It's no exaggeration to say that The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any serious physical media collection. These films, universally adored and decorated with numerous awards, have set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade from those (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, or simply seeking to fill that Lord of the Rings Blu-ray-shaped gap on your shelf, this guide will walk you through the best options available for your dream LOTR Blu-ray collection.
Choosing the right version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy can be a bit of a puzzle. Each set offers unique features, so your choice depends on what you're looking for. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality, but they lack the extensive bonus content that the DVDs and Blu-rays provide. On the other hand, the Blu-rays offer great value, but be aware that the Blu-ray version of The Fellowship of the Ring has a controversial green tint—which, interestingly, isn't present in the other two movies or in the DVDs and 4Ks. If you're okay with a bit of extra green and crave those additional scenes and bonus materials, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is your best bet. It comes packed with two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices for each, three booklets per film, and even a map of Middle Earth on the inside cover. Perfect for the true completists!
We understand the importance of variety, so here's a comprehensive list of all the Lord of the Rings Blu-rays you can get your hands on. From boxed sets to individual discs, we've got you covered, even if the individual theatrical cuts can be a bit tricky to find:
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 aiming to collect all three Lord of the Rings movies, purchasing them in a set is the most efficient way to go. The extended editions boxed set, as mentioned, is the top choice for die-hard fans. However, if you're not ready for marathon sessions, there are other sets available. For those who want the complete Middle Earth saga, sets including both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies are also on offer.
5Extended 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
5Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.$12.99 See it at Amazon
4Extended 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
5Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.$40.49 at Target
3Two-disc theatrical release set.$24.99 See it at Amazon
3Two-disc extended edition set.$12.97 save 22%$10.08 at Amazon
3Steelbook of theatrical release.$11.46 save 13%$9.96 at Walmart
3Five-disc extended edition set.$34.99 See it at Amazon
3Two-disc theatrical release set.$19.98 save 50%$9.96 at Amazon
3Five-disc extended edition set.$48.99 See it at Amazon
The debate between the theatrical and extended editions has been a hot topic since the Lord of the Rings movies hit home video. Originally, to keep the runtime manageable for cinema audiences, the films were trimmed down, resulting in the theatrical cuts. These versions are excellent and maintain a tighter, more action-focused pace. However, the extended editions offer a wealth of additional content, with scenes added and extended, providing context that enriches the storytelling. The extended version of The Fellowship of the Ring is about 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers adds around 45 minutes, and The Return of the King includes nearly an hour of extra footage. While they're longer, who could complain about spending more time in Middle Earth?
AnswerSee Results
7$209.99 at Amazon
The list of Lord of the Rings Blu-rays might seem extensive, but it's not complete. A new 4K UHD collection, featuring both the theatrical and extended cuts of all six Middle Earth movies, is now available for preorder and will be released on March 18, 2025.
Editor's Note: If you prefer to watch the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions online, they are currently available to stream on Max.