Extended Version Works Better! Especially in DTS Sound!

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2002)

Whatever rating anyone gives to 'Fellowship...', will have to give the same rating to the next two installments (notice I didn't say sequels). To do differently is the same as picking ANY other movie ever done; dividing it in three equal sections, then rating each section differently. Can anyone imagine taking a film like 'Jaws' and reviewing the 1st 40 minutes, then have a 2nd rating for the next 40 minutes, then doing the same for the last 40 minutes?
'Lord of the Rings' is ONE story! Filmed simultaneously, out of order (like 95% of all other films), many scenes from 'Two Towers' & 'Return of the King' were completed before 'Fellowship...'; but who is gonna sit in a theater for 10 1/2 hours straight? (yes, the extended versions will total 10 1/2 hours plus). The beauty is that because of the length, Jackson has the privilege of doing pick-up shots and re-shoots for the rest of the film. No other studio in history ever had the guts to commit that kind of money and time. Three years prep; $300 million.
And no one can stop the juggernaut of popularity and staple in movie history that this film has created.
The theatrical version's Shire intro, thru Frodo and Gandalf's perception, was exceptional. The extended version Shire sequence is a welcome 'alternate universe'. Now anyone can debate to their heart's content which is better. The rest of the added scenes makes the film less episodic and improves the dramatic pacing.
So much care and quality attention to detail has gone into this mammoth undertaking. Every one involved deserves the highest praise for their labor of love. Which is a lesson that history keeps repeating: some of the best movies made, are those that are furthest away from Hollywood...and Hollywood interference. True films are not made by fancy suits sitting around the board room. Nor is a film polished thru 1 or 2 negative review cards from sneak previews. New Line deserves credit for entrusting the film makers to work their cinema magic and allowing the film makers to be...film makers!
'Two Towers'??? Hell; that will only whet my appetite for X-mas 2003. Better still...November 2003! Because by then, the film (notice I didn't say "films") will be available in its extended 10 1/2 hour form.
For now, so far...10+ out of...10+. I'm certain to apply the same rating for the next 2. The quality is already there.
And that DTS sound!
Also, there's an easter egg containing the 'Two Towers' preview & an MTV parody but I'll be damned if I can find it. Help!!!