts4life838]

I’ve been looking forward to this collection when it was announced they were making 4K remasters of them. The fact that they didn’t include everything that was in the dvd and Blu-ray editions sucks. But at least I have those. Now I’m torn between getting this collection and getting the other 4K versions

[@tatts4life838]

I think what I might end up doing is buying the separate collections and then just replacing the discs that came in the Blu-ray release. That way I’ll have the 4K plus all the appendices in one collection

[@theapg97]

According to you worth to buy or just wait for other future releases?

[@Selrahc_69]

I gotta say, I may be happiest about the blu-ray "Fellowship" film being cleansed from the blue tint in this set. That made it worth buying over the original 4k set. I also have all previous versions and so I have all the extra features at my fingertips but I 100% agree that any "ultimate" edition has to gather all that stuff together in one set. I can't imagine I would ever re-buy another set just to get new bonus features or to have everything gathered into one set just to "consolidate" but I've said that before and still shelled out the cash when the time came - LOL.

[@elishawilson5342]

One collection to rule them all

[@KristapsRr]

Question, as I've not kept up with the multiple editions over the years. Which box(es) should I get if I wanted both trilogies extended&4K and the appendices for both? It appears that this boxset doesn't have them?

[@CEWThree]

So there's no one box set that will give you that. None of the 4K releases have appendices attached. Which means if you want the full appendices and 4K, you have to buy the 4K box sets of each trilogy (or the Ultimate set featured here) AND the Extended Edition blu-ray box sets for each trilogy (only the EEs have the appendices). It's a mess.

[@maul42]

An excellent list of content that I agree with. But hey now, HEY! Don't be insulting my bookshelf edition. I love that set.

[@TheSamwhyte]

I think a good video would be an homage to all the Tolkien fan art in existence that makes these videos possible. Not just the quality of it, but the sheer volume and variety of scenes. Some you would expect fans to depict (like Gollum falling into the pit clutching the ring) but then there are some proper obscure images like a young Boromir and Faramir playing with swords in front of the white tree. (Y’never know… after bagging the Rhys-Davies interview maybe you could see if Alan Lee or Ted Nasmith would care to offer their opinion and talk about favs). Either way…. all this artwork needs and deserves more love 😊👍🏻

[@darthmarticusLFC]

I had no idea there were blu-rays using the new colour grade from the 4K copies. Exciting!

[@richiegrey]

Hail to the Mithril edition! Keep up the great work.

[@NerdoftheRings]

HAIL!

[@c17sam90]

At hmv in the U.K. they did a version with the remastered blu rays and more importantly all the old bonus features.

[@Ciri751]

Now we need a special edition like this, but for the books, hope you have a big bookshelf.

[@journalersketcher]

Great video. Thank you for the review. The only reason I would have bought the Ultimate Collector's Edition was to see Eowyn and Faramir's wedding. Now I don't see the point of getting it since we know this scene isn't in there.

[@thejon-files3429]

So awesome! Need this

[@cavalierdecoupe]

Excellent video!!!

[@thedisconnectedwife4165]

Still nothing beats the collectors editions of the extended cut that was boxed with the resin dioramas.

[@fabriziosantin7420]

Totally agree on the Mithril edition. But I'd like to add one essential point, at least for me: fixing as many bloopers as (technically) possible. That would be the Silmaril edition, If I may suggest a nome too.

[@robinwilliams4617]

Amazing video, good job

[@thechaosgoddess666]

For the travel posters, you could always frame and hang them somewhere

[@azurebluegames]

Now I can finally watch Legolas say that they're taking the hobbits to Isengard in 4k! 🤩

[@laicarkaninmiliel7777]

Wow, your Mithril edition would be amazing 😍 Would definitely buy that!! 💚

[@RosieCockshutt]

Does the Ultimate Collector’s Edition include the Appendices? Don’t know why I’m so invested as I don’t own a way to play them or a screen that merits that level of high definition, but for me the appendices are integral to the movies and I’ll be mad on principle if they’re left out.

[@shonen84]

I feel the same way, I loved the appendices in that benchmark DVD set. I’m afraid they’re not part of this ultimate set :(

[@WedlakeProductions]

I'd pay big money for a non-DNR version. The 4K transfer for me was a let down. Excellent HDR and audio but the 1080p Blu-ray had more detail.