DVD Review

Rating: 9/10 (20 September 2002)

There have been very few films in recent memory that can be said to be truly satisfying. This is one of them. Die hard fans of the writter trilogy may quibble at glaring additions (Saruman and Arwen don't really appear in the book), omissions (Tom Bombadil and the Barrow Wight sections) and creature designs (the Balrog being the most controversial), but for me they fit seamlessly into the film's story.
Essentially the tale of the quest to destroy a magical artifact of immeasurable power (the titular ring), the first portion of LOTR concerns introducing the main players and embarking them on their voyage. Along the way they will meet with friends and foes, sacrifices and betrayals, and ultimately a cliffhanger that deals with both loss and redemption. The script was clearly adapted by fans of the original, and, for all its length, never drags.
The casting and acting is, for the most part, spot on. Ian Mckellen, Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom (as Legolas) all look as if they were born for the parts, and are supported well by an extensive array of recognisable faces, which includes Cate Blanchett, Christoper Lee, Sean Bean, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm and John Rhys Davies.
For once, amazing special effects are used to drive the story, rather than detract from it and cover any structural weaknesses, and somehow somehow sit more naturally on the small screen, than on the cinema where they threatened to fry nerve endings. Combined with the spectacular cinematography of the New Zealand landscape, this film is the best kind of visual treat. Peter Jackson's direction uses all the tools available to breath life into the diverse locales on display, and he handles the action scenes admirable. In particular, the Cave Troll scene, which wooed crowds in Cannes and was improved for theatrical release, has raised the benchmark for all other action films. It's not all action, however, and Jackson knows exactly when to pull the heart strings. The scene where the fellowship commiserate the death of a major character is particularly affecting.
In terms of extras, the second disc is a dual-edged sword. On the one hand the variety available provides an interesting look into the making of the film, and a mouth-watering preview of The Two Towers. On the other hand there are no commentaries and a preview of the `Special Extended Edition' DVD to be released in November, may make you feel a little robbed and rue your lack of patience.
Don't buy the DVD for it's extras, since you'll only regret not having waited a little longer.
Buy the film because it's a brilliant showcase of talent, and it's hugely enjoyable to boot.
9 out of 10 (Film), 4 out of 10 (DVD Extras)