Extended Edition makes for a much better flow - Great movie

Rating: 7/10 (21 December 2001)

This is the second review I've written for this film. My first review dealt with the theatrical cut of the film. I recently watched the Extended Edition box set and decided to update my Fellowship review.
Fellowship of the Ring was the first film I ever saw that felt both too long and too rushed at the same time. The reason I say that is that in the theatrical cut, many important scenes, such as Rivendell and Llothlorien were kept way too short. These scenes felt very rushed to me. It was noticeable that key stuff was cut out and it made it difficult to get absorbed by the story. When you throw in three hours worth of scenes that were too rushed, you come up with a movie that also feels too long.
I'm happy to report that pretty much every complaint I had about the theatrical version is fixed by the Extended Edition. The overall flow is much better, the characters get a better introduction and the extra scenes provide vital information that makes it easier to absorb the story. I think a person who is new to LOTR will have an easier time picking up the story.
One thing that isn't any different in the EE is the fact that the film is a technical masterpiece. The movie's real triumph comes from the technical achievement of bringing Middle Earth to life. I mean, it looks spectacular. The Shire, Rivendell, Mordor, the Mines of Moria. All look just as wondrous, or horrifying, as Tolkien describes. Throw in the great story and you have a great movie.
I also watched the Extended Editions for the Two Towers and Return of the King. With those films, I'm not convinced the EEs are better. With Fellowship there's no doubt in my mind. The Extended Edition is miles better. 9/10