There's no denying that the The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any film enthusiast's collection. Praised globally and decorated with numerous awards, these films have set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. If you're yet to own your copies, or if you're looking to upgrade from the (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, or perhaps seeking advice amidst conflicting recommendations from friends, you're in the right place. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set to fill that coveted spot on your shelf.
Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?
When deciding on the right version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's important to consider the unique features of each release. The 4K versions boast stunning picture quality but lack the extensive bonus content found on the DVDs and Blu-rays. On the other hand, the Blu-rays offer great value, although the Blu-ray edition of The Fellowship of the Ring is known for its weird green tint—a feature absent in the other movies and in the 4K and DVD versions. If you're okay with this quirk and crave more scenes and bonus material, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is the way to go. This set comes packed with two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices each, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth on the inside cover. It's the ultimate choice for completists who want to immerse themselves in the extended editions.
Every LoTR Blu-ray You Can Buy
To cater to different preferences, here's a detailed list of all available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, including boxed sets, extended editions, theatrical editions, and individual discs:
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
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
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
$12.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection
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
Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection
Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.
$40.49 at Target
Theatrical Edition: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$24.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc extended edition set.
$12.97 save 22% $10.08 at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Steelbook of theatrical release.
$11.46 save 13% $9.96 at Walmart
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Five-disc extended edition set.
$34.99 See it at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$19.98 save 50% $9.96 at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Five-disc extended edition set.
$48.99 See it at Amazon
LoTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray sets
For those looking to own all three movies, purchasing them in a set is the most efficient option. The boxed collection of all three extended versions is highly recommended, but there are also other sets available for those who prefer shorter viewing sessions. For the ultimate Middle Earth experience, consider sets that include both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.
How Different are the Extended Editions from the Originals?
The debate between theatrical and extended editions has been ongoing since the home video release of The Lord of the Rings. Due to time constraints in theaters, the movies were edited into shorter versions, known as the theatrical cuts. These versions are perfectly enjoyable, offering a more streamlined and action-focused experience. However, the extended editions provide a wealth of additional content, including new scenes, extended sequences, and context that enriches the narrative. The extended cuts add significant runtime: The Fellowship of the Ring is about 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers about 45 minutes, and The Return of the King nearly an hour longer than their theatrical counterparts. For fans eager to spend more time in Middle Earth, the extended editions are a treasure trove.
Answer See Results
Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays
Out March 18, 2025: Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
$209.99 at Amazon
While the list of 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 three Lord of the Rings and all three Hobbit movies, is now available for preorder and will be released on March 18, 2025.
Editor's Note: If you prefer streaming, you can watch the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions on Max.
