The Middle Earth Collection [The Lord Of The Rings / The Hobbit] [DVD] [2014] [2016]

This is actually 4.5 stars, it loses half a mark for the flimsy box it comes in and the fact the Lord of the Rings trilogy extra discs are only on DVD.So, as a massive fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and having enjoyed the Hobbit trilogy but not loving it, I was still keen to finally get my hands on this boxset. I previously owned the original Lord of the Rings extended edition trilogy on DVD, however I had literally been waiting years for a complete boxset on Blu-ray of the extended editions of all six films once I found out the Hobbit was to be finally turned into a film(s).As for the quality of the Lord of the RIngs films, this is a rare case where the additional material improved on already amazing films. The Blu-ray transfer is excellent, and although the visual and special effects look a bit ropy in places (these films are 13-15 years old now) I think they still stand-up even with the added clarity of the Blu-ray transfer, although there is some graining in a handful of scenes. However, this did not bother me at all. Also, the big furor over the green filter on the Blu-ray editions of the trilogy is not something that bothers me in the slightest. The sound quality was excellent through my Yamaha sound bar. All of the additional extras are unfortunately not on Blu-ray, it looks like they have just repackaged the DVD discs from the DVD release (I haven't been through the extras, I've only watched the films). Another niggle is that each film is still on two discs despite the added storage capacity of Blu-ray, although it is quite nice having an enforced intermission on such long films when you have to get up to change discs. Also, having each film boxset in just a single Blu-ray case is far more preferable to the cardboard case the DVD release came in.As for the Hobbit trilogy, I had only seen the theatrical versions in IMAX 3D at 48fps. It was pretty jarring and really took me out of the films at times. This Blu-ray release (in 2D) is a vast improvement over that. The picture transfer is excellent, the standard 24fps makes it look far better, as does the 2D image! As for the additional scenes, well personally I feel they improved the films immensely. Yes, I know it's ridiculous turning such a slender volume into three films, never mind then turning those three films into 3+ hour epics. However, if you look at them as just films rather than book adaptations, I think the extra footage is a worthy addition to the theatrical releases. It improved the films for me (as did the 24fps and 2D picture). Sound quality was also excellent. The extras are all on Blu-ray, although again I haven't watched them. The Hobbit films are all on one disc each unlike the Lord of the Rings films.Overall, I'm really happy I purchased the upgrade to Blu-ray for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and glad to have the Hobbit extended editions included in the set. This boxset certainly is epic at 30 discs, and certainly worth a punt. Recommended.

Great quality DVDs. Has so many discs with all the bonus features and other bits and bobs. Even has a little booklet of photos from the movie and some of the actors. My all time fave trilogy and the best box set of it I could’ve possibly of bought.

I was a little skeptical about ordering this product at first, primarily due to it's great value price. I've been wanting to get LOTR extended blu ray editions for a few years now but was always put off because of the very expensive price tag attached to this edition. Hence my doubting of purchasing this significantly cheaper edition which ALSO includes all three Hobbit extended edition blu ray movies too?!So I eventually ordered and as soon as this arrived (next day with Prime) I ripped open the packaging to inspect the box / blu rays in detail and everything looked good. Then I opened The Fellowship of the Ring and inserted the blu ray into my blu ray player and I was delighted with the picture quality and the presentation as a whole. All my doubts and worries of this product being a 'cheap copy ' were over! This is incredibly good value for all six extended edition blu rays of this amazing movie(s).The only (tiny) flaw is the quite 'flimsy' box which contains the six blu rays. This may diminish quite quickly after a few uses BUT if you wanted to, I guess you could easily resolve this by laminating the box. Anyway, for me, this is a minor problem which doesn't bother me at this value.Picture quality, audio and overall presentation (which contains all extras) is superb. An absolute must for any LOTR fan.

This is the best present anyone could receive as Lord of the rings fans. I love the design and only real fans appreciate the extended editions. The films are amazing in every way and to see the full edits are even more rewarding. To see all the discs laid out is magical.